Import Cars from the UK & Japan to Thailand

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Thailand. Whether you need a prestige car, sports car, or reliable vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for Thailand – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and Japanese trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications, condition and negotiate the best prices.

All prestige and sports cars are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Thailand.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

• Bespoke sourcing across UK and Japanese markets
• Management of purchase and collection
• Quality assessment and condition verification
• Mileage verification and reports
• Paintwork reconditioning (if required)

Car Shipping to Thailand

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK & Japan to Thailand car shipping service via Bangkok, Laem Chabang, and Lat Krabang ports, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Thailand import requirements.

Shipping from Japan to Thailand:

• Transit time: 14-19 days via RoRo
• Monthly vessel schedule
• Thailand Star Shipping line
• Shipping to multiple ports (Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Lat Krabang)

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Thailand.

UK & Japan to Thailand Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Thailand permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries. There is no age restriction on vehicles. However, import duties and taxes are extremely high (often 180%-328% depending on engine capacity). Temporary imports for relocation are available with lower duties. Import permits from the Ministry of Commerce are mandatory for used vehicles.

Key Requirements:

1. Import permit: Mandatory from Ministry of Commerce for used vehicles
2. No age restriction: Vehicles of any age can be imported
3. Right-hand drive: Permitted for importation
4. Very high duties: 80% import duty + 30%-50% excise tax
5. VAT: 7% on adjusted value
6. Temporary import option: 0% duty if staying a max of 6 months (relocation only)
7. Permanent import restrictions: One vehicle per person
8. Licensed clearing agent: Strongly recommended

Thailand Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Thailand permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from the UK, Japan, and other countries.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

• No age limit: Vehicles of any age can be imported
• Unlike many countries: No maximum age restriction enforced
• Vintage and classic vehicles: Eligible for import
• Depreciation for used vehicles: Age-based discount applied (2.5%-70% depending on registration period)

Right-Hand Drive Approval:

• Permitted: Right-hand drive vehicles allowed
• No restriction: Can be imported for personal use
• Thailand driving side: Drives on left side of road

Import Permit Requirement:

• Mandatory for used vehicles: Must obtain from Foreign Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce
• Must be obtained BEFORE vehicle arrival: Import permit pre-required
• Fine for non-compliance: 10% of vehicle value if permit not obtained
• New vehicles exception: Unregistered new vehicles may not require permit (check with Ministry)
• Weight restriction: Vehicles under 3,500 kg also need Industrial Standard Institute permit

Temporary Import of Personal Vehicles

Eligibility (Relocation Context Only):

• Vehicle staying 1-6 months maximum
• Accompanying household goods relocation
• Personal vehicle only
• Must be re-exported within deadline

Temporary Import Benefits:

• Zero import duty: No customs duty charged
• Zero VAT: No value-added tax
• Bank guarantee: Required to secure re-export

Documents Required for Temporary Import:

• Special Goods Declaration and 5 copies
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• International Driving License
• Passport and ID card of vehicle pilot/driver
• Letter of Attorney (if pilot and owner differ)
• Well-completed application form
• Proforma Invoice (purchase proof)
• Certificate of Legal Entity
• Re-export Contract
• Any other applicable documents

Temporary Import Process:

The temporary vehicle import process in Thailand begins when the importer or appointed agent submits all required documentation to Customs at the port of entry, declaring the vehicle along with any passengers, luggage, and accessories. Customs reviews the documents and assigns a declaration number.

A bank guarantee or cash deposit, calculated based on the applicable duties and taxes, must then be lodged as security, except in limited cases such as certain motorcycle imports through Suvarnabhumi Airport or Bangkok Port where a self-guarantee with an embassy letter may be accepted. Customs conducts an inspection and issues a duplicate Simplified Goods Declaration, which must be retained until re-export. Upon departure, the vehicle is re-inspected, the temporary import registration is cancelled, and the bank guarantee or cash deposit is refunded once all export formalities are completed.

Permanent Import of Used/Second-Hand Vehicles

Eligibility Criteria:

For Non-Residents:

• Must stay in Thailand for a minimum 1 year
• Must possess non-immigrant visa (Immigration Bureau)
• Must have work permit (Ministry of Labor & Social Welfare)
• Both documents required at time of importation

For Thai Residents Marrying Foreigners:

• Must provide marriage documentation
• Must prove change of residence to Thailand
• Must own/possess vehicle minimum 1.5 years before arrival
• Ownership period: While living abroad before moving to Thailand

For Thai Residents:

• Can import only at time of change of residence (returning home)
• Must own/possess vehicle minimum 1.5 years before arrival
• Must have valid driving license while abroad
• One vehicle per person lifetime limit

Permanent Import Restrictions:

• One vehicle per person: Only single used/second-hand vehicle allowed for personal use
• Never again: Cannot import additional vehicles
• Ownership requirement: 18 months minimum ownership before import

Documents Required for Thailand Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK):

• Copy of V5 Logbook
• Copy of valid MOT certificate
• Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
• Proof of ownership
• Insurance documentation

For Japanese Vehicles:

• Commercial/purchase invoice
• Certificate of origin
• Bill of Lading
• Insurance documentation
• Vehicle registration certificate

For Permanent Import (General Documentation):

• Import Goods Declaration and 3 copies
• Airway Bill or Bill of Lading (original)
• Evidence of vehicle purchase (invoice)
• Release Order (Kor Sor Kor 100/1)
• Insurance premium invoice
• Any other valuable documents

For Used/Second-Hand Vehicles (Additional):

• ID Card and Certificate of residence
• Passport (if change of residence)
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Import Permit from Ministry of Commerce: MANDATORY
• Work permit (valid minimum 1 year for non-residents)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

For Customs Clearance:

• Import Goods Declaration and 3 copies
• Bill of Lading (original from shipping company)
• Purchase invoice
• Release Order (Kor Sor Kor 100/1)
• Insurance documentation
• Vehicle registration
• Passport/ID documentation

Import Duties & Taxes (Permanent Import)

Personal Vehicles (Passenger Vehicles, Max 10 Seats):

Customs Clearance Process (Permanent Import)

The permanent vehicle import customs clearance process in Thailand begins before shipment, as an import permit must be obtained from the Foreign Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerce. The written permit is mandatory prior to the vehicle’s arrival. Once the vehicle arrives at a designated port such as Bangkok Port, Laem Chabang Port, or Lat Krabang, it is held pending customs processing.

A licensed customs clearing agent is strongly recommended to coordinate with Thai Customs and submit the required Import Goods Declaration, Bill of Lading, purchase invoice, insurance documents, vehicle registration certificate, passport copy, and the approved import permit. Customs will inspect the vehicle, verify specifications, assess its value (including age-based depreciation for used vehicles), and calculate the applicable duties and taxes, which can be substantial depending on engine size and classification. Once all assessed duties and VAT are

paid, Customs issues the release documentation, allowing the vehicle to proceed to registration in Thailand.

Vehicle Registration in Thailand

Registration Requirements:

• Customs release documentation
• Vehicle inspection by Thai authorities
• Payment of registration fees
• Valid non-immigrant visa (non-residents)
• Valid work permit (non-residents)
• ID/passport
• Insurance documentation

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your Thailand Car Import

Expert Duty Navigation:

We understand Thailand's complex, high-duty structure (up to 328%) and help you navigate legitimate import options and exemptions.

Exceptional Quality Vehicles:

All vehicles are thoroughly inspected and assessed. We advise whether importation makes economic sense given Thailand's high duties.

VAT-Free Savings (20% on UK cars):

We specialise in sourcing VAT-qualifying cars and pass the full 20% VAT saving to you. We pay your VAT so you don't have to.

Complete Service Management:

We handle sourcing, permit coordination, shipping, and documentation. We provide clearing agent recommendations in Thailand.

Transparent Cost Breakdown:

We provide detailed cost breakdowns showing import duty (80%), excise tax (30%-50%), interior tax, and VAT—showing the true cost before commitment.

Trusted & Proven:

With extensive experience in Thailand imports, we understand local regulations and customs procedures.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Thailand car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Thailand Government Agencies:

• Foreign Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce – Import permits for used vehicles
  • Import permits are mandatory before vehicle arrival
• Industrial Standard Institute – Permits for vehicles under 3,500 kg
• Thailand Customs – Duty calculations and customs procedures
  • Bangkok Port, Laem Chabang Port, Lat Krabang Port
• Immigration Bureau – Non-immigrant visa requirements
• Ministry of Labor & Social Welfare – Work permit requirements
• Thai Revenue Department – Duty and tax assessment

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Thailand?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Thailand via Bangkok, Laem Chabang, and Lat Krabang. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll provide transparent costing showing the full import duty burden and help you determine if importing makes economic sense for your situation.