AndyHKS

Thank you.  Reading the above comments I think it will worth to shop around ????

Thanks to all the input and I have ditched my Hiace camper van conversion idea.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1256625-foreigner-driving-a-toyota-hiace-in-thailand-and-border-crossing/

Instead, I am now keen to purchase a new (2023) Ford Ranger Wildtrak (4x4), which is just out in Thailand now, and maybe equip it to an overland type of vehicle.  I contacted the local Ford dealership and they said if I book it now, they might have the vehicle ready by this September... quite a long wait for me because I don't have a car yet.  

Would it worth to try contacting different Ford dealership in Thailand for availability (I am thinking some dealerships might be bigger with more quotas... is that the case in Thailand?)  Would it be a lot of trouble down the road (servicing) if I don't buy it from my local dealership?

54 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Read on here yesterday that it is illegal to modify a vehicle.......I appreciate it being illegal means very little in Thailand.......but is that any kind of modification?......ie.....truck to camper van???

I am quite worry about this now after what Siam Bruce said about getting pulled over by police.  I am thinking at least a roof rack with solar panel, removing all the back seats, a rollup mattress, a toilet/shower modification... no fancy cabinets or kitchen, just the very basic to get by for a long trip 

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1 hour ago, pgrahmm said:

Don't forget there's no infrastructure here for campers & sleeping in a non A/C tin can isn't very comfortable - if even bearable.....

I can understand.  I think I will rarely sleep in it overnight (hotel/motel is widely available/affordable), maybe more for a nap after a long drive.  I am also thinking to have a portable battery to power a mini A/C

Hi, I will move to Thailand soon and I plan to purchase a Toyota Hiace and convert it into a camper van.  Is foreigner allowed to purchase/drive a Hiace?  I believe Hiace is registered as a commercial vehicle in Thailand?

I also do a lot of border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia, can the Hiace cross the border just the same as other passenger cars?