Getting an extension of import duties waiver

[postallady]

We have decided to stay in Chiang Mai after a year trial. We are going to be shipping our stuff to Thailand. We didn't ship before 6 months because we were renting our home out in USA as a furnished rental. We have now sold the house and are ready to ship some furniture and personal effects. I have been told there is a way I can extend the import exemption on a one time shipment. But I need to know where in Chiang Mai I go to get that extension document? Or am I SOL? Need to know asap because we are headed to USA in 10 days. It will make a huge difference in what I sell back in USA and what I decide to ship. If I am SOL any idea how customs duty is determined? Is there a place where I can "discuss" the valuation.

[Dean1953]

I paid 110,000 baht in customs duty when I imported my container of goods from US 7 years ago. I tried to find out evaluation before shipping but couldn't and found out when it arrived at Thai customs.

[FolkGuitar]

Some major international shipping companies know 'friendly' Customs agents, and the duties are considerably slashed. This happened the first time we moved to Thailand. The original charges were reduced to 1/5 after some 'school tuition' money was paid. Although the cost of the larger company was higher than some of the small, independent shippers, the overall fees turned out far less.

[NancyL]

Postallady, despite what some legal services websites say, there is no import duties waiver for people coming into Thailand on retirement visas -- only for returning Thai nationals and for those coming in with 12 month visas and work permits.

The advice you're receiving here is good -- some import agents can work out good deals and it's rather hit and miss. You'd be better off posting this question on the Visa forum of Thai Visa -- it's the first subforum. For example, here's just one of many threads on that topic which ran on that forum:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649410-bringing-items-in-on-retirement-visa/page-2?hl=%2Bimport+%2Bduty+%2Bretirement+%2Bvisa#entry6677646

[Langsuan Man]

Already covered here, don't post the same subject in two different forums or a MOD will close one down

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684260-how-do-i-get-an-extension-on-import-duty-exemption-for-personal-goods/

[onthedarkside]

So let's close this one. Please follow the link above. Thank you.