Moving To Thailand


Your Peace of Mind, Is Our Priority

Customs Regulations for Thailand

  • Passport (original)
  • Non-immigrant visa or resident visa (valid for one year)
  • Work permit (original) or copy of B.O.I. Letter (to customs) valid for one year (it is recommended that the customer coordinates the shipment’s arrival the work permit’s issue to facilitate duty-free entry)
  • Inventory (two copies, legible and in English) showing the following details:
    • Packing method (carton, wrapped, crated, etc.)
    • For all electrical appliances, the brand name, model and serial number
    • For TVs, the diameter of the picture tube and whether color or black and white
    • Copy of insurance policy (if applicable)
  • Shipper’s contact address and phone number
  • CUSTOMER MUST BE IN COUNTRY FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • All shipments are subject to inspection
  • Anyone with a full year work permit (or one year visa) and returning Thai residents who have lived more than one year abroad (frequent traveling back and forth can cause problems with customer) will be considered for duty-free import
  • Customer is allowed duty-free import of one air and one sea shipment from previous residence
  • Shipment must not arrive before the customer
  • Goods must arrive no later than six months after the date on the work permit
  • Goods must originate from the same country as the customer
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Medical equipment
  • Gold and silver
  • Several plant and fruits are prohibited (inquire before importing)
  • Firearms, weapons, ammunition and dangerous objects (subject to taxes and licensing, MUST NOT BE INCLUDED in household goods shipment)
  • Radio equipment and transmitters
  • Pornographic material
  • New items (less than six months old) require invoices
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Artwork and antiques
  • Stereo and video equipment, all appliances, luxury items, carpets, foodstuff, and office equipment are subject to high duties (computers, fax machines and phones may not be considered as household/personal effects, but rather as dutiable office equipment)
  • Only one of each type of electrical appliance is allowed, duplicate appliances will be charged full duties
  • Plants (Health Certificate required)
  • Automobiles may not be imported unless the applicant applies for permission from the Ministry of Commerce before shipping the automobile into the kingdom (this permission is very difficult to obtain for anyone who is not a diplomat)
  • Duties can be as high as 300 percent of the value of a new car
  • Required documents:
    • Automobile Registration from the foreign country
    • Driver’s license from the country from which the car was exported
    • Original B/L
    • Import permit (must be available before the car is shipped to Thailand)
  • Animals are subject to duties
  • Information such as the sex, name, age and breed should be provided to Destination Agent well in advance of importing the animal
  • Quarantine may be required
  • Documents required:
    • Import Permit
    • Health Certificate providing evidence that rabies vaccination has been administered seven days prior to departure
    • Certificate of Vaccination
    • Pedigree (if available)

Note: It is recommended to send pets as excess baggage where customs clearance and duties may not be applicable

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Thailand


At International Sea & Air Shipping, our professional moving specialists will advise you and oversee your entire overseas move to Thailand. We offer a variety of shipping services to meet your individual needs:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Thailand? Should you ship your goods via air or sea freight?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying a home?
  • Your fragile items. Do you require packing or custom crating services?
  • Your family/household size. Are you moving alone or with family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Your cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

How Much Does a Move to Thailand Cost?


Your moving budget is an important factor to consider when moving overseas. The final cost of your international move to Thailand is determined by several factors, such as your household good shipment’s volume and the services you require.

To receive an accurate estimate for overseas shipping, schedule a free in-home estimate today with International Sea & Air Shipping. One of our trained moving specialists will visit your home to assess your goods, determine your shipment’s cubic footage, and answer all of your questions. You will then receive a free quote for international goods shipping and your required overseas moving services.

Your quote is calculated based on your shipment’s cubic footage, your shipment method (air vs. sea freight) your required services (packing and custom crating), and several other factors.

About Thailand


Formerly known as Siam, the Official Kingdom of Thailand is located at the center of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a monarchy, with a king officially titled as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.

The country is the world’s 50th largest country in terms of total area and the world’s 20th largest country in terms of population. Thailand is land bordered by Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia.

Religion is a major part of Thai culture, and is central the country’s identity. The primary religion in the country is Buddhism, practiced by 95 percent of Thailand’s residents. Thailand is also what is known as a collectivist culture, which means group identity (whether in business, society or family) is more important than individual identity.

Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia in terms of PPP after Indonesia and the fourth richest nation according to GDP per capita after Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. The country’s major export and import partners are USA, China, Japan, Hong KongAustralia, Malaysia, UAE, Singapore and South Korea.

Thailand is the world’s number-one rice exporter, second largest tungsten producer and the third largest tin producer. Thailand ranks high among the world’s automotive export industries, along with manufacturing electronic goods. The country has the largest newspaper market in Southeast Asia with an estimated circulation of at least 13 million copies daily. While media in the country is often censored and government supervised, newspapers are subject to less regulations and are considered more progressive.

Moving to Thailand from the U.S.


If you are moving overseas to Thailand, planning to ship your household goods to your new country requires proper preparation and research well in advance of your actual move date. To start the process, you’ll need trustworthy and experienced international movers to ship your goods safely and without damage.

You have a lot to prepare for when starting your new life abroad, so your move should be worry-free and simple!

If you are moving to Thailand, International Sea & Air Shipping is here to help you with every step of your international relocation – we offer assistance with documentation, customs clearance, packing, crating, and so much more!

Don’t hesitate to give us a call today to begin your international moving process!