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.

 

[DrJack54]

OP, this thread perhaps not helpful however in my first post there are links to few threads. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1289296-shipping-personal-items-from-uk-to-thailand/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1020269-shipping-electronic-goods-to-thailandtaxvat-etc/

 

[frank83628]

When moving to Thailand you have a 6 month window to move your personal affects, without incurring duty costs. 

 

I forget the name of the site but you will find it under Google search 'import charges Thailand'

 

 

[placnx]

On 6/23/2025 at 6:48 AM, frank83628 said:

When moving to Thailand you have a 6 month window to move your personal affects, without incurring duty costs. 

 

I forget the name of the site but you will find it under Google search 'import charges Thailand'

 

 

I did this 20 years ago. No tax on electronics. Later I shipped a 50 year old grand piano and used a broker. The charge was reasonable, and I am not aware of any import duty.

[Luuk Chaai]

On 6/21/2025 at 9:14 PM, Tunesmith said:

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

Non - O based on marriage ?   if yes.. opens up a who;e different lane for the  "Wife" to bring "her" goods home

[xtrnuno41]

I think you have to make some inquiries with moving companies.

Situations (could) change all the time and they should know a lot, all.

They also have connections, you will never have.

Be aware the companies are moving from DOOR to DOOR!

Otherwise you have your box in BK harbor and you have to take care for transportation in Thailand.

You don t like that, or do? 

[Sparkling]

Hi, if the non O is based on marriage your wife may import, only if she has stayed in UK long enough (i think it s two years but better check) and relocates. She can reduce the duty then. In any case i recommend to ask the shipping company for their ususal and best way to handle it. they do it all the time and know the options.

There will be duty.

 

Ask the World Wide Seaven Seas for that.

I can recommend https://www.thailand-transport.de/en/

 

[Tunesmith]

On 6/22/2025 at 6:16 PM, Liquorice said:

Cheaper just to buy new here.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

Thankfully, the gear was for the UK market, so should be compatible in Thailand.
Buying new is tempting, but heartbreaking too. I might spend all my savings on therapy afterwards. 😢

[Tunesmith]

4 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

Non - O based on marriage ?   if yes.. opens up a who;e different lane for the  "Wife" to bring "her" goods home

My partner is in the UK, trying to sell her place, so I'm trailblazing. I don't have any marital Thai connection, not planning on one either. I just want to escape eye-watering costs of Net Zero and to be able to drive at more than 20mph.