Your move to Thailand made easy
Planning a move to Thailand?
✦ TL;DR
Applies to people shipping their own used household and personal goods to Thailand as unaccompanied personal effects, meaning items for your own use and not for resale.
To clear unaccompanied personal goods, you will need your passport, a transport document, and a detailed inventory. If you are claiming duty relief, include the Thai Customs application for household-effects exemption.
All personal effects may be screened by Thai Customs. Items that could carry soil, plant material, food residue, or pests should be cleaned and clearly declared to avoid inspection delays.
Taxes depend on eligibility. Used household effects may qualify for duty-free relief when relocating, while new goods are generally dutiable. Value added tax may apply where assessed.
Minimum shipment size is 2 boxes. No maximum size limit.
There are a few important things to know before you pack. Thailand has clear customs rules for personal effects, and some items need permits. Preparing your documents early makes your move smoother.
At Swift Cargo, we make international moving simple, secure, and stress-free. This page explains what you need to ship your belongings to Thailand. You will find clear guidance on customs clearance, seasonal shipping patterns like Songkran and year-end peaks, and the minimum shipment size. We also outline our door-to-door service, insurance options, and practical packing tips.
Whether you are relocating for work, family, or study, Swift Cargo and our local partners handle your move with care and efficiency. We take the complexity out of shipping to Thailand so you can focus on settling in with peace of mind.
Our Process
Fill out our standard application on our platform.
Complete your request
Tell us where you're moving and what you're bringing. Most customers finish the inventory in under ten minutes.
We match your shipment
We plan the best routes and capacity for your relocation and confirm any special handling or permits.
You choose your offer
Review your options, book your move, and track everything from packing to delivery.
Peak Months
Planning your freight shipments around Thailand’s peak seasons can save time and reduce costs. Here is what to expect through the year:
- April (Songkran period)
Songkran holidays can slow customs offices, terminals, and trucking. Build extra buffer time if your shipment arrives around mid-April. - November to December
Year-end trade brings higher volumes into Thailand, especially through Bangkok and Laem Chabang. Space can tighten and clearance may take longer. - May to October (monsoon months)
Shipping is steady, but heavy rain and regional flooding can disrupt some routes. Use moisture protection and plan flexible delivery dates.
Customs
Thailand has detailed customs procedures for personal effects. If you are shipping used household goods or personal items, you must comply with documentation requirements and may be subject to inspection.
Documents you need for importing personal goods
To clear your items through Thai Customs, you will usually need:
- Ocean Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Completed Application for Duty Exemption (household effects), if claiming relief
- Passport ID and signature page (details must match shipment documents)
- Detailed inventory list, in English or Thai
- Each package labelled with a list of contents, in English or Thai
- Copy of your visa and passport identification page, if applicable
- Visa grant letter , if needed to confirm residency status
- Full name and residential address in Thailand (no business addresses)
Quarantine and Delays
All household and personal goods entering Thailand can be inspected by Thai Customs, and some categories may also require quarantine checks by relevant agencies.
- If inspection is ordered, clearance may take an extra few days after arrival.
- To reduce delays, clean items before packing, especially anything exposed to soil, plants, or outdoor use, and declare any restricted goods with permits ready.
For Sea Freight Travellers
If you are travelling by sea, you may need to present arrival and customs documentation to officers on entry, in addition to your unaccompanied shipment paperwork.
Goods that may be restricted
Plants & seeds
Food items
Alcohol & tobacco
Medicines
Weapons
Minimum shipment size for Thailand
When shipping to Thailand with Swift Cargo, there are minimum volume requirements to ensure efficient handling and delivery.
- Minimum shipment: 2 boxes
This is the smallest shipment size accepted for freight or relocation services to Thailand.
- No maximum size limit
Swift Cargo can manage shipments of any size, from small personal moves to full household relocations.
These minimums apply specifically to shipments entering Thailand.
Download the customs forms
- Thai Customs - Used Household Effects Duty Exemption: https://www.customs.go.th
- Letter of Authority - Power of Attorney: https://th.usembassy.gov
Contact Thai Customs
Taxes and duties
Understanding Thailand’s import tax rules can help you avoid surprises during customs clearance. Here is what you need to know:
General tax rules
- Used household effects may qualify for duty relief when relocating to Thailand, subject to Thai Customs conditions and documentation.
- If duties apply, value added tax (VAT) is 7%. VAT is calculated on the CIF value plus any duty and relevant charges.
Tax exemptions
- Most used personal goods for your own use may be duty-free if you meet Thailand’s household-effects exemption rules, with exceptions for restricted items such as alcohol or tobacco.
- This exemption applies to unaccompanied personal effects as long as they meet Thai Customs conditions.
Duty-free status for official use
Some individuals or organisations may import goods without paying duties if the items are for official use under Thai Customs rules. This can include:
- Diplomatic missions
- Government posts
- Official assignment staff
To qualify, you must:
1. Contact Thai Customs
2. Request the exemption process
3. Provide supporting documents
This status may apply to embassy staff, foreign aid workers, or volunteers on official missions.
Cargo Insurance
Shipping goods across borders always comes with some risk. That is why cargo insurance is strongly recommended when sending valuable items to Thailand.
Why you need insurance
Moving cargo by sea or air exposes your shipment to potential damage. Insurance can protect you against:
- Rough weather during transit
- Improper storage or handling
- Fumigation treatments
- Accidental loss or damage
What is covered
Coverage depends on your insurance provider. Most policies include:
- Protection during transport
- Coverage for specific risks (e.g. fire, theft, moisture damage)
- Limitations and exclusions based on your declared value
Always review the terms with your broker before finalising.
How to get insured
You can arrange cargo insurance through:
- A general insurance company
- A specialist broker
- Your bank
- Swift Cargo’s own insurance program.
Note: Our insurance is charged at 3% of your declared shipment value.
Visa requirements for moving to Thailand
If you are planning to relocate to Thailand, you will need a valid visa or entry permission that matches your purpose of stay. Visa names and conditions can change, so the best approach is to check Thailand’s official Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Bureau guidance and confirm which option you are eligible for.
Main visa categories
Most Thai visas fall into these categories:
Visitor visas
For short stays, tourism, or business visits
Working and business visas
For temporary or long-term work
Student and training visas
For education or professional development
Family and retirement visas
For joining family or long stays
Note: If you are moving to Thailand long-term, a work or family-based non-immigrant visa is usually the best fit.
For detailed and up-to-date information, visit Thailand’s official visa and immigration websites.
List of shipping ports in Thailand
Swift Cargo operates through Thailand’s major international seaports and airports. Whether you are relocating or shipping goods, we provide sea freight and air freight options to the gateways below:
Ports and shipping methods
- Bangkok – Sea freight and air freight available
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Air freight available
- Phuket – Sea freight and air freight available
- Laem Chabang (Chonburi) – Sea freight available
- Don Mueang (DMK) – Air freight available
- Chiang Mai – Air freight available
- Chiang Saen – Sea freight available
- Ranong Port – Sea freight available
Transit time per destination
| From | To | Est. transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, United States | Bangkok, Thailand | 18-21 days |
| New York City, United States | Bangkok, Thailand | 24-26 days |
| Marseille, France | Bangkok, Thailand | 24-26 days |
| Sydney, Australia | Phuket, Thailand | 23-25 days |
| Melbourne, Australia | Bangkok, Thailand | 21-23 days |
| Cape Town, South Africa | Phuket, Thailand | 28-30 days |
| Shanghai, China | Bangkok, Thailand | 18-21 days |
| Incheon (Seoul), South Korea | Bangkok, Thailand | 21-24 days |
Door-to-door relocation service
Swift Cargo offers a full door-to-door moving service to Thailand. From packing your goods to delivering them to your new home, we take care of each step of the process.
1. Packing and Loading.
We offer professional packing services so your items are safe during transport. Common packing materials include:
- Packing boxes
Available in different sizes, designed to handle standard household items during shipping. - Bubble wrap
Used for fragile items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics to reduce breakage. - Wooden crates
Ideal for large or sensitive items. They offer extra resistance and protection, including against humidity.
Full Packing Service: Prefer not to pack yourself? Our team can pack furniture and oversized items as well. Fill in the contact form and a consultant will organise your packing needs.
2. Pickup
Our agents collect packed goods from your location or warehouse. Movements are tracked and documented, so your shipment stays secure.
3. Customs Clearance
We manage the customs process for Thailand. See the Customs section above for required documents and inspection details.
4. Delivery and Unloading
Once your shipment arrives in Thailand, we deliver it to your home and unload your boxes at your doorstep.
5. Unpacking and Setup
We also offer unpacking services. Our team places goods where you want them so you can settle in without stress.
Import your vehicle
Bringing a car into Thailand is possible but requires approval and compliance with local rules.
What you need
- Vehicle import approval – Apply before the car arrives
- Key documents – Passport, registration papers, bill of lading or airway bill, sales invoice, Thai import declaration
- Compliance – Your car must meet Thai safety and emissions requirements
Costs to expect
- Import duty (rate depends on vehicle type)
- VAT (7%)
- Excise or luxury taxes may apply
Extra fees may apply for inspection, cleaning, or modifications.
We Can Help - Swift Cargo handles the process from start to finish: paperwork, transport, and customs.
Import your pets
Thailand regulates pet imports to protect animal and public health. Pets must meet health and vaccination rules, and you should obtain the required approvals from the Animal Quarantine Station before travel.
Key requirements
- Valid Import Permit
Apply through Thailand’s Animal Quarantine Station process before travel. - Microchip & Vaccinations
Your pet must be microchipped and up to date on rabies and core vaccines. - Rabies Blood Test
A rabies titer test may be required, done in an approved lab. - Quarantine
Quarantine rules depend on origin country and health status. Confirm requirements with the Animal Quarantine Station before shipping.
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About Thailand
Shipping activity in Thailand
Thailand is a major logistics hub in Southeast Asia, with high volumes of sea freight through Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port and steady air cargo traffic through Bangkok’s international airports.
National freight volume (all operators):
500+
cargo shipments handled every week
6000+
containers processed per day across all ports
50+
tons of air freight managed every month
Thailand cost of living
Relocating to Thailand can be more affordable than many Western countries, but costs vary widely by city and lifestyle. Bangkok is typically the most expensive area, especially for central apartments, imported goods, and international schooling. Outside the capital, housing and daily expenses can be noticeably lower. Plan for deposits, utility setup, and initial furnishing as part of your move budget.
Utilities and internet are generally moderate, though air-conditioning use in the hot season can raise electricity bills. Everyday groceries are affordable when you buy local products, while imported brands cost more. Dining out ranges from very low-cost street food to higher-priced international restaurants, so your monthly spend depends on personal habits.
Transportation is usually inexpensive. Public transit, ride-hailing, and fuel are widely available, with higher costs in Bangkok traffic and lower costs in smaller cities.
Salaries in Thailand vary by industry and location. Many expatriates balance local income with employer packages or remote work. How far your salary goes depends on where you live, your family size, and whether you choose international services.
Overall, Thailand offers a flexible cost profile. With good planning, you can keep monthly expenses stable while enjoying strong food, healthcare, and lifestyle options. Compare neighbourhoods carefully, and set aside one-time relocation costs such as shipping, insurance, and any required registrations.
Security in Thailand
Thailand is generally considered a safe destination for expatriates, with most areas welcoming and low levels of violent crime. As in any country, safety varies by city and neighbourhood.
Petty theft and scams can occur in busy tourist zones and city centres, and road safety is a common concern. Following local laws, using licensed transport, and keeping valuables secure are practical ways to reduce risk.
Stay alert in crowded areas, lock your home and vehicle, and follow local guidance during festivals or severe weather. With basic precautions and awareness, most newcomers live safely and comfortably in Thailand.
Infrastructure and public services in Thailand
Thailand has a well-developed mix of public and private infrastructure. Education includes public schools, bilingual programmes, and a wide selection of international schools in Bangkok and other major cities. Quality and class size vary by region, so families often compare options based on language of instruction and commute.
Healthcare is a strong point for many expats. Large cities offer modern private hospitals with English-speaking staff, while public hospitals provide broad coverage at lower cost. Access in rural areas can be more limited, so proximity to a major hospital is worth considering when you choose where to live.
Public services such as government administration, emergency response, and utilities are reliable in urban areas. In more remote provinces, service coverage may be thinner and travel to specialist facilities can take longer.
If you are moving from abroad, you may find Thailand’s private services more accessible and flexible than in many countries, while public systems can involve more paperwork. Metropolitan regions provide the most options. Regional areas can be quieter and cheaper but may have fewer specialty services.
