Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about moving, shipping, storage, and customs clearance — answered by our team.
For local moves within Bangkok, Pattaya, or Rayong, we recommend booking at least 3–5 business days in advance. For long-distance interprovincial moves, 1–2 weeks notice is ideal to secure your preferred date. For international moves, allow at least 4–6 weeks so that packing, documentation, and freight bookings can all be arranged without rushing. During peak seasons (January, March, and July–August), demand is higher and earlier booking is strongly advised.
We are unable to transport hazardous materials including compressed gas cylinders, flammable liquids (petrol, paint, solvent), explosive materials, live ammunition, and certain chemicals. For safety reasons we also decline to move live animals (we can recommend pet transport specialists), illegal items, and perishable food that cannot withstand the journey temperature. For items that are borderline, please contact us and we'll advise whether they can be transported and under what conditions.
Yes — the majority of our Bangkok moves involve condominium buildings, and we are very experienced with this. Our team coordinates directly with building management to reserve freight elevator time slots, organise truck parking in the loading bay, and ensure compliance with the building's moving hours (most Bangkok condominiums restrict moves to weekdays 8:00–17:00 or weekends by appointment). We recommend providing your building's management contact details when booking so we can handle all coordination on your behalf.
All moves include basic carrier liability coverage at no extra charge. For higher-value shipments, we offer optional comprehensive moving insurance that covers the full replacement value of your items in the event of loss or damage — not just depreciated value. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for international moves and for any move involving antiques, fine art, electronics, or jewellery. Insurance premiums are typically 1.5–2.5% of the declared shipment value. Our team can provide a quote at booking.
Yes. We have a specialist piano and large instrument moving team equipped with piano dollies, stair-climbing equipment, and appropriate padding and securing straps. We handle upright pianos, grand pianos, digital pianos, and large electronic keyboards. For grand pianos, a pre-move survey is required to assess access at both origin and destination, as some staircases and doorways require special rigging techniques. Please inform us of any pianos or specialist instruments at the time of booking so we can allocate the correct team and equipment.
In the unlikely event that an item is damaged during a move managed by ThaiGo Moving, you should report it to your move coordinator within 48 hours of delivery. Our team will inspect the damage and, if covered under the selected insurance policy, process a claim through our insurer. Claims are typically resolved within 30 business days. For customers who opt for comprehensive insurance, the replacement value is paid; for basic carrier liability, compensation is calculated per the carrier liability formula. Documenting your belongings with photos before packing helps expedite any claim.
If you book our packing service (full or partial), all materials are included in the price — boxes in multiple sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, stretch wrap for furniture, wardrobe boxes, and mattress bags. If you choose to pack yourself, we can sell you a packing materials kit at a discounted rate. We do not require customers to use specific branded boxes; commercially available boxes from office supply stores or supermarkets are generally suitable for most household items.
Yes, we move all major household appliances. Refrigerators should be defrosted and cleaned at least 24 hours before moving day. Washing machines should have hoses disconnected and, if possible, the drum should be secured with transit bolts (we can provide these for most major brands). Air conditioner units (split systems) require an Air technician to disconnect and reconnect the outdoor unit — we can arrange this as an add-on service. Window-type air conditioners can be removed and moved by our team without a specialist.
Local move pricing is based on the number of crew members required, the truck size, the estimated hours, and any add-on services (packing, assembly, etc.). Long-distance move pricing is based on the volume of goods (CBM or tonnes), the distance, and any packing or storage components. We provide fixed-price quotes after a pre-move survey (in-person or video) so you know the exact cost before committing. There are no hourly overtime charges hidden in the fine print — if the move takes longer than estimated due to our pace, the price stays the same.
Yes, same-day moves are available for smaller loads (studios, one-bedroom apartments, or single-room office moves) within Bangkok, Pattaya, and Rayong, subject to vehicle and crew availability. Same-day bookings are accepted until 10:00 AM for afternoon moves and are best suited for customers with lightweight, already-boxed belongings who don't require packing services. Call or LINE us directly for same-day availability — our operations team can often accommodate urgent requests.
Sea freight from Laem Chabang Port (Thailand) to Felixstowe or Southampton (UK) takes approximately 25–30 days via a direct or single-transshipment routing. For LCL (shared container) shipments, add 3–5 days at each end for CFS (container freight station) handling, bringing the total door-to-door transit time to 32–40 days. Air freight to the UK takes 3–5 days. The best mode depends on your shipment volume, budget, and time sensitivity — our freight team can advise on the optimal option for your specific goods.
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares space in a shipping container with other customers' shipments. You pay only for the space your goods occupy, making it cost-effective for small shipments (typically under 10–12 CBM). FCL (Full Container Load) gives you exclusive use of an entire container (20ft or 40ft). FCL is more cost-effective per CBM for larger shipments, offers greater security (the container is sealed from origin to destination), and usually transits faster because it bypasses the CFS handling required for LCL. We recommend FCL for shipments over 12 CBM and for any goods that should not be co-loaded with unknown cargo.
Yes, we can arrange vehicle shipping from Thailand to most international destinations. Vehicles are typically shipped in RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels or, for higher-value cars, in enclosed containers. Export documentation for vehicles includes the original vehicle registration, a Thailand Customs export declaration, and (where required) a certificate of compliance for the destination country. Import regulations and duties for vehicles vary significantly by destination country, and we provide destination-specific guidance as part of the shipping quote. We recommend draining fuel to under one-quarter tank and removing personal items from the vehicle before shipping.
Internationally prohibited or restricted items include: narcotics and controlled substances, firearms and ammunition (without specific licences), counterfeit goods, CITES-listed wildlife products (ivory, certain woods, exotic animal skins), certain food products without phytosanitary clearance, and lithium batteries in large quantities (restricted on air freight). Additional restrictions apply per destination country — for example, some countries prohibit the import of certain plant materials, soil, or food items. Our customs team reviews every shipment manifest and will flag any items requiring special handling or documentation.
Yes. For international sea freight, we use double-walled export cartons, furniture blankets, and stretch wrap as standard. Items requiring wooden crating (antiques, artwork, fragile machinery) are custom-crated in our Bangkok workshop using ISPM-15 heat-treated timber, which is required by most destination countries to prevent wood-borne pest transfer. For air freight, we use IATA-standard packaging appropriate for the goods type. Professional packing is always recommended for international shipments, as transit times and handling intensity are greater than for local moves.
Yes, we ship food products internationally, but export requirements depend heavily on the specific product and destination. Most processed and packaged food requires a health certificate from Thailand's FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and must meet the destination country's import standards (labelling, ingredients, additives). Fresh produce and agricultural products require a phytosanitary certificate from Thailand's Department of Agriculture. Some destinations have strict quarantine restrictions on certain food items. We work with the relevant Thai government agencies to obtain the necessary certificates, and we advise on destination country restrictions before shipping.
For international shipping quotes, please contact us with: (1) the origin and destination addresses, (2) a description and quantity of the goods, (3) the approximate weight and volume (CBM), (4) your preferred transit mode (sea or air), and (5) whether you need door-to-door service or just port-to-port. For household goods, a photo or video of the items to be shipped is very helpful. We typically provide an indicative quote within 4 business hours and a firm quote within 24 hours of receiving complete information.
Our minimum storage period is one week. Most customers opt for monthly contracts, which offer better value than weekly pricing and come with a 7-day cancellation notice period. Annual contracts offer an 8% discount versus rolling monthly rates. There is no maximum storage period — we have customers who have stored with us for over five years.
ThaiGo Moving's storage facilities provide basic coverage for items damaged due to facility negligence (fire caused by electrical fault, ceiling collapse, etc.). However, this does not cover all risks. We strongly recommend that customers either extend their home or business insurance policy to include off-site storage, or purchase a separate stored-goods insurance policy. We can refer you to our insurance partners who offer affordable stored-goods coverage tailored to the Thai market. High-value items (jewellery, art, instruments) should always have their own declared-value coverage.
Standard facility hours are 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM seven days a week, including public holidays. After-hours access (9:00 PM – 7:00 AM) is available on request for an additional fee and must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Humidity-controlled units have 24-hour access as standard, as these units are monitored electronically regardless of staff presence. For our pick-up and drop-off storage service, items are retrieved and delivered to your door, so facility access hours are irrelevant.
Items that cannot be stored include: hazardous or flammable materials (petrol, paint, gas canisters), illegal items, live animals, perishable food, items that emit strong odours, and items that are wet or damp at the time of storage (which can cause mould damage to your other items and neighbouring units). We also advise against storing irreplaceable documents, cash, or jewellery in standard storage units — use our humidity-controlled units for sensitive documents and consider a bank safety deposit box for cash and jewellery.
Our valet storage service works in four steps: (1) Book a pickup online or by phone. (2) Our crew arrives at your address, photographs each item or box individually, and loads everything onto our truck. (3) Items are transported to our facility and stored in your dedicated unit. (4) When you need items returned, log in to your online account (or call us), select the items you want delivered, and we bring them to your door within 24–48 hours. You pay only for the storage space used, and the pickup/delivery cost is included in the monthly rate.
Standard storage units are clean, secure, and protected from rain and direct sun, but temperature and humidity follow the ambient conditions inside the building — typically 28–35°C and 60–80% relative humidity in Bangkok. This is fine for furniture, clothing, and most household items. Humidity-controlled units maintain a constant 20–24°C and 45–55% relative humidity year-round. This is essential for items sensitive to moisture: wooden instruments, antique furniture, oil paintings, important documents, wine collections, leather goods, and electronic equipment intended for long-term storage. The cost is approximately 40% higher than standard units.
Yes, shared access to a single storage unit is possible. Both parties must be named on the storage contract, and each will be issued their own PIN access code that logs access independently. There is no additional charge for listing a second authorised user. For business accounts, up to five named individuals can be authorised for a single unit. All named users share equal access rights and either can terminate the contract with appropriate notice.
Thailand provides a duty exemption for household goods and personal effects for individuals taking up residence in Thailand for the first time or returning Thai nationals after a period of overseas residence. To qualify, goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment, you must have resided outside Thailand for at least 12 months, and the goods must arrive within 6 months of your first entry into Thailand on the relevant visa. The goods must be for personal use only — commercial quantities are not exempt. Our customs team prepares all exemption application documentation and liaises with the Thai Customs Department on your behalf.
The standard documentation required for a personal effects duty exemption in Thailand includes: your passport (with entry stamps showing your date of arrival), a copy of your visa or work permit, a detailed packing list with descriptions and declared values for all items, the Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, proof of overseas residence (e.g., a previous foreign address, utility bills, or an employment letter from your previous employer), and in some cases, a letter from your Thai employer or sponsor confirming your employment and address in Thailand. Our customs team will review your specific situation and advise on any additional documents required.
For Green Channel clearances (low-risk shipments with complete documentation), Thai Customs typically releases cargo within 1–3 business days of the complete entry filing. For Red Channel clearances (physical inspection required), add 2–5 business days for the inspection to be scheduled and completed. Customs clearance timelines can be extended if documentation is incomplete, if the declared HS tariff code is disputed, or if specialist licences (FDA, BOI, etc.) are required. Our licensed customs brokers submit all documentation electronically before cargo arrives wherever possible, minimising clearance time.
Professional equipment and tools brought into Thailand for personal use by a work permit holder are generally imported duty-free as personal effects, as long as they are not in commercial quantities and are appropriate for your profession. However, certain categories of equipment may require specific import permits — medical devices, broadcast equipment, encryption software, and telecommunications equipment are common examples. If you are unsure whether your work equipment requires special clearance, contact our customs team before shipping for a pre-shipment assessment.
There is no blanket duty-free provision for importing vehicles into Thailand, even for new residents. Import duty on passenger cars ranges from 20% to 80% depending on engine size and fuel type, plus excise tax and VAT, making vehicle import very expensive. Returning Thai nationals who hold a foreign permanent residency certificate may qualify for a concessionary rate, but full duty-free import is not standard practice. In most cases, it is more economical to sell a foreign vehicle and purchase a new or used car in Thailand. Our team can provide a Thailand vehicle import duty estimate based on your vehicle's specifications.
If Thai Customs places a hold on your shipment — for document verification, physical inspection, or value query — your shipment remains at the port or airport at no additional freight charge, but port storage fees begin accruing after the free storage period (typically 3–7 days). ThaiGo Moving's customs team receives automatic notifications from the Customs Department e-system and contacts you immediately with details of the hold and the required action. We coordinate the response, provide any additional documentation, and attend any inspections on your behalf to minimise storage fees and release time.
Our primary operations cover Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Hua Hin. For destinations not listed, we can typically arrange service with partner companies in our logistics network — contact us with your origin and destination and we'll confirm availability and pricing. Our international freight service covers worldwide destinations regardless of origin location within Thailand.
While property inspections are outside our core service scope, we are happy to coordinate with your property agent to schedule the move around your handover inspection. Our crews are trained to document the condition of walls, floors, and fixtures at move-out so you have photographic evidence should any security deposit dispute arise. We can also pack and transport in stages — moving most items out while you finalise the inspection, then returning for the last items once the handover is complete.
We accept payment by Thai bank transfer (to our SCB and Kasikorn bank accounts), PromptPay QR (scan the QR code on your invoice), major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) via our online payment portal, and cash at our offices. For corporate clients, we offer NET-30 invoice terms on approved accounts. All invoices are issued in Thai Baht (THB) and include Thai VAT (7%). A 30% deposit is required at booking for long-distance and international moves; local move deposits are collected on the day of the move.
Yes. Our main office is in Bangkok (Sukhumvit area), with a satellite operations office in Pattaya (Bang Lamung). Both offices are open Monday–Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Appointments are not required for walk-in consultations, but calling ahead is appreciated. For customers in other regions, we offer phone and video consultations and can send a surveyor to your location for large or complex moves. You can also reach us via LINE (ID: thaigomove), WhatsApp, and our website contact form.
Yes. ThaiGo Moving offers corporate accounts for companies with recurring relocation, shipping, or storage requirements. Corporate account benefits include: a dedicated account manager, priority scheduling, consolidated monthly invoicing, customised reporting for HR and mobility programmes, and negotiated volume rates. We work with international mobility programme managers (Cartus, SIRVA, Santa Fe, Crown) and can onboard as an approved vendor for corporate global mobility frameworks. Contact our B2B team for a corporate account application.
All ThaiGo Moving employees undergo a formal induction training programme covering safe lifting techniques, furniture protection methods, customer communication standards, and workplace safety. Staff with access to customer storage units and high-value shipments complete an enhanced background check through Thailand's Criminal Record Office (Bang Sue). Our management team holds professional certifications in logistics management and we are members of the Thai International Freight Forwarders Association (TIFFA). We do not use casual labour or unvetted subcontractors for in-home moving services.
Absolutely. We offer man-and-van services for single-item or partial moves — ideal for moving a sofa, a few boxes of books, a refrigerator, or office equipment between locations. These are priced on a time-and-vehicle basis and can often be arranged with just 24 hours notice. Our pick-up and drop-off storage service also accepts individual items from a single box upward. There is no minimum job size — we're happy to help whether you're moving one suitcase or an entire house.
Still Have Questions? Contact Us
Our team is happy to answer any questions about your specific move, shipment, or storage requirements.