I'm traveling to Thailand in a few weeks. I brought back some small buddha statues from China when I went there, and would like to bring some back from Thailand too. However, I've read that it's illegal to take buddha images or statues out of Thailand. Is this true? Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks!

Only Buddha images of age or importance are restricted. If you buy an old statue, make sure the shop does the appropriate paperwork for you to be able to take it out of the country.

That's great. So if I buy a wood or metal reproduction of a buddha I should be fine, right? I'm so excited!

Yes, you should be fine. Carry your receipt with you just in case there are questions (unlikely).

Some antique Buddha statues require a license to have shipped back to Thailand (we did this in 2006) and it's only about the equivalent of $25 to obtain said license.

Good luck--and enjoy! There's some beautiful stuff out there for the taking.

Should have said "to have shipped out of Thailand..."

Thanks everyone!