What Do You Have to Declare at Thai Customs? (2026 Passenger & Importer Guide)
In 2026, the phrase "Nothing to Declare" has a very different meaning than it did just a few years ago. With the Thai Customs Department's digital transformation and the implementation of the "First Baht" tax rule, travelers and importers must be more diligent than ever.
Whether you are walking through the Green Channel at Suvarnabhumi or receiving a package from overseas, here is exactly what you need to declare to stay compliant with Thai law.
1. For International Travelers (Arriving in Thailand)
Upon arrival, you are faced with two choices: the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare) or the Red Channel (Goods to Declare). In 2026, the scrutiny on personal imports has increased.
You MUST use the Red Channel if you have:
Items for Commercial Use: Any items intended for sale, samples, or professional equipment that isn't considered "personal effects."
High-Value Personal Items: Any new, unused items with a total combined value exceeding 20,000 THB (approx. $580 USD).
Restricted Goods: Items that require permits, such as:
More than 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco.
More than 1 liter of alcohol.
Supplements or medicines exceeding a 30-day supply.
Drones, radio transceivers, or "walkie-talkies."
Currency: If you are carrying more than $20,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency), you are legally required to declare it to a customs officer.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, always go to the Red Channel. It is much safer to declare an item and be told it’s tax-free than to walk through the Green Channel and be caught with undeclared goods, which can lead to fines of up to 4x the value plus taxes.
2. For Online Shoppers & Small Importers
As of January 1, 2026, the 1,500 THB tax exemption is a thing of the past. This change has a massive impact on what needs to be declared for incoming shipments.
Every Item Must Be Declared
Regardless of the price, every shipment entering Thailand now requires a formal or informal declaration.
- Low-Value Goods (1 THB - 1,500 THB): These are now subject to 7% VAT. If you buy from a major platform (Amazon, eBay, etc.), they may collect this at checkout. If not, the courier will declare it for you and collect the tax upon delivery.
- High-Value Goods (Over 1,500 THB): These require a full declaration showing the CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). You will be charged both Import Duty (based on the HS Code) and 7% VAT.
3. The "Restricted Items" Checklist (Permits Required)
Declaring is only half the battle. Certain items require "clearance" from other government departments before they can enter the country. In 2026, the electronic link between Customs and these departments is nearly instantaneous.
| Category | Authority | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Supplements | Thai FDA | License for commercial quantities. |
| Cosmetics | Thai FDA | Notification number for import. |
| Electronics/Drones | NBTC | Type approval or registration. |
| Pet Products | Dept. of Livestock | Health certificates and import permits. |
| Auto/Scooter Parts | TISI / Customs | Standards certification for specific new parts. |
4. Why Accuracy Matters in 2026
Thai Customs now utilizes Advanced Passenger Information (API) and AI-driven cargo scanning. This means:
- X-ray Transparency: Scanners at the airport are now calibrated to identify specific densities of high-value electronics and luxury goods.
- Historical Data: If you have been flagged for a "Red Line" inspection in the past, the system is more likely to flag your future shipments for a manual check.
- Digital Paperwork: Ensure your invoices are clear. Discrepancies between the declared value and the "market value" found by the AI scanner will trigger an automatic audit.
Summary
The 2026 rule of thumb is: If it’s new, if it’s for sale, or if it exceeds 20,000 THB in value, declare it. For postal shipments, expect to pay 7% VAT on everything from the very first baht.