In March, I hope to travel from Panama to Pattaya. I understand that I can ship items in advance to myself C/O Poste Restante, General Post Office Bangkok or to most other Thai cities.

A couple of the packages are small (less than 10 pounds). However, one package is a 62 pound used Boise stereo system.

Has any of you used the Thai post office' Poste Restante system? If so, what was your experience?

Thanks in advance

Harry

Be careful as you might pay tax even on your second hand stuff...

Especially electronics both import duty and VAT

You will most certainly have to pay both customs duty and VAT on any imported electronics. And your declared value is only a guideline. In the end, it is up to the customs inspector to value the goods. If he decides you are being unreasonable, you have no recourse.

Also, I believe the maximum you can ship to Thailand via post is 20kg, or 44 pounds. I'm not sure your 62 pound stereo would even be accepted. You may find it being rejected and returned to your home country.

In the final analysis, I would still think that your cheapest option would be carrying it with you on the airplane and walking it through customs yourself. The extra baggage charge on the plane would probably be significantly less than any other reasonable option. Do not send anything you won't mind losing to Thailand without a tracking number. Anything heavy that doesn't have a trail will be "lost". Even if you think it is useless to someone, anything weighing 62 pounds can probably fetch $10 at a local scrap yard. That is reason enough for someone to pilfer it.

Thanks for the information. I will not attempt to send the electronics.

Harry