MOVING TO THAILAND

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Thailand:

• Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) (with one-year visa issued by immigration in Thailand required for free duty and tax import)
• Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Thailand for you.
• ID card (returning citizens)
• 90 day business class visa (non Thai immigrants)
• Diplomatic privileges approval issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand
• Work permit

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Thailand. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Thai Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

• The shipment must arrive within 6 months after the owner of the goods’ first arrival on their non – immigrant visa or arrival stamp on a passport.
  • For returning citizens it must be on last arrival.
• Must contain only used household and personal effect items (not new items).
• Customs allow one of each kind of electrical appliances.
  • Double items will be dutiable.
• Household goods must come from the country where the owner of the goods has been staying / working before moving to Thailand.
• Customs allow one air and sea shipment.
• The owner of the goods should enter Thailand with a 90 days “class B” (business) non-immigrant visa (non – citizens).
• The owner of the goods has a 12 month work permit (without any condition), and 12 month visa which has been stamped by immigration in Thailand.
  • Normal process for issuing work permit may take 4-8 weeks (non – citizens).
• The owner of the goods has never imported goods into Thailand (returning citizens)
• The owner of the goods must be in the origin country at least 365 days (returning citizens)
• If the owner of the goods visits Thailand while staying overseas, it must be only 3 months maximum each time (returning citizens)
• If the owner of the goods visits Thailand many times while staying overseas, the owner of the goods must have good reason and explanation for Thai customs (returning citizens).
• Returning citizens must be overseas for 1 year in order to be considered for tax and duty free re-entry; travel to and from Thailand during the owner of the goods’ overseas stay is likely to disqualify them from the exemption.
  • A physical stamp in passport and a copy of his/her Thai ID card is required.
• Diplomatic shipments are exempt from tax and duty, but processing takes approximately 14 business days by the respective Embassy; therefore, documentation must arrive prior to shipment to avoid additional port charges.
• Retirement / tourist / non – immigrant O visa holders must pay duties.
  • Retirement visa holders must pay duties for household goods except used personal effects (e.g. books, clothes, shoes).

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 20 7097 5335 , or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

If you’re moving to Thailand, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Gerson Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335 .

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to Thailand, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.