Importing Personal Items And Which Visa?

[AdmiralKen]

Hi all.

After a whirlwind 3 months I'm planning on moving to Thailand and purchasing a business. Currently I qualify for a retirement visa (over 50) and will qualify eventually for a spouse visa but can envisage that I will want a "Work Permit" at some time in the near future.

I have scoured the forums and spoken to a number of Thai consulate officials but some other requirements make it a bit too complex for any one to give me a difinative answer.

My problem is that I have a considerable amount of "personal possesions", "household items", "tools" and an old (20yr) vehicle that I would like to bring to Thailand with me. Also the business that I am purchasing is not capitalised sufficiently to employ a foreigner at the moment (though this will change after/during purchase).

I am seeking advice on a number of points:

• Which visa is appropriate? From what I understand the customs exemption doesn't apply with an O visa (not permitted to post link but see "customs dot go dot th").
  
• If I get the B visa but dont get the work permit (immediately) will I still be allowed to import my belongings free of duty?
  
• As the business I am buying isnt capitalised to the required extent for employing a farang (but will be after I purchase it) will this effect the application for a B visa?
  
• Can anyone recommend a moving company (from Sydney to Pattaya/Bangkok) who have experience with this sort of move?
  
• Does anyone have experience with importing a vehicle of this age - it is more of a restoration project and is incomplete?
  

No doubt I'll have some more questions but any advice would be appreciated

Cheers 2SS

[Mario2008]

To import household items duty free you most be in possesion of a one year extension and have a work permit at the time your things arrive. You have 1 year from the moment you arrive in Thailand to have your belongings brought here.

The best thing for you to get is a non-B. But be sure the (tax) papers of the company are in order. Without the proper documents over the last 2 years from the company you will not be able to get an extension of stay.

Importing a vehicle is very expensive. Check the motor forum http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Motor-Forum-f78.html for more advise on this point.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

and getting a work permit as a retiree is definitely not a foregone conclusion. Bringing in a motor vehicle is generally cost prohibitive. www.customs.go.th

[AdmiralKen]

and getting a work permit as a retiree is definitely not a foregone conclusion. Bringing in a motor vehicle is generally cost prohibitive. www.customs.go.th

From what I understand getting a work permit on a retirement (O-A) visa IS a foregone conclusion : IT WONT HAPPEN.

This make ssense as the two are really mutually exclusive (how can I be retired if Im working?). The only way to do it is to convert the O-A and/or start again.

The visa question is more about the other options eg B, spouse or anything else that Im not aware of. B seems to be the go (pun not intended).

The question for the car is more related to WHY the problems exist and has anyone FIRST HAND experience. Whilst I appreciate that the advice of "dont" may be with the best intentions I have always wanted to know WHY .. which may explain my success in business over many years. There appears to be a mechanism but who knows how it works? Details of a thai company that does this would be ideal .. if they're in Pattaya that would be even better

Cheers 2SS

[thaiphoon]

and getting a work permit as a retiree is definitely not a foregone conclusion. Bringing in a motor vehicle is generally cost prohibitive. www.customs.go.th

The question for the car is more related to WHY the problems exist ...

Generally down to 'excessive' import taxes making the exercise cost prohibitive. Have a look at the attached link:

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Perso...Nme=PersonalPer

[dr_Pat_Pong]

and getting a work permit as a retiree is definitely not a foregone conclusion. Bringing in a motor vehicle is generally cost prohibitive. www.customs.go.th

From what I understand getting a work permit on a retirement (O-A) visa IS a foregone conclusion : IT WONT HAPPEN.

This make ssense as the two are really mutually exclusive (how can I be retired if Im working?). The only way to do it is to convert the O-A and/or start again.

The visa question is more about the other options eg B, spouse or anything else that Im not aware of. B seems to be the go (pun not intended).

The question for the car is more related to WHY the problems exist and has anyone FIRST HAND experience. Whilst I appreciate that the advice of "dont" may be with the best intentions I have always wanted to know WHY .. which may explain my success in business over many years. There appears to be a mechanism but who knows how it works? Details of a thai company that does this would be ideal .. if they're in Pattaya that would be even better

Cheers 2SS

I typed O-A when I meant O. Your Thai partner can import goods ( if she is out of Thailand ) but you have no rights of importation. You have been given an explanatory link about motor vehicle

importation and the pitfalls thereof. Maybe you could have a fossick through " SEARCH " to gain all of thepast 7 years ThaiVisa members experience.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

and getting a work permit as a retiree is definitely not a foregone conclusion. Bringing in a motor vehicle is generally cost prohibitive. www.customs.go.th

From what I understand getting a work permit on a retirement (O-A) visa IS a foregone conclusion : IT WONT HAPPEN.

This make ssense as the two are really mutually exclusive (how can I be retired if Im working?). The only way to do it is to convert the O-A and/or start again.

The visa question is more about the other options eg B, spouse or anything else that Im not aware of. B seems to be the go (pun not intended).

The question for the car is more related to WHY the problems exist and has anyone FIRST HAND experience. Whilst I appreciate that the advice of "dont" may be with the best intentions I have always wanted to know WHY .. which may explain my success in business over many years. There appears to be a mechanism but who knows how it works? Details of a thai company that does this would be ideal .. if they're in Pattaya that would be even better

Cheers 2SS

A retiree is a retiree by Immigration definition

That is also a featured item from the search mechanism o

[phetaroi]

It seems to me based on all I have read on this forum (and I did all the searching first) and my own experience that this is a murky area.

People repeatedly told me that as a person getting a retirement extension ( ...notice I didn't say retirement visa) I would not get to have my personal belongings shipped in duty free. My lawyers disagreed.

In the end, everything did come in duty free.

I have no idea what the law is, I only know it worked for me.

The one thing I do remember is that a point was made that the goods had to come in to a different port (the name of which I do not remember), but it wasn't "Bangkok port".

You might want to make sure the shipping company you work with is confident. On this end, my shipment came through via Asian Tigers. Very good to work with.

[thaiphoon]

The one thing I do remember is that a point was made that the goods had to come in to a different port (the name of which I do not remember), but it wasn't "Bangkok port".

Probably the deep water port at Laem Chabang.

[Somrak]

"After a whirlwind 3 months I'm planning on moving to Thailand and purchasing a business. Currently I qualify for a retirement visa (over 50)"

As you have such a lot of questions .... > I woud advise you, come first to thailand with a non-o-visa, look around for 1-2 jears and ask for this time for a retiremt visa.

Sorry, Thailand don't like "farangs" open a smal business a they will put a lot of stones in your way.

To bring personal possnesions to Thailand, if they are not very expensive workingtools, brings normaly nothing! Thailand is much cheaper than Autralia.

....... and ......

Sorry, come look fist.

[AdmiralKen]

"After a whirlwind 3 months I'm planning on moving to Thailand and purchasing a business. Currently I qualify for a retirement visa (over 50)"

As you have such a lot of questions .... > I woud advise you, come first to thailand with a non-o-visa, look around for 1-2 jears and ask for this time for a retiremt visa.

Sorry, Thailand don't like "farangs" open a smal business a they will put a lot of stones in your way.

To bring personal possnesions to Thailand, if they are not very expensive workingtools, brings normaly nothing! Thailand is much cheaper than Autralia.

....... and ......

Sorry, come look fist.

Somrak : .... I was looking for helpful advice not an uninformed lecture.

I have been to Thailand MANY times over the years and have travelled all over the world for the past 25yrs ... so Im not what normally would be considered inexperienced. Now, it's time to settle down.

I have spent over 10 hours (probably lots more) trying to find some specific answers on this and many other forums and I do know how to use the search facility. If you can't answer my questions just ignore the request. I don't need someone to tell me that Thais hate farangs (because in my experience they don't) and all you're doing is showing your ignorance. I relayed your comment to my Thai girlfriend and she suggests that the only farangs that Thais don't like are the ones that treat Thais badly - so you may need an attitude adjustment if this is your experience.

As for the ..... it's cheaper in Thailand that's also not necessarily the case. The items I want to bring have ALREADY BEEN PAID for and as they are second-hand and/or specialist items selling them and repurchasing is not a sensible option. Some of my "tools" would need to be imported anyway ... I'm trying not to get my own thread "off topic" here so I'm not going into specifics where it isn't necessary.

My decision to move to Thailand had been made long before my "whirlwind" trip and I research any major changes in my life extensively. Evidence of this is bourne out by the fact that I have succesfully operated my own businesses for over 30 yrs and have almost completed the purchase of a business in Thailand, have a residence, motorbike etc in Pattaya all without any complications. Fortunately my experience in many different countries means that it won't take 1-2yrs to learn the "ropes" - though I do understand that some "slower" people may take this long.

phetaroi : Many thanks. This is the sort of thing I was looking for. Obviously there is hope, I just need to find the right importers. Will try out your suggestion on Monday. Is it possible to get the details of your lawyer via PM so even if he can't help me directly I can refer my lawyer to him?

dr_Pat_Pong :

I typed O-A when I meant O. Your Thai partner can import goods ( if she is out of Thailand ) but you have no rights of importation. You have been given an explanatory link about motor vehicle

She has only been in Australia for a few weeks so does not qualify. The link that I quoted in the OP (which has been repeated by others) details the qualifications. It also disagrees with you on my rights -- but what would Thai customs know?!?

As for the motor link I can't seem to find any thread that deals with importing 20yr old cars from Australia and the specific costs and processes required. I'm happy to stand corrected if there is one. The customs site is no help there either as the rates stop after 10yr old and the "up to them" figure doesn't help me much. Again does anyone have any experience?

-----------

To clarify : I'm looking for advice or help from someone who has done it or knows how someone has done it. Please save the "use the search" and "dont do it" comments for someone else.

Cheers 2SS

Edited October 25, 2009 by 2slicesshort

[Somrak]

Soory dear 2slicesshort

I do not speak english verry well and i dit not want to offend you.

"Somrak : .... I was looking for helpful advice not an uninformed lecture."

I have spent over 10 hours (probably lots more) trying to find some specific answers on this and many other forums and I do know how to use the search facility. If you can't answer my questions just ignore the request. I don't need someone to tell me that Thais hate farangs (because in my experience they don't) and all you're doing is showing your ignorance. I relayed your comment to my Thai girlfriend and she suggests that the only farangs that Thais don't like are the ones that treat Thais badly - so you may need an attitude adjustment if this is your experience.

.... pleas do not put things in my mouth i did not say!!! And maybe ask first your girlfiend before you ask for advice!?

You, with your 30 years exipirience, your girlfriend and second-hand and/or specialist items, you may only need 2-3 month to understand Thailand. But take this 2-3 month for look around!

I live in thailand (with my own money) and have a small business, for "sanuk", with my wife. And i still not understand everything!

"My decision to move to Thailand had been made long before my "whirlwind" trip and I research any major changes in my life extensively. Evidence of this is bourne out by the fact that I have succesfully operated my own businesses for over 30 yrs and have almost completed the purchase of a business in Thailand, have a residence, motorbike etc in Pattaya all without any complications."

For a workpermit you have to employ 4 thai. nationals and for your self you have to pay tax for 50k Bath. There is a lot of information about this in Thai-Visa.

Tschuess and sorry again

[thaiphoon]

[/i]For a workpermit you have to employ 4 thai. nationals and for your self you have to pay tax for 50k Bath. There is a lot of information about this in Thai-Visa.

If married to Thai:

- the requirement for 2M baht registered share capital is reduced to 1M baht

- the requirement for 4 Thai employees is reduced to 2

- and on extension of stay the minimum salary requirement is 40k/month.

[AdmiralKen]

Soory dear 2slicesshort

I do not speak english verry well and i dit not want to offend you.

"Somrak : .... I was looking for helpful advice not an uninformed lecture."

I have spent over 10 hours (probably lots more) trying to find some specific answers on this and many other forums and I do know how to use the search facility. If you can't answer my questions just ignore the request. I don't need someone to tell me that Thais hate farangs (because in my experience they don't) and all you're doing is showing your ignorance. I relayed your comment to my Thai girlfriend and she suggests that the only farangs that Thais don't like are the ones that treat Thais badly - so you may need an attitude adjustment if this is your experience.

.... pleas do not put things in my mouth i did not say!!! And maybe ask first your girlfiend before you ask for advice!?

You, with your 30 years exipirience, your girlfriend and second-hand and/or specialist items, you may only need 2-3 month to understand Thailand. But take this 2-3 month for look around!

I live in thailand (with my own money) and have a small business, for "sanuk", with my wife. And i still not understand everything!

"My decision to move to Thailand had been made long before my "whirlwind" trip and I research any major changes in my life extensively. Evidence of this is bourne out by the fact that I have succesfully operated my own businesses for over 30 yrs and have almost completed the purchase of a business in Thailand, have a residence, motorbike etc in Pattaya all without any complications."

For a workpermit you have to employ 4 thai. nationals and for your self you have to pay tax for 50k Bath. There is a lot of information about this in Thai-Visa.

Tschuess and sorry again

Somrak,

The comment that I took offence at was

Sorry, Thailand don't like "farangs" open a smal business a they will put a lot of stones in your way.

My experiences do not reflect that ... as I commented. So far every government department that I have visited has been informative and helpful. I base my comments on my own observations, not "forum rhetoric".

Not everyone in the world speaks English and I understand that sometimes problems arise due to misunderstandings. I'm a big enough man to not let minor things get in the way and I'm happy to buy you a beer should we meet up in the future.

I don't profess to know everything - far from it. One of thjings that I have always remembered is the advice that "the wise man is the one who realises how little he really knows". I'm blessed with the ability to learn fast but I will never know everything about anything - I wouldn't need to ask questions here if I did.

One of the problems that has created my dillema is that the Thai company I'm purchasing is only capitalised to 2M Baht and currently only has 2 employees. My advice is that I need to up the capitalisation to 4M Baht. The additional employees can be readily sourced (my TGF is one and I shouldnt have any problems finding another family member to "employ"). Unfortunately because the cart needs to be before the horse I can't get the work permit without the company being fully transferred (purchased by me) and there is a time limit on the duty free importation. I am well aware of the foreign ownership limitations though the TAFTA (Thailand Australian Free Trade Aggreement) has some provisions in there

that I have a Thai lawyer looking at in case theere are some hidden benfits. Depending on which version of the story you read some advice is that I need the work permit to get the duty free import and others say I dont. Again - that's why I'm asking

I assure you that I will continue to look into things, including using the search facility, and thank you for your input.

Cheers 2SS

[AdmiralKen]

[/i]For a workpermit you have to employ 4 thai. nationals and for your self you have to pay tax for 50k Bath. There is a lot of information about this in Thai-Visa.

If married to Thai:

- the requirement for 2M baht registered share capital is reduced to 1M baht

- the requirement for 4 Thai employees is reduced to 2

- and on extension of stay the minimum salary requirement is 40k/month.

Thanks thaiphoon. Looks like I need to check the figure I've beeen given in relation to capitalisation.

Whilst it woiuld make things a bit cheaper the wedding wont happen until after this gets sorted but the advice could be helpful for additonal employees later. You can never accumulate too much information

Cheers, 2SS

[thaiphoon]

Just in case I was not clear, the 40k/month is assuming you have extension of stay based on marriage to Thai, otherwise 50k/month for westerner (but varies on nationality). Not sure where you are located, but in Bkk the labour department does offer some flexibility on needing 4 Thai employees from day 1 for new company set ups. If you can show a 'ramp up' plan that gets to the magic 4 number in the not too distant future, labour department will look at it sympathetically, but each case is decided on its own merits. That information came from Sunbelt about 4 months ago. Good luck.

[thaihome]

The best advice the OP got in this thread is to contact one of the major moving companies such as Asia Tigers/Transpo. They will give you straight information and possible ways to make getting your goods into Thailand more economical then paying the straight duty.

TH

[Jaydillon]

Hi all.

After a whirlwind 3 months I'm planning on moving to Thailand and purchasing a business. Currently I qualify for a retirement visa (over 50) and will qualify eventually for a spouse visa but can envisage that I will want a "Work Permit" at some time in the near future.

I have scoured the forums and spoken to a number of Thai consulate officials but some other requirements make it a bit too complex for any one to give me a difinative answer.

My problem is that I have a considerable amount of "personal possesions", "household items", "tools" and an old (20yr) vehicle that I would like to bring to Thailand with me. Also the business that I am purchasing is not capitalised sufficiently to employ a foreigner at the moment (though this will change after/during purchase).

I am seeking advice on a number of points:

• Which visa is appropriate? From what I understand the customs exemption doesn't apply with an O visa (not permitted to post link but see "customs dot go dot th").
  
• If I get the B visa but dont get the work permit (immediately) will I still be allowed to import my belongings free of duty?
  
• As the business I am buying isnt capitalised to the required extent for employing a farang (but will be after I purchase it) will this effect the application for a B visa?
  
• Can anyone recommend a moving company (from Sydney to Pattaya/Bangkok) who have experience with this sort of move?
  
• Does anyone have experience with importing a vehicle of this age - it is more of a restoration project and is incomplete?
  

No doubt I'll have some more questions but any advice would be appreciated

Cheers 2SS

Hi email Stein with all your questions very good service and highly recommended.Good luck

United Relocations:

www.united-relo.com

United Relocations (Thailand) Co. Ltd

360/21-22 Moo-Ban Sri Krung,

Rama III Road, Yannawa

Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Tel: 02 285 3974/5

Mobile: 08 9665 2050

Fax: 02 285 3976