Hey there,
I know this thread is a few day day's old however, I've ordered a fair bit of stuff from the states and had it posted here in thailand. There has never seemed to be a consistant figure on the amount of tax that is calculated.
The most i have ever paid is 17%, that was 10% for sporting goods and 7%VAT. The postage costs of $168usd was taxed at 10% as well. Still even with the tax and postage I got a great deal from Dive Right in Scuba (Ill mention the name cos they were great guys!).
Another thing, same of the parcels had been opened and had 'customs inspected' tape sealing them up again, also it no use arguing with the guys at the post office about the items value or if it's second hand etc. etc. It is customs that checks the stuff and decides the tax you pay and that is done somewhere else in Thailand, the post office cant release the items without the money being paid.
Small boxes have come through with a little paper sticker saying 'small parcel' and have no charge attached. I wonder what would hapen if i had a $1500 dive computer in the box?