Sending and Receiving Parcels in Phuket: Thailand Post, Couriers and Customs

Services

Thailand Post is the national postal service and its EMS is described as the usual choice for occasional parcels, with a main Phuket office on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town. DHL and FedEx are faster, with tracking and insurance, and Kerry Express and Flash Express handle domestic delivery. 7-Eleven stores can serve as drop-off points for some domestic couriers.

Prices and speed

A Phuket guide lists an air parcel through Thailand Post at about 600 baht and 10 to 21 days for a small package, against around 3,000 baht and 2 to 4 days for DHL or FedEx. Another reports EMS and courier examples of about 1,700 baht (EMS) and 4,100 to 4,500 baht for DHL and FedEx for a particular parcel size. Weight, destination and fuel surcharges change prices, so compare on the day.

Customs and duties

• Fill in the customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) honestly with contents and value.
• Receiving parcels can trigger import duty and VAT. One resident reported paying more in duty and fees than the item cost.
• Some gifts get exemptions in some countries, but not for commercial goods.
• Do not ship restricted items, such as certain foods, medicines and cannabis products. See the pharmacies guide and the cannabis guide.
• Valuable or fragile items need proper insurance.

Big moves

For furniture or a full household, sea freight is cheaper but takes weeks. See the shipping household goods guide and the leaving checklist. For online orders and delivery apps, see the online shopping guide.