Bringing a pet to Thailand · By country

Bringing a pet to Thailand from South Korea

Seoul–Bangkok is a well-used corridor for teachers, retirees and remote workers moving south. South Korea’s APQA export process is thorough — start early.

Last updated 30 May 2026

Rules change — verify before you act

This guide was last reviewed on 4 June 2026. Thailand's Department of Livestock Development, airlines and origin-country authorities change their rules without notice. Treat this as orientation, then confirm every current requirement with the DLD, your airline and your origin-country authority before you book or travel.

The timeline — what to do when

Work backwards from your flight. Incheon–Bangkok direct routes are common; confirm pet acceptance and cabin vs cargo rules early.

When	Step
3+ months before (if onward travel possible)	Microchip, rabies vaccination, optional rabies titer test
6–8 weeks before	Core vaccinations and 21-day wait after primary rabies shot
~30 days before departure	Apply for DLD import permit (form R1/1)
Final 2–3 weeks	APQA export inspection and international health certificate
≥3 days before landing	Email Bangkok AQS to confirm arrival

Follow the standard steps — microchip, rabies and core vaccinations, health certificate and DLD import permit.

The South Korean side of the paperwork

Export of dogs and cats from South Korea goes through the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA). Your vet prepares vaccination records and health checks; APQA issues the export certificate needed for international travel. Microchip numbers must match every document.

Documents Thailand expects

Document	What it is
DLD import permit	Form R1/1, emailed to the AQS at your arrival airport. Valid 60 days from issue.
Microchip certificate	ISO 11784/11785 chip before rabies vaccination.
Vaccination records	In English — see our vaccination guide.
Government-endorsed health certificate	Export certificate from the origin country, endorsed as that authority requires.
Flight booking	Itinerary; confirm airline pet policy early.

With complete paperwork, pets normally clear the AQS the same day. Email the AQS at least three days before landing. See pet quarantine in Thailand.

Cabin vs cargo from Incheon

Many owners fly small dogs and cats in cabin on Korean carriers subject to weight limits; larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo. Summer heat restrictions may apply. See airline pet policies.

If you may return to South Korea

Re-importing a pet to South Korea after time abroad involves APQA rules that can include rabies antibody tests, designated quarantine facilities and advance import permission. If return is possible, verify APQA requirements before you leave Korea. See export to South Korea.

After clearance — reaching Pattaya from the airport

Once the Animal Quarantine Station clears your pet, the practical question is the drive to Pattaya. From Suvarnabhumi, most owners use a pre-booked pet-friendly taxi, Grab with a crate (confirm with the driver), or a relocation transfer. From U-Tapao, the hop is shorter — one reason some Pattaya-bound owners choose UTP when the airline and route allow pets.

Have water, a spare towel and your pet’s usual food accessible after a long flight. Do not assume your condo or hotel accepts pets on arrival day — confirm pet-friendly housing in writing before you land. Schedule a local vet check within the first week for parasite prevention suited to Pattaya’s year-round climate.

Register and update microchip contact details to your Thai phone number, and read dog registration and rabies law for dogs. If you may leave Thailand later, plan the rabies titer test before or soon after arrival — the waiting period cannot be rushed when you export to the UK, EU or Australia.

Settling in Pattaya — first-month checklist

Beyond paperwork, new arrivals should tackle:

Heat management — hot-climate pet care and cool-hour walks.
Parasites — year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention; see ticks & fleas.
Street animals — walking safely around soi dogs.
Emergency contacts — save a 24-hour vet before you need one.
Food supply — where to buy pet food and a two-week buffer stock.

Thailand does not usually quarantine pets that arrive with complete documents — see pet quarantine in Thailand for when inspection becomes detention. Keep every stamped form the AQS gives you; you may need them for export later.

Official sources

Korean sources: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA). Export mirror: taking a pet to South Korea.

Official sources to verify against: Thai embassy pet import guide (revised January 2025); DLD import application form R1/1 (via the embassy guide or DLD Animal Quarantine stations); Suvarnabhumi AQS import: [email protected].

Frequently asked

What does APQA require to export a pet from Korea?

Current rabies vaccination, microchip identification, health examination and APQA export certificate — confirm the latest APQA checklist before you book.

Can I fly Incheon to Bangkok with a pet in cabin?

Some airlines allow cabin travel for small pets under weight limits. Confirm with the airline when booking.

Does Thailand require quarantine from South Korea?

Not usually with complete paperwork — same-day AQS clearance is typical.

Should I do a rabies titer test before leaving Korea?

Thailand may not require it on entry, but the EU, UK and Australia do for onward travel. Doing it early keeps options open.

How do I get from Bangkok to Pattaya after landing?

Road transfer is roughly 90–120 minutes from Suvarnabhumi. See arriving at Suvarnabhumi.

Which airport is better for Pattaya — BKK or U-Tapao?

U-Tapao is closer; Suvarnabhumi has more international routes. Your import permit must name the airport you actually use. See U-Tapao or Bangkok.

What should I do in my first week in Pattaya with a pet?

Book a local vet for parasite prevention, confirm housing allows pets, update microchip contacts, and save a 24-hour clinic number. See our owning a pet in Pattaya hub.

Will I need the titer test if I only stay in Thailand?

Not for Thai import. You need it if you may later export to the UK, EU, Australia or other titer-countries — plan early because the wait cannot be shortened.