About 5 years ago - in early 2000, there was very limited supply of home furnishings catering to the the tastes of foreign home buyers. Luckily, with recent boom in the housing market we have seen a growing number of furniture suppliers from ready made knock down Ikea style furniture to quality made-to-order furniture.
Most (quality) property developers will not offer loose furniture as part of the purchase price but will supply most built-in furniture such as wardrobes, shelving, kitchens and bed bases. However as interior design is very much about individualism and personal taste, the loose furnishing such as your lounge, dining setting, outdoor pieces and curtains - for example become the responsibility of the property owner, unless you are joining a rental or managed income program.
If you need to buy furniture it's easy to scot around Phuket Town for suitable home furnishings. The ready made knock-down furniture, for easy installation can be found along the By-Pass road just south of the Tesco Lotus leading to Central Festival. Places such as Home Pro and Koncept Furniture in the Tesco Lotus and the Index Shopping Mall - have a varied selection of modern ready made furniture at reasonable prices together with home appliances.
Should you be more discerning and selective about what goes into your home, as most of us tend to be - several quality establishments south of Central Festival can be found along Chaofa Road West. Two quality establishments worth the mention who specialize in custom made, include Island Furniture and Phuket Intercraft. If you're really picky, then perhaps a trip to Bangkok or Chiang Mai will do you good - and as your shopping is done in Thailand there will be no customs or duties to pay (locally made only).
Importing Household Effects:
Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.
In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.
It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.
Documentation
An Import Declaration Form (Customs Form No99/1);
A passport;
Nonresidents are required to submit the following documents:
The letter issued by the Immigration Department confirming that an annual temporary stay is granted;
A one-year (or more) work permit issued by the Department of Labor;
The letter from a relevant government agency confirming that a non-immigrant visa from the Immigration Department is granted and that working period in Thailand is not less than 1 year, for those entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under government contracts;
Thai Residents are required to submit an evidence of changing residence e.g. a transcript, reshuffle of positions, termination of employment contract, etc.;
A Bill of Lading or air waybill;
A Foreign Transaction Form if the CIF value exceeding 500,000 Baht;
An invoice (if any);
A Delivery Order;
A packing list or sale documents (if any);
A permit in case of restricted goods;
An application for taxes and duty free allowance; and
Other documents e.g. a letter of authorization (if any).