Is it legal for a non-Buddhist to take any Buddha image or statue out of Thailand? I know that it is illegal to export antique Buddha images and statues without a license from the Department of Fine Arts, but what about new items, such as the oil-on-canvas paintings that you can buy in Patong?
The export of Buddha images and statues is regulated by the Department of Fine Arts. A new piece can be exported by requesting a certificate.
I left Bangkok last Friday with a group of people. One women had a marble statue that was brand new - 6 inches tall. Last year when she went she was told that she could only bring 1 out of the country and it had to be 6 inches or under. They took her Buddha and said the new law is 5 inches and under. She cried, her kids cried but they were not giving in. She will never see that expensive item again. My advice, find a seller in the US> Swatdee Ka
I just came back from phuket a week ago - recently been to koh samui 2 yrs back and had no problem. However my wooden buddha was seized at phuket international - by a seriously rude customs official - who threatened me. Handover to government or be fined and imprisoned. I had no idea I needed a licence - the travel agents don't tell you and the stores don't...buy buy buy I paid over 2000 baht. I was and still am heart broken. Like I say, we uplift their economy and then they take it back. In the words of Buddha (having read some of his works), I don't think they act like his teachings!!! I was extremely angry at this......
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