Thai Citizen/Household Good Shipment

[55Jay]

Man, had this all typed out, accidently hit the backspace key and lost everything.

Continue planning for move to LOS, want to ship all our household goods over (no vehicles).

Thai wife has been with me abroad, on a duly stamped foreign visa/residence permit in her Thai passport demonstrating she's been living outside LOS for 2+ years..

Read on Thai Customs website and here on TV in somewhat related 2010 posts, that returning Thai citizens are eligible for a one-off tax exempt personal shipment if returning from 1 year stay abroad, which the wife unit easily falls into the category.

Am particularily interested in electronic/electrical items, being well and good used, would still attract the attention of Thai customs. In particular, we've got 2 desktop CPUs and all the common peripherals (printer, speakers, routers, etc) couple laptops, 32" Samsung flat screen TV, one of those mid-apartment sized refrigerators, and an assortment of kitchen equipment such as microwave, coffee maker, toaster - blah blah blah, all the usual things you might imagine. Large or maybe a bit unusual would be a treadmill exercise machine, a ping pong table, and quite a good cache of fishing poles and tackle.

- Sold the kayak as it is too ungainly to ship, reckon I'll get one there unless anyone on TV in the Pattaya area, has a proper fishing boat and needs a fishing partner who'll share in some cleaning&upkeep, and gas, oil and beer.... but I digress.

The shipment would be in wife's name only, I don't plan to associate hoping to let the Thais sort out Thai business in their own language, ways and means, without a farang lurking in the background - although she's got a farang last name in her passport. ?

Being the shipment will be large, it would go by ship/sea route. The shipment would end up going overland to Korat area, so a port of entry at Bangkok would shave some distance off the road trip vs. Lam Chabang, or if there's even a choice to be made by the customer in this regard?

We only have experience sending a medium sized carton via air about 4 or 5 years ago when wife was still GF. We flew to Soyouwannaboomboom airport and spent a few hours running around getting the sundry stamps and signatures, got the box opened at the Thai Customs warehouse, no extra fees, and were on our way.

Mentally prepared for a much longer, painful process for a large consignment, but first, hoping for personal accounts from TV members in this specific Thai wife/citizen returning shipment scenario. Any "been there done that" accounts would be most helpful, lessons learned, pitfalls to avoid, etc.

Honestly, not trying to play up or game the system, rather just want to keep and use our own stuff accrued over the years, rather than having the full financial outlay to set up all over again in LOS. I like my current rocking/recliner chair. Shaped to my arse and I don't want a new one!

Thanks and regards,

Jay

[Mario2008]

She can ship the goods in her name. For second hand/used goods no duty (used means older than 6 months). All items can be shipped in a reasonable quantity, so 2 computers might be OK but 10 will be a problem.

Not many people do it themselves, but the few stories I have seen so far where possitive.

[55Jay]

She can ship the goods in her name. For second hand/used goods no duty (used means older than 6 months). All items can be shipped in a reasonable quantity, so 2 computers might be OK but 10 will be a problem.

Not many people do it themselves, but the few stories I have seen so far where possitive.

That's good to hear. Thanks, Mario.

J

[Pib]

About three years ago the Thai wife and I shipped over around 1600 pounds in household goods from the States (included electronics/a little bit of everything)...should have shipped a lot less but just couldn't get the wife to part with certain things. Wife had been out of Thailand for 25 years....way over the 1 year requirement. Anyway, we shipped under her name using her Thai passport, although she is a dual citizen with Thai and American passports. Anyway, the shipment was customs free but customs did verify she had been out of the country for at least one year by checking her Thai passport to confirm her exit/entry stamps showed she was definitely living outside of Thailand because the passport stamps only showed her visiting Thailand approx every year for a few weeks. Definitely do all shipping/customs paperwork under the Thai wife's name/Thai passport/etc.

[55Jay]

About three years ago the Thai wife and I shipped over around 1600 pounds in household goods from the States (included electronics/a little bit of everything)...should have shipped a lot less but just couldn't get the wife to part with certain things. Wife had been out of Thailand for 25 years....way over the 1 year requirement. Anyway, we shipped under her name using her Thai passport, although she is a dual citizen with Thai and American passports. Anyway, the shipment was customs free but customs did verify she had been out of the country for at least one year by checking her Thai passport to confirm her exit/entry stamps showed she was definitely living outside of Thailand because the passport stamps only showed her visiting Thailand approx every year for a few weeks. Definitely do all shipping/customs paperwork under the Thai wife's name/Thai passport/etc.

Arigato Mr. Pib. Feeling better about this one with 2 favorable responses. If you don't mind, I will send a msg to you (if I can figure out how to do it) and ask an off topic Q.

Regards,

Jay

[samran]

Have done it myself. Thai passport holder with a very Irish surname.

No worries.

Get a company to do it door to door. Just saves a lot of frustration especially when you are moving country. Best bit is they unpack everything for you!

[55Jay]

Have done it myself. Thai passport holder with a very Irish surname.

No worries.

Get a company to do it door to door. Just saves a lot of frustration especially when you are moving country. Best bit is they unpack everything for you!

Thank you, Sarman.

Jay

[55Jay]

About three years ago the Thai wife and I shipped over around 1600 pounds in household goods from the States (included electronics/a little bit of everything)...should have shipped a lot less but just couldn't get the wife to part with certain things. Wife had been out of Thailand for 25 years....way over the 1 year requirement. Anyway, we shipped under her name using her Thai passport, although she is a dual citizen with Thai and American passports. Anyway, the shipment was customs free but customs did verify she had been out of the country for at least one year by checking her Thai passport to confirm her exit/entry stamps showed she was definitely living outside of Thailand because the passport stamps only showed her visiting Thailand approx every year for a few weeks. Definitely do all shipping/customs paperwork under the Thai wife's name/Thai passport/etc.

Pib (or anyone),

We are executing now, after another 1.5 years have passed, Thai wife name, all details the same.

Shipping Co has offered default insurance on 6,700 lbs @15/lb = total coverage about $100k for the whole load.

My question, if you recall or had any dealing with this during clearance, is does this insurance cover have any play with Thai Customs if they decide to get nit picky?

Hoping this goes smoothly, just wondered about this small detail.

Regards,

Jay

Edited December 12, 2012 by 55Jay

[CWMcMurray]

Insurance only deals with damage or loss while in transit... Doesn't cover any disagreements or issues with customs.

Also may want to double check the policy with shipping agent as most insurance carriers will stipulate for used household goods that they will only cover if "physical damage to goods is present" and may not cover if no sign of damage to package or goods

For example, if no sign of damage to boxes but when you unpack and plug in your radio and it doesn't turn on...

So may want to reconfirm this point...

Edited December 12, 2012 by CWMcMurray

[55Jay]

Roger, thanks again CW.

Corporate relocator put us with Sante Fe for the LOS side, heard they are pretty good and gettting things cleared.

Regards,

J

[mccw]

Does anyone know how the customs is regarding art? Under ownership of returning Thai national in similar circumstances. Eg would it fall under the definition despite a heavy weight insurance doc attached?

[meatboy]

its not the customs that scam you its the handling agents this end.my wf had to pay 18,000bht to get her houseold goods that she collected after over 20yrs.in the uk.

[CWMcMurray]

its not the customs that scam you its the handling agents this end.my wf had to pay 18,000bht to get her houseold goods that she collected after over 20yrs.in the uk.

Actually it could be either... Although from amount listed above it seems it may have been both as 18,000 is quite a bit higher than normal requested by customs

Although key point to remember is if you do not want to pay and under the table monies, ensure your invoice is perfectly accurate

Customs regulations state that all items must be listed on the invoice (yes even for household goods shipment under personal name) and gives the customs officer the authority to inspect and seize a shipment if the items in the actual shipment do not match the invoice presented(can then later get it released but may face penalties)

Customs officers also realize that it is almost unheard of for anyone sending a large household Goods shipment to provide an accurate invoice with all items listed

This customs officers will normally receive the under the table money for the agreement to not open and inspect the shipment and compare with invoice provided

Normally never tell customers they "have to pay" but just explain the reality of the situation and the regulations with them. Also advise them that if they are confident that their invoice is complete and correct, then not to pay a penny extra and let customs inspect the shipment if they want.

It is just important that they realize the real regulations on the books in order to make an educated decision on their own on how they would like to proceed.

Edited December 13, 2012 by CWMcMurray

[CWMcMurray]

Roger, thanks again CW.

Corporate relocator put us with Sante Fe for the LOS side, heard they are pretty good and gettting things cleared.

Regards,

J

Not a bad company and they specialize in relocation shipments. If you are looking for a company to actually move all boxes into your house and help to set up furniture etc... Then they do provide these types of packing/unpacking services. They are full service relocations specialists, but their costs can be a bit high compared to others in the market.

If on the other hand you are just looking for clearance and delivery to the front of your house and you will arrange for the unloading and unpacking yourself, there are less expensive options.

Just depends on what type I services you are looking for

Edited December 13, 2012 by CWMcMurray

[55Jay]

Roger, thanks again CW.

Corporate relocator put us with Sante Fe for the LOS side, heard they are pretty good and gettting things cleared.

Regards,

J

Not a bad company and they specialize in relocation shipments. If you are looking for a company to actually move all boxes into your house and help to set up furniture etc... Then they do provide these types of packing/unpacking services. They are full service relocations specialists, but their costs can be a bit high compared to others in the market.

If on the other hand you are just looking for clearance and delivery to the front of your house and you will arrange for the unloading and unpacking yourself, there are less expensive options.

Just depends on what type I services you are looking for

Yes, we are doing door to door through my Company. I haven't see the quote/invoice, not sure I want to.

I just want to get our crap onto the container ship and on the way, then have a one to one with SF in BKK. We might be a touch over in a category or two, but nothing too outlandish. May have to throttle the wife back while me, I'm flexible and don't mind a bit of Lipton if that'll keep the nails in the wood crates and see our big box on the back of a truck backing up the drive at the house.

[jcgodber]

we shipped everything we owned from our home in California. I had a shipping company that specializes shipping to Thailand. They had me make a complete list of all things shipped. My advice is to take everything you can. The wife's Shop Smith, drill press and tools, well you get the idea. Don't worry too much about if it is new or not. Once everything was loaded into the container the shipping company sent it to Thailand with NO problems . The container was unopened when it arrived here at my home, with my lock still on it and the seals unbroken. The important this is to use a reliable shipping company and one that has the trust of Thai customs. I wanted to include my golf cart but my shipping company talked me out of it.My final advise after you have all your stuff load .....go shopping and get more stuff Please see my long list of stuff I sent. Do remember that Thailand is a 220 volt country and transformers will work but I can tell you that I have a lot of items that I had accidentally plugged in and is now a "boat anchor.

My list..............................

SHIPPING INVENTORY

BOX # AND CONTENTS

#1 BOOKS

#2 18 VHS TAPES-16 DVD’S - 5 DRIVE TAPE-25 CD-1 BOX PHOTO

#3 1 BOX 80 FLOPPY DISC-34 CD ROM-12 CD MUSIC

#4 5 DESK TELEPHONES

#5 21 C-VHS TAPES 1 FLASH-26 FLOPPY DISC- 2 FLASHLIGHTS

#6 BOOKS & CD CADDY

#7 53-VHS TAPES-1 VHS ADPT.

#8 54 VHS TAPES

#9 BOOKS

#10 67 DVD

#11 69 DVD

# 12 2 CAMERAS

#13 2 SLEEPING BAGS

#14 Hats & Rainwear

#15 House papers & maps

#16 Manuals & Product directions

#17 assorted wire & audio connectors & 2 remotes

#18 4 Blankets 4 & 4 Pillow

#19 1 Hanging Lamp

#20 1 Blanket & 3 Towels

#21 Sewing supplies

#22 1 sewing machine

#23 13 assorted stuffed toys

#24 2 pictures 5 stuffed toys

#25 1 Plastic Christmas tree

#26 1 metal rack

#27 Photo albums

#28 makeup and handbags

#29 Holiday ornamints and camping gear

#30 3 flashlights, tissue dispenser and assorted travel souvenirs

#31 Pictures & household knickknacks

#32 clothes

#33 clothes

#34 clothes

#35 clothes

#36 Towels

#37 Towels & bedding

#38 jewelry box pillowcases & knickknacks

#39 Bug sprayer & tools

#40 Camping Gear

#41 tools

#42 Household decorations

#43 books

#44 60 videotapes & 2 CD players

#45 Barbecue

#46 1 chair

#47 1 table & globe

#48 glassware

#49 Photos & pictures

#50 pots and pans

# 51 dishes

#52 dishes

#53 wagon for garden

#54 dishes

#55 drill motor

# 56 bread maker

# 57 cooking pot

#58 kitchen tools, mixer, waffle iron, & decorations

#59 kitchen tools & decorations & vise

#60 lamps & decorations

#61 Mirror

#62 2 chairs-5 clamps-1 clothes rack-1 cane 1 umbrella

#63 1 8x5 RUG

#64 1 BATHROOM LIGHT

#65 1 BATHROOM MEDICINE CABINET

#66 2 glass tabletops –1 bread slice guide-1 plastic box

#67 household batteries- blood pressure gage-1 vaporizer

#68 1 ice cream maker-1 electric knife- medicine

#69 picture

#70 picture

#71 picture (8)

#72 End table

#73 wall cabinet

#74 Pantry shelf

#75 Pantry sides

#76 pantry top door

#77 pantry bottom door

#78 pantry top door

#79 lawnmower

#80 utility sink

#81 rug

#82 drill stand

#83 file cabinet-nuts & Bolts Tape

#84 file cabinet household elect. Plugs

#85 Fax

#86 table decoration

#87 fiber optic light

#88 light dimmer

#89 12volt lights

#90 12-volt light

#91 wood table

#92 candleholder

#93 trim for pantry

#94 computer speakers –remotes-meters

#95 dishes and cookware

#96 2 lamps

#97 shoes

#98 cookware

#99 table

#100 table

#101 4 wheels-nuts&bolts

#102 3 pictures

#103 mirror

#104 rug

#105 rug

#106 pictures & decorations

#107 table

#108 lamp

#109 pictures & wrapping paper

#110 rug

#111 part of computer

#112 part of computer

#113 boots & assorted flashlights

#114 4 lampshades

#115 clothes & kitchen decorations

#116 lamp

#117 garden hose reel box & nuts & bolts

#118 storage box/ shelf for Buddha

#119 home theater receiver

#120 DVD player

#121 speaker

#122 speaker

#123 VCR

#124 front& rear speakers-stands & remotes

#125 chair for dinning room

#126 chair for dinning room

#127 chair for dinning room

#128 chair for dinning room

#129 table base

#130 Chair ( wing back)

#131 chair (wing back)

#132 sofa

#133 table on wheels

#134 bathroom medicine cabinet

#135 light 2 locks 4 DVD movies, water filter

#136 household first aid & medicine

#137 glass tabletop

#138 alarm monitor

#139 3 water filters 2 books 1 brush

#140 1 water hose-rope-rain jacket

#141 1 rocking chair

#142 1 security recorder-wall decorations –edge for rug

#143 wall clock

#144 records ( papers)

#145 Records ( papers)

#146 records (papers)

#147 records ( papers)

#148 wire for alarm

#149 5 drape motors 1 water pump 1 switch 1 gfi

#150 Video alarm system –8 cameras-8 pirs-8 power supply

#151 home alarm system bugler 110volt

#152 home alarm system 220 volts

#153 wood packing crate CONTAINING--------

#149

#150

#151

#152

#154 water picture & cookware

#155 glass tabletop & glass door

#156 office supplies

#157 dishes & flatware

#158 lampshades

#159 entertainment cabinet

#160 TV cabinet

#161 4 pillows-bed sheet-blankets set

#162 1 man’s bicycle

#163 1 woman’s bicycle

#164 2 clamps 1 broom handle

#165 1 receiver1 scanner 1 did player 1 VCR 1 drill 1 handsaw

#166 1 pair shoes retirement papers

#167 2 patio chairs

#168 2 patio chairs

#169 1 patio table

#170 1 clock

#171 2 saw horses

#172 1 ladder

#173 1 table saw

#174 1 rolling stand

#175 1 wood table

#176 4 dolls 1 flag

#177 4 pillows bed- sheets- blanket

#178 1 rice cooker

#179 pots –pans –2step

#180 1 clock 1 co2 detector & 2 phone taps

#181 41 shirts 8 jackets 1 tie

#182 51 shirts 1 suit

#183 1 printer

#184 1 desk

#185 1 bookcase

#186 1 sofa

#187 1 box of assorted clothes

#188 1 dresser

#189 1 coffee table

#190 1 vacuum

#191 1 ironing board

#192 1 computer table

#193 1 copy machine/phone 1 pair shoes

#194 1 Sony portable video

#195 1 part of bed frame ( center )

#196 1 part of bed frame ( sides )

#197 1 part of bed frame ( top & bottom )

#198 1 part of bed frame (center support )

# 199 1 part of bed frame (head board )

# 200 1 TV

#201 1 tool box w/tools

#202 1 mattress

#203 1 vacuume 2 books 1 variac

#204 1 barbeque-assorted tapes- saw blade- rug

#205 2 chairs -1 table

#206 assorted household screws, bolts tape & tools

#207 canned goods

#208 canned goods

#209 suitcase w/clothes & hats

#210 2002 records

If you have questions I can be found at [email protected]

If you are coming from the U.S.A. bring a Magic Jack so you can have free telephone to the states

Jim Godber

[simple1]

I shipped a 20 foot container from Australia to Thailand with household goods in Thai wife's name - Thai customs didn't even bother to open the container to check the goods declaration. I was warned that for electrical goods only one item each e.g. TV. Local agent for customs clearance, deliver to house, unpacking, taking away empty boxes etc was http://www.asiantigersgroup.com/ Not one baht in duty. Note for clearing customs in Thailand their is a form your wife has to complete that includes asking for partners name, just put N/A as a foreigners name may just encourage customs to start playing games with you/wife.

[chris1dna]

"we shipped everything we owned from our home in California. I had a shipping company that specializes shipping to Thailand. They had me make a complete list of all things shipped. My advice is to take everything you can. The wife's Shop Smith, drill press and tools, well you get the idea. Don't worry too much about if it is new or not. Once everything was loaded into the container the shipping company sent it to Thailand with NO problems . The container was unopened when it arrived here at my home, with my lock still on it and the seals unbroken. The important this is to use a reliable shipping company and one that has the trust of Thai customs. I wanted to include my golf cart but my shipping company talked me out of it.My final advise after you have all your stuff load .....go shopping and get more stuff Please see my long list of stuff I sent. Do remember that Thailand is a 220 volt country and transformers will work but I can tell you that I have a lot of items that I had accidentally plugged in and is now a "boat anchor."

Thanks JC for the exhaustive list and great detail. If I may inquire, what does this amount of goods cost roughly to ship like that. I'll be doing the same thing in a few years and also will be moving from California? Thanks in advance.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Edited December 13, 2012 by chris1dna

[Pib]

Insurance only deals with damage or loss while in transit... Doesn't cover any disagreements or issues with customs.

Also may want to double check the policy with shipping agent as most insurance carriers will stipulate for used household goods that they will only cover if "physical damage to goods is present" and may not cover if no sign of damage to package or goods

For example, if no sign of damage to boxes but when you unpack and plug in your radio and it doesn't turn on...

So may want to reconfirm this point...

Ditto.

[55Jay]

Insurance only deals with damage or loss while in transit... Doesn't cover any disagreements or issues with customs.

Also may want to double check the policy with shipping agent as most insurance carriers will stipulate for used household goods that they will only cover if "physical damage to goods is present" and may not cover if no sign of damage to package or goods

For example, if no sign of damage to boxes but when you unpack and plug in your radio and it doesn't turn on...

So may want to reconfirm this point...

Ditto.

Tx.

J