Can I bring cheddar cheese into Thailand for personal consumption?

Dec 1, 2023
a year ago
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Would I be allowed to bring a kilo of cheddar cheese into Thailand for my own consumption? Are there restrictions on such foodstuffs? Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Bringing a kilo of cheddar cheese into Thailand for personal consumption is generally permissible, provided it is sealed and packaged for retail sale. Most expats report having successfully brought cheese into the country without issue, highlighting that customs checks may be minimal, especially if the total value of imported goods does not exceed 20,000 baht. It's advisable to be cautious with dairy products, as they can be subject to restrictions, but many expats have noted that they routinely bring cheese from abroad, with few complications.
Susanne *******************
We brought last year 9 kg cheese for our 3 month stay in the check in luggage without any problem.
Nick *******
I've bought back 4kg of Cheese & 10 packs of Cheese slices about 5 times. Never been stopped.
Timothy ********
Could be a gouda idea...
John *********
Very ok to bring to Thailand
Ibiza ********
I brought 5 kg of cheese for our friends.. Frozen first in a cooler bag..
Rousna ********
I always take cheese and Nutella. Nothing beats cathedral city
Jan ******
You can get it there
Martin *********
I do
Paulie ********
Yes I used to all the time years ago but now can get it at a great price check
@Siamb*****
expat store what they don't have isn't worth having
Zoe ******
I wish I had brought some good cheese with me. They are expensive here, even the basic kinds. You should be ok, the worst they can do is take it from you. Though no one checked our bags or asked if we had anything to declare when we came in.
Steve ********
You can, but beware that you can get in trouble if it's 'Nacho' cheese! 😅
Aki *******
This is the funniest thing I've heard! Why cheese?
Richard *********
sure but why? its cheap at Makro.
Richard *********
now ur saying its alot less in ur home country? worth bringing>

somehow i doubt it
Zoe ******
@Richard ********
It was cheaper in Portugal but now with inflation in Europe maybe it's not that cheap anymore 🤷
Richard *********
475 grms 275 baht

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Richard *********
2. kilos 700 baht Less than $20

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Brian ***********
@Richard ********
you call that cheese, very little taste and rubbery
Zoe ******
@Richard ********
not that cheap...vintage cheddar cost $7.00 per block. Twice as much as where I came from.
Sara ******
@Zoe *****
what is block? Is it kg? If it's, in my country it's 10-20 euros by kg so no point to bring it...
Zoe ******
@Sara *****
like this.
Richard *********
@Zoe *****
so $7 for 200 grms

while below 275 baht ( apx $7.8 for 475 gms

Now which is cheaper?
Pat *********
We bring it in a cool box every year. Last year they asked what was in the box. I said cheese for my Thai friends, they love it.

Customs officer put his thumb up and said 'you good friend'.... As someone already pointed out they don't like live plants so you need a phytosanitary certificate from defra and also plant passports for all of them. However, yet again,you are allowed 4 without the certificates. I took roses in for my mates and again when asked they let it through without asking for my phytos.

The cheese is poor and expensive in Thailand. Can't get anything decent. But make sure it's double sealed and beware of the wax truckles as they melt and stain your clothes. I got an electric car cool box from temu and it's fits inside your bag. Soon as I get in the taxi, it's plugged in.
Bonnie *********
@Pat ********
There is very good cheese in Thailand, but you pay dear. They import from Australia, and there are good local goat and mozzarella.
Richard *********
@Pat ********
why do u say cheese is poor< much of it iis imported and taste's as good as what u get anywhere>

Makro, ( best value) villa, tops all have a good selection.
Michael ***********
@Richard ********
Yes, upscale supermarkets have cheese, but it's 2x to 3x the price compared to most Western countries.
Tulip ********
Only good taste.
Kevin *********
You can buy it here.

Why risk?
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
As I have discovered by the helpful answers I am allowed to bring it in.
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, but i have been guided to the official Thai page with the correct information.
Kevin *********
@Ian ***********
Are you sure Facebook users are experts on Thailand's Food Hygiene Laws?
Franky ******
I take cans of Spam for our kid .
Michael ************
I always make sure I cut the cheese before going through customs
Richard *******
What are you in for mate? Well I tried to sneak a kilo of cheddar into the country.
Hovvard ******
Don't take Velveeta in to Singapore, it's a death sentence.
Sharron *******
@Hovvard *****
you probably should not take it out of USA.....
Garry *************
I once brought in 4 litres of wine max aload 1 litre. I fronted up to customs showed them . They sent me on my way suppose paperwork to much trouble to pay duty. Food be different i would think are you willing to take chance of customs not doing a random check.
Michael *********
I always bring cheese, my Thai Mrs & friends love a bit of mature Cheddar 😂 & as your probably aware it’s v expensive for mediocre comparables.
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ********
yes same for me Thai GF loves it. The stuff you get there isn’t great and v expensive.
Shayan ********
I wish I have problems like your cheddars in my life
Andrew *******
@Shayan *******
my cheddar just went mouldy ...is there anything i can do....maybe cut around the edge ...inside might be ok ...not sure what i should do ...can some one please give me some appropriate advice....
Jo **********
simple answer Yes
Mike *****
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Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ****
much appreciated 👍
Markus **********
@Mike ****
the only correct answer of all this I believe, I assume, I think answers...
Cody *********
Tell me you are American, without telling me you are American....

😉🤣
Ruth *******
@Cody ********
do you remember that expression about assuming?
Paul ***********
@Ruth ******
Cody is definitely an assumer. DB says what?
Cody *********
@Paul **********
boy, apparently some folks take their internet comments waaay more seriously than others!😂

Lighten up Francis!🤷‍♂️
Michael *********
@Cody ********
gotta be British 🧀
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cody ********
I’m not American
Ian ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, I just like English cheddar cheese. I do not eat cheese from a can.
Andrew *******
@Ian ***********
cheese from a can .. u r joking🤣🤣
Cody *********
@Ian ***********
then you may have been infected.

Have you developed a fondness for handguns and/or pickup trucks?
Simon **********
@Co**
since when has America been famous for eating cheese????
Faron *************
@Simon *********
Check out the state of Wisconsin in the USA.
Simon **********
@Fa***
no thanks. America is as famous for its cheese as their chocolate.
Faron *************
@Simon *********
You know not what you speak of.
Simon **********
@Fa***
you’ve lost me.
Simon **********
@Co**
he said kilo…. Definitely not an American!
Gary **********
Done it many times. Only issue I ever had was x-ray at m/cr airport, they told me it looked like Semtex but never opened the bag to check it. I was astonished !!
Shane ************
We got cheddar here. Even have bottled water. Amazing
Blade ********
@Sh***
yeah we got cheese for ridiculous prices here... Great.. 🙄
Andrew *******
@Shane ***********
cheddar and bottled water....my dream ....how long does it take to get a visa
Andrew ***********
I'd imagine they'll be right cheesed off if they uncover your stash
Cliff *********
Bring me some too please!
Martin *********
@Cliff ********
and pickles
James *********
As long as "cheddar cheese" isn't code for some drug, you have no worries if it's in it's original sealed packaging 💯
Gary ******
No way they have a cheese smuggling squad at most major airports in South East Asia very harsh penalties.
Detlef ***********
Frank **********
The Thai FDA and Customs sites are a bit challenging to navigate, but generally speaking, sealed and made for retail sales packaged foods are fine to import if the total value of all goods you are bringing in to Thailand is less than 20,000 baht and not intended for resale. I literally bring a full suitcase full of food and snacks from the states every trip I make... You run in to issues with raw meat, plants, fruits, vegetables, and live animals that are not declared or without the proper import licensing and paper work... So... You know... as long as it is not homemade bathtub cheese in a baggie, you should be ok... Also, you can get cheddar here.
Rob **********
Yes no problem you can certainly do that, cheese is pretty expensive here.
Paulie ********
@Rob *********
not anymore at one time rember was about 35 quid a kilo but Sianburis expat store have a great selection
Andrew ***********
You don't want to grate the thai customs buddy
Steve **********
They sell Cheddar here !
Jamie ********
@Andrew **********
that’s not a very “mature” comment
Brett ******
@Andrew **********
you don't want to get grilled by them.
Aake **********
It is not allowed, among other things, to bring milk products into Thailand. If you're lucky, customs will check and if you're unlucky, you'll go there
Phil ******
@Aake *********
not according to this site

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Linz ************
Would it spoil before you got the opportunity to enjoy it?
Craig *******
@Linz ***********
it won't spoil, the cargo hold is very cold. I bring several kg every year (Thai gf hooked on it). It's still chilled several hours after landing. And often I have no checked bags and I've carried in my hand luggage it's still ok - the overhead bins are not heated.
Lynnette *******
@Linz ***********
nope. It'll be fine.
Simon **********
I don’t know what the repercussions are if they catch you, but the chances of getting caught are pretty low.
Bob ********
Surely countries have their reasons for prohibiting certain food stuffs...like for the prevention of contamination, or whatever, to their own sources...does that not count for anything. Is it simply a case of... "Bugger everybody else, if I want it that's all that matters" ?
Dianne *****
@Bob *******
fresh fruit and vegetables can't be brought in without a permit, big signs up at the airport advising of this and fines of 20,000 baht (from memory). Also meat is phohibited and honey to potect Thailand's agricultural industries. But in reality I have never seen anyones luggage searched
Simon **********
@B**
are you asking me?
Bob ********
@Simon *********
No Simon...but thanks anyway..
Craig *******
@Simon *********
getting caught for what? It's not prohibited.
Simon **********
@Cr***
I think dairy products are prohibited?
Craig *******
@Simon *********
ah you're right! (Google).....but highly doubt it would be enforced
Will ************
Chuck it in your checked luggage they won’t bother you
Ilse **********
@Will ***********
I had 2 kilo of Dutch cheese with me last year and they seriously don’t care , no worries
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