Car Shipping to Thailand (Laem Chabang) from the UK
Ascope Shipping offers reliable car shipping to Thailand, trusted by UK customers for over 15 years to move vehicles safely and affordably to Laem Chabang port. Whether you’re relocating, exporting a commercial vehicle, or sending a classic car, we handle every step from your driveway in the UK to the dockside in Thailand. Choose RoRo or container shipping, with weekly sailings from Hull, Southampton, and Tilbury. No hidden fees, no surprises, just honest, transparent service from a UK-based team that knows this route inside out.
Seamless Car Shipping to Thailand
Car shipping to Thailand from the UK means your vehicle is loaded onto a cargo vessel at a UK port and shipped to Laem Chabang, Thailand’s main vehicle import port near Bangkok. The journey usually takes 30 to 40 days, depending on your shipping method and sailing date. Ascope Shipping handles the full UK side, collection, export paperwork, customs, and port delivery, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Vehicle Shipping Methods
We offer two main methods to ship a car to Thailand:
RORO CAR SHIPPING TO THAILAND, LAEM CHABANG
The Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) method of shipping offers a cost-effective way to transport cars, 4x4s, vans, minibuses, buses, trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery, and other self-propelled equipment to Laem Chabang, Thailand. Vehicles are charged based on the space they occupy on the vessel, making it a budget-friendly option. We export both new and used vehicles from the UK to Thailand, providing door-to-port and port-to-port services.
CONTAINER CAR SHIPPING TO THAILAND (LAEM CHABANG)
Ascope Shipping offers container shipping to Thailand for customers who want maximum protection for their vehicle or cargo throughout the voyage. Your car is loaded and secured inside a sealed 20ft or 40ft container, shielding it from weather, salt air, and handling damage during transit to Laem Chabang, Thailand’s main vehicle import port. This method is especially suited to classic, luxury, non-running, and electric vehicles, where enclosed protection matters most. We offer door-to-port and port-to-port options, with container loading and lashing available at our Essex warehouse or your own location. Shipments depart the UK weekly, ensuring timely delivery. For full details on container sizes, costs, and the loading process, see our container shipping to Thailand page.
Car Shipping to Thailand Cost
Final pricing depends on vehicle dimensions, port of departure, and current freight rates. All prices are for port-to-port shipping unless stated.
| Vehicle Type | RO/RO Prices | Container Costs |
| Saloon Vehicle e.g Toyota Avensis | Enquire | £895 (20ft container) |
| 4×4 Vehicle e.g. Toyota Rav4 | Enquire | £895 (20ft container) |
| Vans e.g Ford transit | Enquire | £895 (20ft container) |
| 2 cars(saloon / 4×4) | Enquire | Enquire(40ft container) |
Car Shipping to Thailand: Route and Transit Time
Transit times are estimates and may vary depending on sailing schedules, port congestion, and customs clearance speed at the destination.
| UK Departure Port | Destination Port | Shipping Method | Transit Time |
| Hull | Laem Chabang, Thailand | RoRo / Container | 30–35 days |
| Southampton | Laem Chabang, Thailand | RoRo / Container | 32–38 days |
| Tilbury (London) | Laem Chabang, Thailand | Container | 35–40 days |
| Liverpool | Laem Chabang, Thailand | Container | 35–42 days |
RORO VS CONTAINER CAR SHIPPING TO THAILAND
Choosing between RoRo and container shipping is one of the most common questions we receive from customers shipping vehicles to Thailand. The right option depends on your budget, vehicle condition, and the level of protection you want during transit.
RoRo shipping is the more affordable, faster option. Your vehicle is securely stored below deck and driven off on arrival, though personal belongings cannot be shipped inside and non-running vehicles aren’t accepted.
Container shipping offers maximum protection inside a sealed unit, with personal effects and spare parts usually able to travel alongside the vehicle. It’s the preferred method for high-value, classic, or non-running vehicles, at a slightly higher cost.
We help you choose the safest and most cost-effective shipping method based on your vehicle and destination requirements.
Which Vehicles Can We Ship to Thailand from the UK?
We ship a wide range of vehicles to Thailand, including:
- Standard cars — saloons, hatchbacks, estates
- 4x4s and SUVs — including Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux shipping to Thailand, both hugely popular on this route
- Vans and minibuses — Ford Transit, Volkswagen Transporter, and similar
- Trucks and commercial vehicles — HGVs, tipper trucks, flatbeds
- Buses and coaches — full-size and midi coaches
- Tractors and agricultural machinery
- Classic and vintage cars — see our classic car shipping service, handled with full container care
- Luxury vehicles — Bentley, Range Rover, Mercedes, and more
- Non-running and salvage vehicles — container loaded via winch or skate
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids — subject to battery discharge and IMDG compliance
- New and used cars — both private export and trade consignments
HOW TO SHIP A CAR TO THAILAND FROM THE UK: STEP BY STEP PROCESS
Shipping a car to Thailand doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s exactly how it works with Ascope Shipping:
- Get a quote: Contact us with your vehicle details, preferred departure port, and required timeline. We’ll give you a clear, itemised quote with no hidden extras.
- Book your shipment: Confirm your booking and we’ll allocate space on the next available sailing. We offer weekly sailings to Thailand from UK ports.
- Prepare your vehicle: Fuel tank to a quarter full or less. Remove all personal items (for RoRo). Ensure the vehicle is clean inside and out. Isolate the battery if shipping by container.
- Deliver to port or arrange collection: Bring your vehicle to your nearest port (Hull, Southampton, or Tilbury), or use our door-to-port collection service.
- UK export customs: We handle your export documentation, including the NES export declaration and DVLA notification if you’re permanently exporting the vehicle.
- Your vehicle sails: We send you the Bill of Lading and keep you updated with weekly sailing status reports throughout the voyage.
- Arrival at Laem Chabang: Your vehicle arrives at Laem Chabang port. You’ll need a Thai customs broker to handle import clearance.
Documents Needed to Ship a Car to Thailand
Getting your paperwork right up front avoids delays at both the UK and Thai ends. For the full UK-side checklist, see our guide on documents required to ship a car. Here’s what you’ll need for Thailand specifically:
- V5C logbook (both pages)
- Original purchase invoice
- Valid passport copy
- Bill of Lading
- Packing list
- Export declaration (NES)
- Thailand import permit
- Thai customs broker authority
THAILAND CAR IMPORT RULES, DUTIES & REGULATIONS
This is where many people get caught out. Thailand has some of the strictest vehicle import regulations in Southeast Asia, and the import duties are genuinely high. Here’s what you need to know before you ship.
VEHICLE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
- Only Thai citizens or permanent residents can import vehicles into Thailand.
- Imported vehicles must be less than 5 years old from the manufacturing date.
- Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited for import, as Thailand follows right-hand drive traffic.
- All imported vehicles are subject to high import duties and taxes.
Thailand Car Import Tax and Duty — What You’ll Pay
Import duties on vehicles entering Thailand are among the highest in the world. Be fully prepared before you commit to shipping.
| Tax / Duty Type | Rate |
| Import duty | 80% of CIF value (standard passenger cars) |
| Excise tax | 30%–50% of post-duty value |
| VAT | 7% of total taxable value |
| Total effective tax burden | Can reach 187% to 328% of vehicle CIF value |
CIF value = Cost of the vehicle + Insurance + Freight (shipping cost)
Example: A used right-hand drive saloon with a CIF value of £10,000 could attract total duties and taxes of £18,700 to £32,800 before the vehicle can be registered in Thailand.
Customs Clearance at Laem Chabang Port
- Customs clearance must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle’s arrival at the port.
- A Thai customs broker is required to handle the clearance process.
- Inspection of the vehicle by customs officials is mandatory.
Additional Requirements
- Vehicles must meet Thai emissions and safety standards.
- Modifications may be required to comply with local regulations.
- Insurance coverage is mandatory before the vehicle can be driven in Thailand
Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives require special permits.
- Narcotics and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited.
- Certain food items, plants, and animals may be subject to quarantine or require special permits.
It’s important to note that import regulations can change, so we recommend contacting the Thai Embassy or Consulate in the UK for the most up-to-date information before shipping your vehicle or goods to Thailand.
CAR SHIPPING INSURANCE
Every vehicle we ship is eligible for comprehensive marine transit insurance. We strongly recommend taking out insurance for the full replacement value of your vehicle, not just the shipping cost.
Marine insurance covers loss or damage during loading, transit, and discharge at Laem Chabang. It does not typically cover mechanical failure, tyre damage, or pre-existing conditions, which is why we carry out a pre-shipment condition check on every vehicle before loading.
UK PORTS WE SHIP FROM TO THAILAND
Ascope Shipping operates from multiple UK ports, giving you flexibility on departure location and sailing frequency.
Hull (our home port): Regular sailings to Thailand. Ideal if you’re based in the North of England, the Midlands, or Scotland.
Southampton: One of the UK’s busiest vehicle export hubs. Excellent for customers in the South of England.
Tilbury (London): Container services to Thailand. Convenient for London and the South East.
WHY CHOOSE ASCOPE SHIPPING FOR CAR SHIPPING TO THAILAND?
Ascope Shipping Ltd is a trusted UK-based vehicle shipping company registered in England.
- Competitive pricing with fully transparent quotes and no hidden port charges
- Over 15 years of proven experience shipping vehicles from the UK to Thailand and worldwide
- Weekly sailings from major UK ports for faster and more reliable delivery schedules
- Trusted support from real shipping specialists who understand the Thailand shipping route inside out
- Complete export handling, including UK customs clearance, documentation, and port delivery assistance
- Strong reputation built on thousands of successfully shipped vehicles and genuine customer reviews
- Safe and secure shipping solutions for cars, 4x4s, vans, trucks, buses, tractors, luxury cars, classic vehicles, and electric vehicles
- Reliable service focused on delivering your vehicle safely, on time, and in excellent condition
- Free, no-obligation quotes with expert guidance throughout the entire shipping process to Thailand and beyond
Ready to Ship Your Car to Thailand?
Getting started takes less than 60 seconds. Fill in our quick quote form, call us on 01482 228366, or drop us an email and one of our Thailand shipping specialists will come back to you the same working day with a clear, no-obligation price. Whether you’re sending a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Ford Transit van, a classic car, or an electric vehicle, Ascope Shipping is the trusted UK car shipping agent that thousands of customers rely on for the Thailand route. Book today and let’s get your vehicle moving.
