bringing furniture into Thailand ?

[keesvalk]

When retiring in HH is it advisable to bring some of our specially made furniture from Indonesia where we live or are there import restrictions o? I am only talking furniture so not fridge or other electrical stuff
thanks info

[hhfarang]

It's the luck of the draw unless you have a Thai wife. You can bring it in but you may end up having to pay more duty than it is worth. We brought in a full 40 ft container, but my wife is Thai and had been living outside Thailand for long enough to qualify as a returning Thai resident, therefore no duty on our shipment. They didn't even open the container. If no Thai wife, it's all up to the duty Gods. And if you do have a Thai wife who has lived outside long enough to qualify (5 years I think), put the shipment only in her name.

[keesvalk]

thanks hhfarang when in HH will check in stores what kind of furniture they have and
what prices.
want to check prices for food etc etc anyway. is there a supermarket which is considered
the best ?
thanks

[hhfarang]

is there a supermarket which is considered the best ?

That's probably down to personal preference and price vs variety. Imported foods cost a lot more than locally produced. I love Villa Market which we have two of now because I can get many foods there that are imported from North America and that I missed before they came to Hua Hin, but they are expensive for these items. Other good options are Macro - great selection and good prices (a member store), Tesco (large superstore, medium food outlets, and small 7/11 type stores), and a small version of Big C (which has superstore type supermarkets in other parts of Thailand including Petchaburi about 45 minutes from Hua Hin).

When I came here 10 years ago the only place to buy groceries besides 7/11, Family Mart, and the Thai fresh markets was the old Hua Hin Shopping Mall located near the traffic light in the center of town. We still do about half of our monthly shopping there as prices are good, it's easily accessible, and they have more imported items than the other supermarkets with the exception of Villa Market and possibly Macro.

[SunandFun]

You can go online to see some of the selections and prices for furniture. They also make custom furniture here. We have a good Forum Sponsor, Siam Old Teak. They make furniture and it is solid teak. They can match any style or picture. But out takes about 60-90 days. "Index Furniture" Thailand website will show you available furniture on line with prices. Good quality and selection. Similar to Ikea. Ikea is in Bangkok and can be sent to Hua in if you like that type of furniture. There are many more options and selections in Hua Hin but not on line. This will simply give you a reference as to pricing, etc. Just know that almost everything is available or can be made. So no need to bring.

[Dannie Boy]

thanks hhfarang when in HH will check in stores what kind of furniture they have and
what prices.
want to check prices for food etc etc anyway. is there a supermarket which is considered
the best ?
thanks

Regarding your furniture and if you have some items that hold special sentimental value, you might try contacting an import agent and ask them if they believe you can bring items in free of tax.

Regarding food items, hhfarang has summed it up pretty well - Villa Market has by far the widest selection of imported items, especially at the new outlet at the Venetian complex. Prices vary, some of them just a bit more than Macro for similar items but others, particularly fruit and vegetables, are considerably more expensive than the other shops or markets. There is also Hua Hin Ham and Bacon that has a good range of imported items. I would definitely recommend taking a look at Macro and see how much of your needs they can provide.

[traveller2]

When retiring in HH is it advisable to bring some of our specially made furniture from Indonesia where we live or are there import restrictions o? I am only talking furniture so not fridge or other electrical stuff
thanks info

Oriental Living have a website and so do Beautiful World, for furniture and furnishings. Both can be dealt with via emails from abroad.
Also, if you are in HH, try Big Kiang for furniture. Some nice furniture at good prices. No website, unfortunately.

T2

[hhfarang]

Winner also has some good quality furnishings at decent pricing.

[Nereus]

It used to be the case that if you came here on a non-0 visa, with the intention to retire, you could bring in personal goods tax free within the first 6 months of arriving.
But as mentioned above, it will more than likely be pot luck.