Does Thai customs require my original passport for package clearance, or are photocopies sufficient?

Question

What is with DHL wanting to "arrange a messenger team" to pick up important documents when I can just send photocopies to them digitally? Twice this week they asked to do this for packages which are held up at customs. First, they wanted to do this with my passport. Then, they wanted to do it with a doctor's note. But I heard from others in this group that it's unnecessary and they don't really need to do this. And they said this service costs 1000 baht! Not to mention the fact that it's risky. The DHL clearance agent I'm dealing with says this is the only option if I don't want to go to a customs office myself to register as an importer or authorize DHL as my broker or whatever it is they want me to do. Seems like extortion to me. So what's the truth? Does customs really require my original passport for this process or will they accept photocopies?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around the necessity of presenting an original passport for package clearance by Thai customs, particularly when dealing with DHL. The author expresses concerns about the requirement to have a messenger team pick up important documents and questions whether original documents are really needed. Various commenters share their experiences, with some stating that original documents are required, while others claim that photocopies may suffice. There is also mention of additional fees and potential issues with customs, highlighting experiences of both necessity and perceived extortion in the clearance process.

Reema *********** · Answer

I had the same experience with ups, they send a messenger who took my passport and  then I was told that I will have to find my own broker to get the medicines released.  Made multiple trips to the customs office at the airport

Michael *********** · Answer

Beware be very beware !!!!

Richard *********** · Answer

yes Thai customs need to see the originals. If you are concerned about security, and you have time to spare, you can always visit the airport facility yourself which, depending on where you live, will likely cost nearly as much in taxi fares. 1000 bht is reasonable. Whatever you may think, DHL is trying to clear you shipment with least pain to you. Other air couriers are much the same, except DHL has the highest volume of shipments to deal with.

Wayne ******** · Answer

i have had to abandon some shipments which were dumped by fedex and dhl at thai customs which were only worth say 1000 thb from the usa because thai customs claimed duty and fees around 15000 thb to release plus i needed a thai customs agent to do it at more expense and the product was a probiotic power for my dogs ... now if i just get sent it by EMS express mail service and USPS it comes direct to the villa with no request for payments xx

Kool ******* · Answer

I have done business with Thai customs before, and you have to remember, they are in the top ten of most corrupt customs systems in the world. Bt1000 is actually cheap in most cases. They are fully aware of what every package contains, and base duty off how much you want it, and very seldom on actual value. Try exporting and see how it works...lolol, just to get your container on the next ship going out. The price of doing business, as some put it.

Kevin ***** · Answer

I'd carefully check the fees too. I once got charged 9000 baht duty on a package even after showing them the receipt from the company stating the cost of the item was only 3200 baht. They insisted I pay or the package would be sent back so I made the excuse that the language barrier was causing a problem and asked them to wait while I called a friend (this was in China) who spoke Chinese. I made a point of asking if I was talking to the Chengdu police headquarters and could I be put through to Capt. Lou. Magically the tax bill dropped to 250 baht!

Thomas ***** · Answer

Yes they need the see the original passport. I was there throughout the process, faced the same s**t as you, i was using fedex thou.

Does Thai customs require my original passport for package clearance, or are photocopies sufficient?

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