Duitable Taxes For Items Shipped To Thailand

[heartinhands]

Hello wonderful people! Im new to this forum, but wanted to ask some questions.

I am currently attending school at Rangsit U in pathumthani. Im an american citizen and truly enjoying my time studying in thailand. i wanted to come back after we shot a documentary in late december early january about a small group of international high school student that promote positive social change. after that experience, I had to get back.

one of my other hobbies/passions besides video is photography (among other things), and I wanted to ask about having a camera shipped over here. I already brough my digital, 35mm, and my plastic fantastic Holga 120, but I also wanted my hasselblad sent over from my uncle. This camera is rather expensive, although Im not sure which model he will give me, or how much it really costs.

I don't want to pay outrageously high import duties, or anything for that matter as im on a fixed income while at school. I do graphic and web design to pay for school, but its a bit more tricky when the majority of your clients are a good 12hour time difference.

Anyhow, the camera will be shipped from the US. Any information would be greatly appreciate, and please let me know if you need any other info!

Thank you kindly!

enjoy in Joy

shan

(heartinhands)

[chickenslegs]

Hello h-in-h

This link may help explain things

http://customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/PostalPar...stalParcels.jsp

You need to be aware that Thai customs will assess the value of the items - regardless of what you think they are worth.

You can appeal, but good luck with that.

You can't take delivery until you pay the fee - so you don't even know if your goods are all there or undamaged.

I believe you can pay (or maybe pre-pay) for return of the goods to sender, if you are not happy with the duty they want to charge. You will need to check about that.

Or, when the goods are sent to you, the poster could lie about the valuation (if under 1,000 baht no duty is paid). However, this would be extremely risky as they do occasionally open parcels to check.

If you are working for a Thai or international organisation, and you need the equipment for that purpose, maybe they could get some dispensation.

[heartinhands]

Hello h-in-h

This link may help explain things

http://customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/PostalPar...stalParcels.jsp

You need to be aware that Thai customs will assess the value of the items - regardless of what you think they are worth.

You can appeal, but good luck with that.

You can't take delivery until you pay the fee - so you don't even know if your goods are all there or undamaged.

I believe you can pay (or maybe pre-pay) for return of the goods to sender, if you are not happy with the duty they want to charge. You will need to check about that.

Or, when the goods are sent to you, the poster could lie about the valuation (if under 1,000 baht no duty is paid). However, this would be extremely risky as they do occasionally open parcels to check.

If you are working for a Thai or international organisation, and you need the equipment for that purpose, maybe they could get some dispensation.

THANKS chickenlegs! I really appreciate you getting back to me! I stumbled onto that site from another post, and I beleive you were actually the one that suggested it there. I just wish the process was a little bit clearer. The camera isn't really mine, its more or less being "lended" to me on a long term basis. I am just concerned about its safety being shipped and inspected, and of course actually acquiring it. . .

Thanks again though, Im sure it will help!

Enjoy in Joy my friend!

with infinite Love

HIH

[chickenslegs]

Hey!

What happened to the two previous posts #2 and #3 - one accusing you of belonging to a cult, and your reply putting him back in his place.

Or was I dreaming.

[heartinhands]

Hello h-in-h

This link may help explain things

http://customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/PostalPar...stalParcels.jsp

You need to be aware that Thai customs will assess the value of the items - regardless of what you think they are worth.

You can appeal, but good luck with that.

You can't take delivery until you pay the fee - so you don't even know if your goods are all there or undamaged.

I believe you can pay (or maybe pre-pay) for return of the goods to sender, if you are not happy with the duty they want to charge. You will need to check about that.

Or, when the goods are sent to you, the poster could lie about the valuation (if under 1,000 baht no duty is paid). However, this would be extremely risky as they do occasionally open parcels to check.

If you are working for a Thai or international organisation, and you need the equipment for that purpose, maybe they could get some dispensation.

i would have my uncle "lie" about the value of the camera, but Im pretty sure he is going to want to insure it, just in case, considering this type of camera is quite expensive, i believe around 2500, YIKES! =P Wel see what happens, I dont "NEED" it, but I am doing a photoethnographic study of south east asian cultures and presenting it for the Freeman Asia foundation. Which speaking of, may be my way around. I am just a scholar on their behalf, so I am technically not employed by them, but perhaps there is some "wiggle room", so-to-speak. . .

again, I am very grateful for your response!

with infinite Love

HIH

[chickenslegs]

Just another thought.

If you could claim that you need the camera as part of your coursework, maybe it could be posted to the school. I think there may be some exemption for 'educational purposes' - again, do some checking.

Or, the easiest way, if you or your uncle know someone who is travelling out here, get them to bring it over - I've never heard of anyone being charged import duties for carrying a camera into Thailand.

[heartinhands]

Hey!

What happened to the two previous posts #2 and #3 - one accusing you of belonging to a cult, and your reply putting him back in his place.

Or was I dreaming.

You weren't dreaming, I had reported his post as it was against the TOS and forum rules, just figured I should be diplomatic with the situation.

Basically I just outlined the program, its intentions, and asked why he would act this way. Also commented on the fragmentation of our current world, and how comments such as his help to propagate ideals of fear, and separateness within our world and our youth. which is why I created a documentary for that NPO, to promote the positive things happening in the world, no matter how small. not to mention it helps to show the youth helping youth, and also seeing how incredibly powerful they can be in making positive social change on a global level.

what we are trying to do is help to provide experiences for young people to realize that they are empowered leaders, and can do anything they want, whether that be to help the world is up to them. we can only hope that global initiatives such as Blue Star of Hope will help to let them see the Truth behind the fear-based mentality of our current society.

Ill post a link to the video once we get it online, it is just a short cut of the doc. to help promote the program and also seek funding and donors for the Program and also ourselves.

Myself and my friend took out 10K in student loans to cover the costs of the documentary. Many people said it was a risk, but Id do it ten more times or more after seeing these children light up and feel empowered to make positive change =) Not to mention we hope to produce the doc for television and private viewings, hopefully in schools. we'd also like travel around to schools and help the young people in our world see that they can make the world a better place for everyone, absolutely everyone.

We can come together as a global society and truly live in peace and joy.

PHEW, that was long!

thanks again my friend, much respect and love to you!

[heartinhands]

Just another thought.

If you could claim that you need the camera as part of your coursework, maybe it could be posted to the school. I think there may be some exemption for 'educational purposes' - again, do some checking.

Or, the easiest way, if you or your uncle know someone who is travelling out here, get them to bring it over - I've never heard of anyone being charged import duties for carrying a camera into Thailand.

I was thinking that also, im going to speak to the director of our program here in Pathumthani soon and ask. It could technically be part of my coursework considering the project I am doing for the Freeman Asia foundation.

You have been so helpful chickenslegs, im really thankful for that. This is what I expected from a website like this, people helping people, regardless of where they from, what the look like, or any other judgements.

Really, thank you. I can't say it enough, and words can't convey the gratitude I have for your support.

with Love

HIH

[chickenslegs]

This is what I expected from a website like this, people helping people, regardless of where they from, what the look like, or any other judgements.

with Love

HIH

HiH

Your expectations are way too high... Just read a few of the threads, there are a lot of bitter and resentful people here.

However, if you can wade though the dross you will also find a lot of people willing to be supportive and pass on their experiences.

Also, please tone down the gratitude, just send money.

[heartinhands]

HiH

Your expectations are way too high... Just read a few of the threads, there are a lot of bitter and resentful people here.

However, if you can wade though the dross you will also find a lot of people willing to be supportive and pass on their experiences.

Also, please tone down the gratitude, just send money.

Im an optimist my friend, it helps to make things Lighter =) As soon as I have some extra, ill send some your way ;-P

And there is goodness in all people, its just a matter of realizing it. "A saint is just a sinner who never gave up" Paramahansa Yogananda

[chickenslegs]

"...then you're a better man than I am Gunga Din" - Rudyard Kipling

[jackspratt]

The duty rate on (non-digital) 35mm SLR cameras is 5%. VAT (7%) may also be payable.

Obviously the value is important. I would be looking for an insurance certificate from a reputable company, supported by values from magazines etc which specialise in used photographic equipment.

Good luck - it really is a shot in dark when dealing with one of the most corrupt customs agencies in SE Asia.

[heartinhands]

Thanks Jacks, do you happen to know about non-digital 120 Medium Format cameras? (6cm x 6cm)

I am going to ask my university if there is any way to bypass the tax on these cameras because it is for school and the Freeman Asia foundation, but im open to any suggestions =)

Thanks again for all your help!

[JohnC]

Follow this link to find out how much you have to pay, around 100% of the perceived value. eg: If the camera is valued at 200$ then the customs duty would add up to 200$.

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Sampl...?menuNme=Sample

[heartinhands]

Yikes! I certainly hope that won't be the case! Im going to see if there is anyway to work around this, because frankly that would be ridiculous!

Thank you for the link though! Helpful, yes scary!

Also, here is a short cut of the documentary I mentioned in a post that I had reported due to another member's viewpoint. . .

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3...02298&hl=en

Low Quality because of our slow bandwidth =) but you get the gist of it. .

enjoy in Joy

shane

[jackspratt]

Follow this link to find out how much you have to pay, around 100% of the perceived value. eg: If the camera is valued at 200$ then the customs duty would add up to 200$.

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Sampl...?menuNme=Sample

Take no notice of this link.

Cameras are not subject to 60% duty, and there is no surcharge/special duty, interior tax or excise tax.

Unfortunately people who have no idea what they are talking about sometimes stumble upon a webpage, and think that it applies to all cases.

It doesn't!

[jackspratt]

Thanks Jacks, do you happen to know about non-digital 120 Medium Format cameras? (6cm x 6cm)

I am going to ask my university if there is any way to bypass the tax on these cameras because it is for school and the Freeman Asia foundation, but im open to any suggestions =)

Thanks again for all your help!

I assume the camera fits into Tariff Heading 9006.59, which has a duty rate of 5% (maybe even exempt, but I cannot read the Thai script in the Thai Customs Tariff).

There is also a duty exemption if the camera fits into the following category:

The under mentioned articles, if accompanied with the owner or temporary imported and to be re-exported within six months

(a) - ( c) not relevant

(d) Photographic and cinematographic apparatus and sound recording machines, imported by persons temporarily visiting Thailand for the purpose of taking photographs or recording sound, but photographic films and plates or articles for recording, imported for such purposes must be in accordance with the conditions and quantity specified by the Minister of Finance

Again, I caution this is only the law. Thai Customs may choose to (and are notorious for) ignoring their own laws.

[telaksslave]

Hello wonderful people! Im new to this forum, but wanted to ask some questions.

I am currently attending school at Rangsit U in pathumthani. Im an american citizen and truly enjoying my time studying in thailand. i wanted to come back after we shot a documentary in late december early january about a small group of international high school student that promote positive social change. after that experience, I had to get back.

one of my other hobbies/passions besides video is photography (among other things), and I wanted to ask about having a camera shipped over here. I already brough my digital, 35mm, and my plastic fantastic Holga 120, but I also wanted my hasselblad sent over from my uncle. This camera is rather expensive, although Im not sure which model he will give me, or how much it really costs.

I don't want to pay outrageously high import duties, or anything for that matter as im on a fixed income while at school. I do graphic and web design to pay for school, but its a bit more tricky when the majority of your clients are a good 12hour time difference.

Anyhow, the camera will be shipped from the US. Any information would be greatly appreciate, and please let me know if you need any other info!

Thank you kindly!

enjoy in Joy

shan

(heartinhands)

my wife works in customs and she said try and get a friend to come on holidays here and bring it with them thats the easiest way, sorry your american the american word is vacation not ( holidays) i keep forgetting you speak a different language to the english ( only joking)

[heartinhands]

Thanks John! The whole thing is new to me!

Im just hping that I can get any fees waived as it is for education and a NPO project, but we shall see. Does the 5% for non-digi 35mm apply to Medium format cameras as well>? 120/220 film. . .

thanks again for all your help!

enjoy in Joy

shane