Thai customs - what can and cannot be imported into Thailand. What can not be imported into Thailand - a detailed list

All the rules of Thai customs - what can not be exported from Thailand to Russia by plane, what is prohibited for export, what offense can lead to severe fines? How not to fall for the tricks of sellers from souvenir shops. Full list - prohibited items and all prohibitions for export from Thailand.

Without exaggeration, the Kingdom of Thailand has a very strict customs control. Rigid rules "work" for both entry and exit. This is due to the fact that the country has a clear, well-formed policy aimed at preserving nature, cultural sites, traditions and lifestyles.

If found, any prohibited items for export from Thailand will be immediately confiscated, and the violator will be punished. Measures of "response" for attempting to transport prohibited items from Thailand are extremely severe. It is worth noting that the state also provides for the highest degree of punishment - the death penalty. The laws of the country apply to all persons passing customs control in Thailand, regardless of citizenship and religion.

Prohibited list - what can not be exported from Thailand

Some types of fruits

How many fruits can be exported from Thailand and which ones are prohibited for export.

It should be noted right away that there are no restrictions on the number of exports of exotic fruits from Thailand. The air carrier will “dictate” its rules to you. As a rule, the weight of standard baggage varies from 20-25 kg. Whether you have 20 kg of things or fruits, no one cares. Just pay attention to some exceptions - fruits that cannot be exported from Thailand:

• Durian - due to its "stunning" smell, the fruit is included in the "black list" not only of airports, but also of hotels, shops and entertainment centers. Durian is a product that should be eaten "here and now." The slightest damage to the peel - entails rapid decay and an unpleasant "aroma".
• Coconuts - although these delicacies can be stored for months, coconuts are prohibited for export. This is due to the fact that, due to the thick rind, the insides of the coconut cannot be viewed under an X-ray scanner at the airport. For the same reasons, large, whole watermelons cannot be transported.

Prohibited for export durian on the scanner at the airport

As it was written earlier, other types of fruits can be exported in any quantity.

earth and sand

Many tourists are interested in the question: is it possible to export sand from Thailand. Unfortunately no. The government of the kingdom is very scrupulous about its expanses. As an example, in Thailand it is impossible to buy land for a foreigner, you can only rent it.

Sand also refers to a part of the earth and is an inviolable subject for transportation. The export of even a handful of earth or sand is equivalent to stealing the territory of the country from the king himself.

Even potted plants fall under the ban, because. they are planted in Thai soil. Sellers deftly found a way out of the situation. Exported plants are placed in a special gel that mimics the usual soil. In this composition, transportation is allowed.

Buddha figurines, paintings, works of art

According to religious beliefs, the export of any souvenirs and personifications of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas from Thailand is taboo. The ban also includes: monastic bowls for alms and fragments of any sights of the country. As an exception, the government allows the export of souvenirs (affecting religion) that are no larger than 13 cm in size and do not have antique value.

Seafood, marine life

Large starfish, corals, mollusk shells, various shells, not processed, found independently are prohibited for export from Thailand. An exception is small souvenir (processed) products (up to 10 cm). When purchasing such items, we strongly recommend that you take a receipt.

Seahorses deserve special attention. It is this type of inhabitants of the underwater world that is under close attention from the state. Skates, in any form - dried, embalmed, varnished, live - are prohibited for sale, respectively, purchase and export.

Sometimes, Thai merchants deceive buyers by saying that their goods will be passed through customs. Naturally, they should not be trusted. In most cases, large shells and fragments of the underwater world are confiscated when trying to export, while imposing an impressive fine.

Ivory, turtles, turtle shells

Elephant in Thailand is a sacred animal, which is under state protection. No national holiday is complete without this graceful animal. Unfortunately, elephants are the favorites of poachers to earn money and entertainment. The ivory trade on the black market is booming. The authorities of the kingdom are trying in every possible way to close this illegal business, including limiting the possibility of selling ivory products of any size. The taboo extends even to small souvenirs.

A similar situation develops with the shells of turtles. Most species of these individuals are threatened with complete extinction. This is directly related to the fleeting pollution of the seas, as well as the arrangement of poacher networks.

The seizure of the largest batch of elephant tusks. A Gambian citizen was trying to smuggle 422 items worth about $480,000.

In the markets of Thailand you can find a lot of products made from tortoise shells. Most likely the product will be counterfeit. And if not? For attempting to export ivory and tortoise shell products, harsh measures are provided - a fine and / or imprisonment.

Crocodiles, bats, large insects, spiders

It is unlikely that you will want to take the crocodile out, but it is worth voicing. Of course, we are not talking about living reptiles, but about their stuffed animals, products made from crocodile skin. Bats, their stuffed animals and fragments, tropical butterflies, spiders are prohibited for export from Thailand.

An exception to the rule are the processed skins and bodies of the representatives of the fauna described above, which have a certificate confirming that this or that "beast" was grown specifically for killing and selling, in an adapted place (in production).

Alcohol, cigarettes - is it possible to export alcohol from Thailand - limits

According to official figures, the export of Thai alcohol is limited to 2 liters per person. The law "works" for drinks of any strength. In fact, no one calculates the volume of alcohol - the main thing is that it is included in the suitcase. It's the same story with cigarettes.

But with drugs you need to be as careful as possible. Any manipulations: import / export, purchase / sale of drugs - is punishable by the highest measures. In some, especially large cases, the death penalty is possible.

When buying Thai medicines or Thai traditional medicine products, pay attention to the composition. There were cases when the seller himself, without suspecting it, "sold" medicines, which included illegal narcotic (light) drugs.

Illegal export of goods from Thailand - consequences

Many tourists who have successfully passed customs with "smuggling" loudly declare that the laws do not work, and everything that "your heart desires" can be taken out of Taidand. Indeed, in most cases, minor violations go unnoticed. However, there are risks that you will be caught. The consequence of thoughtless acts can be: seized luggage, an impressive amount of a fine and / or a stamp in a foreign passport about a violation of the rules of the Kingdom of Thailand. Is it worth spoiling the end of the vacation and taking with you something that cannot be taken out of Thailand?

Few people think about the fact that there is a weighty list of things and products that cannot be exported from Thailand to Russia. How to take away your piece of paradise and not get a fine or even worse - a ban on entry to Thailand and imprisonment? A complete list of things that cannot be taken out of Thailand after a vacation can be found in today's article.

Buddha and religious symbols

One of the posters on the way from Bangkok airport to Pattaya reads “its wrong to use buddha as decoration or tattoo means to respect”. That is, it is not good to use images of the Buddha for the interior or as a tattoo. Show respect.

Although figurines and images of the Buddha are sold on every corner, taking them out of Thailand is prohibited by law. Only those Buddha figurines that are smaller than 15 cm and are sold in souvenir shops are allowed for export.
In addition to the Buddha, begging bowls, which are used in Buddhist monasteries and other religious symbols, are not allowed to be exported from Thailand.

If you are a religious scholar, monk, priest, or other clergyman, it is possible that you will be given an exception, provided that you need religious symbols for research and work. But don't count on it too much.

Exotic animals - skins, fur, stuffed animals and more

A crocodile or python bag, slippers or a wallet - please. If you are going to carry a stuffed crocodile, ivory or other “crafts” made from elephant skin, this cannot be done. The elephant in Thailand is a sacred animal, they are even assigned a pension. So killing elephants or using their body parts to make souvenirs is against the law.

Souvenirs, things, household items made of snake, crocodile, ostrich or stingray skin can be exported from Thailand if the number of such souvenirs is beyond doubt that you bought them for yourself, and not for further resale.

The same goes for turtles. Turtles in Thailand are an endangered species. They are protected by the state, as various tropical species of turtles living in Thailand are on the verge of extinction.
Combs, hairpins, combs, tortoiseshell crafts are prohibited for export from Thailand to Russia.

Gemstones from Thailand to Russia

You can buy rings, earrings, bracelets with precious or semi-precious stones in Thailand and take them to Russia. It is impossible to export from Thailand any precious stones that do not have polishing and setting.
You cannot transport gold bars, rare stamps, antiques, paintings and other art objects without an appropriate license and export permit.

Sea souvenirs from Thailand to Russia

Take orchids from Thailand to Russia

orchid alley in Nong Nooch

Those of you who have at least once traveled to and seen the variety of the rarest species of orchids growing here will certainly want to grab a couple as a souvenir.
You can export orchids from Thailand to Russia, but with some reservations.

You can export cut orchids or those intended for transportation are in a special container without soil. The same applies to other plants, flowers, any vegetation.
Why no land? See next paragraph

Ban on the export of Thai soil and sand

Caribo Tour - Cocktail on the Beach

All the land of Thailand belongs to the king and therefore not a gram, not a single bit of land from Thailand can not be taken out.
Therefore, you can not carry orchids with the ground or other plants.

What to do? Merchants got out of the situation by sealing orchids and other beautiful exotic flowers in special capsules with a nutrient solution and balls. They normally tolerate the flight and in the future you will be able to grow a beautiful flower that will remind you of your vacation in Thailand.
You can buy such orchids both at the airport before departure in the duty free zone, and on excursions. In the Nong Nooch park, on some survey and other programs, in which the flora of Thailand is present.

There are tourists who, as a souvenir from each beach country, bring a handful of sand for collection.
Sand, like earth, cannot be exported from Thailand. If customs officers find it, you will be fined and prosecuted.

What fruits cannot be exported from Thailand to Russia?

coconuts
Coconuts cannot be exported from Thailand. The reason is simple - coconuts cannot pass the scanner, since they are not translucent inside and customs is not able to understand if there are illegal substances, drugs or something like that inside the coconut.

watermelons

A watermelon on board an aircraft can explode and damage both your belongings and the belongings of other passengers. Whole watermelons are prohibited not only from Thailand, but also on all other flights.

durian

The king of fruits - durian is so smelly that it is not only forbidden to take it out of Thailand, it is in principle forbidden to move with it. Absolutely in all hotels in Thailand there is a badge that prohibits bringing durian inside the hotel.
Sulfur, which is in durian, when opened and in contact with oxygen, begins to oxidize and stink worse than sewage. This smell eats into all living things and cannot be etched out for hours.

At the same time, durian chips, sweets, sweets and other types of durian are not fresh - you can carry them.

Exotic animals

Seahorses are forbidden for export, even as a stuffed animal, as they are on the verge of extinction in this region.

Pornography, electronic cigarettes, other

Everything is complicated with erotic literature in Thailand. It is not commercially available in any form. Like sex shops, "dirty magazines" are banned in Thailand.
Of course, you will meet them more than once in Pattaya or Phuket at the points of the main debauchery - on Bangla Road or near Volkin Street.
But it is forbidden to transport, store, use goods from a sex shop - potency pills, toys, magazines, etc.

Electronic cigarettes, hookahs, mixtures and other smoking products other than ordinary tobacco cigarettes are strictly prohibited not only to be exported, but also imported.
For electronic cigarettes and accessories for them, several years in prison and a hefty fine are required. And this is not a joke, cases are known, even with Russian tourists.

What is the penalty for illegal export from Thailand

Anticipating the comments - "I carried it, everything was OK with me," I will answer like this. I also took out coconuts, some shells and so on from Thailand more than once.

If you managed to take out something from the listed list of prohibited items, this does not mean that you can do it. This means that you and I just got lucky.
Several million tourists fly away from Thailand a year and carefully inspect everyone's luggage and hand luggage, it's simply not physically possible.

It must be remembered that not knowing the rules does not relieve you of responsibility and getting to a principled Thai customs officer can be a very unpleasant experience.

What can threaten for violating the rules of the customs union of Thailand?

Confiscation, a fine, sometimes they can turn a blind eye to minor violations. Just like that or for a bribe.
In the most critical situations, at the discretion of the border guard, a stamp can be placed for a period prohibiting entry into Thailand in the future.

The worst option of all of these is imprisonment. But, let's not talk about sad things. Forewarned is forearmed!

I wish you a great rest in Thailand and bring many interesting and useful souvenirs from here to Russia!

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What is forbidden to export from Thailand? What is allowed to be exported freely, what with restrictions? How much exotic fruit can I bring? Can corals and shells be taken out? What restrictions await then at customs in Russia? Read the answers in our article.

What exactly cannot be

Narcotic and psychotropic substances. This ban must be taken very seriously, because in Thailand the most severe punishment for drug trafficking is capital punishment;

Questionable objects from the point of view of ethics and morality - pornography in any form, materials inciting national or religious hatred;

Any counterfeit items. This includes pirated CD/DVD/Blue-Ray discs;

Fake documents or seals;

Items depicting the flag of the Kingdom of Thailand;

Weapons, ammunition, ammunition.

Export of food products (including fruits)

You can export food from Thailand without restrictions. Excluding, of course, cases when these are food products from protected species of animals and plants. For example, the meat of a crocodile or an elephant cannot be exported, since all species of elephants and crocodiles are under the protection of the Washington Convention CITES.

Almost all tourists in Thailand bring home exotic fruits - durian, longans, mangosteen. Read our article "" about them. All these fruits can be exported without restrictions.

When importing to Russia, there are restrictions:

Food of animal origin: meat, dairy products, fish, seafood - up to 5 kilograms per person. All such food products must be in their original packaging with a label indicating the details of the manufacturer;

Almost all products of plant origin: fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, root crops, cereals - up to 5 kilograms per person.

Ready-made pastries, roasted coffee, spices - without restrictions.

Export of cigarettes and tobacco

There are no restrictions on the export of tobacco products in Thailand. However, there is a restriction at Russian customs - no more than 10 packs (20 cigarettes) per person, or no more than 250 grams of tobacco, or no more than 50 cigars.

Export of alcohol

There are no restrictions on the export of alcohol in Thailand. However, no more than 3 liters can be transported through Russian customs without paying duties, and the 4th and 5th liters with a fee of 10 euros per liter.

Cash withdrawal

Cash with a total amount of more than 20,000 US dollars must be declared. This refers to any cash in any currency. If the money is in another currency (not in dollars), then the currency is converted into dollars, the total amount is considered.

Amounts over $ 20,000 must not only be declared, but also their legal origin must be proved. If you brought cash with you, then you need to show a stamp in your passport about declaring when entering Thailand. Therefore, large sums upon entry must be declared, which we talked about in the article "".

If the money was withdrawn from the account through a bank or ATM, then a document proving this is needed. No matter how you get this cash, you need proof of legality. No evidence? Then expect big trouble. Confiscation of money is unequivocal, detention until the circumstances are clarified is most likely.

Export of art and antiques

The export of any antiquities or antiques is prohibited. Theoretically, this applies even to newly painted paintings.

In practice, customs officials understand the difference between a souvenir painting and a really valuable one. But it's still better to be safe. If you bought a souvenir that theoretically can claim the status of an object of art, then it is better to keep a receipt for its purchase.

Export of religious paraphernalia

Any items of religious content for export are prohibited. An exception is made for one small Buddha figurine per tourist. By law, no more.

Is it possible to export shells and corals?

By law, the export of any objects of wildlife - both flora and fauna - is prohibited.

Moreover, it is forbidden not only to export shells and corals, but even to collect them on reefs and beaches. All "animal owners" of these shells and all corals are protected species. Theoretically, this act is punishable: up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to THB 100,000.

However, tourists still carry small amounts of shells, customs officers simply do not notice. But we still do not recommend taking risks. These shells are not worth the risk.

The export of shells by tourists causes enormous damage to the environment. It seems that you can bring out a couple of shells, and that's okay. In fact, imagine if each of the 35 million tourists took out a couple of shells, how much would that be in total?

In 2016, there was a very revealing and curious case at Krabi Airport. Customs officers received an “order from above” to fight the export of shells by tourists. They began to thoroughly check the luggage of all passengers and confiscate shells. Many tourists, learning about the check, left shells all over the airport. For 3 months, customs officers and airport employees collected 1.2 tons of shells!

Please don't destroy nature, don't take the shells that the hermit crabs will need. Do not rob marine animals, do not deprive them of their housing stock.

Enjoy your vacation on the beaches and, and read our interesting articles about Thailand and Thais ( list of articles below).

Worth a close look thailand customs regulations. Local legislators took care to be as specific as possible about what exactly cannot be imported into Thailand and what cannot be taken out of the country. And the first thing you need to understand is that it is not worth trying to smuggle any drugs across the border, for this the highest penalty is provided - the death sentence.

What is not subject to state import duty?

As usual, you can easily bring personal items into the country, as well as professional paraphernalia: a camera, a computer, etc. (more on what is best with you). The main thing is to make sure that the total cost of the luggage being transported does not exceed 10,000 baht even before passing through customs control. It is better to print everything new and unused before in advance so that the customs officers do not have suspicions that the items are being transported not for use, but for sale.

What should not be imported?

Rules for importing into Thailand strictly prohibit the import of narcotic drugs, this also applies to pills recognized in the country as narcotic drugs. As mentioned earlier, this is punishable by the highest measure of punishment by local standards. For the import of psychotropic substances, these include ephedrine and similar compounds, a prison sentence of up to 5 years is provided.

When temporarily exporting things from the country, it is better to declare them at customs with unique identifiers. In this case, when entering with them, it will be possible to avoid the mandatory payment of customs duties.

Returning from a holiday spent in Thailand, I want to bring something unusual as a gift. Traders in the markets talk about the fact that you can carry almost everything. But their goal is to quickly sell things and get money for it. Going to this exotic state, it is better to read the customs control rules in advance and study the list of prohibited products and products.
Otherwise, your nerves will be spoiled, the most wonderful impressions of visiting the country will be forgotten.

During the check, the weapons will be taken away immediately, and even a fairly decent fine will be imposed. Don't try to get through with drugs. There is a death penalty for this. Alcohol can be taken on board the liner no more than one liter. Tourists will be allowed to take a bottle of rum from the country with them.

What fruits and berries cannot be exported from Thailand (Thailand)?

In the markets of Thailand, many fruits are sold that are grown here. But not all of them can be exported.
The unpleasant smell of durian, which will appear when the skin is damaged, can spread throughout the aircraft. It is very difficult to eliminate the smell, so it is better not to take this exotic fruit (it is not for nothing that durian is forbidden to be brought into hotels).

The skin of coconuts cannot be seen through the X-ray scanners at the airport, so you can't see what's behind it. Such fruits, whether green or ripe, are also on the ban list.
Watermelons burst from the pressure difference at altitude, splashing the pulp and pits around the cabin, so they are not allowed to be taken on a plane or left in luggage.

What souvenirs can not be taken out of Thailand (Thailand)?

Without a license, you can not export antiques, which include figurines of the Thai god (Buda) above 15 centimeters. To bring out Big Bud you will need a document that is issued by the Department of Culture and Art. It is also needed for those who want to take with them a bar of gold or platinum, raw stones that are considered precious.
It is also not allowed to export from the country plants and animals that are rare or endangered species. You should not buy any bracelets, combs made from turtle shell. With them, they will not be allowed to pass on control.
Since elephants are revered as sacred animals in Thailand, they are not hunted here. Tourists do not need to listen to local merchants about the fact that these things were produced in a state-owned factory. And do not try to carry jewelry made of ivory through customs.

Travelers clearly do not need the problems that await when the laws adopted by the state are not followed. And they will arise from the one who will take out a stuffed animal or a skin of a crocodile. You can safely buy products in the form of bags, wallets or shoes. With them pass freely.

Under state protection are, oddly enough, bats, of which there are hundreds of different species. It is forbidden to take skins, fangs or skulls of the cat family - lynxes, tigers, leopards - as a gift to your homeland.
Those who are fond of insects and want to buy a beautiful butterfly or beetle should visit the Duty Free store, where they are sold in beautiful transparent packaging. Rare species are easily slipped into the market, which causes serious problems at customs.

They can file a case for the export of stuffed animals, since travelers do not always know which of them are considered rare. It is guaranteed to take them on a flight by purchasing a certificate. In a reputable trading establishment, such a document should be issued.
More than one permit is needed to cross the border with live plants and seeds. In most cases, it's not worth the hassle. Well, if you really want to give your loved ones a bouquet from an exotic region, you can buy it from orchids.

Corals and shells are transported as souvenirs, but it is easy to get fined for unprocessed items. Tourists will not be allowed to bring out seahorses, except perhaps in the form of a powder, which is made from these ocean gifts.

You also need to know that the land in the country belongs to the king. It should not even be in a flower pot. And if there is a permit for the export of a plant, then instead of natural soil, it must be artificial.
Due to a small pebble, a bag of sand or earth, guests of the country run the risk of running into big troubles and fines.

Some travelers brag about the bizarre corals brought from the state. Is this worth the risk. Someone may be very unlucky, and all the impressions of a bright holiday will fade.

Carrying a large amount of money

It is necessary to fill out a declaration for money if a person is going to take with him an amount that exceeds in any equivalent the equivalent of 20 thousand dollars.

Transportation of drugs

For the transportation of drugs, the death penalty really threatens, despite the fact that the tourist arrived from another state. The laws of Thailand are quite strict in this regard.

Conclusion

Things at the airport shine through with the help of the Baggage X-ray scanner. What cannot be carried out is usually confiscated and warned, fines are issued only in case of a serious violation. Follow these rules and the end of your vacation will not be overshadowed by unpacking your luggage at the airport, fines or more severe actions.