Step-by-Step: How To Import A Classic Car Into Thailand

Importing a classic car into Thailand under the 30‑year framework is entirely possible, but it is not a casual paperwork exercise. Each stage—from verifying that the car qualifies, to booking shipping, to clearing Thai customs—must line up cleanly or the vehicle can fall into a different, much more expensive tax category.​

This article walks through the process in practical steps for collectors shipping from the United States and other markets. For an overview of the law itself and a full tax example, read West Coast Shipping’s main guide on Thailand’s 30‑year rule classic car import and shipping costs, then use the tools on the Asia car shipping page to map routes and request quotes.​

Step 1: Confirm That Your Car Qualifies

Before you think about vessels, rates, or Thai workshops, confirm that your vehicle can realistically fit the 30‑year scheme.​

Key questions to answer:

• Does the vehicle type qualify? The program targets passenger cars, station wagons, buses with up to 10 seats, and racing cars; pickups and motorcycles are excluded and must follow different rules.​

• Is the car between 30 and 100 years old? Age is measured from the date of manufacture, not just model year or first registration, so you need evidence of build month and year.​

• Is it complete and fully assembled? Thailand expects complete, fully assembled vehicles with proper documentation or certification, not shell projects or disassembled kits.​

• Does it meet the 2 million baht minimum value? Public summaries note that vehicles must be valued at least 2 million THB, which commentators describe as roughly mid‑five‑figure USD at prevailing exchange rates.​

If your car clearly fails any of these tests, it may be better suited to temporary import for events or to another destination entirely.​

Step 2: Gather Documentation and Proof of Eligibility

Once you are confident the car fits on paper, assemble documentation that Thai customs and excise officials will expect to see.​

Essential documents typically include:

• Proof of ownership: Original title or registration in your name, plus any lien releases.​

• Age verification: Manufacturer build sheet, factory letter, or credible VIN decoding that shows the production date to the month and year.​

• Valuation evidence: An appraisal, auction result, or dealer invoice that supports a value of at least 2 million THB.​

• Bill of sale and payment proof: Purchase contract, receipts, or wire confirmations that match the declared value.​

• Photo set and condition report: High‑quality images and notes showing the car is complete and fully assembled, useful both for customs and for logistics documentation.​

Having this package ready before you request quotes makes it easier for West Coast Shipping and a Thai customs broker to flag any issues early.​

Step 3: Choose a Shipping Method and Departure Port

With eligibility and paperwork taking shape, you can plan how the car will travel from your current location to Thailand.​

Most Thailand‑bound classics from the USA ship by container:

• Shared (consolidated) container: Your car shares a 40‑foot container with other vehicles, spreading costs across multiple shippers while still giving enclosed protection. This is a common choice for many private collectors using West Coast Shipping services.​

• Dedicated container: A 20‑ or 40‑foot container reserved for one owner, often used for very high‑value cars or multi‑car shipments where control and space matter more than per‑car cost.​

West Coast Shipping’s current operations often load Thailand‑bound containers from major US hubs such as California, Florida, and New Jersey. When comparing options, factor in:​

• Distance and cost to move the car to each warehouse

• Sailing frequencies to Laem Chabang 

• Whether you plan to ship additional parts or memorabilia alongside the car

For background on how container, RoRo, and air freight compare across lanes, see WCS’s guide on choosing the right international car shipping method.​

Step 4: Prepare the Car for International Shipping

Proper preparation protects your classic and helps it clear inspections smoothly.​

Standard preparation steps include:

• Deep cleaning: Wash the exterior and underbody thoroughly to remove dirt, mud, and plant material that can trigger agricultural or quarantine concerns.​

• Remove personal items: Most carriers and customs regimes do not allow loose personal belongings inside the car; remove them or be prepared to declare them separately.

• Mechanical check and fluid management: Resolve active leaks, check brakes and steering, and reduce fuel to the level specified by the shipping line (usually a low, safe amount).​

• Document the condition: Take detailed photos of every panel, interior, engine bay, and any existing imperfections; these images become the reference point if issues arise during transit.​

West Coast Shipping’s article on preparing your vehicle for international shipping offers a detailed checklist that applies well to Thailand‑bound classics.​

Step 5: Deliver to the Export Warehouse and Load the Container

Once your car is ready, it needs to reach the export warehouse for intake and loading.​

The sequence usually looks like this:

• Domestic transport to the WCS facility: Arrange open or enclosed transport from your home or storage location to West Coast Shipping’s warehouse in California, Florida, or New Jersey.​

• Warehouse intake and inspection: The team verifies the VIN, checks basic condition, and confirms that the car matches your documentation and photos.​

• Container loading and securing: Trained loaders place the vehicle into the container using ramps, wheel chocks, soft straps, and bracing, with multi‑car racks used when consolidating several vehicles.​

• Photo and document record: Loading positions, tie‑downs, and the container seal are typically documented for your records and for customs.​

At the same time, export documentation—such as the bill of lading and any required export filings—is prepared so the car can legally leave the US.​

Step 6: Book Ocean Freight to Laem Chabang and Track the Transit

With the container sealed, the focus shifts to the ocean leg.​

Key points for Thailand routes:

• Port of arrival: Most classic car shipments go to Laem Chabang, Thailand’s main deep‑water container port serving the Bangkok region.​

• Transit time expectations: West Coast Shipping uses internal planning benchmarks—based on recent sailings—to estimate days at sea from each US coast, typically in the four‑ to eight‑week range for Asia; actual timing depends on service, routing, and seasonal factors.​

• Tracking: Once the vessel departs, WCS can share sailing details and updates so you can follow the container’s progress toward Thailand.​

If you are balancing the Thailand shipment against other Asian options, the Asia shipping overview shows how routes and timelines compare across major ports.​

Step 7: Coordinate Thai Customs Clearance Under the 30-Year Scheme

As the ship nears Laem Chabang, your Thai customs broker begins preparing entries and booking inspection slots.​

The clearance process in broad strokes:

• Customs entry and excise classification: The broker files an entry referencing the vintage car scheme, attaches your documentation (title, age proof, valuation, etc.), and requests classification under the 30‑year provisions.​

• Physical inspection: Customs and excise officials may examine the car to confirm its age, completeness, and alignment with declared value and type.​

• Tax assessment: Officials apply the 45% excise rate where the car meets all criteria, then determine applicable import duty and VAT based on Thai rules, HS code, and origin. The exact bases for each tax and the order in which they are calculated are set by Thai regulations and applied at clearance, rather than following a one‑size‑fits‑all formula.​

In straightforward cases without holds, additional exams, or valuation questions—and where paperwork is complete—commentators suggest that clearance can sometimes be completed within a window of several working days, although extra inspections or documentation gaps can extend that timeline.​

Step 8: Pay Duties, Fees, and Port Charges

After assessment, the broker will present you with a breakdown of Thai taxes and local port fees.​

Typical payments include:

• Excise tax at the 45% vintage‑scheme rate, applied using the assessment base defined by Thai excise rules.​

• Import duty, which depends on HS classification and origin rather than a fixed vintage‑program percentage; public commentary often uses figures around 80% for standard passenger‑car imports as modeling examples, but the actual rate for your car must be confirmed with a Thai customs broker and may differ significantly based on classification and trade arrangements.​

• VAT at the prevailing Thai rate (currently 7%), calculated on the tax base defined in local regulations, which incorporates dutiable value and assessed taxes.​

• Port and terminal charges: Handling, storage beyond any free period, and administrative fees at Laem Chabang.​

Because these components can be significant, many collectors walk through a modeled example using the numbers in WCS’s Thailand 30‑year rule import and cost guide before committing to purchase and shipping.​

Step 9: Register the Car and Secure Legal Road Use

Clearing customs is not the final step; the car still needs Thai registration before it can be driven under the weekend‑use rules.​

Registration usually involves:

• Technical inspection: Verification of VIN, condition, and conformity with the vintage category.​

• Documentation submission: Customs clearance documents, tax receipts, identity documents, and local address details are submitted to the Department of Land Transport (DLT).​

• Category‑specific plates and papers: After registration through DLT, you receive plates linked to the 30‑year program—often described in commentary as special black plates—with use restricted primarily to weekends and public holidays, and weekday driving requiring specific approvals for events.​

At this point, the car is legally in Thailand under the 30‑year framework and can be used within the defined limits.

Step 10: Plan Storage, Maintenance, and Long-Term Strategy

Finally, think about how the car will be used and cared for over the long term.​

Important considerations:

• Storage: Secure, covered storage helps protect against humidity and heat, especially if the car will be driven only on weekends.

• Local specialists: Thailand’s growing classic‑car scene includes workshops that focus on European and American classics; working with shops experienced in imported vehicles simplifies maintenance and improvements.​

• Future moves: If you may eventually re‑export the car, keep all Thai documentation and receipts organized, as they will be needed for outbound customs and for any future buyer.​

A clear plan for storage and servicing makes the significant investment of Thai taxes and shipping more sustainable over time.

Get a Step-By-Step Thailand Shipping Quote

From the first eligibility check to the moment your classic rolls off the transporter in Thailand, West Coast Shipping and its partners can shoulder much of the logistical complexity.​