Thai Vehicle Emissions And Smog Testing

[HAL9000]

I am wanting to take 1972 Volkswagen kombi bus and a 1975 Volkswagen camper bus into Thailand. Here in California these vehicles are smog exempt due to their age.

I have recently heard that I may have to have smog inspections done on both of these vehicles. Does anyone know what the smog regulations are in Thailand?

Here in California I could never get these two vehicles smogged.

First because of the visual inspection, we are not allowed to alter the stock factory equipment configuration. Both of these have been changed over to aftermarket carburetors, so all the original equipment is long gone. In fact, the 1975 originally had fuel injection.

Second, since these carburetors are just hobbyist pass-around stuff, there is no telling if the jets are right for the engine size, so passing the tailpipe emissions test is dubious as well.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Crossy]

If you are thinking of importing a vehicle into Thailand smog tests will be the least of your worries.

Try a forum search on importing a vehicle. To assist I will summarise "forget it", period!!

[HAL9000]

If you are thinking of importing a vehicle into Thailand smog tests will be the least of your worries.

Try a forum search on importing a vehicle. To assist I will summarise "forget it", period!!

Well, so far it's going okay with import permits and customs clearance. Smog is the last hurdle at this point.

[Crossy]

Well, so far it's going okay with import permits and customs clearance. Smog is the last hurdle at this point.

A number of board members will be VERY interested to hear of your experiences importing a classic vehicle into Thailand.

Are your vehicles in the country yet? Do you have an agreed value? What level of duty is being applied? Are you using an agent? Are you Thai (very important that).

I can't be a lot of help on the smog test, but the emissions checks done at annual test seem to be much more lenient than the UK so I don't think you have much to worry about on the smog front

[HAL9000]

A number of board members will be VERY interested to hear of your experiences importing a classic vehicle into Thailand.

Are your vehicles in the country yet? Do you have an agreed value? What level of duty is being applied? Are you using an agent? Are you Thai (very important that).

I can't be a lot of help on the smog test, but the emissions checks done at annual test seem to be much more lenient than the UK so I don't think you have much to worry about on the smog front

I do have an agent negotiating with customs on an agreed value and the duty applied. I am waiting final confirmation on an agreed duty before loading them into a container this month. The vehicles are basically junk yard rescues, one even has a DMV salvage title. So I had to send in pictures to show that these vehicles are essentially worthless and are only vintage restorations candidates, plus my declaration that they were obtained for $200 (actually one at $200, and one for free, so they were declared at $100 each to avoid explaining a free vehicle.) My agent is trying to get the entire container in at 7% of declared value, which including my household good comes to about $2000. I am American. Do Thai's get a better break?

[Crossy]

Do Thai's get a better break?

Not really, but anything to do with customs (THE most corrupt govenment department) always goes more smoothly for the locals.

PLEASE keep us informed as to what happens with your babies