How can I minimise import duty on my personal use musical instruments?

[Tunesmith]

Hi all, I plan to move from the UK to Hua Hin on a non-immigrant O visa.

As far as personal possessions go, my collection of musical instruments, recording equipment and tech gear is all I want to bring with me. I just want to use them for my own projects, not for anything commercial. However, I'm concerned that Thai customs might not see it that way.

I also read the "Non Immigrant Quota" posting by @MangoKorat which, while fascinating, was inconclusive, alas.
 

Can anyone advise me on the best approach? Maybe the contents needs to be documented in some preferred way. I also read somewhere about 'brokers' of sorts, who hang around the ports and negotiate the duty charges for you. Obviously I'd prefer not to pay anything but I suspect that's unlikely, I just don't want to overpay.
 

Incidentally, I will probably use Seven Seas Worldwide 'MoveCube' for shipping to BKK, but am open to suggestions. Thanks.

[DrJack54]

Volume and total weight? 

I will move your thread to correct forum.

Thinking you are in for world of pain. 

[Tunesmith]

Thanks for the swift response. I chose this section based on the placement of the posting I referred to, which was on a vaguely similar topic. There wasn't a particularly obvious alternative, as far as I could see. But I'm a n00b here, what do I know? 🙃

Weight probably less than 700kg.
It won't be solely music gear, some useful but inexpensive domestic stuff too.
Volume: the 'MoveCube' wooden crate container is about 20sqm or 220 sqft.
I suspect I wouldn't fill it to the brim, though it's hard to judge at this stage.
 

As for the world of pain, you could be absolutely right here. Yet, as is so often the case on these forums, experiences differ or, as many are wont to say: Your mileage may vary. That said no further comments so far, perhaps they're still dealing with PTSD after trying something similar with their own prized possessions. 😉

[Liquorice]

Cheaper just to buy new here.

 

I know an American who transported a load of electrical gear in a container at great cost.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

[cjinchiangrai]

55 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Cheaper just to buy new here.

 

I know an American who transported a load of electrical gear in a container at great cost.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

Amps, mixers and electronics, absolutely. Replace them. The speakers are fine but expensive to ship.

 

Instruments, you need to offer the depreciated value of the used equipment on the manifest. For things like keyboards, check the label for dual voltage power supplies. Computer gear is fine, except maybe monitors..

[jimmybcool]

Tagging out of interest.  If I ever move to Thailand I have about 15 somewhat expensive guitars I would bring.  Anything else I could replace.  

 

[jacnl2000]

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/thailand-sign-agreement-with-european-free-trade-association-next-week-pm-says-2025-01-13/

 

There’s currently no trade deal between the UK and Thailand, so once your guitar lands, you’ll also need to pay around 17% in taxes (that’s 10% import duty + 7% VAT) based on its value—before you can get your hands on it and play.