Has anyone taken a seashell out of Thailand with a receipt?
Insider's Response
Exporting unprocessed shells and corals from Thailand is strictly prohibited — this is clearly stated in the country’s customs regulations.
Fine for exporting prohibited shells/corals: from 40,000 to 1,000,000 baht. Possible imprisonment for up to 4 years. Confiscation at customs is the minimum penalty. It’s not worth the risk for a souvenir!
You are allowed to take a shell with you only if it has been treated with lacquer or is marked as a souvenir. Don’t forget to keep the receipt!
How to tell a souvenir shell from an untreated one:
Texture. A natural shell has a rough and bumpy texture, sometimes with air bubbles, while souvenir shells are usually smooth.
Color. A real shell shimmers depending on the angle of light, while souvenir shells tend to have a uniform color.
Smell. If you heat a small piece of a shell with a lighter, a real one will give off an unpleasant odor, similar to burnt hair. A fake one will smell synthetic or might not smell at all.
Of course, some tourists manage to take shells or corals out of Thailand. But it’s a risky move: you could face a hefty fine or even jail time.
What should you do if a shell/piece of coral accidentally ended up in your suitcase, you found it, but forgot to throw it away before departure? Dispose of it at the airport BEFORE check-in. If you only discover it during inspection, explain that you were unaware of the prohibition (yes, ignorance of the law does not exempt you from complying with it, so agree to discard the item). The main thing is not to argue.
Instead, consider other memorable souvenirs from Thailand — many of which can be found at night markets. Also, check out the article Where to Buy Souvenirs in Thailand for more recommended shopping spots.