Most Thai exporters are legitimate, professional businesses — but international sourcing still attracts impostors, middlemen posing as factories, and companies that over-state capacity. Before you wire a deposit, run this verification checklist. It takes a few hours and can save you a lot.
1. Confirm the legal entity
Every Thai company has a 13-digit company registration number issued by the Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce. Ask for the company affidavit (หนังสือรับรอง) and check that the registered name, address and directors match the people you are dealing with. The quotation, proforma invoice and bank account should all be in that same company name.
2. Manufacturer or trading company?
Both can be good partners, but you should know which you are dealing with. Ask for the factory licence, factory address, photos and a live video walk-through. A trading company will usually not be able to show a production line under its own name. On THAIMOST, supplier types (manufacturer, OEM/ODM factory, brand owner, distributor, trading company) are declared and checked.
3. Check certifications are real and current
Request copies of GMP, HACCP, ISO, Halal, Organic or BRCGS certificates and verify the certificate number with the issuing body where possible. Check expiry dates and that the scope covers the product you are buying.
4. Export experience
Ask which countries the supplier already exports to and for redacted bills of lading or customer references. Experienced exporters know your market's documentation; first-time exporters may learn at your expense.
5. Bank and payment hygiene
Pay only to a corporate bank account in Thailand in the company's registered name. Be alert to last-minute "our bank account changed" emails — confirm by phone with a known contact. Keep first-order payments staged (deposit / balance against documents) or use an L/C.
6. Samples and pre-shipment inspection
Approve a production sample against a written specification, and for larger first orders consider a third-party inspection before loading.
Red flags
- Free webmail contact, no registered company name, or a company name that differs from the bank account.
- Unwillingness to video-call from the factory floor.
- Prices far below every other quote, or "exclusive agent" pressure to pay quickly.
- Certificates that are blurry, expired or cannot be verified.
How THAIMOST reduces this work
Suppliers on THAIMOST go through KYC/KYB verification (business registration and identity documents), with factory-audit and certificate checks shown as badges — see Verified · Audited · Certified. Verification lowers risk but never replaces your own due diligence. Start with the verified supplier directory or a free RFQ.
Disclaimer: THAIMOST is a platform that helps buyers and suppliers discover and contact each other. All prices, terms and transactions are agreed directly between buyer and supplier. This article is general information for educational purposes only — it is not legal, financial, tax or trade advice, and it is not a guarantee of any business outcome. Verify certifications, documents and regulatory requirements independently before you place an order.