Thailand Post tracking

What is Thailand Post?

Thailand Post, also known as the Royal Thai Post Office, is the national postal operator of the Kingdom of Thailand. Founded on August 4, 1883 during the reign of King Rama V, this historic institution is among the oldest postal administrations in Southeast Asia. In its early days, it combined postal and telegraph services, which were officially merged in 1898 to form a single entity responsible for the country's communications. This long history testifies to the strategic importance of postal services in Thailand's economic and social development.

The institutional evolution of Thailand Post reflects the administrative transformations of the country over the decades. In 1977, its functions were integrated into the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT), a state-owned enterprise responsible for all Thai telecommunications. This consolidation period enabled the postal operator to benefit from synergies with the rapidly expanding telecommunications sector. In 2003, the Thai government underwent a major reorganization by splitting CAT into two separate entities, giving rise to Thailand Post Company Limited as an autonomous public postal operator, placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Today, Thailand Post is a public enterprise whose headquarters is located in the Lak Si district of Bangkok. The company is led by a board of directors and various specialized committees, including those for audit, marketing and communications. Under the leadership of its President and Chief Executive Officer Danan Suphatthaphan, the operator employs tens of thousands of employees throughout the country, making it one of the largest public employers in the postal and logistics sector in Thailand. Its main mission is to ensure universal postal service, guaranteeing accessible and reliable services to all inhabitants of the national territory.

• Date of creation: August 4, 1883, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
• Legal status: Autonomous public enterprise since 2003, former subsidiary of CAT
• Headquarters: 111 Changwattana Road, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
• Ministry supervision: Ministry of Digital Economy and Society
• Infrastructure: 19 logistics centers, over 1,300 traditional post offices and approximately 3,300 licensed offices
• International affiliation: Member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Thailand Post occupies a strategic position in the global postal ecosystem. The Asia-Pacific regional office of the Universal Postal Union is in fact located in Bangkok, in a training center of Thailand Post, highlighting the importance of Thailand in the international postal network. The operator benefits from bilateral partnerships with many foreign postal administrations, guaranteeing reliable exchanges to more than 190 countries. This international dimension, combined with exhaustive national coverage, makes Thailand Post an essential player in Southeast Asian logistics.

In which countries does Thailand Post deliver?

Thailand Post ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, both within the national territory and on the international scale. In Thailand, the operator serves all provinces, from major metropolises such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket to the most remote villages in mountainous regions of the north or southern islands. This exhaustive national coverage is based on a dense network of post offices and service points allowing every Thai citizen to access postal services.

Internationally, Thailand Post offers its services to 256 destinations around the world, making it one of the most comprehensive postal operators in Asia in terms of geographic coverage. The International Parcel service alone covers 225 destination countries, while the EMS World service serves 95 countries with 106 specific destinations. This global presence is made possible through Thailand Post's membership in the Universal Postal Union and its numerous bilateral agreements with national postal operators in each destination country.

• Thailand: Full coverage of all 77 provinces, including urban and rural areas, with distribution six days a week
• Asia-Pacific: All ASEAN region countries, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands
• Europe: All European Union countries and neighboring countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway
• North America: United States and Canada with different delivery time and pricing options
• Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and other countries of the continent
• Africa: More than 40 African countries including Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria
• Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey and other countries in the region

Thailand Post's logistics partnerships with foreign postal operators guarantee a smooth distribution chain to the final recipient. Thus, a parcel sent to the United States will be handled by USPS for final distribution, to the United Kingdom by Royal Mail, to Germany by Deutsche Post, or to France by La Poste. These international collaborations enable Thailand Post to offer cross-border tracking services and continuous traceability of shipments until delivery.

It should be noted that certain geographic restrictions may apply depending on the services chosen. The EMS World service, for example, is limited to 95 countries, while the EMS One Price service covers 33 specific destinations including Japan, China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and several European countries. For more distant or less served destinations, the International Parcel service by surface mail constitutes an economical alternative with longer delivery times.

What are Thailand Post's services and delivery times?

Thailand Post offers a complete range of postal services adapted to the varied needs of individuals and businesses. The offering is divided into national services for shipments within Thailand and international services for shipments abroad. Each service category meets specific requirements in terms of speed, tracking and budget, allowing each shipper to find the solution best suited to their needs.

At the national level, Thailand Post is distinguished by its particularly efficient express services. The domestic EMS service ensures the delivery of documents, objects and parcels up to 20 kg throughout Thailand. For shipments between Bangkok and neighboring provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan), parcels are delivered between 12:00 and 4:30 PM the next day. For shipments from Bangkok to other regions or vice versa, delivery occurs before 4:30 PM the following day. Shipments within the same region are also delivered the next day, while shipments between different regions take two to three days.

• EMS Superspeed: Guaranteed express service in one day to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Phuket destinations, in partnership with Thai AirAsia, with mandatory deposit before 10:30 AM
• National EMS standard: Next-day delivery for Bangkok and surrounding areas, 1 to 3 days for other regions, maximum weight 20 kg
• Same-day delivery: Available only in Bangkok and its surrounding area, deposit before 11:00 AM for delivery before 6:00 PM
• National regular mail: Average delay of 2 to 3 days, longer for isolated rural areas
• National LogisPost: Service for large and heavy parcels, suitable for large shipments such as televisions, refrigerators or motorcycles

For international shipments, Thailand Post offers several service levels responding to different time and budget imperatives. The EMS World service is the preferred express option, with delivery times of 3 to 5 business days to major destinations such as France, Germany or the United Kingdom. This premium service includes real-time tracking 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the Track and Trace application or the Thailand Post website. Shipping costs are calculated only on the actual weight of the parcel, without fuel surcharge or volumetric weight tax.

• EMS World: International express service by air, delivery time of 3 to 5 days to Europe and North America, coverage of 95 countries, maximum weight 30 kg
• EMS One Price: Flat-rate service for e-commerce, delivery time of 7 to 10 days, available to 33 destinations
• Courier Post: International express courier service for documents and goods up to 200 kg, delivery time of 2 to 4 days, customs clearance included
• International Parcel (air): Standard airmail service, delivery time of 5 to 25 days depending on destination, covers 225 countries
• International Parcel (surface): Economical maritime service, delivery time of 50 to 90 days, ideal for non-urgent shipments
• International registered mail: Delivery time of 10 to 14 days by air, limited tracking, most economical option for small shipments
• ePacket: Service dedicated to cross-border e-commerce, suitable for small light parcels
• LogisPost World: Service for large parcels of 20 to 200 kg by air freight

Weekend delivery is generally provided by Thailand Post for EMS express shipments. Many recipients receive their parcels on Saturday and during certain public holidays, although standard distribution is scheduled during the week. This flexibility is a significant advantage for recipients who work during the week and prefer to receive their parcels on weekends.

What are Thailand Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Thailand Post's rates vary according to several criteria: the weight of the parcel, its destination, the type of service chosen and the optional services selected. The Thai postal operator is distinguished by a transparent pricing policy, with no hidden fees or fuel surcharges for most of its services. Rates are calculated only on the actual gross weight of the parcel, without application of the volumetric weight tax that often increases costs at private carriers.

For international shipments via EMS World to Europe, the starting rate is approximately 1,550 baht (approximately 40 euros) for the first kilograms, with progression based on weight. International registered mail is the most economical option, with a starting rate of approximately 1,020 baht (approximately 26 euros). For maritime shipments, rates are significantly more favorable: expect between 970 baht for a 2 kg parcel and 3,130 baht for a 20 kg parcel to Europe, with a delivery time of approximately two months.

• EMS World: From 1,550 baht (approximately 40 euros) to Europe, pricing based on actual weight without fuel surcharge
• International registered mail: From 1,020 baht (approximately 26 euros), most economical option by air
• International Parcel by surface: From 970 to 3,130 baht depending on weight, delivery time of approximately 2 months
• Courier Post: Premium pricing for express service with customs clearance included
• National regular mail: From 13 baht for simple shipments, 20 baht for standard parcels

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight, Thailand Post applies different limits depending on the services. For standard international parcels, the maximum authorized weight is 30 kg, with a maximum length of 1,500 mm per side. The sum of the length of the longest side and the perimeter of the cross-section must not exceed 3,000 mm. Minimum dimensions are set at 90 x 140 mm with a tolerance of 2 mm.

• Standard international parcel: Maximum weight 30 kg, maximum length 1,500 mm per side, total maximum perimeter 3,000 mm
• Airmail: Maximum weight 2 kg, maximum dimensions 110 x 220 mm
• LogisPost World: Weight of 20 to 200 kg, maximum dimensions 150 x 200 x 150 cm (width x length x height)
• National EMS: Maximum weight 20 kg per shipment
• Minimum dimensions: 90 x 140 mm for all shipments, minimum length 1.4 times the width for letters

Certain types of goods are subject to specific restrictions or are completely prohibited. In accordance with Thai postal law (Postal Act B.E. 2477), prohibited items include insufficiently protected sharp objects, explosives, dirty or toxic objects, living creatures and any object likely to damage postal shipments or injure agents. Also prohibited are banknotes, coins, gold bars, unidentified precious stones, weapons, drugs, pornographic content, high-powered batteries and flammable objects.

For valuable shipments via the EMS service, precious objects such as gold, silver, jewelry, traveler's checks and other negotiable instruments are prohibited unless insurance is purchased. Electronic devices containing batteries are accepted up to two devices per parcel, provided they are switched off and packed separately. Standalone batteries such as power banks or wireless chargers are strictly prohibited for air transport.

What are Thailand Post's delivery options?

Thailand Post offers several delivery options allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and constraints. Home delivery is the standard option for the majority of shipments. The postal worker or delivery person presents directly at the address indicated by the sender to hand over the parcel to the recipient or to any person authorized to receive it. In the event of absence, a notice of delivery is left inviting the recipient to pick up their parcel at the nearest post office.

Post office pickup represents a practical alternative for recipients who prefer to collect their parcels at their convenience. With over 1,300 traditional post offices and approximately 3,300 licensed offices throughout the country, Thailand Post offers dense territorial coverage allowing each user to find a pickup point nearby. Post offices generally offer extended opening hours, facilitating parcel pickup outside working hours.

• Home delivery: Standard option with direct delivery to the recipient or to an authorized third party
• Post office pickup: Available at over 4,600 service points throughout Thailand
• On-Demand Delivery (ODD): Service available with Courier Post allowing customization of delivery options (time, location)
• Express door-to-door delivery: Premium service including home pickup and direct delivery to the recipient
• Home collection service: Thailand Post offers a parcel pickup service directly at the sender's location

For international shipments via the Courier Post service, Thailand Post offers the On-Demand Delivery (ODD) option which allows the recipient to customize delivery conditions. This feature authorizes the choice of time and place of delivery according to the recipient's preferences, offering appreciated flexibility for valuable or urgent parcels. This premium service also includes simplified customs clearance in the country of origin and destination.

As for automated lockers and parcel points, Thailand Post does not have a proprietary locker network comparable to those developed by certain private carriers. However, partnerships exist with third-party operators such as Skybox, which offers parcel deposit and pickup points at Bangkok Skytrain stations. This service allows users to deposit, collect and return parcels at these points accessible during their daily trips, offering a practical alternative to traditional delivery.

Thailand Post's notification system allows recipients to track the progress of their parcels in real time. Via the Track and Trace mobile application available on iOS and Android, or directly on the Thailand Post website at thailandpost.co.th, users receive alerts at each key step: collection, sorting center passage, delivery preparation and actual delivery. This complete traceability reassures both senders and recipients on the proper handling of their shipments.

What should I do if my Thailand Post parcel is lost or damaged?

In the event of a lost or damaged parcel, Thailand Post has a complaint procedure allowing senders to obtain compensation. It is important to note that only the sender can file a complaint, as it is the sender who contracted with the postal service. The recipient who discovers a problem must therefore contact the sender so that the latter can initiate the necessary steps with Thailand Post.

To file a complaint, the sender has several channels available. The online form accessible at thailandpost.co.th/un/form/complaints allows submission of an investigation request for parcels not received but showing successful delivery status. It is also possible to go directly to the post office where the shipment was deposited to file a complaint in person. The THP Contact Center 1545 call center offers telephone assistance to guide senders through their procedures.

• Complaint deadline: Contact Thailand Post as soon as the problem is discovered, within the deadlines provided by the service used
• Required documents: Tracking number, proof of shipment (postal receipt), detailed description of contents and their value, photos in case of damage
• Online complaint channel: Form available at thailandpost.co.th/un/form/complaints
• Post office complaint: Go to the deposit post office with supporting documents
• Telephone assistance: THP Contact Center 1545 or +66 2 831 3600

Compensation amounts vary depending on the type of service used and the declared value of the contents. For standard international parcels, compensation is calculated on the actual value of the contents, limited to 1,840 baht per parcel and 207 baht per kilogram, excluding postage fees. For the Courier Post service, standard coverage is 5,000 baht for documents and 10,000 baht for goods, in case of loss or damage attributable to Thailand Post.

• International Parcel: Maximum compensation of 1,840 baht per parcel + 207 baht per kg, based on actual value
• Standard Courier Post: Coverage of 5,000 baht for documents, 10,000 baht for goods
• Additional insurance: Option available up to 1,000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per shipment
• Compensation calculation: Based on market value at the time and place of shipment, within the limits of the ceilings

For valuable shipments, Thailand Post offers additional insurance service allowing increased coverage up to 1,000 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per shipment. The SDR is a unit of account of the International Monetary Fund whose exchange rate with the Thai baht is determined by the Bank of Thailand and may vary each year. This insurance is particularly recommended for shipments containing valuable objects, electronic equipment or fragile goods.

In the event of partial damage or partial loss occurring under the responsibility of Thailand Post, the sender is entitled to compensation calculated according to the market value of the lost or damaged items at the time and place of shipment. However, this compensation may not exceed the maximum ceilings announced by Thailand Post. Postage fees and any special fees are not included in the compensation calculation.

Does Thailand Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Thailand Post ensures comprehensive management of international shipments, including assistance with customs formalities. As a member of the Universal Postal Union, the Thai postal operator benefits from international agreements facilitating the transit of parcels across borders. For senders, Thailand Post offers different customs clearance options depending on the service chosen and the value of the goods shipped.

The customs process for parcels entering Thailand takes place according to several categories defined by Thai customs. Documents are neither subject to duties nor taxes, but are subject to systematic radiographic inspection. Non-documentary and non-restricted shipments with a value of less than 1,500 baht (approximately 40 euros) were historically exempt from duties and taxes, but this exemption is being progressively eliminated.

• Category 1 (Documents): Exempt from duties and taxes, subject to radiographic inspection
• Category 2 (Value less than 1,500 THB): Exempt from duties but subject to VAT since July 2024
• Category 3 (Value of 1,001 to 40,000 THB): Subject to duties and taxes, customs inspection
• Category 4 (Value over 40,000 THB): Subject to duties, taxes, terminal and storage fees

A major regulatory change occurred in 2024 with the introduction of VAT on all imports, regardless of value. As of January 1, 2026, the de minimis exemption will be completely eliminated: customs duties will be collected by Thailand Post from the recipient from the first euro of declared value. This development aligns Thailand with the practices of many countries that have strengthened their taxation on e-commerce imports.

To facilitate payment of duties and taxes, Thailand Post offers an online payment service. Recipients can settle their customs fees without visiting a post office by scanning a QR code on the Thailand Post website. The parcel is then delivered the day after payment. This service is reserved for shipments with a total value not exceeding 40,000 baht and whose tracking number starts with E, C, R, L or U.

• Required documents: Commercial invoice mandatory with detailed description of each item, packing list, air transport letter or bill of lading
• Prohibited descriptions: Generic terms such as "gift", "sample" or "toy" are not accepted
• Special licenses: Required for certain products such as food, pharmaceutical products or dangerous substances
• VAT rate: 7% applied to CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) plus import duties
• Customs duties: Generally vary between 0% and 80% depending on products, with an average of 21%

For shipments with a value exceeding 40,000 baht, the procedure is more complex. The recipient must submit the import declaration electronically to Thai customs using the service counter of Thailand Post offices. After payment of duties, the recipient contacts the warehouse for release of goods. The customs officer then inspects the items and records their clearance in the computer system before the recipient can retrieve their parcel.

Thailand Post's Courier Post service includes simplified customs clearance (one-stop customs clearance) in the country of origin and destination. This premium service handles all administrative formalities, considerably simplifying the process for professional shippers and valuable shipments. Recipients also benefit from the On-Demand Delivery option allowing customization of delivery arrangements once customs clearance is completed.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Thailand Post parcel online, different statuses may appear. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: