Thailand
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi is Thailand's main air cargo gateway, with a free zone next to the terminals.
Services in Bangkok
- Air freight in BangkokAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in BangkokFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in BangkokImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Bangkok
- AirportSuvarnabhumi
BKK - AirportDon Mueang
DMK - SeaportBangkok Port and Laem Chabang
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), east of central Bangkok in Samut Prakan, is Thailand's main air cargo gateway. Its cargo terminals are run by Thai Airways and Bangkok Flight Services, and a customs free zone adjoins the terminals. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in the north of the city is mainly used by low-cost passenger airlines and carries limited cargo. For sea freight, Bangkok Port at Khlong Toei on the Chao Phraya River serves smaller vessels close to the city, while most container volume uses Laem Chabang, Thailand's largest container port, on the Eastern Seaboard.
Motorway 7 runs from Bangkok to Laem Chabang and Pattaya, and the Bang Na Expressway links the city with Suvarnabhumi and Chonburi. The Kanchanaphisek outer ring road connects industrial areas around the capital. The Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot, close to Suvarnabhumi, is linked to Laem Chabang by rail. Container barges on the Chao Phraya are another option. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Bangkok and the surrounding provinces.
Industries in Bangkok and how we support them
Greater Bangkok combines automotive parts plants in Samut Prakan, electronics and electrical assembly, food and seafood processing in Samut Sakhon, and a large consumer goods market. Industrial estates such as Bang Phli, Lat Krabang and Bangchan sit within reach of both BKK and Laem Chabang. Ziem Logistics flies cargo out of BKK on our own air waybills, uses Next Flight Out when a production line waits for a part and sends On-Board Couriers for hand-carried items. Sea freight via Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port is combined with customs clearance by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Bangkok
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) cargo terminals | General cargo, perishables, electronics, dangerous goods | Thailand's main air cargo hub with a free zone next to the terminals |
| Laem Chabang Port | FCL and LCL worldwide | Thailand's largest container port, connected to Bangkok by Motorway 7 and rail |
| Bangkok Port (Khlong Toei) | Containers on smaller vessels | Port inside the city, close to consignees in central Bangkok |
| Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot | Container handling and rail link to Laem Chabang | Container depot next to the industrial estates east of Bangkok |
| Samut Prakan industrial estates | Automotive parts, electronics, consumer goods | Short first and last mile to BKK |
Customs clearance in Thailand
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Thailand is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Thailand we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Thailand need a 13-digit tax ID registered for customs (paperless) use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you use Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang for cargo from Bangkok?
We use Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for almost all international air freight, because the airlines and cargo terminals are concentrated there. Don Mueang (DMK) carries limited cargo and is mainly relevant for some regional or domestic routings. We confirm the airport with every booking.
Can you fly an urgent automotive part out of Bangkok on the first available flight?
Yes. With Next Flight Out we book the first suitable flight from BKK on our own air waybill and prepare the export data in advance. If the part must not leave a person's hands, an On-Board Courier carries it from the plant to the consignee's door.
Can you handle perishables or temperature-sensitive goods through BKK?
Yes. Suvarnabhumi has cold storage facilities in its cargo terminals, and we book airlines and handling to suit the product. Food and pharmaceutical shipments need the right permits and certificates, which we check before booking.
Who clears customs for imports into Bangkok?
Clearance with the Thai Customs Department is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. Declarations are filed electronically in the e-Customs system. You deal only with Ziem Logistics, from booking to release.
What does a Bangkok importer need before the first shipment?
The importer needs a 13-digit tax ID registered for paperless customs use. Many goods also need approvals from other agencies, for example the Thai FDA for food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices, TISI for some industrial products or NBTC for radio equipment. We check this during tariff classification.
Can goods be stored in the Suvarnabhumi free zone before clearance?
Yes, the free zone next to the cargo terminals allows storage, consolidation and distribution before import duties apply. Whether it suits your flow depends on the goods and your customers in Thailand and abroad. We review this with you.