Moving

[mitmig]

Hi everybody!

Is it possible to bring personal belongings like kitchengear, computer, t.v. etc. etc. into Thialand on a non immigrant visa (O)? We want to start a new life in Thailand, but don't want to buy everything new in Thailand.

Thanks, Mitmig.

[Sunbelt Asia]

You have a period of six months which starts from the date that you initially entered Thailand on the retirement O visa, regardless whether you leave and re-enter Thailand after that date.

However, the deadline is somewhat flexible. If your personal items are due to arrive in Thailand more than six months after the entry date, you should inform Customs about this at least two months before the six-month deadline.

If, after entering Thailand, you have been granted a permit to stay for a year or more, your belongings will not be taxed. However, if your permit to stay is for less than one year, these items will be taxed 20% import duty plus 7% value-added tax.

If your belongings arrive while you are away, you can have them stored at the deep sea port, where I presume they will arrive. If you leave your items at the port longer than two months, you should inform Customs so they know that you will collect them later.

Remember Televisions are a consideration. Thailand is on the PAL-2, system B/G. Many televisions on the modern market are able to switch between the different standard systems, but you should check your TV's documentation first

From Thai customs...

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/House...old#requirement

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Documentation

An Import Declaration Form (Customs Form No99/1);

A passport;

Nonresidents are required to submit the following documents:

The letter issued by the Immigration Department confirming that an annual temporary stay is granted;

A one-year (or more) work permit issued by the Department of Labor;

The letter from a relevant government agency confirming that a non-immigrant visa from the Immigration Department is granted and that working period in Thailand is not less than 1 year, for those entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under government contracts;

Thai Residents are required to submit an evidence of changing residence e.g. a transcript, reshuffle of positions, termination of employment contract, etc.;

A Bill of Lading or air waybill;

A Foreign Transaction Form if the CIF value exceeding 500,000 Baht;

An invoice (if any);

A Delivery Order;

A packing list or sale documents (if any);

A permit in case of restricted goods;

An application for taxes and duty free allowance; and

Other documents e.g. a letter of authorization (if any).

Clearance Procedures

When the importers arrive in Thailand, they have to contact the Customs office at the port of entry to clear the household effects from the Customs custody. They will need to prepare all documents as required by Customs to claim tax and duty free importation of the household effects and follow the processes listed below:

The importer/agent submits an Application for Tax and Duty Free Allowance, Import Declaration Form, and all supporting documents to the Customs office at the port of entry;

Customs verifies the documents and Application for Tax and Duty Free Allowance and charges taxes and duties on any household effects not eligible for tax and duty free allowance;

The importer/agent pays taxes and duties (if any) at the Cashier Division, and then contact the Goods Clearance Division; and

Customs inspects the imported household effects against the Declaration. If there is no discrepancy between the Declaration made and the goods inspected, all goods will be released.