Customs and Excise

[finnomick]

Customs and Excise seem to be having a ' crackdown ' on big imported motorcycles ( yet again ). Had a visit today, not from the local Prakhon Chai Customs and Excise boys, but from Buriram Customs and Excise. They've had scouts running around searching for big imported bikes for the laqst couple of weeks and are now following up checking on the paperwork. Fortunately we have all the relevant Import and Excise duty paid invoices for our bike ( a 1985 Honda GB400TT Special Edition -- which is still for sale ) so they happily went on their way.

[Alan]

And heres me salavatiing over so many bikes in the UK at a 3rd of the cost of Thailand and breaking my neck trying to find a way to bring one back. Mick you should of lost a Harley or 2 in that container you brought over or is that why these guys have you in their target. 
Only joking ........... But has to be said 180% import tax does not compute with prices being asked on many imports.

[Nobby]

Harley prices like other 2nd hand bike prices are goign down stedily here in LOS.

Import it into Cambodia then as its easier than into Thailand

[finnomick]

Depending on whom you talk to, the import duty varies so much -- and don't forget that excise duty that has to be paid on top of the import duty too. I spoke to Ross at H-D Bangkok. He reckoned I'd have to pay 95% import duty on my yellow H-D even as a personal import. And, it would be up to customs and excise as to how much they valued the bike. Would they just assess the import duty on the current price of a new bike or would they assess it at what the bike cost ( not far off 30,000 pounds ). Whichever way, I shuddered at the thought of such a great expense and opted to sell it back in the UK. As you so rightly say Alan, I could have put it in the container but then sods law would have dictated that they would have opened the container for inspection. Now, if I could sell the apartment in Jomtien I could get another second-hand H-D. Second-hand because I'm not too struck on the new models but that's purely my personal choice ( plus I DO have some H-D spares at home ).

Thaitanik, when you say import it into Cambodia do you mean with a view to then re-importing into Thailand or run it in Thailand on Cambodian plates ? 

[Alan]

As we are all aware this is Thailand and if you have the right connections then its not a problem. Connecting those connections is the problem........... 
I really would like to bring a bike in and my reason is choice. I think most people know my passion for bikes and I admire the passion for big bikes in Thailand especially amongst the Thai riders. Bikes here are crazy money when compared with most other countries. Choice is whats available here rather than whats being made and technical backup poor to average. Most modern vehicles require diagnostic link facilaties and whilst most vehicles will run with a fault light on it would be nice to be able to get that checked out pretty locally.
Mick I have to say I don't get the HD virus like most people. I like HD, just never got that tuned into riding them. I think maybe they are better as a visual experience. Mick Thailand has many many HD's new and old so choice is not an issue. Price and back up might be.
We are starting to see more manufactures especially european bikes coming to Thailand now. This is all good and hopefully in time that range will be exhaustive and prices comparable to other nations.
What I would love to see is import taxation dropped to competative levels. This would open up a world of business in thailand and create work for many. It would give people the chance to buy what model they want and have it arrive legally through the front door. This would generate higher tax revenues do to turnover and improve safety as bikes would not be stripped, shipped then rebuilt by unqualified persons.
The current system does not work and will never work in Thailands favour.     

[nookiebear]

As you so rightly say Alan, I could have put it in the container but then sods law would have dictated that they would have opened the container for inspection.

A lad in Chamni recently had a container sent over from UK ....Using a company based in Phuket & on his invoice was an item listed as 'CUSTOMS NON INSPECTION FEE'....5,000BAHT!!

[Somnat]

As you so rightly say Alan, I could have put it in the container but then sods law would have dictated that they would have opened the container for inspection.

A lad in Chamni recently had a container sent over from UK ....Using a company based in Phuket & on his invoice was an item listed as 'CUSTOMS NON INSPECTION FEE'....5,000BAHT!!

  Thanks nookiebear ... one cup of tea over keyboard

[finnomick]

As you so rightly say Alan, I could have put it in the container but then sods law would have dictated that they would have opened the container for inspection.

A lad in Chamni recently had a container sent over from UK ....Using a company based in Phuket & on his invoice was an item listed as 'CUSTOMS NON INSPECTION FEE'....5,000BAHT!!

  Thanks nookiebear ... one cup of tea over keyboard

As Somnat quite rightly indicates, this is very funny -- but it is also TRUE !!! Some shipping agents advise you of this service. Obviously they have the right connections...

[nookiebear]

As you so rightly say Alan, I could have put it in the container but then sods law would have dictated that they would have opened the container for inspection.

A lad in Chamni recently had a container sent over from UK ....Using a company based in Phuket & on his invoice was an item listed as 'CUSTOMS NON INSPECTION FEE'....5,000BAHT!!

  Thanks nookiebear ... one cup of tea over keyboard

As Somnat quite rightly indicates, this is very funny -- but it is also TRUE !!! Some shipping agents advise you of this service. Obviously they have the right connections...

100% TRUE........

[Kawa]

Sat in coffee corner and the custom &exice came along to inspect the Hog that was sat out side.
Bilgrant twits ,all papers in order and left.
Owner grassed up by  the BIB on school girl watch next to the bus station,the bike was getting more attention than the BIB twit, the way too big shining 50cal strapped to his body,it was as big as him,and still not impressing the girls.