Green Channel - Red Channel - Customs Regulations

Customs Regulations in Thailand are clear and simple and enforced. Those with nothing to declare go through the Green Channel, those who do should use the Red Channel. Customs regulations are split into three type of goods. Duty Free goods, restricted goods and prohibited goods.

Duty Free Goods, Green Channel, Nothing to Declare

Personal belongings for the owners own use and with a total value not exceeding Baht 10,000 but excluding items on the Restricted or Prohibited Lists.
200 Cigarettes or 250gm Tobacco or Cigars
1 Litre Alcoholic beverages
Foreign Currency not exceeding $20,000 US or its equivalent. (Those with more than this amount of Foreign Currency should use the Red Channel and declare it.)

If you are carrying more than the permitted quantity of any of the above items they should be deposited in the Customs boxes provided to avoid prosecution

Restricted Items, Red Channel, Goods to Declare

Buddha Images, Antiques, Religious Art
Weapons and bullets, Fireworks, Replica Guns and explosive devices
Plants and planting materials
Live Animals, pets and animal products
Food and Drugs
Automobile parts
Cigarettes, Cigars and Alcoholic Beverages in excess of the Duty Free quantities.
Wireless transmitters and telecommunications equipment.

Those wishing to import or export any of the items on the above list must first obtain a permit from the relevant Government agency. Failure to do so will lead to a fine or imprisonment for not more than 10 years or both. Any undeclared items will also be confiscated.

Prohibited Goods, Red Channel, Goods to Declare

Narcotics
Pornography and obscene items
Counterfeit goods
Counterfeit money
Protected Wildlife

Items on the list above may neither be imported to nor exported from Thailand. The laws relating to narcotics are very strict. Visitors caught with illicit narcotics whether for their own use or for resale or acting as a courier are subject to the death sentence.

VAT Refund Scheme for Tourists

Visitors to Thailand may be entitled to a Vat refund on goods purchased from retailers participating in the VAT Refund Scheme. To qualify for this refund you must satisfy the following criteria.

You are a Non-Thai resident and are not staying in Thailand for more than 180 days in the current tax year.
You purchase the goods from stores displaying a Vat Refund for Tourists sign
You leave Thailand within 60 days of purchase.
You obtain a VAT refund form (Vat 10) at the time of purchase.
You are leaving Thailand via an International Airport.

To claim the VAT refund you must contact a Customs Officer at the airport before checking in. You will be required to show your Passport, Vat Refund Form and the original receipt. If the goods are small, jewelry, watches etc, they must be shown to the Customs officer.