Thailand customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Thailand enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws, with life imprisonment or death for trafficking. Always declare cash over 200,000 THB (approx. 5,600 USD) or equivalent foreign currency. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 20+ years old. Excess subject to duty at 60% of CIF value plus 7% VAT.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding 200,000 THB (approx. 5,600 USD) or equivalent foreign currency over 20,000 USD. Use Customs Declaration Form (TM2) at the red channel.

Goods duty-free

$560

Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to 20,000 THB (approx. 560 USD) per person. Above that, duty at 20-30% plus 7% VAT on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics (including marijuana, even if legal elsewhere)
Pornography and obscene materials
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Firearms and ammunition (without permit)
Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells)
Pork products from ASF-affected countries
E-cigarettes, vapes, and refill liquids

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing controlled substances (require FDA permit)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
Drones (require registration with NBTC and permit from CAAT)
Satellite phones (require license from NBTC)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from Fine Arts Department)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within limits. Use the red channel if you have dutiable goods, restricted items, or cash over thresholds. No arrival card is required for most nationalities (TM6 abolished); a Customs Declaration Form (TM2) is only needed if declaring.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist VAT Refund: minimum purchase of 2,000 THB per shop per day, total refundable amount must exceed 5,000 THB. Claim at airport VAT refund counters before check-in, with original receipts and goods. Refund rate is 7% VAT minus 100-200 THB handling fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days' supply allowed without prescription for common drugs. Controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam, morphine) require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Thai FDA. Pseudoephedrine is restricted; always carry a doctor's note.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned: pork products from African Swine Fever areas, fresh fruits, and soil. Permitted with permit: processed foods, dried herbs, and cooked meats. Failure to declare risks fines up to 200,000 THB.

Rules worth knowing

Strict Drug Laws

Possession of even small amounts of narcotics can lead to life imprisonment or death penalty. Marijuana is illegal for recreational use despite decriminalization for medical purposes.

Cash Declaration Threshold

You must declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding 200,000 THB (approx. 5,600 USD) or equivalent foreign currency over 20,000 USD. Failure can result in seizure and fines.

Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person

Alcohol and tobacco allowances are per person, not per family. Combining allowances is not permitted.

No Duty-Free on Arrival from ASEAN

Travellers arriving from ASEAN countries (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore) have reduced duty-free allowances: 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes, same as general, but no additional personal goods exemption.

Frequently asked questions

No. E-cigarettes, vapes, and refill liquids are banned for import, sale, and possession. They can be confiscated and you may face a fine or up to 10 years in prison.

No, if they are for personal use and within reasonable quantity. However, if you have multiple high-value items (e.g., two laptops), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.

Excess items are confiscated and you may be fined 5-10 times the duty amount. You can also choose to abandon the excess at the red channel without penalty.

No. Fresh durian is prohibited due to its strong odor and pest risk. Processed durian products (e.g., chips, candy) are allowed if declared.

There is no limit on Thai Baht, but amounts over 200,000 THB (approx. 5,600 USD) must be declared. Foreign currency over 20,000 USD equivalent must also be declared.

Adderall (amphetamine) is a controlled substance in Thailand and requires a permit from the Thai FDA. Without a permit, it is illegal and can lead to arrest. You must apply at least 30 days in advance.

Gifts are considered personal goods and are duty-free up to 20,000 THB (approx. 560 USD) total. Above that, duty applies at 20-30% plus 7% VAT. Gifts of alcohol or tobacco count against your allowance.

Official source

Royal Thai Customs Department