ID&T - specialists in importing from and exporting to Thailand.

Thailand import/export help and advice

Thailand's business profile

Population 66 million (2009) labour force of 38.24 million.

Main export commodities: Textiles, Footwear, Fishery products, rice, rubber, jewellery, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances.

Main import commodities: Capital goods, raw materials, consumer goods and fuels.

Economy: Strong with free enterprise. With the economy being mainly driven by exports, Thailand has seen a slow down during the economic crisis.

There are many business opportunities in Thailand. The elite use English as a second language, so communication is fairly easy.

Thailand's main ports: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai.

Thailand's main airports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong.

There are many government bodies that will help you to trade with Thailand:

• UK Trade & Investment
• H.M. Revenue & Customs
• Business Link
• Department for Business Innovation & Skills

If you are exporting we suggest that you sell on an FOB (Free on Board) basis also if importing buy on a FOB basis. On export this helps turn around funds quicker as your responsibility ends once cargo is loaded onto ship or aeroplane, you have completed your contract and you are not responsible for any delays.

On imports buying FOB is again the preferred term of shipment. In this way you have control on your shipping costs fully as these will be agreed in the UK with a UK company. You also have control over the lead time of your goods. Cargo will arrive when you want it to arrive and not just when it suits your supplier to send out. You have authorise payment through your bank one cargo is despatched to ensure that you have required paperwork to receive, custom clear and take delivery of cargo.