Exporting guide to

Thailand

Overview

As the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a strong consumer base with large, urban, middle-class population. With its well-established trade relationship with the UK, cultural goodwill and central location, Thailand is a promising export market for British businesses.

Trade statistics

£2.6 billion total UK exports to Thailand for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

46th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

0.3% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

An established market for goods imported from the UK

There are over 5,000 British VAT-registered businesses exporting to Thailand, with more SMEs entering the market. As a result, British products and services are recognised across the country and are widely associated with a high standard of quality.

Advantageous geographical location

Thailand notably serves as a gateway to ASEAN and exporting to Thailand also opens up access to countless business opportunities across the region. Its geographical position makes Thailand a great hub for UK companies aiming to export to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and southern China as well.

An established trade relationship between the UK and Thailand

UK and Thailand set-up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in 2021.This bilateral trade committee addresses trade barriers, while actively promoting business and trade activity between the UK and Thailand – with support for agriculture, food and drink, and financial services sectors.

Top five UK goods exported to Thailand, in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

Goods Value (£million)
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 251.7
Miscellaneous electrical goods (capital) 220.4
Cars 196.1
Unspecified goods 162.1
Metal ores & scrap 106.5

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: July 2023
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Thailand.

Top five UK services exported to Thailand, in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

Service Value (£million)
Other Business Services 229.0
Travel 196.0
Financial 102.0
Insurance and Pension 67.0
Transportation 59.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Thailand.

Thailand: at a glance

Economic growth

1.6%

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is 7.6% (IMF, 2021, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$7,227

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is $46,422 (IMF, 2021, projected figure)

Currency

Thai baht

Business languages

Thai

You may need a translator

Time zone

GMT + 7

Want to see more on Thailand? Sign up for additional market data, content specific to your product or sector and to compare Thailand side by side with other markets.

Check for trade barriers

Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.

See current trade barriers

See resolved trade barriers

Check duties and customs

Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.

See current duties and customs procedures

Doing business in Thailand

Operating in Thailand

Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.

The Intellectual Property Office provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support for British businesses can be found through a network of IP attachés, based in key UK export markets.

View guidance on IP in Thailand on GOV.UK.

Next steps

Contact us

Get ready to do business abroad

Step-by-step lessons to accelerate your exporting ability.

Read more
Contact us

Contact an international trade advisor

Get in touch with your local trade office for advice from an international trade adviser.

Contact us

Tell us about your experience today and help us improve the website.

Give feedback

No thanks