I am wanting to send something for my sister-in-laws birthday and after reading on this forum that recipients were being charged to collect thier overseas parcels I am loathed to post goods that will incurr a charge for her at the other end.

I have previously used 'Forever Florest Thailand' to send flowers and gift baskets. I have to say they were pretty good. The website is clear and easy to use. They to arrange the delivery and turned up on the right day at the right time with the right goods - better than interflora here (UK) it would seem!

However they don't seem to stock anything that catches my eye for this occasion. I was thinking of some branded perfume or similar. Can anybody point me in the direction of another reliable company that supplies and delivers gifts?

Take a look at www.amazon.com .

I ordered some stuff from the UK recently and had to pay a fee when the parcel was delivered to me. However, it was less than 20Baht, so I really didn't mind, and I'm sure your sister-in-law would not either?!? You could always ask your brother to buy something on your behalf and repay him later.

When you mail the gift to your relative, it is you the shipper that "declares the value" on the postal form that is attached to the package.

One would be only guessing if customs differentiates between cologne and toilet water but certainly they would take notice of a brand name perfume.

Most likely they would not open the package to determine if your declaration as to value was accurate.

Keep in mind that prices vary depending on where it is bought, on sale or otherwise, etc. so your declaration, if 12 pounds or less, would most likely not generate duty. Of course you should tell the recipient that the declared value of the gift does not truly reflect its value as a gift.