Mike,
Has there been any update on your situation? I've just stumpled onto this post (and onto this site as a matter of fact) and I'm highly interested if everything has worked out okay.
I am also looking into importing (my 996 911) and hearing your story actually makes the importing process relatively painless (with the exception of your shipping damage)...
Do you mind if you can forward me the contact info for your agent? I would love to get in touch with him/her.
Thanks so much.
jon
Car Import Update
Started by tuktukmike, 2005-01-03 02:17
#77
Butterfly
Super Member Posted 2005-09-01 09:18:23 jl_333, on 2005-08-31 19:39:22, said: Mike, Has there been any update on your situation? I've just stumpled onto this post (and onto this site as a matter of fact) and I'm highly interested if everything has worked out okay. I am also looking into importing (my 996 911) and hearing your story actually makes the importing process relatively painless (with the exception of your shipping damage)... Do you mind if you can forward me the contact info for your agent? I would love to get in touch with him/her. Thanks so much. jon the guy failed to update us on his situation and I think it's safe to say that it probably was a disaster. You dont want to brag on the Internet when you get taken to the cleaner. #78
dr_Pat_Pong
Star Member Posted 2005-09-02 10:18:10
That's my assumption too
#79
Digger
Super Member Posted 2005-09-02 18:54:02 Butterfly, on 2005-09-01 09:18:23, said: jl_333, on 2005-08-31 19:39:22, said: Mike, Has there been any update on your situation? I've just stumpled onto this post (and onto this site as a matter of fact) and I'm highly interested if everything has worked out okay. I am also looking into importing (my 996 911) and hearing your story actually makes the importing process relatively painless (with the exception of your shipping damage)... Do you mind if you can forward me the contact info for your agent? I would love to get in touch with him/her. Thanks so much. jon the guy failed to update us on his situation and I think it's safe to say that it probably was a disaster. You dont want to brag on the Internet when you get taken to the cleaner. Probably not a disaster for the head of customs who as we speak is on his way home (the long way) driving some farangs car and will be for the next 6 months or so...... Oh hang on, wasnt this the Ford Scorpio thread??? - Sorry in which case its likely in the breakers yard being torn apart for scrap with the proceeds going to the same customs guy. #80
dr_Pat_Pong
Star Member Posted 2005-09-04 05:26:14
Same disaster outcome
#81
Butterfly
Super Member Posted 2005-11-04 13:46:04
Bump for our friend tuktukmike
Well, it seems that our worst fears have been met. The car was seized and is being sold off by Customs officials who are probably in bed with those auction players. Nice going. Despite all the jokings and warnings in this thread, Thailand becomes very reliable when it comes to disasters. This is another one of them. More here from the OP: http://www.thaivisa....showtopic=48780 Edited by Butterfly, 2005-11-04 13:54:06. #82
dr_Pat_Pong
Star Member Posted 2005-11-04 13:50:14
The TV brothers warned him but he wasn't in a listening mood. Nevertheless I'm sorry for him.
#83
jcon
Senior Member Posted 2009-02-15 16:15:34
I am very curious.. I personally have a BMW 850 CSI in storage in Europe.. Its a very rare car (far different from the base 850 models) and is fully loaded with alpine TV's navi DVD etc.. Due to me not being there I would let it go for +- 15k Euro (a steal but its a white elephant currently).. I know I can purchase Porche 911's (964's) of good used quality in the 20 - 25k range or S class mercs at about the same (last model big body one).. These cars are well over 3 mil in BKK last time I made a brief look ?? You are saying I can get them in the country at 80% of the value I purchase them at (holding for 3 years is the issue) ?? I would probably bring my 850 in is it would be costing me only about 400k baht !! Dug up this old thread because I just read the thread about the guy wanting to import his Triumph. A few things: 1. What happened to tuktukmike? Seems he disappeard from this old thread. I can only assume he got farked by Customs (as will EVERYBODY who tries to do the same, NO MATTER WHAT). 2. LaoPo (to be honest, I haven't seen you post lately) - Do you still have the 850CSI. I want it. Enough said. Color? 3. Customs will screw you. People love thier cars, I know, and everybody thinks that they can do something in Thailand that others have tried and failed (aka importing a car)... much like the loads of guys who think that their girl is 'different,' nobody listens... ok, fine, that is life - learn for yourself. But this car thing has been confirmed time and again as a mess. 4. LaoPo, did I say I want your CSI? #84
LivinLOS
Shaved Member Posted 2009-02-18 16:15:15
I sold the 850
 !! Took a pittance for it (10k EUR) but someone went and collected it from storage with flat batterys etc and just wired the money so cut my losses, should have sold it really before I letf but I loved it so much I always kinda hoped not to part with it.. Oddly enough I just found some old pics of it today.. Hadnt given it a thought in years. I spent about 18k NLG on the alpine in dash navi / CD / DVD etc way back when it was all brand new tech, so 5k plus EUR on internals !! fark I gave that away !! Not a bad motor for a gypsy kid in his 20's !! Attached Files
Edited by LivinLOS, 2009-02-18 16:18:38. #85
adamskiinasia
Newbie Posted 2009-05-15 07:14:09
Hi all I found the last post i made on this subject on page 77, but for some reason the powers that be closed it after asking me to let them know of my progress. Well i got my import license from the Department of Commercial Affairs last week in Bangkok and my car arrives on the 4th jan at leam chebang port, so far so good. As i had stated i sent it by ro-ro which takes 45 days, strange really as a container only takes around 30 days. I have an agreed value all set up with the commerce dept and i will pay duty of 80% CIF, I am told that the customs should clear the car by the week commencing 10jan at which time i will be able to collect. I will of course keep all who may be interested informed to events as they happen and i will still be keeping fingers crossed that my car has no damage. Mike, Also i forgot to add the requirements and given rules. 1. You must have owned the car for at least 18 months. 2. You must have a work permit. 3. You cannot sell, hire,lend the car to anyone for a period of three years. #86
cougar52
Senior Member Posted 2009-05-19 06:54:19
Yes, he got screwed.
Senior Member **** Group: Members Posts: 207 Joined: 2004-08-26 From: Hua Hin Member No.: 12,445 I would agree 100% with your comments, As some of you will know i exported my car from England to Thailand and it all went pear shaped. If you bring a nice car in then customs will up and up the price until you walk away, they are then left to get the said car for personal friends at a very low price. After 3 price increases i was forced to walk away, my opinion of Thai customs officials i am afraid i could not put into words. As many of you know Thailand signed up to the GATT agreement which imposes fair and transparent valuations on all imported goods, the problem is although the Thais singed this agreement it as usual does not mean they have to follow the regulations. Mike. #87
mrbojangles
A SAXXY Member Posted 2009-05-26 09:43:58
As many of you know Thailand signed up to the GATT agreement which imposes fair and transparent valuations on all imported goods, the problem is although the Thais singed this agreement it as usual does not mean they have to follow the regulations. Mike. Not that i think for one moment that it would make a difference but who is the Governing body (i.e a type of Ombudsman) who Thailand could be reported to ? Also, is it only farang who have these problems and do Thai's returning to live in Thailand have a smoother ride through the customs. #88
jackspratt
Super Member Posted 2009-05-26 12:40:57
As many of you know Thailand signed up to the GATT agreement which imposes fair and transparent valuations on all imported goods, the problem is although the Thais singed this agreement it as usual does not mean they have to follow the regulations. Mike. Not that i think for one moment that it would make a difference but who is the Governing body (i.e a type of Ombudsman) who Thailand could be reported to ? Also, is it only farang who have these problems and do Thai's returning to live in Thailand have a smoother ride through the customs. Complaints can only be made by another country(s) which is also a signatory to the GATT Agreement. Before a complaint can be made, negotiations between the parties must have been tried. #89
Moonfruit
Senior Member Posted 2009-05-28 23:29:43
Unfortunate for tuktukmike.
but at least he had the balls to give it a go, while a bunch of armchair warriors (mostly brits!) had a go at him for whatever reason! I for one hope his exports in the other direction are earning him a bunch of coin, while i hope also that the 'italian prat' is sitting at the side of the road pondering his italian machinery! #90
thaicbr
fat member Posted 2009-05-29 08:32:14
Moonfruit. Your correct it was unfortunate for Mike.
"but at least he had the balls to give it a go, while a bunch of armchair warriors (mostly brits!) had a go at him for whatever reason!" Well Mike is a Brit as well. The main reason that mostly Brits said it could not be done is quite simple 'we can read' and to date i am pretty sure that NO ONE has managed to import a 2nd hand car successfully as a personal import. Correct me if i'm wrong. as a guess your a yank. #91
WarpSpeed
Titanium Member Posted 2009-06-04 16:44:51
Moonfruit. Your correct it was unfortunate for Mike. "but at least he had the balls to give it a go, while a bunch of armchair warriors (mostly brits!) had a go at him for whatever reason!" Well Mike is a Brit as well. The main reason that mostly Brits said it could not be done is quite simple 'we can read' and to date i am pretty sure that NO ONE has managed to import a 2nd hand car successfully as a personal import. Correct me if i'm wrong. as a guess your a yank. Well I saw a nice 80's model left drive Winnebago motor home driving around Phuket several months ago.. So I guess someone got at least that in.. #92
Rdrokit
Senior Member Posted 2009-06-05 00:11:12
The problem with customs is (besides being the most corrupt branch of govt because they don't get paid much salary) is that THEY get to put the value of the car. No matter it is worth 8,000 pounds in England or 10,000 in the US, they can put a value so high that you have to walk away. Even at fair market value it is alot of money. Here is an example, I wanted to bring my 2001 Camaro SS over for a daily driver. Fair market price in the US was $15,000. How much would it cost coming through customs, 15,000 times 300% (because it is over 3 liters) less a 70% discount (because it is older than 8 years) which leaves me paying customs $13,500 for a car I already own. A classic is worse because there is no Book value for the car. If I brought my 1961 Pontiac (picture below) they probably put a value of $70,000 because they saw one at Barrett Jackson auction bring that much. So I would end up paying 70,000 times 300% less 70% or $63,000 for a car that is worth about $40,000.
Then there is the illegal way of doing it. Buy a Blue Book and license plate for they vehicle you want to bring in. Doesn't have to be exact. Say I have a 996 Porsche I want to bring in. Buy a book and plate from a wrecked Porsche for about 100,000 baht. Then bring the car over in pieces, assemble it and your on your way. 
#93
stingray
Super Member Posted 2009-06-05 15:17:36
The problem with customs is (besides being the most corrupt branch of govt because they don't get paid much salary) is that THEY get to put the value of the car. No matter it is worth 8,000 pounds in England or 10,000 in the US, they can put a value so high that you have to walk away. Even at fair market value it is alot of money. Here is an example, I wanted to bring my 2001 Camaro SS over for a daily driver. Fair market price in the US was $15,000. How much would it cost coming through customs, 15,000 times 300% (because it is over 3 liters) less a 70% discount (because it is older than 8 years) which leaves me paying customs $13,500 for a car I already own. A classic is worse because there is no Book value for the car. If I brought my 1961 Pontiac (picture below) they probably put a value of $70,000 because they saw one at Barrett Jackson auction bring that much. So I would end up paying 70,000 times 300% less 70% or $63,000 for a car that is worth about $40,000. Then there is the illegal way of doing it. Buy a Blue Book and license plate for they vehicle you want to bring in. Doesn't have to be exact. Say I have a 996 Porsche I want to bring in. Buy a book and plate from a wrecked Porsche for about 100,000 baht. Then bring the car over in pieces, assemble it and your on your way. This was a old fashion way, which some big us classic car dealers done 10 years ago (i don't want name the guy). Therefore you could see some 79 Trans Ams with nice T- Tops on the road with 73 Pontiac (Bonnevile) books. But finally the custom found out and the guy have to stop his business. There aren't stupid anymore, specialy if you try to sell the car after that and if you need to show the vehicle to the ministery of transportation and sometime you have to. They can confiscate the vehicles anytime, if they find out, wihout any reason. Another problem: Usualle there is no wrecked Porsche available, because even it was a total damage, they will build it up again and sell for full price, instead of selling the book for a 100'k. #94
Grant
Senior Member Posted 2009-06-06 01:31:28 Quote 15,000 times 300% (because it is over 3 liters) less a 70% discount (because it is older than 8 years) which leaves me paying customs $13,500 for a car I already own. Customs Value • Purchase prices of new vehicles imported or exported by an authorized dealer. • If the purchase price in 4.1.1 is not available, the price listed in the Parkers Car Price Guide, Japanese Car and What Car ? • Costs of any modification or improvement of parts or accessories done on the vehicle are also taken into account. • In case where the vehicle is damaged by any incidents other than normal use e.g car accidents, fire, etc. the price of the vehicle is discounted as appropriate. • The Customs value for used/secondhand vehicles is discounted according to the registration period as shown in the given table below: http://www.customs.g...anentImport.jsp #95
basjke
Platinum Member Posted 2009-06-06 02:21:05
Quote 15,000 times 300% (because it is over 3 liters) less a 70% discount (because it is older than 8 years) which leaves me paying customs $13,500 for a car I already own. Customs Value • Purchase prices of new vehicles imported or exported by an authorized dealer. • If the purchase price in 4.1.1 is not available, the price listed in the Parkers Car Price Guide, Japanese Car and What Car ? • Costs of any modification or improvement of parts or accessories done on the vehicle are also taken into account. • In case where the vehicle is damaged by any incidents other than normal use e.g car accidents, fire, etc. the price of the vehicle is discounted as appropriate. • The Customs value for used/secondhand vehicles is discounted according to the registration period as shown in the given table below: http://www.customs.g...anentImport.jsp I have read this calculation for years and still don't understand how they get to the total sum. * CIF value of the import = 100 Thai Baht * Import duty = 80 % so that should be 80 baht * Excise tax = 35 % in case they calculate it on value + import tax=180 x 35% = 63 baht * Interior tax = 10 % of excise tax so 10% on 63 Baht is 6.3 baht * VAT = 7 % on the total.Value(100)+ import duty(80) + excise tax(63) + interior tax(6.3)=17.45 baht Total taxes and duties = 1 + 2 + 3 + 5 = 213.171 Thai Baht In my calculation that would make 166.75 baht total taxes and duties.Anyone can explain where they get the 46.42 baht extra taxes. Edit:I just notice that they even don't calculate the interior tax into the total taxes and duties 1+2+3+5 Edited by basjke, 2009-06-06 02:25:10. #96
Lancashirelad
Senior Member Posted 2009-06-08 05:48:06
You did not add in the cost of shipping to the vehicle value before doing the other maths.
Its crazy, you have to pay the taxes on the shipping cost + value 
#97
jcon
Senior Member Posted 2009-06-10 04:46:57
I sold the 850 !! Took a pittance for it (10k EUR) but someone went and collected it from storage with flat batterys etc and just wired the money so cut my losses, should have sold it really before I letf but I loved it so much I always kinda hoped not to part with it.. Oddly enough I just found some old pics of it today.. Hadnt given it a thought in years. I spent about 18k NLG on the alpine in dash navi / CD / DVD etc way back when it was all brand new tech, so 5k plus EUR on internals !! fark I gave that away !! Not a bad motor for a gypsy kid in his 20's !! Jesus... 10EUR for a CSI.... a steal... I had to pull up this thread again (sorry LivinLOS I was calling you LaoPo for some reason... he hasn't been around for awhile) because I found a ridiculous (read awesome) CSI in NY: http://cgi.ebay.com/...08#ht_500wt_958 Good god... Alpine White... mmm... so hard to find, the CSIs... I've only seen one or two (real ones) in person and only ever driven one... plenty of 850i, Ci, blah blah around but the CSI is a real jewel. I'm thinking about moving back to the US just for the cheap cars... I still can't believe you let it go for 10K EUR, I would have paid more (girlx you suck for making me all car-crazy again, I was off it for all of what, 4 weeks...) #98
ignis
Platinum Member Posted 2009-06-10 06:07:54
Talking to a guy yesterday while my car was having a service, he had a nice black Volvo S40 T, turns out he imported it, he said it was easy and went without a hitch..
Only problem he said was parts as many are not the same as the S40 in Thailand. #99
jackspratt
Super Member Posted 2009-06-10 12:54:27
You did not add in the cost of shipping to the vehicle value before doing the other maths. Its crazy, you have to pay the taxes on the shipping cost + value CIF = Cost, Insurance & Freight. So already included the the value of 100. Many countries use CIF value when calculating customs duty and other import taxes. Australia, for example, is in a minority by using FOB (ie customs value doesn't include F&I) Edited by jackspratt, 2009-06-10 12:58:31. #100
imaneggspurt
the horrible member Posted 2009-06-10 13:05:28
Talking to a guy yesterday while my car was having a service, he had a nice black Volvo S40 T, turns out he imported it, he said it was easy and went without a hitch.. Only problem he said was parts as many are not the same as the S40 in Thailand. |
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