A friend of mine living in the UK is preparing a parcel for me, consisting of different types of packet food stuffs and confectionery.

The items will weigh approximately 30 Kg all together (although I'm not sure yet on dimensions) and I expect that going down to the post office would cost an arm and a leg, so I'd like to ask if anyone can recommend a way of sending it to me here in Pattaya? or a shipping company that you have used?

I've never done it before so I'd appreciate any advice or pointing in the right direction.

A packet of Fry's Chocalate Cream & Chocolate Hob Nob biscuits for anyone with a good suggestion!

Thanks

Any chocolates and other confectionery items that may melt under high temperatures will arrive in one messy goo. I would suggest setting those items aside. Plenty of decent chocolates and cookies available in Pattaya (and Bangkok) now.

Does Royal Mail have a sea-shipping rate or low-priority rate for bulk-goods shipments. You main problem will come when you go to claim the package from Thai mails or customs. Not sure what the excise tax rates are for foodstuffs...there is a website with this information.

wow. funny you should mention that. Back in 2004 on my first trip over, I had chatted with an irish fellow that owns a bar there, Loydie, up off soi bukao now I think. And he asked if people would bring some stuff. In my carry on, I brought 2 liter jars of pickled eggs, a jar of pickled onions, and a big jar of ketchup. I can't even imagine showing up at the check in line at the airport with those items today.

I remember him saying people had packed stuff in their checked in luggage, sounded like a year's supply of stuff and had no problem. I don't have any shipping information though. Just the usual caution and warning about sending any glass stuff. Have to assume it will get drop kicked and booted about a lot. "this end up" and "handle with care" seems to be subjective with shipping people from what I have seen. Some insulation in the package may help, and with luck of the draw your package will not be the one on the top of the pile in the Suvarnubhumi arrival section getting a nice sun tan.

Get your friend to go for a meal at your local Thai restaurant in the UK and ask the staff if they know anyone going home for a holiday. They might be able to convince them to take an extra suitcase back to BKK for a reasonable amount of GBP. Then just meet 'the carrier' at the airport.