Can I ship my musical instruments tax-free with a NON-IMMIGRANT VISA TYPE O-A in Thailand?

August 30, 2023
a year ago
Mauricio *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone, please, I would like to know if I get the "NON-IMMIGRANT VISA TYPE O-A" I would be able to ship my drums, guitar and a stereo without to pay importing tax? Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus is that although the NON-IMMIGRANT VISA TYPE O-A allows for long-term stay, it does not exempt the holder from paying import duties on personal items, including musical instruments. Importing drums, a guitar, and a stereo will typically incur customs duties, regardless of the visa type. It's recommended to check with customs for specific duties and consider purchasing instruments in Thailand to avoid the hassle of import taxes.
Mauricio *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can`t do that, it took me many years to find my cymbals, snares, drums sizes everything, I would prefer to go to some place else.
Richard *********
Just sell everything before you leave. Use the money to buy the stuff here in Thailand. Seriously, it way less hassle.
Giorgio ******
name 5 countries where you import without implrt taxes !
Francois *******
@Giorgio *****
Besides Hong Kong, at least one I know : Malaysia under MM2H program. Which at least gives some relevance to the OP's question...
Mauricio *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Also in Indonesia under the retire visa you can enter with all your stuff, as well as Portugal.
Giorgio ******
@Francois ******
great to know .. thankyou so much for the info .
Lincoln *******
No matter what visa you have, you are gonna have to pay duty on musical instruments. We brought over a container of household goods with my non-b and the guitars were the only thing we had to pay duty for.
Mauricio *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes Bob, I am over 50. It seems the O-A I would be able to show the salary pay slips no need to make a deposit... but I will double check everything.
Graham ******
@Mauricio ********
for your first one year extension you must show 800k in a Thai bank account unless your Embassy issues the monthly income affadavit which the UK, USA & Australia and others no longer do.
Bob **********
Are you over 50??
Bob **********
No and you’ll also need insurance with the OA better off getting a non-o and extend over here you’ll need the 800k in a Thai bank it’s possible if you send to a Thai it might not be as expensive,just but a drum kit and stereo over here bring your guitar on the plane
Brown ********
What no bass? Haha
Chris *******
No sadly there is no exception for longstay visas.

And you are at the mercy of the customs officer and assigned values.
Mauricio *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ok thanks.
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