How to Ship from the US to Thailand: Complete 2026 Guide

Thailand has a growing middle class of nearly 72 million people with strong demand for American products — electronics, fashion, health supplements, and beauty products are particularly popular. Bangkok is a major international cargo hub with world-class logistics infrastructure, and Thai consumers are increasingly comfortable buying directly from US e-commerce stores.

Shipping to Thailand is straightforward once you understand the carrier options, customs rules, and a few cultural details that affect delivery. The US-Thailand trade relationship is well-established, and all major international carriers maintain robust operations in the country.

Carrier Options

DHL Express is the strongest carrier for Thailand shipments. Bangkok is home to one of DHL's major Asian hubs, which means packages routed through DHL get priority handling and fast customs clearance. Transit times of three to four business days are typical for express service, and DHL's door-to-door delivery network covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and most major cities. Rates for a one-pound express package run 50 to 75 dollars.

FedEx International Priority and UPS Worldwide Express both deliver to Thailand in four to six business days. Both are reliable, but neither has DHL's hub advantage in Southeast Asia. USPS Priority Mail Express International takes five to eight business days and costs significantly less — roughly 45 to 60 dollars for a one-pound package — making it a solid value option when a few extra days of transit is acceptable.

For standard shipping, USPS Priority Mail International delivers in 10 to 20 business days at 35 to 50 dollars for a one-pound package. This is the most popular option for non-urgent personal shipments and small e-commerce orders. Thailand Post handles the last-mile delivery, and while their service in Bangkok is reliable, deliveries to rural areas can take additional time.

Economy shipping via USPS First-Class Package International starts at 13 to 18 dollars for lightweight items with delivery in 15 to 35 business days. DHL eCommerce offers similar pricing and timelines. These options work for low-value items where the customer understands and accepts the extended timeline.

Customs and Import Duties

Thailand has its own customs regime managed by the Thai Customs Department. Import duties vary by product category, with electronics generally facing duties of 0 to 10 percent, clothing 20 to 30 percent, and consumer goods typically 5 to 20 percent. A 7 percent Value Added Tax applies to all imports on top of any customs duties.

Shipments valued under 1,500 Thai Baht (roughly 45 US dollars) are generally exempt from customs duties, though VAT still applies. Above this threshold, the full duty and tax calculation kicks in. Thai customs officers inspect a higher percentage of international packages than most Western countries, so accurate and detailed customs declarations are essential.

Every shipment needs a commercial invoice with item descriptions in English, declared values in US dollars, quantities, and HS tariff codes. Vague descriptions trigger inspections and delays. Thai customs also requires the recipient's Thai national ID number or passport number for customs clearance — include this on the customs form if your recipient provides it.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Thailand strictly prohibits imports of e-cigarettes and vaping products — possession alone is illegal and carries fines up to 30,000 Baht. Dietary supplements and vitamins face scrutiny from the Thai FDA and may require import permits for commercial quantities. Medication shipments should be limited to personal quantities (up to 30 days supply) with a prescription from the sender's physician.

Images or items depicting the Thai royal family in a disrespectful manner are illegal and will be confiscated. Standard international prohibitions on weapons, narcotics, and counterfeit goods apply.

Packaging and Delivery Tips

Thailand's climate is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature-sensitive products — chocolate, cosmetics, candles, certain supplements — need thermal protection or should be shipped via express service to minimize time in transit.

Thai addresses can be complex, often including building names, floor numbers, soi (side street) numbers, and neighborhood names rather than simple street addresses. Include the full address exactly as the recipient provides it, and always include the recipient's phone number. Thai delivery drivers rely heavily on phone contact to coordinate deliveries, especially in apartment buildings and gated communities.

During Songkran (Thai New Year, April 13-15) and other major Thai holidays, postal and delivery services may operate at reduced capacity. Plan shipments around these dates if timing is critical.

Shipping platforms like atoship help compare real-time carrier rates for Thailand shipments and generate customs documentation automatically, simplifying the process for both one-time senders and regular shippers.