Hi.

I'm moving to Thailand next month on a semi-permanent basis. I was going for a retirement visa, but I'm now going for an education visa, because it's easier to get and I seriously intend to learn Thai anyway.

My plan is to stay on an ed visa for the maximum three years and apply for a retirement visa towards the end of that period.

So far so good.

BUT I want to ship some of my worldly goods over there too, and my shipping agent warns me that I might have to pay the import duty on them, which I wouldn't have to do if I had either a retirement visa or a work permit.

I will ask my guy in BKK anyway who is helping me with other aspects of the move. But any information you guys have would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Import duty will likely be required - only shipment for work avoids that.

Some payment will be required.

I had some personal possessions sent to Thailand from the UK with AGS Four Winds last year. A negotiable and small amount was eventually paid to customs.

Thanks folks. As well as asking on here, I've been researching and, as you say, it looks like import duty is unavoidable. Fair enough.

The next question is, does anyone have any idea how much it might be?

I'm not talking about tons of stuff. It's a sofa, two armchairs, two wicker chairs, two bookshelves, a TV, a Japanese wooden bed and mattress, some floor lamps, small kitchen appliances, crockery and cutlery, bedlinen, books, DVDs and CDs, quite a lot of pictures, ornaments, masks and curios. Less than half a containerload, I'm told.

Ball park figures anyone?

Since you have read the post's on it then you should know it is dependent upon what the Customs officer that is assigned to your shipment wants

You will received two quotes, one with an official receipt and one without, and I will leave it to your imagination which one will be lower

All the items you list are readily and cheaply available here. It is likely that you might pay more to ship those here than it would cost to purchase, and that is without adding any duties that might be levied and all the headaches involved with that process. Of course if you have sentimental items that is a different thing.

Me, I didn't bring furnature... I arrived at the customs to declare line with 4 porters and 15 bags. each bag was xrayed and I paid no duty. I joined the female officer (four strips) and she asked me more about my parents and a few questions about the goods.. Mai Pen Rai.. Bye Bye B ut I am a hunsum man