Is it even worthwhile taking anything with you or is it too expensive?

As someone who has never been on an airplane I lack knowledge regarding this.

Possibly a stupid question, but when you immigrate, do they check your cellphone/USB Flash Drives/HDD for potentially malicious data? I don't really feel comfortable with someone going through my personal files.

Technical clarification....your not emigrating....your intention coming to Thailand is to become a perpetual tourist as to your questions....if your hand carrying the stuff you mention, I wouldn't worry about they will no check

If your intending shipping all kinds of cr@p be prepared to pay import duty unless your coming here on WP

Edited September 16, 201312 yr by Soutpeel

What kind of visa do you intend coming here on, and what do you intend doing once the visa expires?

don't bring anything, it is not worth it. sell everything and keep the cash. just bring personal items... clothes, medications, reading glasses, notebook computer, small hard/flash drive, camera, backpack.

If you are really worried, put data or files you are worried about up on a cloud. icloud, dropbox, skydrive. Then delete it off your computer until you get in. (but no one is going to look)

Make sure your cellphone is compatible with the Thai system or no point in bring it, (so sell it) unless you go back and forth.

Sex toys and porn are illegal in Thailand, so is medication without a prescription (Viagra).

No illegal drugs of any type in any quantity or you will be thrown into prison.

The chances are you will just walk into the country without being checked.

what country are you coming from?

customs info here:

http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

"REQUIREMENTS FOR DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

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."

Edited September 16, 201312 yr by NCC1701A

I think your hiding something on your computer. Perhaps some naughty pics?..

Ps, leave your lounge, bed and fridge at home.

bring money lots of money , if you want you can import your personal possesions and ,oh did i mention, bring money.

We brought Wifeys clothes, my laptop PC (which has been replaced twice since) and camera, and pretty well nothing else.

Wasn't there some rule about being able to import 1 car without paying duty when you move ?

I kind of remember reading this a few years ago but I can't remember any real details about it. I think there were restrictions about having to own the vehicle for a certain amount of time before making the move and you also can't sell it for a while, maybe a year after importing it.

Under certain circumstances it could be very worthwhile doing if you buy a top of the range Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari or similar in Europe and have it shipped to Thailand.

I could be getting this mixed up with a different country though.

Wasn't there some rule about being able to import 1 car without paying duty when you move ?

I kind of remember reading this a few years ago but I can't remember any real details about it. I think there were restrictions about having to own the vehicle for a certain amount of time before making the move and you also can't sell it for a while, maybe a year after importing it.

Under certain circumstances it could be very worthwhile doing if you buy a top of the range Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari or similar in Europe and have it shipped to Thailand.

I could be getting this mixed up with a different country though.

i think you are wrong about that... i looked at importing a car... very expense...

Edited September 16, 201312 yr by NCC1701A

Wasn't there some rule about being able to import 1 car without paying duty when you move ?

I kind of remember reading this a few years ago but I can't remember any real details about it. I think there were restrictions about having to own the vehicle for a certain amount of time before making the move and you also can't sell it for a while, maybe a year after importing it.

Under certain circumstances it could be very worthwhile doing if you buy a top of the range Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari or similar in Europe and have it shipped to Thailand.

I could be getting this mixed up with a different country though.

Wasn't there some rule

I kind of remember

I could be getting this mixed up

Wasn't there some rule about being able to import 1 car without paying duty when you move ?

I kind of remember reading this a few years ago but I can't remember any real details about it. I think there were restrictions about having to own the vehicle for a certain amount of time before making the move and you also can't sell it for a while, maybe a year after importing it.

Under certain circumstances it could be very worthwhile doing if you buy a top of the range Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari or similar in Europe and have it shipped to Thailand.

I could be getting this mixed up with a different country though.

i think you are wrong about that... i looked at importing a car... very expense...

Yes, it looks like it's only tax free for a temporary import.