Thanks for sharing, just my thoughts - the chips are good for the long flight back to the US, and might get pass custom/agricultural inspection at port of entry without problems, not so sure about the lotus seeds. Odds are that they can be purchased locally at major Asian/Thai supermarket in cities with sizable south Asian population - the wholesaler importer would take care of clearing them for sale & consumption.

We loved those instant Tom Yum Goong instant noodles, really fire hot & spicy with the seasoning packet - 1/2 a bag is more than enough, add scrambled egg to cook in the broth & add vegetables like shredded lettuce (meat & shrimps are optional) - they are good. But, they are for sale here in many NY Asian supermarket as that where we buy them, 39 cents to 49 cents each - no need to travel back from oversea with them.

Thailand is full of temples & symbols of religion, various statues - like the Thai Buddha here - http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Heali...84RT4J19KJYN1M, or the Lotus Leave candle holder http://www.amazon.com/Lotus-Votive-C...4HZ38C2JVAHZ6M -
These items made of Jade are nice, and $$ priced accordingly as nice gifts or for one's own collections