Taking A Budda Efigy Out Of Thailand?

[feasantplukka]

Recently when I returned to the UK with my wife & son I was carring a wrapped Budda, the check in desk at the airport asked me if I was carrying a Budda, I thought they must want to consficate it or something so I lied and said no it was an orniment, anyway I successfully got it to the UK & my wife was quite pleased, but I still wonder what would have happened if I would have told the truth? is there some restrictions on taking a budda from Thailand? just curious

[luangtom]

Technically, yes, there is a formal process for taking images out of Thailand that may be deemed antiques, reliquary or an art object. The Department of Fine Arts issues permits for transport and export of such objects out of Thailand. Curios and the odd small mass-produced images one sees at street-vendors are not covered by the antiquities regulations, but most images of the Buddha are. As I said, technically. Many go out daily, as there is not a big crack-down of late.

[TheFiend]

When I flew out to come back with the wife, whilst the wife was waiting at the airport she made some enquiries about taking a Buddha out of Thailand, and what they told her was that it would be no problem taking one out of Thailand but they thought she might get it confiscated flying into the UK......

We had no problems taking one out, packed in one of our cases. She now has our spare room set up with a Buddha Shrine.

[rfukata]

Recently when I returned to the UK with my wife & son I was carring a wrapped Budda, the check in desk at the airport asked me if I was carrying a Budda, I thought they must want to consficate it or something so I lied and said no it was an orniment, anyway I successfully got it to the UK & my wife was quite pleased, but I still wonder what would have happened if I would have told the truth? is there some restrictions on taking a budda from Thailand? just curious

First I think the person(s) who check you first at the security desk has no business asking that question unless they are of

a real govt. agency. I have been asked if I carried money, and the answer was yes and I told the person it was none of

their business because I was under the monetary value of the Thailand law.

*Taking Buddhist relics (of national treasure, antiques,) is of confiscation but always carry an receipt of appraisal of origination

or documents supporting that the buddha has been approved for export from the ministry.

Buying some gifting buddhist items from the street is deemed legit as the official knows damm well what a real relic is.

[fishhooks]

I gather we are mainly speaking of foreigners taking out Buddah items as souvenirs.

What would be the situation where say a Thai citizen, in most cases Thai wife, wants to take said item to her new country of residence with regard to her faith?

Is there a place where she can apply for permission and does this need to be done in advance of obtaining such item?

Or do you purchase it first, then take it somewhere to be approved?

[Mario2008]

Moved to travel section, as not visa related.

[nowork114]

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/808.php - there is everything explained