xfgilly

Hello,

Bringing up an old topic as I just had a similar experience. My camera broke while I was in Europe, so I sent it back with my friend to the US to for warranty repairs while I continued onto Thailand.

Last week my friend shipped me the camera back via USPS, noting the value of the camera as $540. I did not realize or know to tell him to note that it was "NOT FOR RESALE" on the package, so I was surprised to get a pick up slip at my guest house for 1800THB+ in taxes.

I went to the post office (Prasing in Chiang Mai) and explained the situation and asked if there was any leeway with the fee. I was escalated up to the top manager who said the only solution was to provide the repair invoice (which was in the box, which they wouldn't let me open without paying) and that they would have to send it to Bangkok customs for re-evaluation. He said in his experience this would take 3 weeks, but as the post office and customs are separate entities, he could not waive the fee or help me directly.

Since I have already waited too long for the camera, I paid the fee and asked for contact information at customs in Bangkok. He gave me a phone number, but I don't know how far I can get as I don't speak Thai.

Was the manager correct in telling me that the post office can't handle this issue? Do I have any method of recourse or does anyone have an e-mail contact for customs? I'm on a serious budget while traveling for 7 months and could use the money back. I'm guessing I wont be able to get very far, but would like to at least try.

After this experience I have learned my lesson to have my camera repaired in the country I am in...

Thanks!

So agreed with MegaRanter! Thanks for the thousandth time for all of the help. I hope if I have other questions in the future that I get such fantastic and informative responses.

Take care!

Thank you AGAIN for the great information. I was given Controloc which I think is not made locally. Next time I pick it up will be in Chiang Mai so I assume there will be more options.

I get to CM on the 10th and have 11 days before I run out of medication so will start pursuing this as soon as I get here. If you are familiar with any psychs in the area, I am open to recommendations.

Thanks!

Hi Sheryl,

I may just have him send the seroquel then, with paperwork and doctor's note. The reason I am hesitant to buy in Thailand is that the pantoprazole I purchased here cost about 4x as much as my copay in the states! It could just be the area I am in (Naiyang Beach), but seroquel out of pocket in the US is about $600/month.

I'll go chat with the pharmacist tonight to see if she can get any price info on the seroquel, but since my boyfriend already has it in the states I thought it wouldn't hurt to try to send it alone.

Thanks!

Hi again,

My boyfriend is getting ready to ship meds (Seroquel, pantoprazole and birth control). What should he out on the customs form to try to ensure it gets through? Medication?

I know the seroquel is a controlled substance so could get confiscated, but he can't get in any trouble, correct?

Thanks!

-Erin

Thank you for clarifying that even if I have a prescription, it's still technically not OK to ship it to me (but I may not have a choice).

Can you describe a "doctor's certificate" to me? Not a familiar term as a US citizen. I have a handwritten prescription on hand (and a pill bottle with accompanying pharmacy paperwork), but should I get a signed letter outlining the condition/medication with contact info? Or what would this need to contain if you are familiar?

Thanks again!

Thank you Sheryl! I really appreciate the information.

It sounds like my best bet is to have it filled over here under my boyfriend's insurance and have it shipped to me (it will be under my name with paperwork).

My friend who lives in CM says it's hit or miss getting stuff delivered. Any recommendations of the safest way to ship this to try to ensure it gets to me?

Hi there,

First time poster, but I have been lurking for quite a while!

I'm a US resident who will be heading over to Thailand in a few weeks with a dual entry tourist visa. I plan on being in Thailand/SE Asia for around a half year.

I have pretty much everything in order, but my health insurance at work just surprised me by denying a 3 month refill of a medication I take off label for depression, Seroquel XR.

I found on mims.com that this is a Category S drug approved in Thailand, but what I can't find is how readily available it is or if I will need to have medication shipped to me from the US.

Does anyone have any familiarity on obtaining Seroquel XR in Thailand, the expense, or difficulties I may encounter with a Category S drug? It's not listed on the psychotropics or narcotics pages thankfully, but calling it a "controlled substance" has me concerned as I need to take it daily. I will have a prescription bottle/paperwork noting multiple refills.

Thanks!

-Erin