As an expat, I would like to get my *personalised* car into the country, to use it as long as it lasts - not to trade it (do not tell me to get a car here). 

 

Presently, the official offer for people like me seems to be that we pay about 230 % customs duties before we can use the car here. This includes then the option to trade it, if desired. 

 

As if this weren't enough, the basis for this maths operation is the 'inflated' price the vehicle would have on this high-price (due to govt intervention) vehicle market. So that's out of the question.

 

Trying to put myself into the position of the government, their interest in preserving the price level should be safeguarded if I - who would not buy a local car - commit myself to never trade an imported car in Thailand, ie only drive it until it's ready for scrapping (if this ever happens). So my idea would be to possibly amend the existing rules to provide also this option.

 

Writing to the govt and suggesting such an amendment as a private, foreign individual, and in (less than perfect) english, probably will not lead to results. But representation through a thai professional specialising in this type of business might be helpful. But who would do that?

 

Of course, telling me that 'a lawyer' will do it is not what I mean. I would need a name and coordinates of someone who has the wherewithal to perform such a job, and a track record. 

 

I wonder if there are any experts here who are able to help with such an 'advanced issue?  .)

Good luck with that.

LOS officialdom cannot deal with simple everyday stuff so l reckon them helping you or the rest of us to save money will be last on the list of things to do, after all they like taking aliens cash... ????

Bizarre.

Please first have a look at one of the many threads about this.

Yes it is rude and I know you shouldn't, but sometimes you have to laugh.....

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

stevenl: This is a NEW thought ('innovation'), unlikely to have been brought up in earlier threads. You can also see this by the reactions it provokes. 

15 minutes ago, visacrack said:

stevenl: This is a NEW thought ('innovation'), unlikely to have been brought up in earlier threads. You can also see this by the reactions it provokes. 

No, it is not a new thought. And yes, the laughing emoticons really tell me others think of it as innovation.

 

Good luck though.

OP, the chances of the Thai Government relaxing, or changing, import laws on an individual basis would be pretty remote, if not impossible. The chances of even finding the Government person with the discretionary power to relax , or change, the laws would be remote if not impossible. The chances of that person even entertaining the idea would be remote, if not impossible. The chances of finding an individual with a track record of being able to get exemptions or amendments to existing law would be remote. If someone was successful then the law would not apply, it would be an exemption and amendment available to everyone. 

 

Would you even consider the same exercise back in your home country, writing to the government for an individual exemption from the law, or a broad amendment to the law , and would you get very far ?

 

Maybe you would have some sort of appeal process via a Government ombudsman etc but that is usually not to address wanting the law changed to suit your individual circumstances.

Governments dont usually change laws for individuals, they may consider changes if petitioned or a broad representation from a large number of people or an industry body etc.

17 hours ago, visacrack said:

Trying to put myself into the position of the government, their interest in preserving the price level should be safeguarded if I - who would not buy a local car - commit myself to never trade an imported car in Thailand, ie only drive it until it's ready for scrapping (if this ever happens). So my idea would be to possibly amend the existing rules to provide also this option.

I am from Southern California the "cool" car capitol of the world and would love to bring in a amazing car of some sort but you see the problem is Thais also pay the huge tax on "luxury" cars which is some cases are just boring Mercedes.

 

Very quickly these "special expat" imports you are suggestion would be leased out to other people. There are many expats here that would do that to make money. Remember there is no system here to enforce even your speeding tickets much less track your special import. You would be forever stopped by the police and questioned about your unusual car. Such is the way of corruption.  And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them.  It is a nice idea, but I have a long list of nice ideas like teaching Thais water flows down hill.

Peterw42: 'it would be an exemption and amendment available to everyone': Of course. It is exactly my suggestion to realise that I'm not the only one who has this concern. This is an amendment worth considering.

NCC1701A: 'And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them': Not quite. If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

19 minutes ago, visacrack said:

NCC1701A: 'And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them': Not quite. If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

And the powers that be don't think about that stuff....But everywhere we look it is more of the same crap...

I fear having a game of Cribbage....????....

Well the guy sorting me out might forget to put the safety on his M16 on, and my downfall...????

1 hour ago, visacrack said:

If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 

Do you think that anybody in Thai officialdom will care about that? It's like a baby throwing his toys out of the pram............

I'm a fighter too but this is a good one!  must be one heck of a vehicle that you are willing to go to such a distant.  In my experience trying to get the government to change the rule maybe you can contact the Trumpee and let him in on your secret?  Getting someone to assist you I'm sure plenty would represent you while they soak letting you think you have a chance. If you do get a meeting with the government watch their faces including your helper you will see the restrain in their faces trying not to bus out laughing.

 

Good luck on this one.

3 hours ago, visacrack said:

If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

 

You've obviously not been here very long.

The Thai Government won't care one iota whether you buy a car here or not.   Likewise the Thai motor trade won't care that you don't buy a car here (unless you are buying a Supercar for 100 million plus, and even then I doubt they'd care about one Farang not buying a car).    Car sales in Thailand for 2018 are listed as around 850,000 units, I doubt they'll notice you refused to buy a car.

 

Their loss of income because you won't be driving is inconsequential to them. 

 

3 hours ago, visacrack said:

NCC1701A: 'And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them': Not quite. If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

Okay after you conquer this challenge please take on the noise problems and the littering problems as well. You are well funny though...

April Fool has come early ????????????????????????????

Your chances of success are extremely remote with a car. 

Now, if it was luxury watches, well then you would be talking to Prawit... 

good luck in your endeavour ....please keep us informed

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

I'm a fighter too but this is a good one!  must be one heck of a vehicle that you are willing to go to such a distant.  In my experience trying to get the government to change the rule maybe you can contact the Trumpee and let him in on your secret?  

 

Indeed, there is more chance of this to work if Fox News would tell that Thailand charges outrageous import duties on many items from US. Perhaps Trump would start another trade war ????...  and perhaps we could get cheaper imported goodies... Just dreaming ????

We got a live one here folks.

4 hours ago, visacrack said:

NCC1701A: 'And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them': Not quite. If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

Not sure how you think they would give one gram of care to even contemplate your 'proposal'.

thailand49: 'Getting someone to assist you I'm sure plenty would represent you while they soak letting you think you have a chance': Yes, that's a good argument. 

 

To the rest: Enough already, I have comprehended how much enjoyment this idea has given you. 
 

You could try the "grey" importers, the ones that aren't in jail. Just what kind of car would make you want to do this...genuinely interested.

  If you really, really, really have to have this particular car in Thailand, suck it up and pay the import taxes.

4 hours ago, visacrack said:

NCC1701A: 'And there is no money for the Bangkok elites in your proposal. It is a loss of income for them': Not quite. If I can't get my car here without the cutthroat duties, I won't import it NOR buy one here. And me not driving here means loss of income for the trade. 
 

The trade will, I am sure, in time get over your abstention but you will need to travel so other trades such as bus and taxi WILL benefit. Swings and roundabouts really.  

 A friend of mine used to run a pub and he barred a guy once for his continued disruption and complaints from other patrons. So the guy says "Right that's it, I am never coming here again" to which my friend replies "Yes, that is what I want" and the guy replies "You don't understand. I will never spend another penny in this place..................ever! " Somehow the guy thought he had won with that justification. Good luck with your plan to cause a loss of income to the trade.

 

Good Luck with that !!!

I have never fell in love with a car that much

Many of us have had ‘cherished’ cars back home - we would have loved to bring our old MG, Triumph, Jaguar or one of those American monsters to the Kingdom and actually there are good people here who can keep them going .

 

OP - you are thinking in a Western way- where perhaps you have rights and the Government protects you. 

 

As an alien in Thailand ( where I presume you are choosing to live) you have absolutely no say in the laws , customs etc whatsoever- nothing ever - you will jump through hoops as set out by the military Government. 

 

So refreshingly as previously posted - Good Luck  

Diplomats are allowed to import cars tax free but if they ever want to sell the car in Thailand the original tax must be paid.

 

Find yourself a low level embassy staffer or UN employee and pay them to use their name to import the vehicle. You can never sell it here but you can drive it till your hearts content.