another question about Customs at Suvarnabhumi

[mangolover]

Hi and Happy New Year.

Awhile back I posted a question about having a keyboard (musical instrument) shipped to Thailand from an eBay seller in Japan. The consensus was that duty and tax was too unpredictable to be worth the risk, and I'm grateful for the advice. This is a new question about the same keyboard (actually a bit smaller, lighter, and lower-priced version of it). I might be carrying it with me when I return to Thailand in early March—either as extra check-in baggage in the box or in a soft case as carry-on; it exceeds the measurement limits but with Philippine Airlines I might get away with it.

Now I'm wondering about Customs at Suvarnabhumi. Of course nowadays, when we say Nothing to Declare they almost always just wave us through. But the keyboard will be pretty conspicuous —probably more so in the box, but also over my shoulder in the case—and I might be subject to more scrutiny. Strictly speaking, it shouldn't be a problem, since I will have documentation showing it's value, with the case, to be no more than 6,000 baht (a friend will be bringing it to me—at the U.S. territory of Guam—from Japan, and it's a terrific buy with current exchange rates), well under the 10,000 baht duty free limit. What worries me a little is that if they get curious and decide to look through my stuff, I've got cameras, laptops, and so forth—all used, personal items—that will add up to a great deal more value. (I don't think there's any rule that used items don't count). These are ordinarily never a problem, but my concern is simply that the keyboard could touch off greater than the usual curiosity. I tend to think that's unlikely, but I'm interested in hearing of others' experiences in any similar situations.

It's probably irrelevant, but for what it's worth, the keyboard in the soft case will be about 5.5 kg, with measurements of 106cm ×11cm × 26 cm. In the box it will be 7kg and obviously somewhat larger in size. It's probably easier to take it in the box as excess baggage, and the fee on Philippine Airlines seems quite reasonable ($30 for each of 2 flights).

I also wonder if their attitude is any different if you're coming in on a Re-Entry Visa (which I will be). Customs doesn't normally even look at the passport, but perhaps they will if they start checking the stuff.

I don't think this is a huge problem, but any info would be helpful.

Cheers…

[impulse]

Do what I do. Stick everything in a hard sided golf case and it never gets checked. (In fairness, most of what I haul around is fishing rods, which I used to haul around in a rifle case. Bad idea after 9/11. Ask me how I know that....)

Seriously, I wouldn't sweat it unless your'e planning to open an EBay business (and bringing your loot in under the radar) or smuggling dope. I doubt a keyboard would get a second look, any more than a $5,000 Gibson guitar being hauled by a backpacker.

Edited January 11, 2015 by impulse

[new2here]

I've been checked a number of times coning back to BKK as each time I come with 2 or 3 boxes filled with stuff for my condo.

It's usually (shelf sable) food items, but sometimes it's personally hygiene (soap, shampoo I prefer) or other type of goods.

I've never been asked or questioned about my visa status - but I know they look at it as they glance at the TM6 card and the related rectangle entry stamp applied.

That said, what I tend to find is that so long as there is no plausible reason to think you're carrying prohibited items, items for resale or items in excess of what's allowed, rarely is anything more than an x-ray inspection done.

But... I also carry with me a self-made packing list for each box which I proactively show the inspecting officer and point out what I think might be key items they may be looking at or looking for.

[Langsuan Man]

In over 7 years of annual trips through the "Green Channel" I have only been stopped once and X'rayed

That was this October when I brought in a tall rectangular box that contained a hammock. The inspector just put the box on the belt and asked what it was. I mimed "for sleeping" and he said OK. At no time did he inquire about the other two suitcases that I had on the cart, only the "suspicious" looking cardboard box

I really couldn't blame him since it could have contained a rifle or bazooka for that matter

[bubba]

You just never know. I was through last week returning from a meeting in Dubai, dressed business casual with no large checked bags - only a rolling carry-on and a computer bag and I was pulled aside for an x-ray of my carry-on. There was nothing in there of interest and I was waved on. Maybe it was the Dubai duty-free bag that I was carrying? Or maybe they are starting random checks. Who knows, but be aware that "normal" looking expats are getting checked now.