Importing Tools Materials and Other Items Into Thailand

Thailand, being a manufacturing and agricultural country has a pretty good supply of tools and materials that the home workshop enthusiast and model engineer in Thailand can acquire readily. (If you know where to look)

Why The Thai Manufacturing and Agricultural Sectors Need Tools and Materials.

The primary manufacturing sector in Thailand is building and assembling motor cars. These are made in Thailand for domestic consumption but a good proportion are sold overseas.

There is, therefore a huge demand for tools and materials related to this manufacturing base.

The agricultural sector has an enormous range of farm equipment in constant need of maintenance and repair.

Catering for Model Engineer’s Needs

However, the model engineer often has need for more specialised tools and materials that are not available in Thailand, so import from overseas, USA and UK being the prominent source of supply for these items. China, of course, has lately become a major source of materials and components for the home hobby workshop, especially here in Thailand. Fasteners – normal metric standards – not ME Fine nor BA  – cutting tools and electronics are plentiful.

Thai Customs Procedures and Duties

A few years ago buying Model Engineering supplies from overseas used to be simple. You placed your order, the goods arrived, and if there was any Thai Customs Duty payable you paid it at the local Post Office.

Not any more. It’s become a nightmare now. So much so that I have dedicated a whole section on the website expalining the current situation.

If you plan to buy anything overseas and have delivered to you here in Thailand this page is essential reading.