I have recently retired and have been issued a multiple entry retirement visa.  I feel very privileged to live on the island of Koh Samui.  I do not have a good understanding of any duty payments which may apply to shipping my personal and household effects to Koh Samui. I have been told by the customs department that I have a six month period to bring personal effects into Thailand after the issue date of the retirement visa and that they would be free of duty.  Conversely I have been told that duty must be paid on household effects. Is this correct? If I bring the household effects into Thailand after the 6 month grace period, does a different rate of duty apply? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

''multiple entry retirement visa''

 

Is it an O-A M visa ?

are you from USA?

 

 

http://en.customs.go.th/content.php?ini_content=individuals_151007_02&lang=en&left_menu=menu_individuals_151007_02

 

I suspect you will not qualify to import personal/household goods into Thailand tax-free.

Find an shipping agent in your area..these are often used by Thai students relocating back to Thailand.

Easier maybe if you have a Thai wife or know Thais.

I moved from Australia and imported a lot of my things duty free and very simple....by air freight!

18 minutes ago, notamember said:

''multiple entry retirement visa''

 

Is it an O-A M visa ?

are you from USA?

 

 

Thanks for your prompt response: it's an O-A visa and I have an Australian passport.

24 minutes ago, Robert Andrew said:

Thanks for your prompt response: it's an O-A visa and I have an Australian passport.

Only those working here and Thais can import their household goods duty free.

See the link posted in #3.

Even then.. They have your stuff.. 

 

When I first came here along with having the non imm O, my wife was a returning Thai who qualified.. We sent in 3 tonnes by air cargo.. Phuket customs just got it and ransomed it back. No amount of being shown in Thai the law made a damn bit of difference. 

Like Thai police, Thai customs officers are a law unto themselves.