How to export to Thailand?

Market Characteristics

💡 In simple terms: It's a manufacturing powerhouse known as the "Detroit of Southeast Asia." With the rising popularity of the Korean Wave, demand for K-beauty and K-food is skyrocketing! 📌 Key Features: • Population/consumption concentrated in the Bangkok metropolitan area • Increased premium demand due to the expansion of the middle class • High preference for Japanese products, but Korean products are on the rise • Development of convenience store channels like 7-Eleven 🛒 Distribution Channels: • Modern retail: Big C, Tesco Lotus, Central • Convenience stores: 7-Eleven (over 13,000 locations) • E-commerce: Rapid growth of Lazada and Shopee

Key Regulations

📋 Key Regulations for Exporting to Thailand: 【FDA Thailand (Food/Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics)】 • Registration required for all food and cosmetics sales • Registration period: 2 to 6 months • Local importers can act as agents 【TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute)】 • TIS certification required for electrical products, construction materials, etc. • Mandatory/voluntary certification distinguished by product category 【Labeling Requirements】 • Thai language label required • Information on ingredients, manufacturing date, expiration date, and importer details 【Halal Certification】 • Approximately 5% Muslim population • Not mandatory, but necessary for entering southern regions/Islamic channels 💡 Tip: It is recommended to proceed with FDA registration in Thailand through a local partner!

Business Culture

🤝 Thai Business Culture: 【Characteristics】 • 'Sabai Sabai' culture - a relaxed atmosphere • High importance placed on face • Avoidance of direct refusals, use of indirect expressions • Important to express respect for the monarchy and Buddhism 【Meeting Etiquette】 • Familiarity with the Wai (traditional greeting) • Focus on relationship building during the first meeting • No touching of the head, no pointing with feet (cultural taboos) • Gift-giving culture exists (keep it modest) 【Negotiation Style】 • Relaxed decision-making (no rushing) • Business proceeds after relationship building • Price negotiation is common • Emphasis on written contracts is recommended ⚠️ Caution: Political statements and criticism of the monarchy are strictly prohibited!

Buyer Discovery Methods

🎯 Thailand Buyer Discovery Strategy: 【Utilizing KOTRA】 📞 KOTRA Bangkok Trade Center: +66-2-261-5920 • Buyer discovery support • Export consultation meetings (more than 10 times a year) • Local market research 【Exhibition Participation】 • THAIFEX (Food): May, Asia's largest food exhibition • Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN (Beauty): September • STYLE Bangkok (Fashion/Lifestyle): Twice a year • Manufacturing Expo (Manufacturing): June 【Online Channels】 • Entry into Lazada Thailand • Entry into Shopee Thailand • Utilizing LINE official account (Thailand's major messenger) 【Local Network】 • Korean distribution companies entering Thailand: CJ, E-Mart, etc. • Korean Chamber of Commerce • Thai Importers Association

Business Culture

Buyer Types

Logistics Information

Payment Method

FTA/Trade Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions