thailand
Ask question

What are my options for dealing with a phone stuck in Thai customs due to an NBTC license issue?

Thai customsNBTC licenseimport issueselectronics importDHLcustom clearanceexpat adviceThailand
May 24, 2024
7 months ago
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Basically i ordered a phone overseas that via DHL and customs said to DHL that this requires an NBTC license, so DHL is unable to clear the item.

I asked NBTC they said can not issue an import license because this variant is not on their database. I asked to send it back NBTC said then I would need an export license.

NBTC said they can issue an export license to send to another country but DHL said no because it's stuck in customs.

I contacted my lawyer friend here and he said after making some calls that it would cost more than the item, 20K THB so not too pursue it.

I also contacted some brokers there only few said that they can clear it but with fees exceeding the price of the item.

What to do?
4,598
views
11
likes
103
all likes
39
replies
0
images
27
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing a dilemma with a phone ordered overseas that is stuck in Thai customs because it requires a license from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) which cannot be issued as the phone is not in their database. Users suggest various options including claiming insurance, paying fees to clear customs, or simply buying phones locally in Thailand to avoid such issues in the future. Many emphasize the complications with DHL and recommend utilizing local purchase options instead.
Martin *********
Walk
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Aaron *******
Follow your lawyer's advice.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
lesson learned
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Victor **********
I was in a similar situation. Paid 10k to some broker for a 25k phone.

There were two options actually:

1) “lump-sum” of 10k(a bribe, as I understood)

2) 25k “the right way”😀
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Victor *********
 do you have his contact by any chance? You didn't have to pay customs, storage and other fees but only one fee to get the item?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Victor **********
@Ryan ***********
 yes. Only this amount
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Victor **********
Reply
Michael ********
You can pay the customs fees or refuse the item. But of course you lose the money you paid for the phone . Electronics are highly taxed in TH
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Brian ***********
Another great DHL story . Love it..

Registered Airmail works fine. Use it or lose it.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Galenus ******
Buy a phone here🙏
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John *******
Is this worth a post u got 2 options pay or walk

Simple
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ticha *****************
Contact any import custom agent for clearance to run paperwork for you. Never ask lawyer about HS code
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ticha ****************
They are quoting more than the price of the phone though.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ticha *****************
@Ryan ***********
 contact import custom clearance agent and not custom officer. What port is your phone now? Laem Chabang or Suvarnabhumi?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ticha ****************
 yes that's what i did. I emailed and reached out using like about 40 companies doing custom clearance. Only few said they can but with those fees. Some said if i don't have the license then i can't, just like dhl. It's in Suvarnabhumi.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ryan ************
Reply
Larry *******
Easy answer. Buy your phone in Thailand or go to another country and buy it and bring it in yourself
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Daniel *******
DHL pushes these overly bureaucratic situations so they can gobble up money on service fees. You would have your phone right now if you had sent through normal mail, customs would probably had ignored your package or assigned a random license to it.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Jack ******
@Dan***
, spot on! DHL are the worst. They charge too much and create too many problems due to their “system”!
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ******
Reply
Roman **********
Customs officer wants new phone for family's birthday. Same deal with people that import drones.

Need to buy in Singapore or Thailand
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Isaac *****
What country did you buy it in? Maybe someone from there will travel to Thailand soon ?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Isaac ****
US
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ryan ************
Reply
Jorge ****
Nothing you can do. This is a recurring problem and those who get lucky keep telling others to ship their stuff over. Somebody just got a free phone, the one you paid for.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Glenn *****
If you have access to Amazon they will take care of everything for you. They will even give a refund on customs if they over estimate
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Trevor *********
Just go to the market and get one it’s thiland.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
John ******
@Trevor ********
correct.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Steve *******
Should've bought the phone in Thailand, you'd probably have gotten a better deal anyways!
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
What is so special about this phone that you cannot buy in Thailand? They obviously know you are trying to cheat their tariff system.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Sacher *******
@Us ****
 What a silly assumption.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sacher ******
@Us ****
 is one of these people who thinks he is smart af but actually dumb as rocks.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
@Ryan ***********
 well my phone isn't stuck in custom so I am smarter than a rock.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Sacher *******
@Us ****
 Dunno man. By the same logic, if you were a rock, your phone would too not be stuck in customs. But that wouldn't make you smarter than a rock because you'd be a rock.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sacher *******
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
not all phone brands are available here..
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Sue **********
@Ryan ***********
 May I ask what type of phone that is?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sue **********
Reply
Tim *********
go to customs with cash
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Braulio *********
TIT
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian *****
Welcome to Thailand
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Carlos *********
Claim the insurance on the package and watch it weed itself out,( probably with a fine). Although a phone is a very controlled item in thailand.

I sent a girl a diamond ring to thailand. ( I guess it's illegal to send diamonds into thailand), but when I claimed the insurance on the package, boy it showed up quick!!! With a fine
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Ryan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carlos ********
You mean DHL insurance?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Carlos *********
@Ryan ***********
 you can insure any package with any carrier. Mine was with the postal service.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Carlos *********
Reply
Brandon ************
You should forget about it. It happens all the time.

If you want to bring electronics into Thailand, do it in your suitcase when you're flying in. Otherwise forget about it.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the taxing rules for shipping personal belongings to Thailand on a tourist visa?
11 comments
4 months ago
How can I export a Honda CT125 motorcycle from Thailand to the UK?
30 comments
6 months ago
What mailing options are available for sending electronics from Thailand to China?
5 comments
6 months ago
How can I successfully claim reimbursement for a damaged laptop from a computer shop in Thailand?
84 comments
6 months ago
What is the best way to ship a laptop to a friend in Thailand?
73 comments
8 months ago
What should I do if my work permit application in Thailand is delayed and my agent refuses to refund me?
1 comments
9 months ago
What are my options for bringing my bulky music system to Thailand with a retirement visa renewal?
27 comments
9 months ago
What are the import tax rules and fees for goods ordered into Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What should I do if the seller of my leased property in Thailand is unresponsive after I wired funds?
7 comments
a year ago
What should I do if I'm facing a visa block due to an old issue with Thai immigration?
11 comments
a year ago
Should I buy a new phone in Jomtien or unlock my current phone for a Thai SIM card?
19 comments
a year ago
What are the best options for exporting my new Toyota Cross from Thailand to the UK?
28 comments
2 years ago
What should I do if my motorbike's green book has a misspelling after a year of hassle in Thailand?
6 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for re-entering Thailand after immigration issues?
67 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way to bring personal items to Thailand without incurring import fees?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the costs and considerations for shipping a vehicle and personal belongings to Thailand as an expat?
112 comments
3 years ago
What recourse do I have if a commissioned carpenter in Thailand fails to deliver the work as agreed?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are my options for insuring a phone purchased in Thailand as a UK expat?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the best ways to ship a laptop from Germany to Thailand and what paperwork is needed?
2 comments
3 years ago
How do I pay tax for a personal shipment received in Thailand?
15 comments
3 years ago
Can I have my items shipped to Thailand held by the shipping company until I clear quarantine?
18 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my parcel is held at customs in Thailand?
32 comments
4 years ago
Does Thai customs require my original passport for package clearance, or are photocopies sufficient?
14 comments
4 years ago
What are the current customs requirements in Khon Kaen for packages sent from abroad?
30 comments
4 years ago
What documents are needed for receiving DHL Express deliveries in Thailand, and can someone provide information about ASQ?
9 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.