Customs – Buddha Statue

[Diddl]

Don’t know whether this is the right section to put this question, or whether it should be put in the Buddhist section.

I am shipping my personal belongings to Thailand on a retirement visa. I read somewhere that statues of Buddha are not allowed to be imported and will not pass through customs. Does anyone know about this or why? The statue is only approx. 25cm high and has been blessed by a Tibetan Rinpoche.

[wym]

I'm sure you meant this, but the restrictions are on exporting out of Thailand.

Apparently it's a pretty straightforward process to get permission for a given image, and not expensive, details soon to follow.

Sounds like this one wasn't even made in Thailand? I would think that would help. . .

[Diddl]

Below are details I just received from a shipping company:

Note: Prohibited articles include firearms, ammunition, pornographic literature, short-wave radios, and medical equipment, Buddha head, gold and silver.

If a Buddha head is prohibited, then I presume a statue is also prohibited.

[Diddl]

Also, under prohibited, it says:

Note: Wine and spirits, foodstuff, Buddha statue require special import licensing and should not be included in the shipment without prior consultation.

So it includes a Buddha statue.

How can I verify that this is correct?

[speedtripler]

Also, under prohibited, it says:

Note: Wine and spirits, foodstuff, Buddha statue require special import licensing and should not be included in the shipment without prior consultation.

So it includes a Buddha statue.

How can I verify that this is correct?

it is correct ,the national post offices have signs that all say they do not permit posting of buddah statues and even imagines

of buddah may not be posted

[Diddl]

Also, under prohibited, it says:

Note: Wine and spirits, foodstuff, Buddha statue require special import licensing and should not be included in the shipment without prior consultation.

So it includes a Buddha statue.

How can I verify that this is correct?

it is correct ,the national post offices have signs that all say they do not permit posting of buddah statues and even imagines

of buddah may not be posted

Do you mean Thai "national post offices"? I am not exporting, I want to import my Buddha statue into Thailand as part of my personal belongings under a retirement visa.

[wym]

Aha, importing it is then.

I'd say contact TAT or the Tourist Police to find out the contact information.

You'll obviously need a detailed description and pictures, probably a receipt.

Just make it clear it's an ordinary personal possession and that you intend to take it back out with you you should be fine.

And keep your records when it's time to bring it back out.

[Naam]

I'm sure you meant this, but the restrictions are on exporting out of Thailand.

Apparently it's a pretty straightforward process to get permission for a given image, and not expensive, details soon to follow.

Sounds like this one wasn't even made in Thailand? I would think that would help. . .

officially the restrictions also apply to imports. but i don't think the OP will have any problems.

[Suradit69]

I hired a clearing agent at the airport to clear my things through customs and to deliver them to my residence when I retired. It wasn't that expensive and the agent would be able to smooth the way for anything you as an individual might have problems with. Even with no issues like the one you are concerned about, using an agent makes it all a hassle-free event.

[Suradit69]

I hired a clearing agent at the airport to clear my things through customs and to deliver them to my residence when I retired. It wasn't that expensive and the agent would be able to smooth the way for anything you as an individual might have problems with. Even with no issues like the one you are concerned about, using an agent makes it all a hassle-free event.

I should add that I've also bought two different Thangkas sent & cleared by UPS or DHL from Tibet without any problem.

[F4UCorsair]

I've taken numerous Buddha images out of Thailand over the years, checked in baggage, and never a problem, so I'd say they won't have a problem with bringing one in. The last was 45 cm brass, and that would have shown up in an xray.

If you're apprehensive, wrap it in aluminium foil with something else of metal to disguise the shape, and bury it deep in one of the boxes. They will never know..........or care.

[Docno]

A Thai friend brought me a beautiful Buddha statue last year (to my Singapore residence) and explained that she had to get a special permit to bring it out of the country. See the tag below:

[Tchooptip]

6 month ago I came in Thailand with a retirement Visa, in one of my 2 suitcases was a Buddha statue that follows me everywhere for 20 years. It is in wood +/- 40 cms high, 5/6 kgs? So no small piece. I download a few photos of it in my telephone, first ones in my house, then in my boat where I lived before, just in case, I am convince it could have help to explain it was not a whim. No problem at all with the customs

In my boat in Europe

Here in Samui

[Diddl]

A Thai friend brought me a beautiful Buddha statue last year (to my Singapore residence) and explained that she had to get a special permit to bring it out of the country. See the tag below:

Looks as though I need to contact a clearing agent in order to get permission like this. Does anyone know of an agent in Bangkok that I can contact before I import?

[Diddl]

6 month ago I came in Thailand with a retirement Visa, in one of my 2 suitcases was a Buddha statue that follows me everywhere for 20 years. It is in wood +/- 40 cms high, 5/6 kgs? So no small piece. I download a few photos of it in my telephone, first ones in my house, then in my boat where I lived before, just in case, I am convince it could have help to explain it was not a whim. No problem at all with the customs

In my boat in Europe

IMG_0741.jpg

Here in Samui

P1010230.JPG

Did you declare the statue at customs when you entered Thailand? Or did you just walk straight through customs without declaring it?

[sean420]

four years ago I bought a 15kilo wooden carved budda and put in a big shopping bag with newspaper and checked it and not a problem.

[Tchooptip]

6 month ago I came in Thailand with a retirement Visa, in one of my 2 suitcases was a Buddha statue that follows me everywhere for 20 years. It is in wood +/- 40 cms high, 5/6 kgs? So no small piece. I download a few photos of it in my telephone, first ones in my house, then in my boat where I lived before, just in case, I am convince it could have help to explain it was not a whim. No problem at all with the customs

In my boat in Europe

IMG_0741.jpg

Here in Samui

P1010230.JPG

Did you declare the statue at customs when you entered Thailand? Or did you just walk straight through customs without declaring it?

Just walk through customs without declaring anything.

[BillyBobThai]

I brought a ceramic buddha statue 10 years ago with no problems. Packed in my luggage.

[Diddl]

My statue is made in metal. It was blessed by a Rinpoche so contains dried flowers and mantras inside the statue. Now I am also wondering what would happen in the security check at the airport! My, oh my, all these problems just for a personal religious icon!

[Hillman321]

Buddha statues can be exported from Thailand. Wat Chao Buddha in California received one sent by a temple in Thailand. I have been brought several Buddha statues and Buddha amulets by 4 different monks.

The thing is to get the proper permits. They do not want antiquities being "smuggled" out of Thailand.

[F4UCorsair]

The only problem I could ever foresee is with a genuine antique piece, and even experts have difficulty telling what and what is not a genuine antique, BUT, that is exporting, and the OP is importing.

There will be no problem.

[Tchooptip]

My statue is made in metal. It was blessed by a Rinpoche so contains dried flowers and mantras inside the statue. Now I am also wondering what would happen in the security check at the airport! My, oh my, all these problems just for a personal religious icon!

Are you a Buddhist ? If yes be confident if you do not declared the statue and it is found, I am almost sure telling it is yours in an honest explanations with the good words should be enough

Once again you "import" the statue. Of course if you feel guilty it will be more difficult

[HerbalEd]

As the statue is only 25cm tall, just bring it in your luggage.

[namatjira]

The law is to reduce temple thefts, however, there are many types of buddhas defined by where they are made.

The Thai antique statues made in the Sukothai, Ayutthaya and early rattokisin periods are off limits for export.

They are also touchy with Khmer stone sculpture and artifacts , too many idiots that cleave the heads off stone sculptures

and destroy the heritage of Cambodia for financial gain, in terms of buddhas the Khmer statues from Cambodia

reach dizzy heights at auction, followed by Thai Sukothai period.........

The certificates of export clearance is issued by the museums.....cost is between 500-1000 baht.

No problems with modern pieces, try antique Thai and Khmer and you have a problem...and rightly so.

Burmese like the one from Mandalay shown are generally no problem.

I really doubt that there would be any problem with a Nepalese one, shop here sells hundreds of them and they were

all obviously bought in by the vendor......I would just bring it in, the purpose of the law is to prohibit export, thats what

worries them....I would just put it in, should be fine....however if you wanted to cover yourself

you maybe should contact the Chiang Mai Museum as they might clarify the situation...it is possible they might issue

a certificate for you if you supply them with photos and if it is not a 16th century Himalayan piece.

Look on ebay....there are always many being sold and posted out all the time.

[namatjira]

i like other posters recommend would just put it in my suitcase, should be fine if it goes in the suitcase and not

the carry on luggage......exporting possible problem but importing....do not think so.

[Diddl]

Thank you everyone for all your advice and info.

I just wrote to Customs & Excise Thailand and I received an immediate reply. Wow, what service! This is the message for those who are interested in this topic:

Thank you for your e-mail below to request further information about import Buddha statue to Thailand.

According to your enquiry, usually kind of this items must be asked the permission before import to Thailand from The Fine Arts Department Tel.+66(0)2 628-5033,+66(0)2 263-6450.

So, please directly contact them for more information.

[Sydebolle]

Into Thailand is no problem; you might possibly resort to luggage out of respect (works wonders at customs, if they would ever ask). By looking at it it is apparent, that this Tibetan statue (Lumbhini) is not Thai anyhow and you still can dish up the story of a Tibetan wife or you being a Tibetan Buddhist.
No worries.

[Diddl]

Found this info regarding exports for those interested:

Buddha Images
- Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or related fragments, part of ancient monument and prehistoric objects, are forbidden to be taken out of the Kingdom. Newly cast Buddha images in complete condition can be exported for worship, cultural exchange or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine Arts Department. Not more than 5 pieces per person shall be allowed. (More information contact to 02-628-5033)

[krisb]

I hired a clearing agent at the airport to clear my things through customs and to deliver them to my residence when I retired. It wasn't that expensive and the agent would be able to smooth the way for anything you as an individual might have problems with. Even with no issues like the one you are concerned about, using an agent makes it all a hassle-free event.

And hopefully not pinch your stuff.

Like your old undies.

[krisb]

Just buy a new and even bigger buddha statue and sleep stress free.