What can you bring from Thailand?
Leaving Thailand, many people want to take a piece of this paradise with them as a souvenir or gift it to friends and loved ones. Here’s what you can bring from Thailand – useful, affordable, and exclusive items.
Fruits and Dried Fruits
Tropical fruits are one of the main reasons many people travel to Thailand. It seems like everything grows here, so bringing exotic fruits as gifts for loved ones is a good idea, but only if you don’t have a long flight. Additionally, different airlines have different limits on carrying fresh fruits, so these factors need to be considered. Also, not all fruits can be exported from Thailand; durian is among the prohibited ones, and it’s best not to take watermelons or coconuts either – they could simply burst on the plane due to pressure changes. If you have a long flight or limited luggage space, you can opt for an alternative and bring dried fruits instead. Mango and papaya are especially popular. There is a large selection of dried fruits in shopping malls.
Spices and Sauces
Thai cuisine is famous for its spices. To take this unforgettable aroma and flavor with you, you can buy popular Thai seasonings and spices: Thai chili pepper, tamarind, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. Moreover, these souvenirs won’t take up much space in your luggage.
Unique Tea
In Thailand, you can purchase special types of tea that are hard to find elsewhere: for example, blue or emerald tea with unique aromas, as well as natural jasmine tea or bael fruit tea made from Bengal quince.
Nasal Inhalers
You’ve probably noticed that Thai people often seem to be sniffing something. It’s a nasal inhaler with natural essential oils. It’s used to ease breathing, as a remedy against unpleasant odors, and it also helps with headaches, nausea, dizziness, nasal congestion, and motion sickness.
Cosmetics
Thai cosmetics are made exclusively from natural ingredients, so it’s worth bringing them as gifts or for yourself. Some of the most popular products include:
- Herbal tooth powders. The most natural ingredients, thorough cleaning, and economical use.
- Soap shaped like exotic fruits with a natural composition.
- Coconut oil for moisturizing skin and hair (choose cold-pressed oil).
- Natural ‘Crystal’ deodorant made from a solid stone of volcanic origin, which effectively eliminates body odor and doesn’t clog pores.
- Snail secretion cream. It prevents premature skin aging and doesn’t leave a greasy shine.
Jim Thompson Thai silk
Jim Thompson Thai silk is not just fabric, but a symbol of elegance and Thai culture. The brand gained wide recognition thanks to American entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who in the 1950s–60s revived traditional Thai weaving. Today, products made from his silk include clothing, home décor accessories, and gifts for true connoisseurs of quality.
Jim Thompson’s popularity grew even more after his products appeared in well-known TV series and shows, where characters wore or used items made of this silk — for example, in the third season of The White Lotus. You can find even more films and series shot in Phuket in our feature Movies in Phuket.
Where can you buy all these items?
One of the best places is the OTOP Market (One Tambon One Product). This concept was created as part of a national program in Thailand: each administrative unit (tambon) produces a unique product that reflects local traditions, crafts, and gastronomy.
In Phuket, OTOP markets offer:
- Traditional souvenirs: textiles, silk, batik, carved wooden items, tin and ceramic figurines.
- Local food: spices, sauces, sweets, and tea.
- Handmade products: jewelry, natural cosmetics, and home décor.
Where to find OTOP markets in Phuket
There are several locations on the island, but the most popular are in Phuket Town:
- Central OTOP Market – a modern covered market with a wide variety of goods.
- OTOP Old Town – small shops in the historic center selling handmade souvenirs.
- Seasonal fairs – periodic events on beaches and near cultural centers where products from different provinces of Thailand are sold.
Tip: Ask vendors about the story behind the items — many of them are handmade and have a unique background. And don’t forget to bargain — it’s part of the tradition!
For even more shopping spots, check out our guide Where to Buy Souvenirs in Phuket.
What cannot be brought from Thailand?
Some products and goods are prohibited from being exported from the kingdom. According to customs regulations, the list includes:
- Works of art.
- Buddha statues over 15 cm and other religious souvenirs.
- Items depicting the national flag of Thailand.
- Exotic animals and souvenirs made from them, such as tiger teeth, turtle shells, or ivory crafts.
- Marine souvenirs – shells, corals, and others.
- Thai sand and soil.
- Certain fruits: durian, coconut, watermelon.
- All types of drugs.
- Counterfeit products and fake money.
- Pornography, sex toys.
- Electronic cigarettes.
Souvenir Packing Checklist from Phuket
- Sort by type
- Fragile items: ceramics, glass, porcelain, decorative figurines.
- Soft/textile items: silk, batik, clothing.
- Metal goods: tin, jewelry, coins.
- Food/spices: coffee, tea, pastes, sweets.
- Packing fragile items
- Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or fabric.
- A cardboard box inside your bag or suitcase provides extra protection.
- Fill empty spaces with soft materials: paper, fabric, bubble wrap.
- Place heavy items at the bottom, light ones on top.
- Protecting textiles and clothing
- Fold neatly and place in a plastic or vacuum-sealed bag.
- For silk and batik, it’s best to use a layer of paper between folds to avoid creases.
- Metal goods
- Wrap in fabric or bubble wrap to avoid scratches.
- Decorative elements (engraving, gilding) are best wrapped in soft cloth.
- Food and spices
- Make sure the packaging is sealed.
- Place in a separate bag to keep other items clean.
- For international shipping, check customs regulations on food imports.
