New Thai Laws Restrict Internet Purchases from Outside Thailand

[kellio]

Being a keen remote control buff, many of the products, parts and tools I need are not easily available over the counter in Thailand so I've always placed online orders for places like Bangood.com, aliexpress.com and other online stores.

A few weeks ago I ordered a cheap quadcopter (drone) from Banggood.com.

Until this morning, I was wondering what it was taking so long to be delivered to my address in Pattaya. However, around 9am I had a call from the delivery company (DHL) to inform me that although they were holding the package in storage, they were unable to deliver it to me or release it me because new Thai laws now require that in order to buy online from outside the country, you now need an import/ export license for various categories of goods but  they were happy to hold it for me indefinitely for a charge of 100 baht per day.

If this is true, I would need to go to the TISI office in Bangkok and apply for such a license at I'm sure would be a considerable sum. The time it would take to procure such a license at the speed it takes to have such thing done in Thailand is anyone's guess but I imagine it certainly wouldn't be done overnight.

 

Considering the 100 baht per day for storage and the cost, time and inconvenience it would take to take possession of my 1500 baht toy, its really not worth the effort but AI have another 2 far more expensive items on order from outside Thailand and I suspect I'm going to face the same dilemma over the next few days when they arrive at the airport.

 

It would appear if this is true, the authorities are making it almost impossible to buy anything from outside Thailand unless you have the import/export license.

While I don't mind paying import duty on such items as is the case in most countries, I do object to the authorities removing the freedom of choice to buy from wherever I want and always enjoyed here.

 

Can anyone suggest a way in which I can take possession of what I've paid for without having to go to all that trouble and pay who knows how much more to the Thai Government?

 

[KittenKong]

1 hour ago, kellio said:

...... they were unable to deliver it to me or release it me because new Thai laws now require that in order to buy online from outside the country, you now need an import/ export license for various categories of goods .......

 

Ask them to quote the full details of the law and the categories.

 

If they dont it's probably just another scam.

[seedy]

I think you may find that your blanket statement of all things bought online is false.

 

Your drone likely contravenes the law with regard to transmitter restrictions. As is used to communicate with the drone from your remote on the ground.

 

Check the relevant laws and reply back - I will unlock the topic if you can substantiate your claims.