Thailand Post: How to Send a Package from Thailand Like a Local
Living in Thailand as an expat is full of colorful surprises—whether it’s the spicy street food, tropical beaches, or warm smiles of the locals. But sooner or later, you’ll find yourself needing to send a package back home. Maybe you’ve picked up beautiful Thai handicrafts, delicious snacks, or some cute elephant-print pants your family will love. Whatever it is, Thailand Post has your back!
As someone who’s been living in Thailand for a while now, I’ve sent everything from postcards to fully loaded boxes filled with Thai goodies. Don’t worry—sending a parcel from Thailand is much easier than you might think, especially once you know the ropes. So let’s dive into the ins and outs of using Thailand Post, step by step.
Step 1: Finding the Post Office
The first thing you’ll need is a post office. Look out for a red building with a big white “Thailand Post” sign—it’s pretty hard to miss. If you’re in a smaller town or tucked away on an island, don’t stress. Just ask the locals or your guesthouse host. They’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
And of course, there’s always Google Maps. Just type in “Post Office” or even something more specific like “Post Pattaya” or “Post Chiang Mai.” Zoom in on the map and the nearest office will pop up in no time.
Post Office Hours in Thailand
One thing I love about Thailand Post is that they follow a pretty consistent schedule across the country:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
If you’re like me and tend to procrastinate (no shame!), avoid leaving it for the weekend—you’ll find most post offices shut by noon on Saturday.
Step 2: Preparing Your Package
Now comes the fun part—packing! You can do this at home or at the post office. Most people just bring their goodies to the counter and let the staff help with packing.
Here’s what you’ll find at the post office:
- Boxes of various sizes
- Free tape and scissors
- Bubble wrap (sometimes at a small charge)
- Pens and address labels
Don’t be shy about using gestures to ask for what you need. The staff are used to helping tourists and foreigners. Just point at the box you want or say “small” or “large.” You can even stretch your hands to show the size you need—it works like a charm.
Prices for boxes start at around 9 baht, and even the biggest ones rarely go above 50 baht.
Important Tip: Your parcel cannot weigh more than 20 kg. Even if it’s just one gram over, you’ll have to split it into two boxes. Try sending them to different addresses (you and a friend, for example) to avoid customs delays.
Step 3: Filling Out the Address and Form
Thai post boxes are similar to what you might see at home. There are spaces for the sender’s and recipient’s names and addresses.
Here’s what you need to write:
- Full name and address of the recipient (in English)
- Their phone number (very useful for customs and delivery)
- Your name and return address
Then, you’ll fill out a simple customs declaration form. List what’s inside the box (e.g., “snacks,” “clothing,” “souvenirs”) and give an estimated value.
Step 4: How Much Does It Cost?
This depends on three things:
- The country you’re sending to
- The weight of your package
- The shipping method
Thailand Post offers three main international shipping options:
1. Int’l Parcel – Surface (Land/Sea Mail)
- Cheapest option
- Takes 20–30 days (or longer with holidays)
- Great for non-urgent, lightweight items
- Best for packages under 2 kg
2. Int’l EMS Package
- Fast and reliable
- Door-to-door courier service
- Takes around 10–14 days
- Best for heavier items (5 kg+)
- This is my go-to option—safe and surprisingly fast!
3. Int’l Parcel – Air
- Faster than surface mail, slower than EMS
- Great for medium packages (2–5 kg)
- Arrives in 7 days or less
- Slightly more expensive
To get the exact price, check out the Thailand Post website. There’s a handy fee calculator right on the homepage. Just plug in your destination and package details.
Step 5: Tracking Your Parcel
Once you’ve paid and handed over your package, you’ll receive a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this safe!
Go to the Thailand Post tracking page and enter your number to see real-time updates. There are also many third-party tracking sites, but I’ve found the official one to be the most reliable.
What You Can’t Send (Customs Tips)
Thailand’s customs rules are usually pretty relaxed, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- No more than 5 of the same item – If you’re sending five or more of the same thing (like T-shirts or soaps), it might be flagged as a commercial shipment. That could mean customs fees for the recipient.
- Cosmetics – You can send Thai beauty products, but it’s best to buy them from stores that offer international shipping services. Many cosmetic shops even do the shipping for you!
- Liquids – Avoid sending anything that might leak (like lotions or oils) unless it’s sealed properly.
If you’re unsure, just ask the post office staff. They’re used to questions like this and can guide you.
My Personal Tips as an Expat
- Be patient. Thai post offices can be busy, especially in touristy areas. Go in the morning to avoid long lines.
- Use Thai addresses carefully. If you’re sending something within Thailand, always double-check the Thai spelling. English addresses are fine for international mail.
- Don’t stress about the language barrier. Most postal workers speak basic English or are very helpful with gestures.
- Go with EMS for gifts. If you’re sending something important (like birthday presents), EMS is worth the few extra baht.
Final Thoughts: A Great Way to Stay Connected
Whether you’re sending a souvenir to your family or shipping a little care package to a friend, Thailand Post makes it simple. Sure, it’s not Amazon Prime-speed, but it’s affordable, trustworthy, and—if you go EMS—pretty quick.
As an expat, it feels really good to stay connected to loved ones, especially when you’re living halfway around the world. And sending a parcel with a little piece of Thailand inside? That’s one of the sweetest ways to do it.
If you’ve never tried mailing something from Thailand, I highly recommend giving it a go—it’s easy, affordable, and a fun little adventure of its own.
