Car Shipping to Thailand
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Thailand is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Thailand, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Thai regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Thailand
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Thailand – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Thailand — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Thailand – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 7%
Cost: $1,850–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Sriracha
Import duty: 0%–80% depending on vehicle classification (CIF basis)
Required inspection: Technical Inspection Certificate from a licensed inspection center; registration at the Department of Land Transport (DLT)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Thailand
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Thailand
Our local broker handles all Thai customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Thailand
Your vehicle passes the Thai Technical Inspection before registration at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and release.
Thailand Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Thailand starts around USD $1,850, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Laem Chabang and Bangkok are the principal Thai ports of entry, with additional service available to Sriracha, Map Ta Phut and Songkhla. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Laem Chabang | $1,850 | $3,200 | $4,000 | Contact for Pricing |
US East Coast → Laem Chabang | $2,200 | $3,800 | $5,200 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Thailand Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in Thailand that we can ship a car to.
Ports Served in Thailand
Bangkok
Laem Chabang
Sriracha Harbour Deep Seaport
Map Ta Phut
Songkhla
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Thai government. Some of these fees could include:
Thailand Import and Registration Fees
Import duty (0%–80% of CIF value depending on vehicle class)
Excise tax (30%–50% depending on engine size)
Local tax (10% of the combined import duty and excise tax)
VAT (7%) on the CIF value
Annual road tax
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Por Ror Bor compulsory third-party liability insurance
Registration fee, license plate fee, inspection fee, and service charges at the DLT
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Thailand’s combined tax burden on imported cars is one of the highest in Southeast Asia, particularly for larger-engine vehicles. From 2026, classic vehicles 30+ years old may qualify for a reduced excise tax rate of around 45%, depending on classification.
Thai Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 7% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Temporary Import (Tourists) | Tourists may import their cars for use with non-Thai license plates on a temporary basis for a maximum of 6 months without paying customs duty. After this period, the car must either be exported or registered with Thai authorities. |
Free Trade Agreements | Certain countries have a free trade agreement with Thailand, meaning that vehicles imported from these countries may be exempt from customs duties and taxes. Eligibility depends on country of origin and the specific FTA terms. |
Diplomatic Exemption | Diplomatic and Consular staff are typically exempt from paying import duties and taxes on personal vehicles imported during their posting. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles (2026 Excise Update) | Beginning in 2026, Thailand introduced a new excise tax rate for imported classic vehicles. Vehicles 30 years old or older may qualify for a reduced excise tax rate of around 45%, depending on classification. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Thailand.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Thailand, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Thailand.
- Only right-hand-drive vehicles are eligible for import into Thailand — US-spec left-hand-drive vehicles are generally not permitted.
- Imported passenger vehicles must be less than 5 years old from the date of manufacture.
- Only Thai citizens or permanent residents may import a vehicle. A residence permit valid for at least one year is required.
- Each individual is limited to one vehicle import.
- Your vehicle must comply with Thai safety, technical and emission standards (Thailand follows the EU’s Euro emission standards).
- An Import Permit from the Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry of Commerce is required.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Thailand:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Thai authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Thailand, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Thai Customs
Vehicle Registration Certificate or equivalent
Power of Attorney (if required)
Bill of Lading
Original Purchase Invoice
Passport
Certificate of Origin
Import Permit
Import Declaration Form from the Thai Department of Foreign Trade
Proof of valid Thai Por Ror Bor insurance
Vehicle Registration in Thailand (Department of Land Transport)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Thailand must be registered at a local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay import duty, excise tax, local tax and VAT → obtain the Technical Inspection Certificate from a licensed inspection center → arrange Thai Por Ror Bor compulsory third-party liability insurance → register the vehicle through the DLT e-Service portal or in person at the local office → pay the registration fee, license plate fee, inspection fee, service charge and annual road tax.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Thai standards, such as emissions or lighting compliance, these will need to be handled before the Technical Inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Thailand, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Thailand Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Thailand.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Thailand?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Can I ship a left-hand-drive (LHD) car to Thailand?
Generally no. Thailand drives on the left and requires imported vehicles to be right-hand drive — US-spec LHD vehicles are typically not permitted. Confirm eligibility with Thai Customs before booking.
How old can a car be when imported into Thailand?
Most passenger cars imported for personal use must be less than 5 years old from the date of manufacture. From 2026, vehicles 30+ years old may qualify as classic vehicles with a reduced excise tax rate.
What is Por Ror Bor insurance?
Por Ror Bor (พ.ร.บ.) is Thailand’s compulsory third-party liability insurance, which covers personal injury and property damage caused by your vehicle. It must be in place before the vehicle can be registered for road use.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.