Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Paying annual car tax has just become faster and more convenient, thanks to a new service launched by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in partnership with Krungthai Bank.

 

The initiative, unveiled during the DLT’s 84th anniversary celebrations on 8 August, allows motorists to pay their vehicle tax through the Pao Tang mobile application. The system aims to save time, reduce travel costs and simplify the process to just a few taps on a smartphone.

 

Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote described the launch as “a leap forward in public service innovation,” saying:

 

“Our goal is to give people the convenience they deserve while improving efficiency in tax collection and service delivery.”

 

Once payment is completed, the official tax mark is sent directly to the driver’s home via Thai Post. While waiting for delivery, motorists can display a temporary digital tax mark in the app, valid for up to 15 days.

 

With over 40 million existing Pao Tang users, officials expect the service to boost compliance and revenue significantly.

 

DLT Director-General Jirut Visanjit said the system supports the government’s drive for digital public services, cutting paperwork and administrative costs. It follows the successful introduction of online applications for international driving permits via the app last December, which has already processed more than 51,000 requests.

 

Krungthai Bank CEO Payong Srivanich emphasised that the project is part of the Thailand Open Digital Platform strategy to improve access, safety, and fairness in public services.

 

“We’re committed to making sure all citizens can access government services easily, wherever they are,” he said.

 

The DLT and Krungthai Bank are now developing an online driver’s licence renewal service, scheduled for launch in 2026. The first phase will cover private cars carrying up to seven passengers and motorcycles, before expanding to other vehicle types. Plans also include an e-service for electronic vehicle registration to reduce the use of temporary red number plates.

 

Future updates will integrate the renewal process with a digital health check system, creating what officials describe as a major step towards a fully digital transport service network and supporting Thailand’s vision for sustainable, technology-driven public services.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Thaiger 2025-08-10

 

 

 

What about the usual roadworthy check up? 

Compulsory insurance? pointless if they don't include that.

 

I just downloaded the app, all Thai and no English, can't even screenshot to use Google Lens, uninstalled 👎

hmmm... I think a bit useless app... It is possible to make apps for everything, but the Thai Post is not reliable, there is digital fraud risk, and several other problems that can occur.. At the DLT there is a drive through easy and convenient and take also less than 5 minutes to pay the tax..why waste money for these kind of apps

Wait, there’s a car tax?

Apps apps apps...

All what they can do is replacing paperwork, 

But you will still need to see a clinic for health check.

You will still need to do physical tests.

As mentioned compulsory insurance, older vehicles check.

If they could reduce/abolish the endless wait for a proper license plate would be a big step.

 

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

I just downloaded the app, all Thai and no English, can't even screenshot to use Google Lens, uninstalled 👎

You can bet that it will be available for Thais only.

And what is the role of Krungthai (the "state") bank?

Best forget it.

Lot of hot air and rubbing elbows.

For millions of non tech savvy Thais nothing will change.

What wonderful modernization this truly is.

 

I wonder if they'll ever get around to going uber -modern and renumber street addresses to the Napoleonic system.

 

I mean after all, this is the 26th century. 

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

Wait, there’s a car tax?

Not on most Thai cars; none on motor bikes.

5 hours ago, Bagwain said:

What about the usual roadworthy check up? 

No, this can not be done by an app, yet

apparently it is only good for newer cars not old jalopies like mine

On 8/10/2025 at 5:59 AM, daveAustin said:

Wait, there’s a car tax?

mainly for foreigners

On 8/10/2025 at 4:21 AM, Bagwain said:

What about the usual roadworthy check up? 

Only for cars up to 7 years old, not needing roadworthy. 

 

 

18 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

apparently it is only good for newer cars not old jalopies like mine

Yeah, I got one of those, Gertrude. 😎

 

I am 5 minutes drive from my local DLT. I can get the roadworthy check on the way and at the DLT office I do not have to get out of the car to pay it.  They have a drive through service .I live up north and it is not busy. No app for me.

Do the RTP have to get the roadworthy test? Because the traffic cop outside my daughter's school, drives a beat up old tow truck pickup with a red light bar on it, and almost all the lights in the back don't work, in fact, the lenses covering them are completely gone, exposing just the bulbs.

On 8/10/2025 at 7:47 AM, mikebell said:

Not on most Thai cars; none on motor bikes.

Rubbish...

1 hour ago, Mavideol said:

mainly for foreigners

Silly and useless answer..

On 8/10/2025 at 4:21 AM, Bagwain said:

What about the usual roadworthy check up? 

Thai vehicles are checked gor roadworthiness?  Very surprised.

2 minutes ago, MarkBR said:

Thai vehicles are checked gor roadworthiness?  Very surprised.

yeah.. compulsory once they are 7yrs old.

On 8/10/2025 at 4:21 AM, Bagwain said:

What about the usual roadworthy check up? 

You mean the kicking of the four tyres, sounding the horn, looking at smokey exhaust, seat belts, dirty rusty bodywork, 

17 hours ago, couchpotato said:

Rubbish...

I love a cultured debate.

how about ONE app for every other app in the entire world..............that would REALLY make sense

3 hours ago, mikebell said:

I love a cultured debate.

 

Try posting something meaningful and educated once in a blue moon, rather than your constant jaded patronising drivel regarding Thailand, and you might get one.

My comment was about Thai drivers' penchant for ignoring such niceties as tax disc (insurance); and licences which is one of the most popular avoidance in road crimes.  It might also interest you to know that over 90% of traffic fines are unpaid.  (Guess which nationality is most responsible for this.)

If you run your eye down the responses, you might just notice your reply is out of step with most farang contributions.