Customs( Another Screwed Up Mess)

[garyk]

I just thought I would let some of you know the new import changes.<BR>If you have anything over 40,000 baht comming in. You have to have an agent get it for you. That intals a 3000 baht paper handling charge and other charges i did not understand. I thought for my birthday i would buy a new lens for my camera. 2000 us dollars. Now it is going to cost me 10900 baht to get it from customs. <BR>Even if it is mailed regular mail. It is routed to the special custom office for a further screwing.<BR>G

[Tokay]

There is no reason for such crap. I had to do a song and dance like this last year when I had a new camera sent from the USA. Customs just caged it and demanded 6000b on top of the duty I had to pay. No justification at all.

Criminals.

[bunta71]

There is no reason for such crap. I had to do a song and dance like this last year when I had a new camera sent from the USA. Customs just caged it and demanded 6000b on top of the duty I had to pay. No justification at all.

Criminals.

Haven't you heard?? We are their "guests" Just keep digging into your pockets...I still have costly packages that have been stolen and never arrived. These are like gifts that guests would give to a host.

[garyk]

Here is an update.

I just got my lens and am back home. An all day ordeal and very stressful.

The paperwork took all day I paid a total of 10965 baht for a 2000 dollar lens. I reall splurged on myself and thought a 7% wuold be ok.

But over double now. a total of 12% tax and 2500 for paterwork and i do not know what else. The usual 7% and another 5% import duty. and the fees for paperwork.

I will never buy another thing here that is expensive. Let alone have it shipped to me.

To me this is total unacceptable. I promised myself they will not get another penny from me.

Then my debit card would not work at the bank for transfering funds. I had to go the the one armed bandet the ATM. Of course it worked fine. And i almost decided to go home when i saw the extra 150 baht fee.

I am not sure this place is any cheaper than the states to tell you the truth.

My home is paid for my truck in the driveway is paid for I have a camper a motorcycle and very comfortable. I am starting to think just because i have a good looking woman on my arm, it is not worth it anymore.

I find it very expensive here without the luxuries.

Do any of you guys feel the same or am i just ranting?

G

[Richb2004v2]

No, I think you are exactly right. Without the women on your arm there is probably no way you would want to live in a backward banana republic like this. Try to stick it for a while longer though, it might get better. I'm sure someone will put you back on the right track and tell you all the good things soon enough.

[CarlBkk]

Unless you live out in the sticks yes it is much more expensive here than 4+ years ago. You can notice the massive increase in upscale hotels and restaurants charging Western prices and know something is changing. It's even more expensive for those of us having to exchange GBP to baht and in fact living expenses (in Bangkok anyway) on virtually on a par with those back home outside of major cities.

However, there are still conveniences and pleasures. One thing expats learn very quickly is NOT to try and import anything vaguely large or expensive into Thailand from abroad. You just wait until you or a friend can bring it in with you.

[Ulysses G.]

Do any of you guys feel the same or am i just ranting?

Just ranting. It is much cheaper to live here than Farangland if you do not buy expensive imported foods and the latest electronic toys. I understand that some people need these things, but how long does it take to figure out that if you have to buy them, they will not be cheap?