Driving a Thai car to Cambodia

[Tomtomtom69]

I am well versed on this topic, having driven my car to Cambodia roughly 20 times now, through all 7 Thai-Cambodian border crossings. In addition, I've driven to Laos in excess of 30 times (more than 20 times in my Thai car and before that, roughly 10 times to Thailand in a Lao car), Malaysia 4 times and Myanmar 22 times (before Covid; currently the borders are closed to westerners). 

 

I wanted to provide some insight into the process and how impressed I am by improvements on the Cambodian side, especially since Covid, while Thailand has done absolutely nothing and is still stuck in a decades old time warp, using the same documents and procedures as 30 or 40 years ago.

 

Basically, like at any other border; to exit Thailand, you need to own your vehicle outright and it should be in your name. Unlike when crossing to Laos or Malaysia, a power of attorney from the vehicle owner authorizing you to take the vehicle out may not be accepted by Cambodia. This is presumably a measure to prevent vehicle smuggling; although not as much of an issue anymore (unlike 20 years ago). While Cambodians would much rather purchase a LHD American spec full size pickup or SUV that can't be found in RHD markets such as Thailand, the rule that requires you be the owner of the vehicle you are driving remains in effect. 

 

The purple international transport permit isn't used but if you want to continue your journey to Laos, it must be stamped (you have to make a special request when you exit) by Thai customs, then by Cambodian customs. If you don't do this, Laos won't let you in - they require ALL stamps starting from when you departed Thailand. This is why it's considered easier to drive into Cambodia from Laos, as you'll have the purple booklet stamped to exit Thailand and enter Laos, seeing it is mandatory for entry there. In practice, given not every Thai customs post at the Cambodian borders possess these stamps, the only border which you can reliably use to exit Thailand and receive this stamp is Aranyaprathet/Poipet. Yet all the Cambodian customs officials have this stamp and won't hesitate to give you one; by contrast, it can feel like a chore telling Thai customs you need it as they don't like doing things they're not used to. Generally, I find Cambodian officials much friendlier and more professional, despite needing to speak to them in English, whereas I use Thai with Thai officials. 

 

However, if, like 99.9% of drivers you are exiting back to Thailand after visiting Cambodia, then there's definitely no need for the purple booklet. 

 

Since Covid, Cambodia has developed a new customs system, whereby you create a login, fill in your vehicle and personal details and use the website or app to create a customs record including providing details of entry and exit. Since the customs system is specific to the individual and their vehicle, it makes sense why they don't allow you to use a vehicle registered in someone else's name. 

 

The Thai side is decades behind; you can only do the customs form in person when you exit and it's at that point where you specify the re-entry border. In practice, most borders don't care what it says on the form as the re-entry port as customs officials will by default write the same port of entry as you've exited from. Ideally, you should tell them if it's different but if you don't speak Thai, let alone read it, you might struggle (the crucial details are only written in Thai). 

 

There are however four exceptions, where caution is advised:

 

1. Ban Khao Din - make sure the form specifies this border as the re-entry point or customs will get all flustered and try to push you back to Cambodia. Firmly and politely decline and they'll eventually let you in, but it's best to do things the proper way so as to avoid delays. Cambodia will let you in and allow you to leave - but if exiting for Cambodia here, since Thai officials see so few vehicles crossing here, they advise you to ask the Cambodian side for permission to cross. Simply tell them you know you can cross or print out the Cambodian customs forms and show them. Clearly the two sides don't talk to each other, otherwise they'd know what the other side is doing. Other than this, it's a great border, very quiet, no one else will be crossing (it's almost guaranteed yours will be the ONLY car or motorcycle crossing that day) and you don't have to queue up with locals (which basically means Cambodian workers or border pass holders). Foreigners get their own VIP treatment at a different window (and so do Thai citizens using passports). 

 

2. Ban Laem - is not set up to deal with vehicles entering the country and on an average day, no private vehicles cross over at all. Well, in theory, they are, but in practice, they'll send you on a wild goose chase, having you head back and forth between quarantine (what does that have to do with vehicles?) and immigration, which can take 45 minutes. Customs is hard to find because it's in a separate building. Officials are picky about where you park while completing the process. They'd rather have you block the border gate then park in a marked bay 50 or 100m ahead. Additionally, to leave Thailand here, you need to visit a military post about 40km south to get a form (issued for free). Not sure of the purpose of this, which only applies to Thai vehicles (perhaps to prevent smuggling?) On the Cambodian side, customs is located 5km from the border (or was, as of last year). 

 

3. Ban Pakkard - to leave here, you need the same military form, issued at a military post about 30km before the border. Re-entering here is a breeze though and no form is required. 

 

4. Chong Chom (opposite O'Smach) - is essentially a temporary border crossing in the sense that immigration and customs operates out of temporary buildings and the procedures are a bit haphazard here. This is the ONLY border where customs goes on a power trip and claims that you aren't allowed to re-enter Thailand through a different border to the one you exited from. This is nonsense, because such a rule, if it ever applied, is no longer applied by Cambodia. Also, in all these years, I've never heard this one before, especially since we're talking Thai vehicles here, which like Thai citizens, have automatic right of re-entry. 

 

The fact of the matter is, as far as travelers are concerned, we see Thai customs' role to issue export documentation and that's pretty much it. Their jurisdiction ends there and the idea of driving to Cambodia (or any other country) whether it be for tourism or business purposes is to make it more convenient to see the country and travel around. Therefore, what matters to us is whether Cambodia allows our vehicles entry, which they do. Re-entering Thailand in a Thai vehicle is basically a right, in the same sense as re-entering as a Thai citizen. 

 

Prior to Covid, only 2 borders reliably allowed entry into Cambodia: Chong Chom / O'Smach and Had Lek (Khlong Yai) / Koh Kong. The latter generally held onto your registration, telling you not to leave the province (although in practice, you could), charging you 100 Baht per day you would stay in Cambodia, forcing you to return the way you came. Thus, prior to Covid, many drivers exited Thailand via Chong Chom simply because the Cambodian side let them in, generally without charge, without holding onto your documents (though there were occasional stories that some drivers did have their title held). That was the only reason to go there.

 

It seems that while Cambodia has upgraded it's system, Thailand (in theory at least) hangs onto the old system claiming that due to "a lack of an MOU" Cambodian and Thai vehicles can only enter and exit at the same border. In practice, Thai customs only applies this restriction to Cambodian vehicles, except at Chong Chom, where they claim it applies to all. 

 

Anyway, to summarize, my recommendation is to choose Aranyaprathet/Poipet, Hat Lek/Koh Kong or perhaps Choam/Chong Sa-ngam for entry/exit if you want to encounter a smooth experience while traveling by car or motorcycle. Motorcycles can enter Cambodia without issue, though it's recommended you are riding a larger bike, say 250cc and above. Ban Khao Din is OK as well, just pay attention to the paperwork - it's probably easier to exit for Cambodia there than re-enter Thailand (as strange as that sounds, driving a Thai car).

 

Avoid Ban Laem altogether; Chong Chom is best avoided as well, especially for re-entry (aside from the customs nonsense, which will delay you, they're pulling over foreigners and asking them to go inside a separate room, where an official fills out a "human trafficking" form - where your address will be noted. The way the guy explained it was, they're preparing for the digital arrivals form or something). Other borders don't do this [no one is pulled aside from the queue and "interrogated" in a separate room]. Ban Pakkard is a nuisance when it comes to the exit procedures; it's fine for re-entry. 

 

Hope my write-up has been useful for those looking at driving their Thai registered cars or motorcycles into Cambodia. 

[robz]

Does the thai insurance pay for accidents in cambodia?

[GammaGlobulin]

12 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

I am well versed on this topic, having driven my car to Cambodia roughly 20 times now

 

Please upload photos to TV.

 

I, for one, would be interested.

 

You must be a young guy, and a risk taker.

 

Good.

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

13 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

Koh Kong. The latter generally held onto your registration, telling you not to leave the province (although in practice, you could), charging you 100 Baht per day you would stay in Cambodia, forcing you to return the way you came

I travelled through Koh Kong border from Thailand, got through the checkpoints and was directed into the customs office, I was asked how long I was staying in Cambodia, they calculate a fee, I was told to pay many thousands of baht but negotiated down to a few thousand baht, they never asked to hold on to my registration papers (book). I paid the fee. 

I don't like conflict or what would happen if I didn't pay, didn't think it was a lot of money, I would like to know how to avoid this fee/under table money for my next trip.

 

[grain]

Thanks for this write up, very informative. I also have driven into Cambodia many times over the years, but not since the covid pandemic. I'm planning on again this coming August with my Thai GF. Naturally my car is owned by me and registered in my name. We live in Korat and want to go to Siem Reap, so the most convenient entry & exit point for us is Chong Chom/O'Smach. As I just mentioned we'll be returning to Thailand the same way, so no hassles there regarding wanting to exit via a different customs office.

 

Are there currently any fees/charges at all at Chong Chom/O'Smach? I recall last time we drove in and out the Thais never charged us anything, but the Cambodians managed to squeeze a few $USD from me. And how long do you think the whole entry thing will take until we're off down the road heading for Siem Reap? In the past it was generally about one hour.

[Tomtomtom69]

10 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I travelled through Koh Kong border from Thailand, got through the checkpoints and was directed into the customs office, I was asked how long I was staying in Cambodia, they calculate a fee, I was told to pay many thousands of baht but negotiated down to a few thousand baht, they never asked to hold on to my registration papers (book). I paid the fee. 

I don't like conflict or what would happen if I didn't pay, didn't think it was a lot of money, I would like to know how to avoid this fee/under table money for my next trip.

 

 

That's old news. Such corruption is now mostly ancient history. 

 

I traveled through Koh Kong just a few days ago. Used the customs system. Paid US$5 for a QR code identity card that Cambodia issues at all borders, valid for 2 months. Other borders, this is done for free but I can live with a $5 payment. Used to be worse. 

[Tomtomtom69]

4 hours ago, grain said:

Thanks for this write up, very informative. I also have driven into Cambodia many times over the years, but not since the covid pandemic. I'm planning on again this coming August with my Thai GF. Naturally my car is owned by me and registered in my name. We live in Korat and want to go to Siem Reap, so the most convenient entry & exit point for us is Chong Chom/O'Smach. As I just mentioned we'll be returning to Thailand the same way, so no hassles there regarding wanting to exit via a different customs office.

 

Are there currently any fees/charges at all at Chong Chom/O'Smach? I recall last time we drove in and out the Thais never charged us anything, but the Cambodians managed to squeeze a few $USD from me. And how long do you think the whole entry thing will take until we're off down the road heading for Siem Reap? In the past it was generally about one hour.

 

That's the worst border now. 

 

If re-entering through Chong Chom after having left through another border, customs will argue with you that you're breaking the rule (which doesn't exist or is no longer enforced) of having re-entered through a different border than the one you exited at. OK, I guess if you are coming back the same way anyway it's alright but it's a temporary border and you'll be brought into a separate room on the way back where an official will interview you to make sure you're not a human trafficking victim. Why bother with that hassle when other borders don't do any of that. 

 

Travel through Chong Sa-ngam. Much better reception, not much further away, fewer people crossing the border and much better. Closer to Siem Reap as well; 140km south of the border vs 165km from O'Smach. 

 

There should not be any fees and charges on either side.

 

Insurance should be purchased online through Forte Insurance (Cross-border insurance) US$9 for a one week policy. Not yet compulsory (but will be, in the near future). Definitely useful to have, for peace of mind. 

[SAFETY FIRST]

4 minutes ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

That's old news. Such corruption is now mostly ancient history. 

 

I traveled through Koh Kong just a few days ago. Used the customs system. Paid US$5 for a QR code identity card that Cambodia issues at all borders, valid for 2 months. Other borders, this is done for free but I can live with a $5 payment. Used to be worse. 

Great to hear 👍

[Tomtomtom69]

11 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Please upload photos to TV.

 

I, for one, would be interested.

 

You must be a young guy, and a risk taker.

 

Good.

 

 

I am not that young anymore but not old either. I don't think I am a big risk taker actually. If you can handle Thai traffic, you can easily handle Cambodian traffic, other than the minor annoyance of sitting on the wrong side of the car when overtaking/passing, but I can handle that very easily. Cambodian drivers don't know how to overtake; they slowly move out and take their time passing other vehicles. I do so fast and efficiently, as I do in any other country. Therefore, I can drive Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in 4.5 hours, at an average of 90-100km/h, whereas most Cambodian drivers turtle along at 60km/h. Siem Reap to O'Smach took me 1h40 including a 5 minute pee stop. Very little traffic and mostly doing 90-100km/h, with short periods at 120km/h on the straight, flat sections west of Siem Reap.

[GammaGlobulin]

10 minutes ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

I am not that young anymore but not old either. I don't think I am a big risk taker actually. If you can handle Thai traffic, you can easily handle Cambodian traffic, other than the minor annoyance of sitting on the wrong side of the car when overtaking/passing, but I can handle that very easily. Cambodian drivers don't know how to overtake; they slowly move out and take their time passing other vehicles. I do so fast and efficiently, as I do in any other country. Therefore, I can drive Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in 4.5 hours, at an average of 90-100km/h, whereas most Cambodian drivers turtle along at 60km/h. Siem Reap to O'Smach took me 1h40 including a 5 minute pee stop. Very little traffic and mostly doing 90-100km/h, with short periods at 120km/h on the straight, flat sections west of Siem Reap.

 

Right.

Efficiency is crucial when passing another veHicle.

 

[Tomtomtom69]

4 hours ago, grain said:

Thanks for this write up, very informative. I also have driven into Cambodia many times over the years, but not since the covid pandemic. I'm planning on again this coming August with my Thai GF. Naturally my car is owned by me and registered in my name. We live in Korat and want to go to Siem Reap, so the most convenient entry & exit point for us is Chong Chom/O'Smach. As I just mentioned we'll be returning to Thailand the same way, so no hassles there regarding wanting to exit via a different customs office.

 

Are there currently any fees/charges at all at Chong Chom/O'Smach? I recall last time we drove in and out the Thais never charged us anything, but the Cambodians managed to squeeze a few $USD from me. And how long do you think the whole entry thing will take until we're off down the road heading for Siem Reap? In the past it was generally about one hour.

 

OK, well, as I re-entered Chong Chom for the first time ever, I was expecting it to be fast but it was anything but.

Cambodian side was super-fast. Passport control for me and my son took a grand total of 1 minute. Handing back the Cambodian customs form to Cambodian customs took 2 minutes, because the guy had to check the details on his computer. He then said "done" and I was free to go.

 

Then came the hassle, all on the Thai side, as usual.

 

Whereas Cambodia is generally hassle free in this post-Covid period, Thailand has become a real nuisance in more ways than one.

 

Firstly, you go to a counter on the left where a friendly army officer checks your passport and hands you a TM6 form (effective May 1, it will be the digital form, but he couldn't tell me whether that can be filled out on arrival post May 1 or not).

 

After that, a Cambodian helper drags you to a separate room, where, as mentioned in my previous post, you are interviewed by an officer who is filling out an "anti-human trafficking" form. Citizens of certain Asian countries might not be allowed entry into Thailand here at all, but westerners are generally in and out in a couple of minutes, once you provide them with your address and answer a few questions.

 

Next, you line up to get your passport stamped. Long queues of migrant workers are an issue at certain times of day,

 

Our wait wasn't longer than 5 minutes, but that's because it was just before the crowds of migrant workers started coming through. 

 

Customs was the biggest hassle. First, I move my car, which is then blocked by a truck that is parked in the middle of the road. I then walk to the customs office, about to hand back my form. I assume this will take 20 seconds and I'll then be on my way. Said truck and a Cambodian car then suddenly move. I'm told to move my car forward. I do this and park just ahead of the customs office. Wind down my windows, young son still seated in his car seat.

 

I then hand the form to a lady, who says nothing but then walks to her colleague to ask him about it. I am confused...I am re-entering, driving a Thai car, what's the big deal? Besides, Thai cars, like Thai citizens, have automatic right of re-entry at any official border checkpoint after passing through the proper controls, as I was doing. He comes along and despite the form stating clearly (in Thai) that Chong Chom is my re-entry point, he tries to give me a lecture and we go back and forth on a number of issues.

I get the impression that foreign vehicles are dealt with in a more fair manner than Thai vehicles and complain about this. I ask him why some borders don't enforce the vehicle permit requirement that Thailand has imposed since June 27, 2016 including (apparently) Chong Chom? He later pulls out the FVP infographic and confirms they now do, but Trat for example does not, as I have seen them allow German registered vehicles through without a permit, once in October 2023 and another time in January of this year (heading into Cambodia). However, apparently Chinese and Vietnamese vehicles are always required to have a permit and guide, at every border, which is good. 

 

My suitcase was inspected twice; first by the customs guard outside and then by the very customs agent I was talking to for so long.

 

My son was drenched in sweat upon returning to the car. Customs officer ignorantly assumed he was sick (I told him that he made us wait for a long time and it's hot outside and even more so in the car). Like duh...you made us wait for how long was it, 15, 20 or 25 minutes? I don't recall exactly, but it was quite a while. Anyone sitting in a car, even if parked in the shade with 2 out of the 4 windows completely down would be soaked. Luckily, we had some drinks on ice and I immediately gave him something to drink.

 

So, overall, I guess I spent 1h15m crossing the border, of which 1 hour was spent on the Thai side.

 

At any other border, the total time spent crossing back into Thailand would have been 20, 25 mins tops. When I re-enter at Trat (Hat Lek), it rarely takes more than 20 minutes, both sides combined. 

 

It's just much better to use a larger border, they're more professional than hick borders with temporary facilities such as Chong Chom. 

[Tomtomtom69]

5 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Right.

Efficiency is crucial when passing another veHicle.

 

 

It's usually a matter of leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front and leaning slightly into the passenger seat. 

 

I have done this so many times over the years (also in Laos and Myanmar) as well as when driving a Lao car in Thailand that it's become second nature to me.

At least Cambodian roads are mostly quite good these days. 

[GammaGlobulin]

1 minute ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

It's usually a matter of leaving more space between you and the vehicle in front and leaning slightly into the passenger seat. 

 

I have done this so many times over the years (also in Laos and Myanmar) as well as when driving a Lao car in Thailand that it's become second nature to me.

At least Cambodian roads are mostly quite good these days. 

 

It's better when the passenger leans slightly into your seat, I think.

 

[rough diamond]

2 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

It's better when the passenger leans slightly into your seat, I think.

 

Provided it is a nice looking female!

[Tomtomtom69]

1 minute ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

It's better when the passenger leans slightly into your seat, I think.

 

 

I didn't have a passenger in the seat next to me. My son was seated behind the passenger seat at the back. Most of the time, I drive to Cambodia and Laos alone as I go there on business or personal errands. I have to rely on myself and I manage just fine. 

 

Always good to take a break here and there, but Cambodia isn't a very large country, main highways are quite good and they're gradually converting major roads to 4-lanes. The Sisophon to Phnom Penh section (350km) is already 4 lanes the whole way. Poipet to Sisophon (45km) is in the process of being upgraded. Skun to Kampong Cham, north of Phnom Penh is in the process of being upgraded to 4-lanes.

 

Koh Kong to Sre Ambel is being upgraded by a Chinese company, now 85% complete. Some uphill sections and inside Koh Kong and Sre Ambel are being converted to 4 lanes. Some steep uphill or downhill sections have a slow vehicle or overtaking/passing lane as well. 

 

Originally built by the Thai military, it went into disrepair but within 3 months should be mostly complete and within 6 months the project will be 100% complete, for sure. 

[Tomtomtom69]

Just as an aside, when it comes to Chong Chom, I previously used that border only because in the past, meaning before Covid, it was just one of two borders permitting entry to Cambodia by car.

 

Hat Lek / Koh Kong was fine too, but they enforced the rule that you had to return the same way, by keeping your Thai customs documents / and/or your car registration and charging you 100 Baht per day for entry. While you weren't supposed to leave the province, you could...(I did) just as long as you returned the same way you came. 

 

There were occasional reports that Psar Prum (Ban Pakkard) might let you in but it was rather uncertain and unless you had a lot of time, best not to waste time. Reports were mixed; some people reported success, others stated they weren't allowed in very far and others were denied outright. Chong Sa-ngam was mostly no entry to Thai vehicles prior to 2022, but strangely, the Thais allowed Cambodian vehicles entry, which was really unfair.

 

Thus, going up to Chong Chom but then exiting at another border (even Poipet-Aranyaprathet) was the way to go in those days. You couldn't enter via Poipet but you could exit there. 

 

Officials didn't give you any paperwork as Cambodia didn't have an official customs system in place. 

 

You could request a permit in Phnom Penh (in person), then return to the border to pick up your vehicle and thus enter through any border you designated. That was the only way you could officially enter prior to 2020 (except for the 2 borders that allowed entry without a permit). 

 

At O'Smach, most of the time, you wouldn't even be stopped. On one occasion only, I was asked to pay 100 Baht and then allowed to pass. In 2019, I was given a hand written customs form. Then exited back to Thailand via Ban Pakkard. Handed the form back to the customs officer, he accepted it and that was that. I did hear that some Thai vehicles were stopped and their papers kept, but it never happened to me on any 3 of my pre-Covid entries through that border. I was always able to exit at a different border. 

 

In late 2022, the new customs system was just coming into force, but as I wasn't aware (at the time) of how to use it, I entered at O'Smach again and this time, there was no one at the customs hut down the road. Turns out at the time, there was a new customs office located in a back street somewhere around 1km from the border.

 

This office was closed sometime in 2024, before they moved customs processing to the actual border, on the inbound side, just after you get your passport stamped. 

 

In 2022, I drove down to Bavet via Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, also visiting Kep before returning via Chong Sa-ngam. Since I didn't have any paperwork I was given a hard time by the Cambodian official there, who wanted to send me back to Chong Chom, but after 45 minutes of waiting and on the phone, he let me through and I was into Thailand. The next time I passed through Chong Sa-ngam in 2024 was with the customs documents and it couldn't have been a smoother process on both sides of the border. 

[samran]

I don't come back here for much these days, but thank you for the excellent write up.

 

My contributions to the topic for those who are interested:

https://thaicitizenship.com/driving-a-thai-car-to-cambodia/

 

 

 

[Tomtomtom69]

On 4/26/2025 at 3:19 PM, robz said:

Does the thai insurance pay for accidents in cambodia?

 

Normally, no. Some exceptions may exist. One guy called "Thai Citizenship" said he was able to get his Thai insurance to cover him in Cambodia, but this is exceptionally rare; most insurers won't cover you. 

 

You purchase cross-border insurance through a company called Forte Insurance Cambodia.

 

I believe they also offer short term travel insurance as well, including coverage for medical purposes while in Cambodia. 

[Tomtomtom69]

Just now, samran said:

I don't come back here for much these days, but thank you for the excellent write up.

 

My contributions to the topic for those who are interested:

https://thaicitizenship.com/driving-a-thai-car-to-cambodia/

 

 

 

 

I've also entered Cambodia by car at Poipet, twice now. Exited a different way (once Ban Khao Din), another time Koh Kong.

 

Poipet is a smooth place to cross. Cambodian immigration can take a while to clear. If there's a bus coming through, expect a wait of up to an hour and this is assuming you don't need a visa on arrival, otherwise, it will take even longer. 

[Tomtomtom69]

Cambodia customs website (app is also available for download):

 

https://apps.customs.gov.kh

 

Create a profile there and fill in the form anytime up to the date of entry. It can be filled in weeks or even months ahead of arrival, just make sure of your entry date, because if you enter after this date, you'll lose time.

 

You can enter for a maximum of 30 days BUT it may be possible to request an extension of up to 30 days once you're inside the country and go on the app to request an extension. 

 

Changes to the exit border are also possible and like I've mentioned, it's not an issue to re-enter Thailand at another border, just avoid Chong Chom for re-entry, but having said that, I guess it depends on who's on duty. If that customs officer isn't there, then you might just be waived through without being lectured by him (haha). Still...take it from me...any other border is better. 

 

However, if you want to spend more than 30 days outside of Thailand, you will need to request this through customs in Bangkok. Some larger borders such as Aranyaprathet might be able to grant you more than 30 days as well, with approval of their boss, but it's more likely that you'll be approved if you visit customs in Khlong Toei, Bangkok. 

[samran]

19 minutes ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

Normally, no. Some exceptions may exist. One guy called "Thai Citizenship" said he was able to get his Thai insurance to cover him in Cambodia, but this is exceptionally rare; most insurers won't cover you. 

 

 

That was me and it was via Tokio Marine - which I was surprised by. Like you say, Forte in Cambodia now do it. I'm looking to drive this trip again in early December so will try them then. 

[soi3eddie]

On 4/26/2025 at 8:58 AM, Tomtomtom69 said:

I am well versed on this topic, having driven my car to Cambodia roughly 20 times now, through all 7 Thai-Cambodian border crossings. In addition, I've driven to Laos in excess of 30 times (more than 20 times in my Thai car and before that, roughly 10 times to Thailand in a Lao car), Malaysia 4 times and Myanmar 22 times (before Covid; currently the borders are closed to westerners). 

 

I wanted to provide some insight into the process and how impressed I am by improvements on the Cambodian side, especially since Covid, while Thailand has done absolutely nothing and is still stuck in a decades old time warp, using the same documents and procedures as 30 or 40 years ago.

 

Basically, like at any other border; to exit Thailand, you need to own your vehicle outright and it should be in your name. Unlike when crossing to Laos or Malaysia, a power of attorney from the vehicle owner authorizing you to take the vehicle out may not be accepted by Cambodia. This is presumably a measure to prevent vehicle smuggling; although not as much of an issue anymore (unlike 20 years ago). While Cambodians would much rather purchase a LHD American spec full size pickup or SUV that can't be found in RHD markets such as Thailand, the rule that requires you be the owner of the vehicle you are driving remains in effect. 

 

The purple international transport permit isn't used but if you want to continue your journey to Laos, it must be stamped (you have to make a special request when you exit) by Thai customs, then by Cambodian customs. If you don't do this, Laos won't let you in - they require ALL stamps starting from when you departed Thailand. This is why it's considered easier to drive into Cambodia from Laos, as you'll have the purple booklet stamped to exit Thailand and enter Laos, seeing it is mandatory for entry there. In practice, given not every Thai customs post at the Cambodian borders possess these stamps, the only border which you can reliably use to exit Thailand and receive this stamp is Aranyaprathet/Poipet. Yet all the Cambodian customs officials have this stamp and won't hesitate to give you one; by contrast, it can feel like a chore telling Thai customs you need it as they don't like doing things they're not used to. Generally, I find Cambodian officials much friendlier and more professional, despite needing to speak to them in English, whereas I use Thai with Thai officials. 

 

However, if, like 99.9% of drivers you are exiting back to Thailand after visiting Cambodia, then there's definitely no need for the purple booklet. 

 

Since Covid, Cambodia has developed a new customs system, whereby you create a login, fill in your vehicle and personal details and use the website or app to create a customs record including providing details of entry and exit. Since the customs system is specific to the individual and their vehicle, it makes sense why they don't allow you to use a vehicle registered in someone else's name. 

 

The Thai side is decades behind; you can only do the customs form in person when you exit and it's at that point where you specify the re-entry border. In practice, most borders don't care what it says on the form as the re-entry port as customs officials will by default write the same port of entry as you've exited from. Ideally, you should tell them if it's different but if you don't speak Thai, let alone read it, you might struggle (the crucial details are only written in Thai). 

 

There are however four exceptions, where caution is advised:

 

1. Ban Khao Din - make sure the form specifies this border as the re-entry point or customs will get all flustered and try to push you back to Cambodia. Firmly and politely decline and they'll eventually let you in, but it's best to do things the proper way so as to avoid delays. Cambodia will let you in and allow you to leave - but if exiting for Cambodia here, since Thai officials see so few vehicles crossing here, they advise you to ask the Cambodian side for permission to cross. Simply tell them you know you can cross or print out the Cambodian customs forms and show them. Clearly the two sides don't talk to each other, otherwise they'd know what the other side is doing. Other than this, it's a great border, very quiet, no one else will be crossing (it's almost guaranteed yours will be the ONLY car or motorcycle crossing that day) and you don't have to queue up with locals (which basically means Cambodian workers or border pass holders). Foreigners get their own VIP treatment at a different window (and so do Thai citizens using passports). 

 

2. Ban Laem - is not set up to deal with vehicles entering the country and on an average day, no private vehicles cross over at all. Well, in theory, they are, but in practice, they'll send you on a wild goose chase, having you head back and forth between quarantine (what does that have to do with vehicles?) and immigration, which can take 45 minutes. Customs is hard to find because it's in a separate building. Officials are picky about where you park while completing the process. They'd rather have you block the border gate then park in a marked bay 50 or 100m ahead. Additionally, to leave Thailand here, you need to visit a military post about 40km south to get a form (issued for free). Not sure of the purpose of this, which only applies to Thai vehicles (perhaps to prevent smuggling?) On the Cambodian side, customs is located 5km from the border (or was, as of last year). 

 

3. Ban Pakkard - to leave here, you need the same military form, issued at a military post about 30km before the border. Re-entering here is a breeze though and no form is required. 

 

4. Chong Chom (opposite O'Smach) - is essentially a temporary border crossing in the sense that immigration and customs operates out of temporary buildings and the procedures are a bit haphazard here. This is the ONLY border where customs goes on a power trip and claims that you aren't allowed to re-enter Thailand through a different border to the one you exited from. This is nonsense, because such a rule, if it ever applied, is no longer applied by Cambodia. Also, in all these years, I've never heard this one before, especially since we're talking Thai vehicles here, which like Thai citizens, have automatic right of re-entry. 

 

The fact of the matter is, as far as travelers are concerned, we see Thai customs' role to issue export documentation and that's pretty much it. Their jurisdiction ends there and the idea of driving to Cambodia (or any other country) whether it be for tourism or business purposes is to make it more convenient to see the country and travel around. Therefore, what matters to us is whether Cambodia allows our vehicles entry, which they do. Re-entering Thailand in a Thai vehicle is basically a right, in the same sense as re-entering as a Thai citizen. 

 

Prior to Covid, only 2 borders reliably allowed entry into Cambodia: Chong Chom / O'Smach and Had Lek (Khlong Yai) / Koh Kong. The latter generally held onto your registration, telling you not to leave the province (although in practice, you could), charging you 100 Baht per day you would stay in Cambodia, forcing you to return the way you came. Thus, prior to Covid, many drivers exited Thailand via Chong Chom simply because the Cambodian side let them in, generally without charge, without holding onto your documents (though there were occasional stories that some drivers did have their title held). That was the only reason to go there.

 

It seems that while Cambodia has upgraded it's system, Thailand (in theory at least) hangs onto the old system claiming that due to "a lack of an MOU" Cambodian and Thai vehicles can only enter and exit at the same border. In practice, Thai customs only applies this restriction to Cambodian vehicles, except at Chong Chom, where they claim it applies to all. 

 

Anyway, to summarize, my recommendation is to choose Aranyaprathet/Poipet, Hat Lek/Koh Kong or perhaps Choam/Chong Sa-ngam for entry/exit if you want to encounter a smooth experience while traveling by car or motorcycle. Motorcycles can enter Cambodia without issue, though it's recommended you are riding a larger bike, say 250cc and above. Ban Khao Din is OK as well, just pay attention to the paperwork - it's probably easier to exit for Cambodia there than re-enter Thailand (as strange as that sounds, driving a Thai car).

 

Avoid Ban Laem altogether; Chong Chom is best avoided as well, especially for re-entry (aside from the customs nonsense, which will delay you, they're pulling over foreigners and asking them to go inside a separate room, where an official fills out a "human trafficking" form - where your address will be noted. The way the guy explained it was, they're preparing for the digital arrivals form or something). Other borders don't do this [no one is pulled aside from the queue and "interrogated" in a separate room]. Ban Pakkard is a nuisance when it comes to the exit procedures; it's fine for re-entry. 

 

Hope my write-up has been useful for those looking at driving their Thai registered cars or motorcycles into Cambodia. 

 

Thanks. Very useful. Cambodian GF uses Ban Pakkard all the time for Battambang. She wants to ride on her Thai MC in her name next year. I want to go with her on my Thai MC in my name. We spoke to the customs agents there when her mother and father visted a few months ago so are aware of the post 30kms away to get documents.  Good and useful info you posted.