How to Send Postcards and Mail from Thailand to Abroad

The Quick Answer: How to Send a Postcard

1. Buy a postcard and stamp from a tourist shop, bookstore (like Asia Books), or a post office.

2. Write your message and address clearly.

3. Drop it in a bright red postal box or take it to a post office counter.

4. Be patient! It can take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks to arrive.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Buy Your Postcard and Stamp

• Postcards: You can find them everywhere – tourist markets (Chatuchak, Khao San Road), hotel lobbies, bookstores, and souvenir shops.

• Stamps (ดวงตราไปรษณีย์ - Duang Dtra Praisanee):

  • Best Option: Post Office: Go to any Thailand Post (ไปรษณีย์ไทย) office. The clerk will weigh your postcard (though it's usually a standard rate) and sell you the correct international stamp.

  • Convenient Option: Tourist Shops: Many shops that sell postcards also sell stamps. This is a one-stop shop.

  • Cost: Sending a standard postcard internationally typically costs 15-20 THB (as of 2023-2024).

Step 2: Write the Postcard Correctly

This is the most important step to ensure it arrives!

1. The Message (Left Side): Write your message on the left half of the back of the postcard.

2. The Address (Right Side): Write the address clearly and in capital letters if possible. Use the format below:

[RECIPIENT'S FULL NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE/PROVINCE, POSTAL CODE]
[COUNTRY]

Example:

MS. JANE SMITH
123 MAIN STREET
TORONTO, ON M5V 2T1
CANADA

Pro Tip: It's a good idea to write your return address in the top left corner on the same side as the recipient's address, but it's not mandatory.

Step 3: Mail Your Postcard

You have two main options:

1. Red Mailbox (Easiest): Look for the distinctive, short, red mailboxes on street corners. They often have two slots:

   • ภายในประเทศ: For mail within Thailand.

   • ต่างประเทศ: For international mail. Make sure you use this slot!

2. Post Office Counter (Safest):

   • Take your stamped and addressed postcard to the counter.

   • The clerk will often postmark it with a date stamp right in front of you.

   • This gives you peace of mind that it's officially in the system.

Finding a Post Office

• Look for the Sign: The sign for Thailand Post is a white curved letter "P" on a blue background.

• Major Branches: Every town has a main post office (GPO), often near the city center. In Bangkok, the Central Post Office is near Grand Palace (123 Charoen Krung Road) and is an experience in itself.

• Shopping Malls: Many large shopping malls (like MBK, Terminal 21) have small post office branches or service counters.

Sending Letters and Packages

The process is similar, but for packages, you must go to a post office.

1. Pack Your Item: You can buy boxes and packing materials at the post office.

2. Fill Out a Customs Form: For any package, you will need to fill out a CN22 form (for small packages) or a CN23 form (for larger or more valuable items) declaring the contents and value.

3. Choose a Service: The clerk will weigh your package and offer you options:

   • Surface Mail (Slowest, Cheapest): Goes by boat. Can take months.

   • SAL (Surface Air Lifted): A mix of air and land. Faster than surface.

   • Airmail (มาตรฐาน - Mattrathan): The standard, reliable option. Takes 1-3 weeks.

   • EMS (Express Mail Service): Trackable, fast, and reliable. Delivers in 3-7 days. Best for important documents or valuable items.

Important Tips & How Long It Takes

• Delivery Time: Do not expect speed. A standard international postcard or letter can take 5 days to 3 weeks to arrive, depending on the destination country and efficiency. Consider it a pleasant surprise when it shows up!

• Tracking: If you want to track your item, you must use the EMS service. They will give you a tracking number.

• Public Holidays: Avoid mailing things right before Thai public holidays, as the post office will be closed.

• "Air Mail" Sticker: The clerk will usually put a blue "Par Avion / Air Mail" sticker on your mail. If they don't, you can ask for one.

In summary: Buy a stamp from a post office or reliable shop, write the address clearly in the international format, and drop it in the "ต่างประเทศ" slot of a red mailbox. Then, relax and forget about it! The joy of receiving a postcard is often in its unexpected arrival.