I have just ordered some jewelery to be sent to my UK address and was going to get a friend to ship to me here in Thailand. I stupidly wasn't thinking about the import tax which I just read can be 60% or more! As the value is about 100,000 baht this could be huge!!!!! what can I do? I don't mind paying a bit of tax but I cant afford 60,000 baht.

What is the best thing to do . Shall I ship it with value declared as 10,000 baht or something? Do customs actually value the stuff sent or do they just accept the declaration? The item in question is a diamond ring so unless they are experts they wouldn't know if it was 10,000 or 300,000 value. however I dont want to do anything too risky.

please please help!!!!!!

A reminder that we don't dicuss illegal activities, such as methods of tax evasion. Only advise within the law is allowed.

Stuff sent 'small packet, international signed for' invariably arrives with no customs inspection (at least in my experience).

Not sure I'd trust it with such a large value though. Maybe describe on the declaration as 'costume jewellery, gift of no commercial value'.

Maybe a cheap ticket for a friend to bring it over

As Mario2008 states, any 'proforma Invoice' or other way to reduce the tax is a crime.

And I would actually be more worried about the ring reaching you unless it is highly insured and using a proper courier (DHL etc).

Diamonds / Thai Postal Service .

A disaster waiting to happen.

Pay for a freinds air ticket

sorry i ment 'legally' avoid the tax

now I have a big headache as what to do.

thanks for advice.

You cannot legally avoid the tax...unless you buy a cheaper jewelry.

Did it before, as some advice or send someone over or pay tax (need a original invoice).

If the value of goods on shipping documents isn't correct, they value the ring and you going to pay a lot more.

Curious thought - Obviously all toursit are not taxed on Rolex watches and diamond rings. If you bring whatever and you plan to one day take it back or intention is to take it back I don't see that as importing. I live in another country other than my homeland or thialand. I had a shipping allowance. No customs because this is not a permanent place for me although I am a residence. Same for other countries for me.

I think you have a valid argument as it is used and you are not Thai citizen.

Curious thought - Obviously all toursit are not taxed on Rolex watches and diamond rings. If you bring whatever and you plan to one day take it back or intention is to take it back I don't see that as importing. I live in another country other than my homeland or thialand. I had a shipping allowance. No customs because this is not a permanent place for me although I am a residence. Same for other countries for me.

I think you have a valid argument as it is used and you are not Thai citizen.

Yes if you wear it and traveling by yourself, no problem(till a certain quantity).

As someone else said, small packed to sign for. Minimal risk. I've sent jewellery (although it forbids it) with EMS before...no problem.

Alternatively pay someone reliable on TV (me, me!!) a couple of thousand to bring it back to UK with them!