Reader question: Buying a car in Thailand?
Dear readers,
I have now spent two winters (2 x 5 months) with my girlfriend in Thailand and until now I had to rely on taxi, public transport or her family (if they had the time and inclination to transport us). Next winter I would like to buy a used car to be able to go out on our own when needed or we just feel like visiting places. I have my international driving license and am staying here on the basis of a Non-imm-O visa, which has now been extended with a year extension until December 29, 2020.
I would like to know from you what I should think about when I buy a car at the end of 2020.
a. How long can I still use the int. driver's license and/or do I have to go for a Thai driver's license?
b. How do I get a Thai driver's license?
c. Can I put the car in my name or must it be in the name of my girlfriend (who does not have a driver's license)?
d. What about insurance? Which company provides reliable insurance?
e. what question did I forget to ask?
I live in a village between Nahkon Sawan and Kaempang Phet, just inside the border of Kaempang Phet province. There are a few car dealers here, but I don't know how reliable they are right now. In any case, they are not brand dealers.
All comments and advice are welcome.
Regards,
Ferdinand
With an international driver's license you can drive abroad for 3 consecutive months.
To get a Thai driver's license you must have an international driver's license the first time and an annual visa…also a certificate from the local immigration authority where you are staying in Thailand as well as a medical certificate….also some photos and copies of your passport and visa.
Your first driver's license will be 2 years old. After the 2-year driver's license you get one for 5 years. No international driver's license or a medical certificate are then required there. You can renew the driving license from 3 months before the expiry date to 1 year afterwards.
However, this is all somewhat dependent on the local authorities…..the department of transport of your district.
You can put the car in your girlfriend's name. Our car is also registered in my wife's name. By the way, putting something in the name of a Thai is easier than in your name.
She doesn't need a driver's license for that (my wife didn't have it at the time either)
Just go for a good insurance company….AXA for example.
Most recent used cars are good in Thailand. Many Japanese brands and they are very reliable. A car in Thailand never drives in snow or winter and the engines always run at operating temperature. There is no such thing as a cold start in freezing weather. Cars last a very long time here.
If there is a problem with the car, it can usually be repaired very cheaply in Thailand… .. the labor costs are a lot cheaper here than in Western workshops.
And yes, in the end you always have to be lucky .... but that also applies to a new car.
Success.
You are not allowed to drive with an international driving license for 3 months.
That is only allowed for 90 days.
Throbs like a sore finger. What many people do not realize is that if you enter on a tourist visa, or an O visa, and therefore have to leave the country after 2 or 3 months, this starts all over again. I drove 11 years with an O visa, every 3 months to Cambodia, just with my international driving license, according to the letter of the law.
I then misunderstood the ANWB. This body gave me the assurance that the new and correct international driving license is valid for 1 year. Not every international is valid in Thailand.
I,
You didn't misunderstand.
The ANWB international driving license has a maximum validity of 1 year.
But…
The Thai authorities have determined that (all?) foreigners can drive around in Thailand with an international driver's license for a maximum of 90 days. After an uninterrupted stay in Thailand of more than 90 days, they must have a Thai driver's license.
@Ferdinand,
Putting the car in your girlfriend's name may be easier according to Fred than in your own name,
(I don't see why that is the case, by the way), but do realize that when your love breaks up, you also lose your car.
For advice on insurance you can contact AAinsurance brokers in Hua Hin. Dutch spoken and offers several companies. Got some great advice there!
fred says: certificate from local immigration office needed to get a thai driver's license. That certificate is called a “residency certificate”. Or proof that you live somewhere permanently.
As an aside, don't know if it's convenient to buy a car. So it stands still for 7 months a year. You will probably need to do something to the car before you take it on the road. The car rental rates in Thailand are not that high. Definitely consider instead of taking care of a car. All the more so because, if a car is not used for seven months a year, your girlfriend may hardly be able to refuse to let this unused car be used by close acquaintances and family. Thai habits or sense of obligation should not be underestimated!
My car in NL has also been stationary for 5 months and is in the garage. I then disconnect the battery and remove it from the road tax. So far it's been fine..
At the time I connected the car to a trickle battery charger. Before that, due to the many electronics, the battery was empty on return, . No problem later.
Removing the road tax cost 20 – 30 euros at the time. The following year more!
As a farang you can buy your car in your name. Document required from immigration with the address where you are staying. I have very good experience with AXA insurance Thailand.
A piece of advice: if your girlfriend does not have a driver's license, take the papers and car keys with you to your home country when you are not in Thailand.
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You do not need an annual visa with a 3-month visa, it is also possible through a permanent residence, but even a hotel or guesthouse where you register at immigration can already obtain a Thai driver's license via the TM 6 form.
With that registration you can obtain a form here in Chiang Mai via tourist visa center with which you can get a car in your own name.
A 2nd hand car is just buying at random and hoping that it has been maintained and or find someone who has some knowledge of it, there are always farang who can help you with that, I have been a mechanic myself, so that saves me when buying.
If you do not have an annual visa, you can also obtain a driver's license in some cases, but never one for five years. Maximum one of 2 years.
But again it will depend on the local authorities.
have a visa for 3 months and a Thai driver's license (for 2 years), however, can be easily extended by 5 years with a reaction test and medical certificate, but that is also the case for the Thai.
Ferdinand,
what Fred says is mostly true. Applying for a Thai driver's license is quite easy. Simple test to distinguish colors of traffic lights and reaction time. Within an hour you will walk away with the coveted piece of plastic.
Good 2nd hand car at Sure who works with Toyota. In trading you will certainly be cheated as a farang, promise nothing and guarantee to the door.
I have very good experience with Honda (Jazz and CRV) and Nissan (March) and maintenance at the dealer is reliable and not much more expensive than the many touts who even supply 2nd hand batteries for new.
Insurer Mitsu (part of Mitsubishi) very good. When comparing, check whether the mandatory coverage (mandatory basis 3rd party) is included in the premium (approx. THB 685), you must show it at registration.
Car can easily be put in your own name. Annual cost license plate approx. THB 2000 depending on engine size I think.
Take an automatic transmission that puts less strain on the engine and other parts, so better in 2nd hand cars here and are very reliable. Also more relaxed in the insane traffic here.
Good luck,
Thick
Hi Ferdinand
Rent a car
Price for 5 months really won't be very much
There are several car rental companies at every airport
Usually new car, all risk insured etc
Collection and delivery also arranged
Dependent on no one
Can you just arrange from Belgium or the Netherlands
Standing still for 7 months, or not finding your car in the state it was left behind on your return, are among the realistic possibilities
And maintenance is not your problem
Google is just , and request some quotes from the well-known rental companies
Gr Peter
Dear people,
Thanks to everyone for all the tips/advice.
I will first check the rental prices, because for the price of a good second-hand car I can probably rent a car for several years.
And Dick1941 gives me good courage about the Thai driver's license.. I thought you had to take an exam, but it turns out not to be the case, except for some tests.
I hope to fly back to the Netherlands next Sunday and I will be back here at the end of September for 6 months.. if the corona virus does not throw a spanner in the works..
Thanks again.
regards
Ferdinand
Dick 1941 is very brief about obtaining a driver's license.
The theory that must be completed via a computer can be found and learned via the internet.
50 questions, which must be correct for at least 46. Being able to see depth. Inquire once in the area
whether a driving school is present, which can provide further information. Success.1
I didn't have to take a theory test, get a medical certificate from the doctor, watch a video, take a color test and that's it. You must bring a copy of your driving license and international driving license. Your driving license will go to the embassy for legalization and translation. You will also need to provide proof of residence and a copy of your passport and visa. Just have your wife inquire at the nearest immigration service, which is usually also where the service is located. driving licenses. And if you have a motorcycle license, you can apply for both at the same time.