Bringing Rc Toys And Computers Into Thailand Via Airlines

[rideswings]

I am going to be flying into BKK next week from the USA and in my checked and carry-on baggage I will be bringing a few of my big radio controlled helicopters, trucks and cars as well as a desktop computer and printer. The RC stuff is valued at around $4000.00 and computer around $800.00. I will be staying in Thailand for around 3 weeks and then going back to the USA with the same stuff I brought in.

I am thinking about bringing the RC stuff in cardboard boxes as opposed to suitcases and it will be around 2 or 3 boxes around 62" linear size each, which the airline will let me check for free. Will these boxes tend to attract attention more than checked luggage at Thai customs upon my arrival and if I am stopped at the airport will I have to pay any customs duties to Thailand? Should I just use suitcases and hope that I am not stopped, or are boxes inconspicuous enough to bypass customs? I just dont want to have to pay taxes on something I just want to use here for a few weeks.

I have read the Thai Customs website (http://www.customsclinic.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=174&Itemid=176〈=en) but Im not clear about what it says. They talk about 10,000 baht limits, 80,000 baht limits, but does this apply to items that are not meant for commercial sale?

[Spoonman]

I brought three nitro monster trucks (second hand in suitcases) in from Australia with no issues.

I must ask, if your only here for a few weeks do you really need to bring all that RC gear ??

[rideswings]

Spoon - unfortunately Im an RC addict. If I am away from my toys for too long I go through withdrawal.

[torrenova]

I think most countries have something akin to a "temporary import" declaration. I seem to recall from some distant brain cells something about a deposit (perhaps equal to the permanent import tax) being lodged and collected when the goods were re-exported. I don't assume for one minute that that memory relates to Thailand and I would just not put up a deposit with customs as I don't believe it would be easy to reclaim. However, it might be worth researching temporary import.

I wonder if the temporary import of personal vehicles website might not be a good starting point http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Perso...Nme=PersonalTem

[GungaDin]

Suitcases, everytime...They are your personal property and not for resale.

Boxes will attract unwanted attention.

If stopped, tell the truth.

Good luck.