Thymic carcinoid is a rare tumour. A case of giant thymic carcinoid with extensive necrosis is reported in a 44-year-old Chinese male. Diagnosis was difficult to make before the operation and even intraoperatively. Subtotal excision was performed followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. The patient remained disease-free at the last follow-up 12 months after surgery. Complete excision remains the mainstay of treatment for this disease.