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How do I declare goods from America when importing them into Thailand?

Importing GoodsThai CustomsFDA RegulationsCoffee Shop BusinessImport LicenseDeclaration Process
May 22, 2024
7 months ago
Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! This might be a long-shot but would love someone's input if they knew the answer or knew someone who might know the answer!

I am opening a coffee shop and I would like a specific drink concentrate from America. I have friends coming to visit who are willing to pack it into their extra suitcase and save me $300 on shipping. However, they (or I) need to declare the goods in order to pay the import tax so that I can use it as a legitimate item and expense for my cafe. Does anyone know how to declare goods from America? And if so, does it need to be done by me or by the person who brings the items in their suitcase at the airport? If not at the airport, then where else could I declare them?

Thank you in advance for anyone who is able to help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the process of declaring a drink concentrate being imported into Thailand by a friend. Key points include the necessity for customs declaration at the airport, the importance of providing a receipt for the product, and the restrictions on quantities that can be imported for commercial use. Additionally, there are discussions surrounding the viability of opening a coffee shop in Thailand and sourcing products locally versus through imports. Various commenters provide insights on customs regulations, sharing experiences with importing food products, and the business landscape in Thailand.
KJ ********
I just brought my suitcases in at the airport, and no one checked anything. For all they know, it could be personal items.
7 months ago
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Allen ********
Freight it, and have the freight service manage all that. This way is more likely to be efficient and properly documented. If you’re on east coast, look up Sinnava.com. They ship our stuff and several of our friends’.

Have not tried commercial shipping options with Sinnava, but they list related services on their site.

Also try to build as much of your business as possible on Thailand based goods and services, or you will have a bad time.
7 months ago
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Tom *******
Reading the comments this post generated is truly incredible. It is a shame that these kinds of questions (almost) always deteriorate into what we call a “pissing contest”, but that is the nature of the FB beast. There are some very legit answers though clearly generated from people of knowledge. The trick for the OP is to find those bits of wisdom to help with your dilemna. I guess this original post falls under the “- And Everything Else” category of this informative page, so I felt compelled to chime in. As a frequent traveler to The Kingdom, I would simply remind
@Bo *****
 that a opening a coffee shop, no matter what unique drink(s) are offered, is by far an over- saturated market, albeit many are successful, while many more are abandoned soon after opening. Here is an interesting factoid I searched for you Khun Bo Hess. —-> “World Coffee Portal's Project Café East Asia 2024 report found that the total branded Thai coffee shop market comprises more than 8,350 outlets – making it the third largest market in East Asia. Café Amazon, owned by oil and retail giant PTTOR, operates over 4,000 stores in the country.Apr 19, 2024.”
7 months ago
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Steve ******
'Murica
7 months ago
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David **********
Why not buy coffee from Chang mai
7 months ago
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Garry ********
I've bought 2kg of coffee over in check in luggage, declared at airport,and they just waved me on, also mailed over 4 kg of baby formula no problems but was expensive to mail over more than the baby formula was worth, this info may or may not help, good luck with your venture, you never know unless you have a go 👍🏻im always on the hunt for a good coffee shop.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garry *******
 thanks for the recommendation!! Would love to have you come by!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Les ***********
Cannot help you..

Wish you every success.
7 months ago
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Nick ************
Crikey there are several people on here with too much time on their hands and that's my opinion.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Nick ***********
 it allows us to sniff out the missionaries easily
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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John *******
Too right 😱
7 months ago
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John *******
Wow so much negativity, not sure this is the place to ask this question, some very bad comments, chill out people, he is asking advice
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
May this post serve as a warning to other that may come here for advice--

Some people have nothing better to do than express inane opinions about topics they are self-proclaimed professionals on.

I'm so glad many of the top contributors in this group are business/coffee experts! Who know exactly how well a new business will fare!

Thank you to those who actually shared wisdom, and hopefully Bo can see through the hubris and negativity of some to appreciate the help of a few.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Andrew *********
 well, I shared up to date information regarding customs, FDA permissions and import limits.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 just so everyone is also aware you deleted your comment that said “he never once said thank you”
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 yes I deleted it, as it was impropiate
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Andrew **********
@Andreas ********
 do you not see the irony in this?
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Andrew *********
 yes he said thank you while passing by, as if it would make ANY difference to the FDA laws for permissions, regardless if it's coffee or a lotus drink 😂🤣 . . I can't see any irony, I can only see him ignoring my advice
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 bad take mate. Scroll up…

“Andreas Mueller thank you for the information! But it is a lotus drink concentrate. It is not coffee.”
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 oh I am dreadfully sorry for having missed this. Was it maybe because you seem to think it makes a difference if it's coffee or lotus? Because it still needs the FDA permissions
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 as you have so kindly pointed out I do now realize that everything needs FDA approval. THANK YOU so much for your generosity in lovingly providing this information!!!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Markus *****
Just from reading some of the replies here one can see straight away how many negative people in this group!If you don't have nothing positive to say just keep it to yourself!
7 months ago
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Paige ********
Top Contributors:
@Will ***********
@Rene *******
@Andreas ********
@Ethel *******
 Av Giuliano
@Mike *********
@Frank *********
Please don’t comment until you know the full situation. If you are interested in knowing more information to actually help Bo Hess answer his question, just ask. He obviously wants to abide in the law — Thus posting on this platform. So if you don’t have anything helpful to say, don’t say it at all. He is reaching out to this group for facts, not opinions.
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Andreas ********
 I have READ all comments thoroughly. The information you shared was indeed helpful. Thank you! It is not so much the information in which was shared that I have a problem with. Websites and links with legal information is super helpful! Moreso, I disagree with the attitude, sarcasm, & presuppositions that were made in regard to Bo’s question. Also, asking for wisdom & advice is a huge part of “doing homework”.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 try integration and adaptation at a local level. The days of Marco polo are long gone and you can't compete with the Chinese at that anyway
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Rene *******
 You're right, I'm still very much learning to adapt to a new culture, language, and country. Aren't we all?
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 , in my defense I'm going to say that I didn't make a single comment until you told me to shut up until that time the only thing I said on the thread was that I agreed with one of the comments made by someone else about the viability of coffee shops I think I said you are right. That's all. My comments came after being told to shut up. I'm sure you can understand that now.
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Rene *******
 No where in any of my posts did I tell you to stop speaking. I requested kindly of everyone that they share helpful facts (i.e. links, websites, personal experience) instead of personal opinions regarding the matter.

Again, I am not a moderator or an administrator of this page — (I am so thankful for them — That would be a stressful role and one that I would not want to take on😅)

I simply made an ask; and I am not forcing anyone (especially grown men) to listen to me.

It seems most on this FB Page would rather be argumentative for entertainment purposes, than actually offer productive advice.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 ok, peace out .... But consider the advice of the people that told you that a coffee shop is a non-runner
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rene *******
 If only our main objective in this world was to make as much money as we could then you might be right. However, for some of us there are more important things! Hope you have a great day!
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Bo *****
 I'm certainly not into making money either . am I guessing right that it's some kind of religious center? Convert the heathens as such?
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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Joseph ****
@Paige *******
 Exactly.
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
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Andreas *********
@Paige *******
 before you spill your rant to everybody and his grandmother, READ what I commented! I f it is a fruit based concentrate, only 1 liter is allowed to import. READ the FDA site, and keep in mind as a commercial importer, he needs a permission, or his friend as a private importer, needs to observe the weight limits issued by the FDA for import of "Health product" like a fruit based concentrate.
******************************************************************************************
7 months ago
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Chris ********
@Paige *******
 could not agree more with this. I’ve just joined this group and find there’s so many people commenting useless comments. Why do people need to know your opinions like, not another coffee shop or you can’t afford that? Won’t be very successful then. Are people seriously incapable of keeping their thoughts to themselves? Do you think
@Bo *****
 doesn’t know there’s a lot of coffee shops in Thailand? Who are you to say it won’t be successful? Maybe he’ll doing something a bit different? Which judging by this post, he may be doing exactly that. You people just need to grow up and let the man do what he wants to do! 🤦🏻‍♂️
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Chris *******
 you will get used to it on here, most of them are just sad old trolls with nothing else better to do except sit on their barstool or in their little box room in Pattaya living a boring life.
7 months ago
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Markus *****
@Chris *******
 Pure boredom!
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Chris *******
 Thanks Chris 😊
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Paige *******
 READ! He didn't do his homework. If his friend brings foodstuff concentrate in his baggage, the limit is 5 kilograms. If he brings it as a commercial importer, he first needs to get a permission from the FDA.
************************************************************************************************************
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Andreas ********
 You read. He IS doing his homework precisely by posting questions here. This group is a resource, too, despite all the naysayers.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Joseph ***
 He clearly hasn't done his homework. He thinks it is easy peasy to let a friend bring a whole baggage full of fruit concentrate into Thailand and declare it to Customs. Easyily said, easily dreamt up. He should have read the LAWS concerning this action, first. He is a dreamer, that's a fact 😂🤣 and he will wake up one morning and realize it
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
@Andreas ********
 you are clearly a disgruntled individual who has nothing better to do than--for no apparent reason--to wish poorly of someone with a dream. I don't envy you but good luck with your keyboard warrior dreams.
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Andrew *********
 You've nailed him. 💯 He's pulling his hair out of his head he's so enraged OP dares to give it a go or that anyone supports OP. Has zero business smarts, to boot.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Joseph ***
 I am deaf and I ran my own business, self employed, for 36 years. Everybody has the lifetime chance to succeed in something. However I learned one lesson: Do your homework before you act, kid
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Andreas ********
 You learned nothing and have nothing to share. Just anger and jealousy.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
He clearly hasn't done his homework. He thinks it is easy peasy to let a friend bring a whole baggage full of fruit concentrate into Thailand and declare it to Customs. This idea is so easily said, so easily dreamt up, and it is still a very BAD idea. 🙂 He should have read the LAWS concerning this action, first. He is a dreamer, that's a fact. And he is not listening to sound advice given here. No, on the contrary, he bluntly and arrogantly ignores good advice. He cannot even say "thank you Sir for mentioning the FDA rules". He is unable to reflect and cooperate on a social level. This is what has become of the "Generation Clueless" because their World is revolving around cheap thrills and cheap social media action. They pay more attention to a 15 seconds Tik Tok clip, than to what is actually happening around them. His grasp of the World is unreal
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 the best part about this reply is that you have edited it 7 times…. 😂
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 I would love to sit down and have a conversation with you and learn from your vast wisdom. Truly this is an invite for you to come meet and share all of your insight. I could also share with you everything that I have done over the past 6 months with legal documents (in Thai) obtaining tax receipts for every purchase (in Thai) finding coffee suppliers (in Thai and also in Thailand), communicating with technicians (in Thai because none of them speak English and the majority of them can’t read, so not only do I have to know the terminology in Thai, but I don’t have google translate to back me up because they can’t read), hiring Thai workers (have to have a minimum of 4 to obtain a visa, so I am actually contributing to the Thai people by paying them over 60,000 baht a month), and also asking for small bits of information that I am unsure of how to best go about (while getting absolutely ridiculed by the likes of you for not spending 3 weeks researching the topic before posting a question into a group discussion page).

I am a dreamer in the sense that I would love to be able to open a profitable coffee shop and contribute to the Thai people who are so nice and caring. My grasp of the world is so much more than your angry words behind a screen.

Once again, I’d be happy to meet with you if you were so inclined to share with me all of your knowledge of Thailand and its laws!
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 so you already got your company, got 2 million Baht shareholder funds, got a Non-B visa and a work permit which will allow you to supervise the four mandatory Thai employees. If they can't read, buy a VASCO V4 speaking translator. You got a supply line and all legal permits to start into the business. Go ahead and open that coffeeshop in Chiang Mai. But be careful, you are not allowed to put a hand onto anything, your work permit doesn't cover an occupation a Thai could do. Sometimes there's people out there who envy what you do, and would take any chance to shoot pictures showing you emptying ashtrays and putting up the chairs at closing time, only to report it. Good Luck, Kansas Rookie
7 months ago
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Sam *********
@Andreas ********
 or you use an "agency" to figure this part out. But, honestly, that seems a little shady..
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Sam ********
 I never used an agency for my stays in Thailand, I can get my yearly extension of stay all by myself for 1900.- THB
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 go send your friend with the bag fulla sweets and find out how the friendly World works 😃Unfortunately I am at the other end of the globe right now and won't be back before October
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Andrew *********
 and
@Joseph ***
 😂🤣😂
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Andreas ********
 Nah. He's an entrepreneur starting out and asking questions. And after initially providing worthwhile information, now you're showing your true colors. Just because you're bitter and wish you could preach down to people. You've got nothing.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Joseph ***
 "He's an entrepreneur starting out " . . You are a joke! He is a bloody greenhorn, a "wannabe-entrepreneur". And he is unable to say one simple word of "Thank you Sir for the useful information" I gave him concerning import permissions and FDA rules . And you are one arrogant snob
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Andreas ********
 You're full of yourself and a miserable deadender. Your misery needs to see others fail. Have another cup of misery and chase it with your cheap beer. The rest of us are enjoying life. 🍾
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 easy up buddy. I legit asked if anyone knew anything about this in the original post. Knowing that it would be happening in the future and I wanted to see if it was possible. I appreciate the links to the FDA website. But part of my “homework” was asking if anyone knew about it.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Av *********
 who is polluting the earth? The person who is planning on coming to Thailand anyways?

You guys all need legit help!
7 months ago
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Av **********
@Paige *******
 I do fully understand the situation....she is polluting the earth
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Paige *******
 lolol. Mind your own business.
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Frank *********
 It is my business. Bo is my friend and we are seeking out helpful information to open a coffee shop.
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Paige *******
 read comment below.
7 months ago
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Frank **********
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
 you telling her to mind her own business when you are trying to tell me how to run a coffee shop is wild😂
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Bo *****
 didn't tell you how to run your coffee shop just said having a friend bring over your concerns wasn't a good long term strategy. So zip it.
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Frank *********
 give it a rest numpty, you are making a fool of yourself.
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Nick ******
 no one asked you. Mind your own business.
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Frank *********
 and no one wants to see your sarcastic coments on here. You probably not even in Thailand. Stay in shitty US
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Nick ******
 I am in Thailand. Talk about shifty countries so is yours. Anyway the first comment I made on Bo's post was not derogatory but it turned that way after they made rude comments to me. We can continue this conversation in a DM if you are man enough.
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Frank *********
 haha ur too old. Stick to reading books.
7 months ago
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Frank **********
@Nick ******
 have a great day.
7 months ago
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Frank **********
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Will ************
@Paige *******
 if you don’t like what I say just scroll because I haven’t even warmed up yet.
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Will ***********
 well go and warm up somewhere else, coz they will ban you soon.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Will ***********
 lol
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Will ***********
 , I see she's a recent graduate with some kind of religious background. Is she part of the management of this site? Who is she to tell us what to say and what not to say?
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
@Rene *******
 what does her religion have to do with anything being done here?
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Andrew *********
 you following my logic?
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Andrew *********
 I think we should all remember that a public forum is a public forum and will elicit all kinds of different opinions that we must be able to deal with. You don't get to bully people and tell them what they can say and can't say because it doesn't suit your purpose, especially if you're not an admin and in charge of the situation. I guess an administrator can decide what is acceptable or unacceptable, if it's their page
7 months ago
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Rene ********
"shut up because I said so"
7 months ago
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Rene ********
See, God delusion! A classical case
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Andrew *********
 , it's a very strong indication of some kind of dementia, severe mental illness, impairment, or functional handicap.
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Rene *******
 I appreciate your genuine concern for my well-being, truly. I would also like to apologize for offending you. I shouldn't have asked for you (or anyone else) to withhold your unhelpful comments.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 accepted! That's a better start.
7 months ago
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Paige ********
Happy to hear it! Now let's all rewind and finally help Bo get his initial question answered -- Anyone have experience with declaring goods from the USA?
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
@Rene *******
 that's quite a statement! Interesting to me though, that actually people who identify as religious have lower rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, report better marriages, lower divorce rates, happiness and overall satisfaction in life.

there's actually a long list that would confirm the opposite of what you're claiming.

Also...Her religion has nothing to do with this post, by the way, and I think it's shallow and demeaning, not to include very telling of your maturity level to condescend her or anyone for having faith or professing a religion.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Andrew *********
 , and I welcome your opinion, thank you very much, feel free to express it. It has been duly noted. I will add that if one is dumb down, by blind belief and faith, I'm sure that a lot of things are much simpler and one doesn't ever have to tackle the big questions in life because one simply has the answer provided and knows that it's true why, because I believe it. So yes they may be happier because it provides some kind of parachute umbrella protection and avoids one grappling with the burning issues of our time and age and life as sentient human beings
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
@Rene *******
 I'm actually really thankful I don't have to have every answer figured out. That would be a paralyzing life! 😊
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Andrew *********
 , that's the point you don't have them figured out you have to work on them and change and adapters the goal post shift can be challenging but at least it's active and not passive participation. The members of another let's say $5,000 religions also have their own mumbo jumbo and believe that Allah is great and whoever is up there in the sky is taking care of them the spirits whatever you know it's a question of believing your own delusion but if it makes you feel better and it doesn't make you a bad person who am I to say anything about it
7 months ago
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Paige ********
@Rene *******
 True, I won't ever know all the answers to all of life's big questions. But, God does and I know that He loves me... That is enough for me 😊
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 , see, I rest my case and restate what I said.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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Rene ********
@Paige *******
 Ok, the fact of the matter is............... Guilty as charged!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rene *******
 My friends haven’t came and I was trying to get information on if this was even possible. Please find something better to do than comment on Facebook posts that you have no idea what is happening on!
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Bo *****
 , this is just my opinion of course but it is related to your topic. I truly think you should travel around Thailand a little more, and listen to people who've been here a long time when they say that thete is an empty coffee shop on every single corner. The idea is done and dusted. There are two within 200 meters of me
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rene *******
 who is guilty and of what?
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Bo *****
 I meant I am guilty because I agreed with the person who commented something about your business idea. So nowadays we not allowed to express an opinion, unless it's hunky dory? I immediately agreed with what someone else said, and I stand by my agreement. How is your topic related to Visa issues which is the nature of the Forum? If I were you I would actually listen to some of the people who've been here a long time and have a far better idea of what's going on then it would seem you do. Good luck with your coffee shop. We already restricted censorship-wise by multiple factors beyond our control, it is not your task to try to further enforce it. A Facebook post is a public post and one should expect the diversity of responses if questions are asked.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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Frank **********
You're idea of having a friend bringing this concentrate doesn't sound like a viable alternative in the long term. And coffee shops are a dime a dozen.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
 *Your. Also 98% of my products are sourced locally. If you could read and understand you would have read that I want a single drink concentrate from America as a specialty drink for the shop. Please get a life and don’t spew hate on Facebook for no reason.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Kool *******
To legally use it commercially in your business you will need an import license from the FDA.
7 months ago
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Mike **********
Plus

If you are truly trying to be a good Businessman in Thailand

Maybe don’t start off trying to circumvent laws and Thai business practices

Just a thought
7 months ago
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Sacher *******
@Mike *********
 You get a ⭐️ for being a moron! Congrats!
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Mike *********
 you are absolutely right. However he is not trying to circumvene any law. It is the other way around: He sends his friend with a suitcase full of goods he is not allowed to import, on a trip, and asks him to declare it at the Customs point at the Airport. He bears the assumption, that Customs will clear it and just make his friend pay some duty fee and let him pass. That won't happen. Customs will confiscate the goods if he can't show an import permission from the FDA
7 months ago
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Chris ********
@Mike *********
 okay I’m sorry but your comment is pretty stupid. How is he trying to circumvent laws and Thai business practices? He is asking what’s the correct procedure to bring his product into the country? 🤦🏻‍♂️
7 months ago
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Mike **********
@Chris *******
Maybe I misunderstood his question.

Just seems strange to ask visitors to bring entire suitcases? Full of goods.

No I’ll intent from this end
7 months ago
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Nick *******
@Mike *********
 he has said several times he simply wants to save some money. Seems pretty sensible when starting a business. Maybe you should read his question properly before commenting. Just a thought
7 months ago
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Nick *******
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Av **********
Wow never heard from farm to table or eat locally huh
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Av *********
 I actually source 98% of my products from locally grown beans. But your assumption of what I’m doing is definitely more accurate!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 For importing coffee-based products for commercial use inside Thailand, you most probably will need an import license from the relevant Thai departments and the FDA.

Otherwise, a person bringing this stuff over PRIVATELY, has to keep the shipment within the allowed weight limits and declare it to Customs. And this would be just 5 kilos

“Importation of foods into the Kingdom for personal consumption can only be imported in no more than the prescribed amount, and when including all items, it must not exceed 20 kilograms as follows:”
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 thank you for the information! But it is a lotus drink concentrate. It is not coffee.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 then you need a permission to import it. If it is a fruit based concentrate, only 5 liter are allowed. READ the FDA site, and keep in mind as a commercial importer, you need a permission, and your friend as a private importer, needs to observe the weight limits. READ the FDA site and do your homework. You cannot just import fruit based concentrate in a baggage full of it and declare to Customs. There are weight limits and they apply to personal use!
************************************************************************************************************
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Gregg *************
Ship it over is better
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Gregg ************
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7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Gregg ************
 this requires an import license and a permission for coffee based products. Just an invitation for more hassles. He must source his needs locally or within the ASEAN region
7 months ago
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Gregg *************
@Andreas ********
 I have a friend in chiangmai who has a large coffeee biz they are thai
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Gregg ************
 we have visited the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos in January 2024. Tasted and bought a few satchels. Very good coffee. Many "organic" producers. It should be easy to import from Laos for a Thai person with the correct paperwork
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Gregg *************
@Andreas ********
 find another vendor with an import license
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Gregg ************
 exactly. There are many inside Thailand. Northern Thailand and Laos are known for their coffee-beans produce. There are so many roasteries up north
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Ethel ********
Great idea! Another coffee shop in Chiang Mai!
7 months ago
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Mike **********
@Ethel *******
 😂😂
7 months ago
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Andy ************
@Ethel *******
 not another coffee really many many fail or just a hobby , what’s your business plan?
7 months ago
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Ala ******
@Andy ***********
 saving 300$ 🤣
7 months ago
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Ala ******
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Braulio *********
@Ethel *******
 555
7 months ago
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Braulio *********
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Will ************
If you can’t afford the 300 on shipping with a customs declaration you are not ready for running a successful business
7 months ago
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Rene ********
I'm going to guess that this is a happy clapping kind of coffee shop meeting place
7 months ago
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Andrew **********
@Will ***********
 please share more of your business wisdom!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
 Did I ever say I couldn’t afford $300 on shipping? If presented with an opportunity to save $300 would you take it? Your ignorance is insane.
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the insight Joseph! Shipping it is always an option, I just wanted to see if there was a way to get it cheaper. We have friends who visit often and if it was an easy enough solution I thought it could maybe work. I will continue to do research to find the best solution. Granted this pertains to less than 3% of my business. Was just a fun idea we had to say we have an “American” product to draw in some different customers!

I appreciate your comments on this thread!
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Bo *****
 The majority here are like proverbial crabs in a barrel. You are actually wise trying to be frugal from the get-go, something which most of the clueless deadenders here would never understand. Do confirm if importing with your friend is viable (which is exactly why you posted here). Long term, there has to be a supplier somewhere that can beat whoever quoted you previously. A few years back, in Vietnam, I spotted all kinds of imported concentrates for commercial resale. I would think Thailand has even better import supply options than Vietnam, though I might be wrong.
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
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Mike **********
@Will ***********
 exactly
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Will ***********
 you areright
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
 You’re so right. Thats exactly what I said in my post. I should have asked you before I started the business!
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Bo *****
 go to the temple spend a few weeks and work on your arrogance
7 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Rene *******
 Nah. He was dealing with a presumptuous naysayer. OP's tone was fine and you, too, need to find some positivity in your own life.
7 months ago
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Rene ********
@Joseph ***
 lol
7 months ago
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Rene ********
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Lone **********
when your friends arrive in Thailand they need to go through the red declare lane at customs. They will need a receipt from back home to prove the value of the product. They might or might not need to pay any tax, depends on whether it's a huge amount. What you need to ensure is that the product or any of it's ingredients is not on a prohibited list. If it is then it will be confiscated. Make sure they keep the tax receipt for you. In my experience there are not many who go through the red zone so they are super friendly when you do.
7 months ago
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Lone **********
Right next to where you go through the green 'nothing to declare' where they scan your suitcase
7 months ago
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John **********
@Lo**
 I never observed the red lane?

Is it obvious when landing at BKK?
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lone *********
 Thank you so much for the reply! This is super helpful!
7 months ago
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Bo ******
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Tom ********
If you are hoping for your new venture to become a success then you need to source the products you need locally and not import them in friends luggage, How long do you think you are going to last having to do that?
7 months ago
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Bo ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *******
 Yes I am planning to import all of our products in my friends suitcase. Do you think I could hire you as an advisor?
7 months ago
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Tom ********
@Bo *****
 If you are having to skimp on bringing supplies in I doubt you could afford my services, Shame really because I already had 3 successful tourist/hospitality related business in South East Asia 🙂
7 months ago
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Sheen ************
@Bo *****
 sarcasm will be a great asset in your new venture
7 months ago
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Steve **********
@Bo *****
 with that attitude, you'll last looong time here !
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Steve *********
 is what I am saying. His attitude beats it
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Markus *****
Good luck with your venture!
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Markus ****
 hey yeah, he will need luck
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 if your friend brings fruit concentrate in a bag, he needs to observe the weight limitations as he would as such be a private consumer & importer. If he declares it to Customs, the concentrate being a commercial import, they will confiscate it because he does not have an import license and a FDA permission to import any food for commercial use. I have warned you. You are free to believe me or not. Just do it and find out where the pitfalls are
7 months ago
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Dee ***********
@Andreas ********
 great to see our members given great advice
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Dee **********
 am I your member?
7 months ago
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Wayne ********
@Andreas ********
 from what I read the OP never mentioned anything about fruit. Concentrate only you did. He’s importing coffee in his friend suitcase. 
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
@Wayne *******
 no, he wrote he is importing lotus (fruit flower) concentrate, not coffee. Which doesn't make any f...g difference: He needs a FDA permission nevertheless. His friend can't just show up at the BKK Customs and declare a suitcase fulla lotus concentrate.
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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Andreas *********
@Bo *****
 your friend is not allowed to bring more than 5 kilos of a coffee-based or fruit based concentrate product into Thailand. You should have done your homework before you came up with such an idea
7 months ago
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Andreas *********
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