Anybody know if metal detecting is legal on beaches?

[Jimbo64]

Im thinking of bringing a metal detector when I come to huahin in a couple of weeks and wondering if theres any weird law in Thailand about that. Anybody know if it's legal or not legal??

[the dogcatcher]

It will be if you find anything worth finding.
It;s illegal in Spain but that don't stop the locals.

So I got 200 1 cent coins from the bank and spread them on the beach in front on my condo balcny, best 2 euro I ever spent watching the diegos work for 3 hours for 2 euro.

[Phoenix]

Im thinking of bringing a metal detector when I come to huahin in a couple of weeks and wondering if theres any weird law in Thailand about that. Anybody know if it's legal or not legal??

Pretty sure its illegal ( otherwise the Thais would be doing it ) but even if it isn't, anything you find you would not be allowed to keep. Something like that. I made enquiries myself a while back and was told something along these lines by a Thai.

[blue]

Beach Hunting In Thailand | ThaiMetalDetectors.com


maybe you could ask there

[dirtydog]

Seen them using metal detectors on Jomtien Beach, although I think the Thai Navy/military own everything between low and high tide.

[FarangRed]

See people regular on my local beach

[slimboyfat]

You too could have the finest collection of needles in the world

[Panda]

Years ago I was in Samui and the locals used to go over the beach every morning really early with a rake. I thought it was good of them to rake up all the leaves and other crap that the tourists left. Then I found out that they occasionally pick up coins, rings, watches and other jewelry lost in the sand.

If you are going to use a metal detector on the beach you better be sure you are not infringing on the locals right to check over that patch of sand.

[Bung]

The Thais would probably watch you with mild amusement until you found something remotely valuable.

Then they would make a song and dance about it with cries of "This Thailand" and "Farang cannot" and you would have to hand it over.

[withnallstoke]

To be able to metal detect on the beach, you have to be able to see the beach.
Hua Hin beach is covered in deckchairs and donkeys.
Probably not worth the effort, legal or not.

[DrB0b]

Sorry to interrupt this thread with relevant information

Metal detecting is legal in Thailand (or, more accurately, not illegal) although you will of course need permission from the owner to detect on private land. Anywhere near a national monument is a big no-no. If you're just going to go beach detecting then nobody will do anything to stop you.

There are specific laws regarding the finding of antiquities, this is covered in the Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums. probably the most relevant section is this, although I doubt you'll find much in the way of antiquities (other than geriatric farangs) on the beach

[Bung]

Then 3 days later it will be sitting on the mantle piece of the Director-Generals house.

[Scottish Gary]

Im thinking of bringing a metal detector when I come to huahin in a couple of weeks and wondering if theres any weird law in Thailand about that. Anybody know if it's legal or not legal??

Its legal along with train spotting and stamp collecting...........have fun

[pomeloseed]

With metal detecting in Thailand in mind (wow, a heavy load to carry in my cranium), I googled "old harbors" (adding 'Thailand' and then 'Siam') and found nothing. Everything remotely related to 'old harbors' appears to be located at other parts of the planet. If there was ever an olde saloon-type gathering place along any of Thai seashores, then there may be some fun metalic stuff nestled under the sand. 'Don't know 'til you know,' .....as Uncle Remus used to say.

[Gerbil]

All the coastline/beaches in Thailand are the property of the King. So I guess you'd have to ask him.

[Breny]

A Golden Budda statue buried during WWII would be a good find.

[leemo]

Best you would get is a 3-month extension.

[withnallstoke]

Best you would get is a 3-month extension.

[prawnograph]

With metal detecting in Thailand in mind (wow, a heavy load to carry in my cranium), I googled "old harbors" (adding 'Thailand' and then 'Siam') and found nothing. Everything remotely related to 'old harbors' appears to be located at other parts of the planet. If there was ever an olde saloon-type gathering place along any of Thai seashores, then there may be some fun metalic stuff nestled under the sand. 'Don't know 'til you know,' .....as Uncle Remus used to say.

on east side Gulf of Thailand
three (former) major river harbours on the coast down the Gulf from Rayong. Prasae, Paknam Khaem Nu, Tha Chalaep (6km up the Chantaburi River estuary from Laem Sing)
Bad news is Thailand's Underwater Archeological Department and their dive/recovery boat is based there, they may not appreciate treasure hunters poking around.

late last year or early this year treasure hunter Mike Hatcher was in news, trying to sue Thai govt for (from memory) 75 million baht. he salvaged items from a shipwreck off Sattahip coast at his own expense, when he'd finished the Thai navy moved in and confiscated it, it is stored at the National Maritime Museum

found a reference on another thread (Gulf of Thailand : 2 ancient junks discovered)

. . . February, 1992, when Thai police officers arrested a boat belonging to the famous marine explorer and treasure hunter Michael Hatcher.

Thai authorities refused to return some 12,000 confiscated pieces of ancient findings salvaged by Hatcher, who claimed that the confiscated items were worth 300 million baht, and that he invested 70 million baht to cover the entire salvaging process, according to Erbprem.

[Umbuku]

A Golden Budda statue buried during WWII would be a good find.

Melt it down with a handful of gravel and sand to claim it as a placer deposit.