Export Cars
to Thailand
UK Car Export 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 — UK vehicles are legally compatible. Note: the prestige import market conventionally uses LHD European-spec vehicles; RHD is legal but less common in this segment. |
| 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 uses RHD vehicles domestically. However, the prestige import market in Bangkok operates on a strong LHD convention — authorised dealers import LHD CBU units from European manufacturers, and buyers associate LHD configuration with European luxury brands. RHD vehicles are legal and registerable but carry more limited resale appeal in this segment.
UK Car Source supplies both RHD and LHD vehicles to Thailand. For RHD buyers seeking a bespoke commission not available locally — a unique Rolls-Royce or Bentley specification — UK sourcing is excellent. For clients who need LHD, we source from our European, UAE, and US networks and hold direct factory relationships for certain marques including Rolls-Royce. We can advise on the right route for your specific vehicle.
Export a Vehicle to Thailand
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.