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    Things to Know Before Exporting Buddha Statues, Antiquities, and Artifacts Abroad

    JUL 03, 2025

    Exporting Buddha statues, antiquities, and artifacts abroad is strictly regulated by law. It is prohibited for anyone to export or bring Buddha statues, antiquities, and art objects out of Thailand, whether the items are registered or not, without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Fine Arts. The application for this permit must follow specific guidelines and conditions.

    CPLINTER provides useful information about the procedure for obtaining a permit to export Buddha statues, antiquities, and art objects abroad. When applying for a permit to export these items, the applicant must specify the purpose of the export, which should be for religious worship, research, or academic exhibitions only. It is not allowed to export Buddha statues that are damaged or in pieces. Only items that are in complete and intact condition will be permitted for export.

    Here are the steps involved in obtaining the export permit:

    1.Prepare Documents and Evidence: The applicant must fill out the application form for a permit to export Buddha statues, antiquities, and art objects, and attach all required documents and evidence.

    2.Submit the Application: The application can be submitted at the National Museum Office, Department of Fine Arts.

    3.Inspect the Artifacts: All items to be exported must be inspected by officials at the place where the permit application is submitted. The officials will review and provide recommendations on whether to issue the export permit.

    4.Seal the Items: Once inspected, the official will seal the Buddha statues and artifacts with a small seal or lead wire and issue a pink identification card to attach to the items. This confirms permission for the export of the items from Thailand.

    5.Pay Fees: The applicant must pay the prescribed fees for the export permit as set by ministerial regulations.

    6.Submit Documents for Customs Procedures: Finally, submit the documents for customs clearance at the Customs Department to complete the export process.

    Artifacts under 5 years old can be exported without a permit, as long as there is evidence proving the production date. However, it is recommended to apply for a permit to ensure a smooth export process. Buddha statues that are more than 50 years old cannot be exported.

    In summary, exporting Buddha statues, antiquities, and art objects abroad requires following the steps for obtaining a permit issued by the Department of Fine Arts. Without this permit, export may not be allowed. CPLINTER provides services starting from preparing documents for permit application to handling customs procedures for both import and export, making the export process easier, more convenient, and time-efficient. CPLINTER also offers consultations about the goods, documentation, and other related matters, along with international shipping services by air, sea, and land, so customers can choose the most suitable option for their needs.

    CPLINTER is happy to serve all customers with care. For those interested in importing or exporting goods, please contact CPL at 02-519-4426, 063-519-4426, or 091-519-4426. You can also reach us via Line @cplinter or visit our website at www.cplinter.com for more information. For smooth export, you can submit your product details to us for a pre-export review. Please fill out the form to have our staff contact you directly, or chat with us on Line ID: @cplinter.

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