Thailand
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Eastern Seaboard
The Eastern Seaboard (Chonburi and Rayong) around Laem Chabang is the centre of Thailand's car industry.
Services in Eastern Seaboard
- Air freight in Eastern SeaboardAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in Eastern SeaboardFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in Eastern SeaboardImport 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 Eastern Seaboard
- AirportSuvarnabhumi
BKK - AirportU-Tapao
UTP - SeaportLaem Chabang
The Eastern Seaboard in Chonburi and Rayong is served by Laem Chabang Port, Thailand's largest container port, and by Map Ta Phut Port, which handles petrochemical and industrial cargo in Rayong. For air freight, most shipments use Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is reached via Motorway 7. U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) near Rayong is being developed as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, but today it carries limited international cargo. This combination puts Laem Chabang at the centre of Eastern Seaboard sea freight, with BKK as the air gateway.
Motorway 7 connects Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi with Laem Chabang, Pattaya and the Rayong area, and highways run on to Map Ta Phut and the industrial estates inland. A rail line links Laem Chabang with the Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot near Bangkok. Within the Eastern Economic Corridor, roads connect the estates of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao. We arrange pick-up and delivery across the Eastern Seaboard.
Industries in Eastern Seaboard and how we support them
The Eastern Seaboard is the core of Thailand's car industry, with vehicle plants and tier suppliers in industrial estates such as Amata City Chonburi, WHA Eastern Seaboard and Eastern Seaboard Rayong. Map Ta Phut is the country's main petrochemical cluster, and electronics and electric vehicle projects are growing across the Eastern Economic Corridor. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with FCL and LCL sea freight via Laem Chabang, air freight from BKK on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out when an assembly line is waiting for parts and On-Board Couriers for critical tools or prototypes. Customs clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Eastern Seaboard
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Laem Chabang Port | FCL and LCL, automotive parts, CKD and finished vehicles | Thailand's largest container port, next to the automotive estates |
| Map Ta Phut Port and industrial estate | Petrochemicals, chemicals, project cargo | Port inside the country's main petrochemical cluster |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), via Motorway 7 | Air freight for the Eastern Seaboard | Main international airport, reachable by motorway |
| Industrial estates in Chonburi and Rayong | Car makers, tier suppliers, electronics, EV projects | Short trucking runs to Laem Chabang |
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
Which airport do you use for urgent parts for plants in Chonburi or Rayong, BKK or U-Tapao?
We normally fly through Suvarnabhumi (BKK) on our own air waybill and deliver by truck via Motorway 7. U-Tapao (UTP) has limited cargo flights today, so we only use it when a suitable service exists. We confirm the routing with every booking.
Can you handle line-down shipments for automotive plants on the Eastern Seaboard?
Yes. With Next Flight Out we book the first suitable flight into BKK and pre-lodge the import data, so the part can be cleared and trucked to the plant without delay. For critical items an On-Board Courier carries the part to the plant gate.
Can you ship chemical samples or dangerous goods from Map Ta Phut by air?
Yes, when the goods are classified, packed, marked and documented to IATA dangerous goods rules. We review the safety data sheet before booking and select airlines that accept the class. Some chemicals also need Thai export permits.
Can customs be cleared directly for containers arriving at Laem Chabang?
Yes. A partner team in the Ziem network clears the goods with the Thai Customs Department at Laem Chabang, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. After release, we deliver the container to your plant on the Eastern Seaboard.
Can you clear goods for companies with BOI privileges or free zone status?
Yes. Many plants in the Eastern Economic Corridor have Board of Investment privileges or operate in free zones, which affect duties on machinery and materials. The declaration must reflect this status, so we need the details on file before the first shipment.
What causes customs delays for automotive parts at Laem Chabang?
Most delays come from incomplete or inconsistent documents, unclear tariff codes or missing permits. We check the invoice, packing list and classification before the vessel arrives, so the declaration can be filed as soon as the data is complete.