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......