Duty / Tax Packages To Thailand

[Gek]

Hello,

I will be sending a package (gift) to some friends in Thailand; sent using the postal system. I would like to know the maximum value of items I can include inside the package, before they are assessed a duty / tax on the contents of the package by Thai Customs. Is value based on my declaration, or by Customs inspection? What is the duty rate when exceeding X baht?

Thank you very much!

[Ajarn]

Sorry, wish there were any 'for sure' answers to your questions... I've seen plenty of exceptions to any 'rule' posted here...

Less than $25.00 value, and a gift, should be tax free. Except for restricted items, of course. Sometimes they pay attention to invoices and written values, often they don't.

The duty rate depends on the item, of course, - or does it?

In my own experiences, I've had items that, according to customs, would fit into several categories... One recent item was either a children's toy, sports equipment, a firearm... Figure to pay the highest rate possible.

Make sure you keep the value per package under 20,000 in any case. You don't want your friend actually having to go to customs to pay. Better to pay at the P.O. if you can, to be sure.

Edited February 25, 2005 by Ajarn

[wimpy]

Send by surface mail if possible. I have sent at least 25 large packages to thailand by surface, and only had to pay duty once. Values were typically around $150 per box. Usually takes about five weeks from the US. I have never lost anything, but they arrive pretty banged up..., so pack well.

[Gek]

Thank you for the replies. I was going to send some collectable coins in one of the packages, but after reading some of the posts in the Thai Postal Theft Thread, I think I'll just send items of little resale value.

Thank you again!

Edited February 28, 2005 by Gek