Pet Transport from South Korea to Thailand
South Korea to Thailand is one of the more practical Asian pet transport routes. Thailand does not require a titre test and does not mandate quarantine for compliant pets. South Korea's APQA export process is efficient. The main steps are …
The South Korea to Thailand pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Thailand
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
Apply for the DLD permit before leaving Korea. The permit takes 7 working days to issue. Arriving in Thailand without a permit will result in the pet being held.
Microchip must pre-date all vaccinations. If there is any question about the order of chipping and vaccination, DLD may treat the vaccination as invalid.
Although quarantine is not mandatory, ensure all documents are complete and legible. Thai DLD officers can impose discretionary detention if anything is out of order.
APQA inspection at Incheon airport requires extra time. Plan to arrive earlier than usual for your check-in.
Brachycephalic breeds face additional airline restrictions on this long-haul route. Check breed policies with your carrier before booking.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Korea to Thailand vs Korea to Philippines vs Korea to Malaysia
| Factor | Korea to Thailand | Korea to Philippines | Korea to Malaysia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titre test | No | No | Confirm with DVS |
| Quarantine | No (discretionary) | 30 days BAI | 14+ days DVS |
| Import permit/clearance | DLD (email application) | SPSIC (BAI online) | DVS + MAQIS |
| Preparation time | 4-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 8-24 weeks |
| Rough total cost | USD 900-2,000 | USD 1,200-2,700 | USD 1,500-4,000 |
Thailand is the easiest destination in this group for Korean-origin pets. It has no titre test and no mandatory quarantine. The Philippines requires mandatory 30-day quarantine. Malaysia adds the complexity of permit applications and potentially the titre test, depending on DVS classification.
If you have flexibility on destination, Thailand is the most operationally straightforward. If the destination is fixed, plan around the specific timeline and budget for that country.
APQA export from Seoul Incheon
South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) manages pet exports. Your vet must be APQA-authorised to issue the export health certificate. The certificate records the pet’s vaccination history, microchip details and health status. APQA then conducts an export inspection at Incheon airport before the pet boards.
The inspection is standard and typically efficient, but allow extra time at ICN for it. If your flight departs early morning, check whether the APQA inspection desk is staffed at the required time. Most major departures from ICN are covered, but it is worth confirming.
The health certificate must carry APQA’s official endorsement stamp. Thailand’s DLD requires a government-endorsed document; a vet signature alone is not sufficient. The APQA airport inspection provides this endorsement.
Airlines from Seoul to Bangkok and what to check for brachycephalic breeds
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines both operate direct services from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Thai Airways also covers this corridor from its Bangkok hub. All three carry live animals in cargo holds on this route.
Korean Air allows small pets in the cabin on some international routes. For the ICN-BKK route, confirm the cabin pet eligibility directly with Korean Air before booking; it varies by route and aircraft type. Larger dogs must travel as hold cargo.
If you are moving a brachycephalic breed (French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, etc.), check the airline’s current breed restrictions and temperature embargoes before booking. Korean and Asiana apply restrictions during summer months (June-September) that can prevent these breeds from being accepted as cargo. Plan travel for cooler seasons if this applies to your pet.
Common questions about South Korea to Thailand pet transport
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