Airport Customs Rules

When arriving in Thailand, airport passengers are allowed to import specific quantities of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes without paying duty. Below is a detailed overview of the regulations and customs procedures that passengers should follow.

Duty-Free Allowances for Alcoholic Beverages and Cigarettes

Passengers are exempted from duty on the following items:

1. Cigarettes or Tobacco:
   • No more than 200 cigarettes, or
   • 250 grams of tobacco, or
   • A combined total of 250 grams for all types.
2. Alcoholic Beverages:
   • No more than 1 liter of any alcoholic beverage.

Important Note: If you carry quantities exceeding these limits, the excess must be discarded in the boxes provided by customs. Failure to do so may result in legal prosecution.

Customs Procedure for the "Nothing to Declare" or Green Channel

Passengers who do not carry dutiable goods, prohibited, or restricted items should proceed through the "Nothing to Declare" or Green Channel. In this case, the following exemptions apply:

• Personal belongings within a reasonable quantity and worth no more than 20,000 baht.
• Up to 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, or a combination not exceeding 250 grams.
• Up to 1 liter of alcohol.

Reminder: Excess quantities must be discarded in the customs-provided boxes to avoid prosecution.

To facilitate the customs process, Thailand employs Risk Management techniques to screen passengers and baggage at this channel.

Customs Procedure for the "Goods to Declare" or Red Channel

If passengers are carrying items that exceed the duty-free limits, restricted, or prohibited goods, they must go through the "Goods to Declare" or Red Channel. The following procedures will apply:

1. Documents to Present:

   • Passport
   • Invoice or receipt (if applicable)

2. Customs Process: Passengers present their passports and any available invoices or receipts to customs officers. The process is divided into several scenarios:

   • Case 1: Non-commercial items under 200,000 baht
     Procedure:

     1. Customs officers will assess the duty and taxes based on a flat rate.
     2. Passengers can pay the duty and taxes by cash or debit/credit card.
     3. After payment, passengers receive a receipt and retrieve their goods.

   • Case 2: Prohibited or Restricted Goods
     Procedure:
     Prosecution or legal action will be taken against passengers carrying prohibited or restricted items.

   • Case 3: Other Cases (exceeding 200,000 baht or special goods)
     Procedure:

     1. Passengers must submit an Import Declaration at the Customs Formality Sub-division at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
     2. Duty and taxes must be paid via cash or debit/credit card.
     3. After payment, passengers receive a receipt and retrieve their goods.

Key Takeaways

• Follow the prescribed limits for duty-free alcohol and cigarettes.
• Discard excess quantities in customs-provided boxes to avoid legal action.
• Use the Green Channel if you have no dutiable goods; otherwise, declare items in the Red Channel.

By adhering to these regulations, passengers can ensure a smooth customs experience when entering Thailand.