Thailand customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Thailand's duty-free allowance for arriving adults (18+) is 1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 250g of tobacco, or 50 cigars, but not a combination), and personal goods up to THB 20,000 (approx. USD 800). Cash over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Narcotics, obscene materials, certain meats, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of alcoholic beverages (any strength). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared to Customs on arrival using the currency declaration form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to THB 20,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty and tax.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (e.g., heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, kratom)
  • Obscene or immoral materials (pornography, indecent literature)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives (unless with a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated intellectual property
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, ivory, turtle shells)
  • Meat products from pigs, poultry, and ruminants (including pork, beef, chicken) from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or African swine fever
  • E-cigarettes, vapes, and refill liquids (banned entirely)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (e.g., codeine, diazepam) – require a prescription and prior approval from the Thai FDA
  • Plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables – require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit from the Department of Agriculture
  • Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) – require registration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and a flight permit
  • Satellite phones – require a license from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques – require an export permit from the Fine Arts Department

Rules worth knowing

No duty-free on domestic flights

Duty-free allowances apply only to international arrivals. If you buy duty-free at a Thai airport and then take a domestic flight, you must carry the sealed bag and may be subject to checks.

Currency declaration for THB

Import or export of Thai Baht exceeding THB 500,000 (approx. USD 14,000) must be declared to Customs.

Personal use vs. commercial quantity

Customs officers may assess whether goods are for personal use. Large quantities of alcohol or cigarettes (e.g., multiple cartons) may be deemed commercial and seized or taxed.

Vapes and e-cigarettes banned

Import, possession, and use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and refill liquids are illegal in Thailand. They will be confiscated and you may face fines or imprisonment.

Frequently asked questions

No. Despite Thailand's domestic legalization of cannabis for medical and limited recreational use, import of cannabis or cannabis products (including CBD oil) is prohibited without a permit from the Thai FDA. Travellers have been arrested at the airport.
Yes, if it contains a controlled substance (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam, amphetamines). You must carry a doctor's prescription and a letter of approval from the Thai FDA (apply at least 2 weeks in advance). For non-controlled medicines, a 30-day supply is generally allowed without declaration.
You must pay duty and VAT on the excess. For example, 1 extra litre of spirits may incur duty of about THB 500-1,000 (USD 14-28). Customs may also confiscate the goods if you fail to declare them.
Yes, but you must register the drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and obtain a flight permit. Drones over 2 kg require additional insurance. Failure to register can result in fines up to THB 100,000 (USD 2,800).
Yes. You may bring up to THB 500,000 (approx. USD 14,000) without declaration. Amounts above that must be declared to Customs. For foreign currency, the threshold is USD 10,000 (or equivalent).
No. Durian is prohibited on aircraft due to its strong odor. It is also restricted as a plant product; you would need a phytosanitary certificate and import permit, but in practice it is not allowed as carry-on or checked luggage.

Official source

Royal Thai Customs Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Royal Thai Customs Department before travelling.