brian2322

I think the discount to 50k baht is to compete with the elite visa. Elite at 600k for 5 years is 120k baht/year. Probably worth the extra 20k/year to not have any additional requirements, but is it worth an extra 70k/year?

To follow up for posterity, I ended up using DHL. Once I received the tracking number, I signed up for shipment notifications with my phone and email address. When the package arrived in Bangkok, I received a link with the customs fees which were about 10% of the declared value, so it's possible they increased the declared value and that was 7% of their calculation. I didn't receive any breakdown of the calculation, just a flat fee I needed to pay. I used the link and paid the fee, and the package was delivered the same day to my condo. I think as @BMW Overlander mentioned, DHL has in-house customs, which I think did help smooth the process. The duties weren't too outrageous either.

Thanks. So if I have to go to pay them, I guess I should just have it delivered to their office rather than my condo so I can pick it up when I pay?

Someone will be sending me a secondhand laptop from the US to Thailand. They spoke to DHL and were told they are unable to prepay any customs/import duties. My main concern is any delay in receiving the item, it is time sensitive. 1.) Where will I pay the customs fees? Can I pay at the local DHL office, or will the laptop be held in some other location? I'm in Pattaya. 2.) Is it *ever* possible to pay these fees up front? I know when I order off of Amazon they charge me customs fees and everything seems to be prepaid and the item arrives at my condo with no further action for me. This is the flow I was hoping for with the laptop. 3.) Would things go smoother using FedEx? Any suggestions to speed/smooth the process are appreciated. TIA