Souvenirs, Antiques and Buddha Images: What You Can Take Out of Thailand From Phuket

The basic rule

Thailand's antiques law requires a licence from the Fine Arts Department to export Buddha images, religious objects and antiques. A Bangkok Post article and a law-firm note say that written permission and an export permit are needed for Buddha images larger than 12 cm, and that parts of images such as heads, hands or feet cannot be exported at all. One government checklist simply lists Buddha images, art objects and antiques as needing a Fine Arts Department licence. Another travel site gives the size threshold as about 5 inches, which is close to 12 cm.

Antiques and wildlife

Real antiques and art objects also need a licence. One border-goods site says items over 100 years old need a permit and reports heavy penalties for unlicensed export, but treat that single source cautiously. A Phuket guide says the rule is applied by the Fine Arts Department rather than spelled out for every object, and that very recent objects are treated differently from antiques. Wildlife products and species protected under international rules are heavily restricted too.

How a permit works

• The permit is per image and the Fine Arts Department inspects each one.
• Sources say processing takes roughly 3 to 5 days.
• Reputable shops that sell large images often arrange the permit, so ask before paying.
• Keep the receipt and permit with you when leaving Thailand, and show them to customs at the airport if asked.

Easier souvenirs

Choose items with no religious image, such as local textiles, ceramics, spices, coffee and craft goods, and check the rules in your home country for food and wooden items. Do not wear clothing or carry bags that show a Buddha image disrespectfully. See the etiquette guide, the shopping guide and the parcels guide for shipping large purchases home, plus the shipping guide for household moves.