When it comes to bodybuilding, Australia has among the most strict drug laws in the world. But Sydney resident Michael Dorn has discovered a way around the law, flying to Pattay for his steroid ‘vacation’. Like hundreds of others, Mr Dorn is part of a thriving amateur bodybuilding subculture that uses steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as a fast-track to the ultimate “ripped” physique.
Steroids are a family of synthetic hormones that help the body build muscle. They also increase the size of bones, improve blood circulation and speed up healing. They are often combined with other drugs, such as sex hormones and weight-loss medications, in a practice known as’stacking’. This can lead to a variety of side effects, including kidney problems and a heightened risk of heart attack.
While the steroid trade is unregulated, international criminal networks exploit weak links in the supply chain. This makes it hard for authorities to stop the flow of illegal substances. Thailand’s location in a busy international trade hub means that the country is a key transit point for the global steroid industry.
A number of pharmacies in Pattay boldly advertise their stock of steroids on shop-front windows. One, opposite a pub on Beach Road Soi 7, sells Andriol, an anabolic steroid that increases testosterone levels in the body, and Testoviron, a form of injectable testosterone. The pharmacist sells both for 4,040 baht _ less than half the price of online distributors. Steroids Thailand