I am returning to Chiang Mai from the US and am wondering about bringing a new electric piano with me.  Does anyone know if there is duty on a new/boxed item versus a used item?  And, does it make more sense to take the item as check-in baggage or to ship from the US?  Any advice is well appreciated!

The only time I have ever been sent over to the RED customs channel has been when I brought in a boxed hammock

and then only the box was X'rayed, not the rest of my luggage

 

If you can take the item out of the box and place it in you checked luggage you could eliminate that small chance of being directed to Customs inspection upon arrival