HOW TO IMPORT AN AIRCRAFT INTO THAILAND

There is a procedure if you want to import your aircraft into Thailand. It is not always clear, but if you do not follow the procedure, then you will have many problems and it can take a very long time. One member of the Thai Flying Club imported his Rockwell Commander aircraft into Thailand. It took him only 3 months, and it cost him only 100,000 Baht in Lawyer's fees. This was a very successful process, and here is a brief summary of the procedure that Tony followed.

1. Go to the Thai DCA and explain that you wish to import your aircraft. They want to see if you are an "acceptable person." You will probably have to present a letter from the Police Special Branch of your country that you are a person in good standing with no criminal history. You may also need to have a company in Thailand or a home or a Thai partner.
2. You may be asked to go and get a Thai Radio License to bring in your aircraft, so you will have to go to the Telegraph Department. Tony was able to get the Thai Registration Number for his aircraft from the DCA first, so then he had a number to present to the Telegraph Department for obtaining his Thai Radio License.
3. Then you can bring your airplane it. You must have a "Certificate of Export" confirming airworthiness from the country of origin.
4. Tony's Lawyer (Khun Suthin) went to the DCA to process the documentation. There are several documents to be processed including the Five Year Permit and Certificate of Export, etc.
5. Tony's port of Entry was Chiang Mai, because it was convenient routing for his arrival from England.
6. You will have to pay the tax on the aircraft (not very high) and perhaps the VAT (not sure). The Lawyer's fees are approximately 100,000 Baht.
7. Tony completed the process in 3 months (including the 5 year permit).
8. It is very important to ask the procedure from the DCA first, and then to follow the procedure. It is also important to allow your Lawyer to work with the DCA, so that there is clear communications and procedures are followed without misunderstanding.
9. We salute Tony on pioneering this excellent way of importing an aircraft into Thailand.

Tony is a member of the Thai Flying Club and a keen aviator. Please email him if you feel that you are an "acceptable person" and would like to bring your aircraft to Thailand. -- tony_scragg@hotmail.com