Steroids are man-made medicines that closely mimic testosterone and work to control body systems, keep fluid balancing and activate the immune system. But when abused, steroids can cause serious health problems such as infertility, breast growth and hair loss in men. In extreme cases, prolonged use of steroids can lead to kidney problems and alopecia.

Steroid abuse has become an alarming epidemic among amateur bodybuilders from Australia and elsewhere in the world. Many take a “steroid holiday” to Pattaya or other areas in Thailand, where it is easy and cheap to obtain performance-enhancing drugs. The steroid industry has been linked to organised crime, with international criminal networks exploiting weak links in the supply chain and smuggling drugs across the border.

A recent case in point was a 65-year-old man who was detained at Sydney Airport on Christmas Day after he was found with a variety of steroids strapped to his body and concealed in luggage. The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) says it is working with Thai authorities to crack down on the illegal import and supply of steroids.

The easy availability of steroids in Pattaya is a growing concern. Spectrum visited a local pharmacy on Sukhumvit Road in central Pattaya, and in less than five minutes was able to buy a complete set of pills, ampoules and injectables. But the ease of access to these drugs also means that users are at risk of consuming counterfeit or low-quality products. Steroids Thailand