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Are personal items shipped to Thailand duty-free with a DTV or Elite visa?

Thailand visa regulationsDTV visaElite visaretirement visaimport dutiescustoms regulationspersonal items shipment
Jun 16, 2025
a month ago
Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, I read somewhere and wanted to verify. If you are looking to enter Thailand to retire on a DTV or Elite visa are you allowed a shipment of personal items duty/tax free if it arrives within 90-days of your entry or something to that effect? We are looking to ship a "D" container with some personal items and wanted to seek some clarification. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion confirms that under the DTV visa, which is a tourist visa, there are no provisions for duty or tax-free shipments of personal items. Only specific retirement visas such as Non-O, OA, or OX may qualify for tax relief on imported goods. Participants suggest contacting a moving company for clarification on customs regulations and import duties.
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Stephen ********
******************************
a month ago
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Stephen ********
Contact Seven Seas, they are really good, I only paid tax on my two road racing bikes, and it was not a fortune.
a month ago
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Phil *******
@Stephen *******
 I was going to used them, but after trying to contact them numerous times by email and their contact page on website, and getting no reply, I decided against using them.
a month ago
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Stephen ********
@Phil ******
 that’s a shame as they were really good, I believe they have just changed hands, so maybe that is why, but I would still keep trying if I was you.
a month ago
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Phil *******
@Stephen *******
 I sorted myself self out. Decided I did not need some stuff, then used air points to make an extra run here with excess baggage, then a month later moved here with excess baggage, in the end no monetary outlay as my points covered it all
a month ago
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Phil *******
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Henrik *****
Remember DTV is a tourist visa, with some limitations, as for instance eligibility to open a Thai bankaccount.

So for retirement a real long term visa is a much better way.
a month ago
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Bobb *********
" "D" container" jokes in 3, 2,...
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
You could apply for an APEC card and see if you can get a better rate on import/export duties

It’s worth a try
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
Thai elite / Thai privilege visa

Import Regulations in Thailand:

Separate Process:

Importing goods into Thailand is a separate process governed by customs regulations, not directly tied to the Thailand Privilege Visa.

Customs Duties:

Imported goods are subject to customs duties and taxes.

Restrictions:

Specific regulations apply to certain types of goods (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals).

Documentation:

Required documentation includes import permits, invoices, and other relevant paperwork.

In Summary: The Thailand Privilege Visa is a program for residency, not for importing goods. Importing goods into Thailand requires adhering to Thailand's customs regulations and procedures, regardless of whether one has a Thailand Privilege Visa.
a month ago
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Bennett ********
The import duty wasn’t high enough to be a dealbreaker, for us. And we brought in some large items like furniture. (Family heirlooms we wouldn’t part with. It was cheaper than buying all new furniture.)
a month ago
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Ian *******
I do not think there is any relief from import tax unless your nation returning from overseas. Best thing is contact a moving company and get clarification from them. Imported goods from Australia and the duty was not that much compared to the value of goods.
a month ago
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Andy ************
As far as I know only a retirement visa qualifies for tax relief. Either Non-O, OA or OX and the LTR retirement visas. DTV is a tourist visa which requires the holder to leave the country at intervals so would not qualify
a month ago
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John **********
@Andy ***********
 retirement visa doesn't qualify
a month ago
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Andy ************
@John *********
 Worked for me on OA. I must be the exception to the rule! 😂😂
a month ago
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John **********
@Andy ***********
 you must be 555
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a month ago
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John **********
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Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ***********
 Thanks for the clarification....I may have to re-think which Visa I apply for.
a month ago
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Don *********
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Tony **********
A DTV is still a tourist visa with 6 month stays.
a month ago
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Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *********
 ok, thanks
a month ago
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Don *********
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Brandon ************
Not correct. There is no free shipment related with either of those visas
a month ago
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Don *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Thanks.....which Visa's qualify if any?
a month ago
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Brandon ************
@Don ********
 Work visa
a month ago
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Brandon ************
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