Export Cars
to Thailand
UK Car Export, the export division of UK Car Source, provides professional vehicle export services to Thailand for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Thailand
Thailand operates one of South East Asia's most active automotive markets. While domestic manufacturing is strong, there is demand for specialist, prestige and performance vehicles not available locally. Right-hand drive vehicles are required.
UK Car Source provides export services to Thailand for premium and specialist vehicles, managing UK documentation, type approval guidance and sea freight to Laem Chabang port.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive required. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | No strict national age limit for standard imports. Older vehicles may face higher scrutiny. |
| Condition | Roadworthy condition. Thai customs inspection required. |
| Customs Authority | Thai Customs Department |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty (80% on CIF value for passenger cars), excise tax (up to 50%) and VAT (7%). Total effective duty is very high. |
| Standards | Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) compliance required. Type approval documentation needed. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
22–30 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–14 working days depending on port, standards approval and documentation
Total Estimated Process
7–13 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability, compliance and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 80% on CIF value for passenger cars — among the highest import duties in the world |
| Excise Tax | 8–50% based on engine capacity and CO2 emissions; petrol over 3000cc: up to 40% |
| VAT | 7% on taxable value |
| Municipal Tax | 10% of the excise tax amount |
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive (RHD). Thailand drives on the left and the local market is RHD — UK vehicles are a direct fit. LHD vehicles generally cannot be registered for private use. |
| Total Cost Impact | A prestige car from the UK can cost 250–350% of UK price in Thailand |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Laem Chabang Port (near Pattaya, Chonburi) is Thailand's main deep-water port and primary vehicle import terminal. Bangkok Port (Klong Toey) handles containerised cargo. Laem Chabang has dedicated RoRo terminals and modern vehicle handling. Thai Customs clearance at Laem Chabang typically takes 5–14 working days. Shipping from the UK takes 25–35 days.
Thai customs are strict on documentation and valuation — accurate CIF value is essential. A licensed customs broker is required for all vehicle imports.
Local Market Advice
Thailand drives on the left and is a right-hand drive market throughout — authorised dealers sell RHD cars, and left-hand drive vehicles generally cannot be registered for normal private use. Alongside the dealer network, Thailand has an established parallel import (PI) trade bringing in nearly-new RHD prestige cars in specifications not offered locally, and the UK is one of its main sources. Used-vehicle imports require a Ministry of Commerce import permit, so most imports run through established importers who hold one.
UK Car Source sources nearly-new UK right-hand drive vehicles to order for Thai parallel-import dealers and private buyers — Range Rover, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, Bentley and Rolls-Royce in the exact specification you need, with history and condition reports before purchase. We can work with deposit terms or a Letter of Credit (LC), and ship to Laem Chabang with the UK export documents your importer needs. Send us your wanted list on WhatsApp. อ่านภาษาไทย (สำหรับผู้นำเข้า PI)
Thailand Import FAQ
Can UK right-hand drive cars be imported to Thailand?
No. Thailand drives on the left and right-hand drive is legal and standard — UK vehicles are fully compatible. Thailand is a right-hand drive market — cars sold new there, including European luxury brands, are RHD, and left-hand drive cars generally cannot be registered for normal private use. UK-specification vehicles need no changes, which is why the UK is a key source for Thai parallel importers.
What are the import duties on cars in Thailand?
Thailand charges import duty of 80% on CIF value for passenger cars — among the highest in the world — plus excise tax of 8–50% based on engine size and CO2 emissions, 7% VAT, and a municipal tax of 10% of the excise amount. A prestige car can end up costing 250–350% of its UK price once landed.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Thailand?
Sea freight transit to Laem Chabang typically takes 3–5 weeks, with customs clearance adding a further 3–14 working days depending on documentation and standards approval. Total process from order to delivery is usually 7–13 weeks.
Which port do vehicles arrive at in Thailand?
Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya is Thailand's main deep-water port and primary vehicle import terminal, with dedicated RoRo facilities. A licensed customs broker is required for all vehicle imports, and accurate CIF valuation is essential — Thai customs are strict on documentation.
Export a Vehicle to Thailand
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.