- Download our Moving to Thailand Guide (PDF)
There is a wide variety of options for shipping and removals to Thailand. Freight can be sent from anywhere in the world, though shipping to destinations outside Bangkok costs more. Inland cities need both road and sea freight, and island homes usually require a series of boat transfers. Buying furniture here often beats shipping costs – something worth remembering before you pack that sofa.
Most international sea cargo lands at Laem Chabang Port near Bangkok, whilst air freight goes through Suvarnabhumi Airport. Sea freight from North America takes four to six weeks, and from Europe, five to seven. Island destinations and remote provinces need extra boat or truck transfers, so add on several more days.
Take out comprehensive insurance from an independent provider – never your freight company. You want an unbiased advocate if there are any damage claims. Thai customs go through everything with a fine-tooth comb, so photograph your shipment contents before packing.
Shipping household goods to Thailand
After entering the country, expats have six months to ship their household goods to Thailand from their home country. Thai customs officers sometimes grant extensions, but contact them a few months in advance if your shipment might arrive late.
Duty-free import depends on visa type and residency history. A one-year work permit or similar qualifying visa is required, plus you must have lived outside Thailand for at least 12 months. You need to have owned the goods being shipped for more than six months.
Electrical appliances get duty-free treatment at one per type – for example, two fridges or three laptops would trigger taxes on the extras. If you have duplicates, customs gives the duty exemption to whichever items have the lowest rates. Documentation is everything. Bring original invoices that prove when you bought items.
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Shipping pets to Thailand
Shipping pets to Thailand is straightforward for dogs, cats, and rabbits – provided you have proper veterinary certificates and vaccinations. Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip before the rabies jab. Most Western countries don’t require rabies titer tests for entry to Thailand, though you’ll need one for onward travel to EU countries or other strict destinations.
Get vaccinations done at least 21 days before you fly. Dogs need five shots: rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Cats need a rabies shot plus one for feline panleukopenia. Rabbits just need the rabies shot.
The official health certificate is valid for just 10 days, so book your flight before scheduling the vet visit.
Pets must be at least four months old to enter. Quarantine is rarely enforced for animals with complete paperwork and no visible illness, although inspectors can detain any animal at their discretion. Inspection services at major airports run around the clock, but cargo arrivals at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport only process during weekday business hours – weekend arrivals mean overnight kennelling at your expense.
Apply for your import permit from Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development at least seven working days before travel – you can submit up to 60 days ahead. The permit is valid for 60 days once issued. Expect to pay a fee when your pet clears inspection.
Thailand bans the import of certain breeds: American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, and American Bulldogs. These breeds can be owned within Thailand (many have been domestically bred since the 1991 import ban), but crossing the border with one is forbidden.