Vienna Convention On Road Traffic 1968

[Huey]

A friend of mine, who once did a huge international road trip from Denmark to India, mentioned that there may be a Legal way to get your vehicle in without being susceptible to the ridiculous 200-300% tax that Thailand imposes on cars. According too the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, a member of any of the charter nations (of which Thailand is one) can ride their vehicles in any of the charter nations so long as the vehicle is registered in the driver's home nation. Yes there are some requirements and several exceptions but it seems pretty streight forward. It dose say that it can't stay longer than one year in that country but it's not clear how long it needs to be out...road trip car visa runs to Cambo anyone?

If it's do able, then santa is brining me a CTS for Christmas:

http://alhayrh2.jeeran.com/2008%20-Cadilac%20CTS.jpg

The Wiki overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Conven...on_Road_Traffic

The actual convention can be found here;

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

[Huey]

Nobody? Anyone? I mean it seems like a great way to avoid that 300% tax for most vehicles and you can just do a yearly visa run with it to Cambo?

I probably need to ask Sunbelt.

[madjbs]

Quite a lot of people do something similar to this, although I believe the car can only stay 3 months at a time.

[Huey]

Thats not so bad at all if you can avoid the taxes buy doing a run to the boarder, kinda like how folks used to do with tourist visa's back in the day. Thanks for that Madjbs, I'll look for more info on it.

[roamer]

There are obstacles though mainly with regards to insurance. Distant memories here that you have to provide what used to be called a "bail bond" showing that you have sufficient cover for the country in question. Many countries will not insure foreign registered vehicles. Added to this all nations have the right to demand "duty on deposit" , a sum equivalent to the tax that would be payable if the vehicle is not re-exported within the stated time period. Think you need more input from someone who has actually done this...or attempted it.

Lazy day, did a bit of research for you:

Temporary Vehicle Import

A temporary vehicle import is a vehicle (including motorcycles) brought into Thailand by a resident of another country, usually for a maximum of six months, while remaining registered in its country of origin. A tourist or traveler may import a motor vehicle into Thailand without payment of Customs taxes and duties provided they intend to take the vehicle from Thailand at the conclusion of the visit.

Documentation and Clearance Procedures

To facilitate tax and duty free entry, a tourist/traveler will be required to put up a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties. The deposit will be refunded providing the vehicle and attachments are exported within the stipulated period of temporary entry. The minimum documentation required for temporary vehicles imports consists of:

# Temporary Import Declaration Form with a duplicate;

# Vehicle Registration Certificate;

# Identification Card and/or Passport (in case the Logbook of the car imported is in the traveler's name);

# Letter of Attorney (in case the Logbook is not in the name of the traveler);

# Re-Export Deposit; and

# Other relevant documents (if any)

It is also required that complete contents of vehicle be declared at the time of entry into Thailand. If this is not done, you may be subject to a fine and the vehicle and its contents may be seized.

Before a vehicle is released from Customs’ control, a tourist/traveler or authorized person submits a Temporary Vehicle Import Declaration Form and all supporting documents, including a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties to Customs at the port of entry.

For importation of a motorcycle, a traveler is allowed to offer himself as a guarantee if such motorcycle is imported via 3 ports: the Bangkok International Airport Customs Bureau, Bangkok Port Customs Bureau, and Bangkok Customs Bureau. In case a traveler enters Thailand via regional Customs offices, Customs may allow person other than a traveler to act as a guarantee for temporary vehicle imports. In an exceptional circumstance, provided the traveler is unable to place a deposit in cash or bank guarantee, Customs may also allow such traveler to offer himself as a guarantee.

If an importer meets the necessary requirements mentioned above, the temporary vehicle import will be granted for two months from the date of entry into the country. In an exceptional circumstance, and provided a written request is made in advance, the Thai Customs Department may grant an extension to allow the vehicle to remain in Thailand for up to six months of its arrival in Thailand. The vehicle should be exported out of Thailand within the allowed temporary entry period, and must not be imported with the intention of selling it.

Source. http://www.qsl.net/seanet2004/thai_customs.htm

Link.

So looks like thats your Caddie screwed ?

Ever thought of importing a "classic" car ? Seem to recall duties don't apply if vehicle over 25 years old. Not sure though so will check that one out.

Sorry if I've rained on your parade.

Apologies, for some reason the link redirects not working today, on mine or any other posts, you have to copy and paste.

Edited October 3, 2008 by roamer

[Huey]

There are obstacles though mainly with regards to insurance. Distant memories here that you have to provide what used to be called a "bail bond" showing that you have sufficient cover for the country in question. Many countries will not insure foreign registered vehicles. Added to this all nations have the right to demand "duty on deposit" , a sum equivalent to the tax that would be payable if the vehicle is not re-exported within the stated time period. Think you need more input from someone who has actually done this...or attempted it.

Lazy day, did a bit of research for you:

Temporary Vehicle Import

A temporary vehicle import is a vehicle (including motorcycles) brought into Thailand by a resident of another country, usually for a maximum of six months, while remaining registered in its country of origin. A tourist or traveler may import a motor vehicle into Thailand without payment of Customs taxes and duties provided they intend to take the vehicle from Thailand at the conclusion of the visit.

Documentation and Clearance Procedures

To facilitate tax and duty free entry, a tourist/traveler will be required to put up a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties. The deposit will be refunded providing the vehicle and attachments are exported within the stipulated period of temporary entry. The minimum documentation required for temporary vehicles imports consists of:

# Temporary Import Declaration Form with a duplicate;

# Vehicle Registration Certificate;

# Identification Card and/or Passport (in case the Logbook of the car imported is in the traveler's name);

# Letter of Attorney (in case the Logbook is not in the name of the traveler);

# Re-Export Deposit; and

# Other relevant documents (if any)

It is also required that complete contents of vehicle be declared at the time of entry into Thailand. If this is not done, you may be subject to a fine and the vehicle and its contents may be seized.

Before a vehicle is released from Customs’ control, a tourist/traveler or authorized person submits a Temporary Vehicle Import Declaration Form and all supporting documents, including a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties to Customs at the port of entry.

For importation of a motorcycle, a traveler is allowed to offer himself as a guarantee if such motorcycle is imported via 3 ports: the Bangkok International Airport Customs Bureau, Bangkok Port Customs Bureau, and Bangkok Customs Bureau. In case a traveler enters Thailand via regional Customs offices, Customs may allow person other than a traveler to act as a guarantee for temporary vehicle imports. In an exceptional circumstance, provided the traveler is unable to place a deposit in cash or bank guarantee, Customs may also allow such traveler to offer himself as a guarantee.

If an importer meets the necessary requirements mentioned above, the temporary vehicle import will be granted for two months from the date of entry into the country. In an exceptional circumstance, and provided a written request is made in advance, the Thai Customs Department may grant an extension to allow the vehicle to remain in Thailand for up to six months of its arrival in Thailand. The vehicle should be exported out of Thailand within the allowed temporary entry period, and must not be imported with the intention of selling it.

Source. http://www.qsl.net/seanet2004/thai_customs.htm

Link.

So looks like thats your Caddie screwed ?

Ever thought of importing a "classic" car ? Seem to recall duties don't apply if vehicle over 25 years old. Not sure though so will check that one out.

Sorry if I've rained on your parade.

Apologies, for some reason the link redirects not working today, on mine or any other posts, you have to copy and paste.

Hey Man, wow that was great info. Thanks a Ton really for taking the time out to look into it for me. Not the answer I wanted to hear, but it's still appreciated none the less.

As for the Classic, I have a 61 Silver Cloud (like the one in the pic, same color scheme) And from what my lawyer was saying is that I still need to pay tax, based on the current value of the car (as they see it) and the engine size, in this case, 304% tax. I'll go back to the States next month, Strip the paint and ding up the appolstriy, which needs repalceing anyway and call it a parts vehicle. Fortunately everything else is cool.... Damm I really wanted that CTS too maybe even a XLR-V. Damm cheasy ass over priced, ugly migit cars they have here! I can't get anything I really like at a price that dosn't make my sphinxter ache looking at the tax.

http://classiccars.com/Uploads/Preview/374653.jpg

Oh well thanks again for the heads up I appreciate your time.

[roamer]

There are obstacles though mainly with regards to insurance. Distant memories here that you have to provide what used to be called a "bail bond" showing that you have sufficient cover for the country in question. Many countries will not insure foreign registered vehicles. Added to this all nations have the right to demand "duty on deposit" , a sum equivalent to the tax that would be payable if the vehicle is not re-exported within the stated time period. Think you need more input from someone who has actually done this...or attempted it.

Lazy day, did a bit of research for you:

Temporary Vehicle Import

A temporary vehicle import is a vehicle (including motorcycles) brought into Thailand by a resident of another country, usually for a maximum of six months, while remaining registered in its country of origin. A tourist or traveler may import a motor vehicle into Thailand without payment of Customs taxes and duties provided they intend to take the vehicle from Thailand at the conclusion of the visit.

Documentation and Clearance Procedures

To facilitate tax and duty free entry, a tourist/traveler will be required to put up a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties. The deposit will be refunded providing the vehicle and attachments are exported within the stipulated period of temporary entry. The minimum documentation required for temporary vehicles imports consists of:

# Temporary Import Declaration Form with a duplicate;

# Vehicle Registration Certificate;

# Identification Card and/or Passport (in case the Logbook of the car imported is in the traveler's name);

# Letter of Attorney (in case the Logbook is not in the name of the traveler);

# Re-Export Deposit; and

# Other relevant documents (if any)

It is also required that complete contents of vehicle be declared at the time of entry into Thailand. If this is not done, you may be subject to a fine and the vehicle and its contents may be seized.

Before a vehicle is released from Customs’ control, a tourist/traveler or authorized person submits a Temporary Vehicle Import Declaration Form and all supporting documents, including a cash deposit or a bank guarantee to cover the full Customs taxes and duties to Customs at the port of entry.

For importation of a motorcycle, a traveler is allowed to offer himself as a guarantee if such motorcycle is imported via 3 ports: the Bangkok International Airport Customs Bureau, Bangkok Port Customs Bureau, and Bangkok Customs Bureau. In case a traveler enters Thailand via regional Customs offices, Customs may allow person other than a traveler to act as a guarantee for temporary vehicle imports. In an exceptional circumstance, provided the traveler is unable to place a deposit in cash or bank guarantee, Customs may also allow such traveler to offer himself as a guarantee.

If an importer meets the necessary requirements mentioned above, the temporary vehicle import will be granted for two months from the date of entry into the country. In an exceptional circumstance, and provided a written request is made in advance, the Thai Customs Department may grant an extension to allow the vehicle to remain in Thailand for up to six months of its arrival in Thailand. The vehicle should be exported out of Thailand within the allowed temporary entry period, and must not be imported with the intention of selling it.

Source. http://www.qsl.net/seanet2004/thai_customs.htm

Link.

So looks like thats your Caddie screwed ?

Ever thought of importing a "classic" car ? Seem to recall duties don't apply if vehicle over 25 years old. Not sure though so will check that one out.

Sorry if I've rained on your parade.

Apologies, for some reason the link redirects not working today, on mine or any other posts, you have to copy and paste.

Hey Man, wow that was great info. Thanks a Ton really for taking the time out to look into it for me. Not the answer I wanted to hear, but it's still appreciated none the less.

As for the Classic, I have a 61 Silver Cloud (like the one in the pic, same color scheme) And from what my lawyer was saying is that I still need to pay tax, based on the current value of the car (as they see it) and the engine size, in this case, 304% tax. I'll go back to the States next month, Strip the paint and ding up the appolstriy, which needs repalceing anyway and call it a parts vehicle. Fortunately everything else is cool.... Damm I really wanted that CTS too maybe even a XLR-V. Damm cheasy ass over priced, ugly migit cars they have here! I can't get anything I really like at a price that dosn't make my sphinxter ache looking at the tax.

http://classiccars.com/Uploads/Preview/374653.jpg

Oh well thanks again for the heads up I appreciate your time.

No worries; however the classic car thing is bugging me now, really think your lawyer has the wrong info. The exemption for this wouldn't be sticking in my mind for no reason. Will search around for it over the weekend as I think its some printed info I had years back rather than something on the net.

Maybe someone else will come up with the goods in the meantime, or correct me, either way will be good to know. :D

[ignis]

Yesterday on my way to 'Ratchada' via Rama 5 Bridge [live near Bang Yai]...... in front of me was a old 'T' plated white Astra, yes it had UK number plates.

on the way back was a German plated old black BMW 1602.. plate started 'HH'

Sure there are lots of German, UK, USA and Dutch cars here, but they all have Thai number plates.

I have no idea with the Astra, but a 1600 BMW cost less then 100,000 baht here in top condition...

The German one I noticed yesterday looks in fair condition + standard, so could not work out why anyone would want a LHD + the cost of getting it here and then there must be paperwork, headlight change to RHD, even if there was NO import duty to pay, how could there be any saving.

[Priceless]

A friend of mine, who once did a huge international road trip from Denmark to India, mentioned that there may be a Legal way to get your vehicle in without being susceptible to the ridiculous 200-300% tax that Thailand imposes on cars. According too the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, a member of any of the charter nations (of which Thailand is one) can ride their vehicles in any of the charter nations so long as the vehicle is registered in the driver's home nation. Yes there are some requirements and several exceptions but it seems pretty streight forward. It dose say that it can't stay longer than one year in that country but it's not clear how long it needs to be out...road trip car visa runs to Cambo anyone?

If it's do able, then santa is brining me a CTS for Christmas:

http://alhayrh2.jeeran.com/2008%20-Cadilac%20CTS.jpg

The Wiki overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Conven...on_Road_Traffic

The actual convention can be found here;

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

It is true that Thailand was one of the signatory states, but unfortunately it has never ratified the convention. This is also the reason why an IDP according to this convention, i.e. with a two-year validity, is not accepted in Thailand ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit ).

/ Priceless

[roamer]

A friend of mine, who once did a huge international road trip from Denmark to India, mentioned that there may be a Legal way to get your vehicle in without being susceptible to the ridiculous 200-300% tax that Thailand imposes on cars. According too the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, a member of any of the charter nations (of which Thailand is one) can ride their vehicles in any of the charter nations so long as the vehicle is registered in the driver's home nation. Yes there are some requirements and several exceptions but it seems pretty streight forward. It dose say that it can't stay longer than one year in that country but it's not clear how long it needs to be out...road trip car visa runs to Cambo anyone?

If it's do able, then santa is brining me a CTS for Christmas:

http://alhayrh2.jeeran.com/2008%20-Cadilac%20CTS.jpg

The Wiki overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Conven...on_Road_Traffic

The actual convention can be found here;

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

It is true that Thailand was one of the signatory states, but unfortunately it has never ratified the convention. This is also the reason why an IDP according to this convention, i.e. with a two-year validity, is not accepted in Thailand ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit ).

/ Priceless

I wouldn,t take Wiki as the authoritative source here:

"The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic was not ratified by all signatory parties. Notable cases of countries that refused or delayed ratification include Chile, Republic of China (Taiwan), Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Holy See, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Venezuela."

Thats what you are referring to, it says "refused or delayed ratification, well the UK is mentioned in that list yet the UK has accepted and issued IDPs for as long as I remember and also allows personal importation of vehicles under the Vienna convention. Furthermore Thailand ratified the 1949 agreement that recognises IDPs. Thailand also issues IDPs that are recognised worldwide, my wife had one as indeed so do other TV members.

[roamer]

it also looks like that while the exemption for vintage cars might exist in theory, the practice is next to impossible. See this thread for details.

link.

[Huey]

Typical scumbags at customs it sounds. Thanks again for all the good info. Sounds like I'll need to get with the customs folks down there and see what kind of kickback they will need.

[kartman]

Typical scumbags at customs it sounds. Thanks again for all the good info. Sounds like I'll need to get with the customs folks down there and see what kind of kickback they will need.

This post just went pearshaped hope you all enjoyed wasting your time.

[Huey]

Typical scumbags at customs it sounds. Thanks again for all the good info. Sounds like I'll need to get with the customs folks down there and see what kind of kickback they will need.

This post just went pearshaped hope you all enjoyed wasting your time.

How did anyone here waste their time? The information folks took the time to dig up was certainly appreciated by me, and perhaps many other who were thinking the same thing and learned something from their efforts.

What are you saying the customs doesn't take kickbacks??? Do you export or import? I export and import, though I don't import in too Thailand however I can tell you for a fact that they do take kickbacks and they are notoriously scummy.

Especially with a case like this where there are a number of "google" prices one can find for a 61 Rolls, how much you wanna bet they will take some bread to use the lowest one. Too Easy

[Priceless]

A friend of mine, who once did a huge international road trip from Denmark to India, mentioned that there may be a Legal way to get your vehicle in without being susceptible to the ridiculous 200-300% tax that Thailand imposes on cars. According too the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, a member of any of the charter nations (of which Thailand is one) can ride their vehicles in any of the charter nations so long as the vehicle is registered in the driver's home nation. Yes there are some requirements and several exceptions but it seems pretty streight forward. It dose say that it can't stay longer than one year in that country but it's not clear how long it needs to be out...road trip car visa runs to Cambo anyone?

If it's do able, then santa is brining me a CTS for Christmas:

http://alhayrh2.jeeran.com/2008%20-Cadilac%20CTS.jpg

The Wiki overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Conven...on_Road_Traffic

The actual convention can be found here;

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

It is true that Thailand was one of the signatory states, but unfortunately it has never ratified the convention. This is also the reason why an IDP according to this convention, i.e. with a two-year validity, is not accepted in Thailand ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit ).

/ Priceless

I wouldn,t take Wiki as the authoritative source here:

"The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic was not ratified by all signatory parties. Notable cases of countries that refused or delayed ratification include Chile, Republic of China (Taiwan), Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Holy See, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Venezuela."

Thats what you are referring to, it says "refused or delayed ratification, well the UK is mentioned in that list yet the UK has accepted and issued IDPs for as long as I remember and also allows personal importation of vehicles under the Vienna convention. Furthermore Thailand ratified the 1949 agreement that recognises IDPs. Thailand also issues IDPs that are recognised worldwide, my wife had one as indeed so do other TV members.

I don't really see your point here Yes, it is true that Thailand issues and accepts IDPs according to the 1949 convention (i.e. with a one-year validity). I've had a couple of them issued in my old country (Sweden), but the issuing organisations there are very careful to inquire where you intend to use your IDP. The reason of course being that one issued according to the 1968 convention is not (at least formally) accepted in Thailand (and several other countries).

I honestly have no knowledge (or interest) concerning whether the UK issue and/or accept IDPs according to the convention of 1949 or that of 1968. I am an EU citizen, so the UK is obliged by other treaties to accept my national license.

A quick search turned up a document from the United Nations, Economic and Social Council, Economic Commission for Europe, Inland Transport Committee (TRANS/WP.1/2004/1), dated 30 January 2004, that clearly states that the UK has signed both the 1949 and the 1968 conventions, but only ratified the 1949 convention. Whether this has changed since 2004 I do not know, and do not care. The discussion (and this forum) concerns Thailand, and this country has not ratified the 1968 convention. IDPs issued according to the 1949 convention are of course accepted by all countries that have signed and ratified that convention.

/ Priceless

[Huey]

That pretty much says it all Priceless. If the 1968 one was not ratified then it's dead in the water. It's damm cheasy of them but what can ya do

[roamer]

A friend of mine, who once did a huge international road trip from Denmark to India, mentioned that there may be a Legal way to get your vehicle in without being susceptible to the ridiculous 200-300% tax that Thailand imposes on cars. According too the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, a member of any of the charter nations (of which Thailand is one) can ride their vehicles in any of the charter nations so long as the vehicle is registered in the driver's home nation. Yes there are some requirements and several exceptions but it seems pretty streight forward. It dose say that it can't stay longer than one year in that country but it's not clear how long it needs to be out...road trip car visa runs to Cambo anyone?

If it's do able, then santa is brining me a CTS for Christmas:

http://alhayrh2.jeeran.com/2008%20-Cadilac%20CTS.jpg

The Wiki overview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Conven...on_Road_Traffic

The actual convention can be found here;

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/crt1968e.pdf

It is true that Thailand was one of the signatory states, but unfortunately it has never ratified the convention. This is also the reason why an IDP according to this convention, i.e. with a two-year validity, is not accepted in Thailand ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit ).

/ Priceless

I wouldn,t take Wiki as the authoritative source here:

"The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic was not ratified by all signatory parties. Notable cases of countries that refused or delayed ratification include Chile, Republic of China (Taiwan), Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Holy See, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Venezuela."

Thats what you are referring to, it says "refused or delayed ratification, well the UK is mentioned in that list yet the UK has accepted and issued IDPs for as long as I remember and also allows personal importation of vehicles under the Vienna convention. Furthermore Thailand ratified the 1949 agreement that recognises IDPs. Thailand also issues IDPs that are recognised worldwide, my wife had one as indeed so do other TV members.

I don't really see your point here Yes, it is true that Thailand issues and accepts IDPs according to the 1949 convention (i.e. with a one-year validity). I've had a couple of them issued in my old country (Sweden), but the issuing organisations there are very careful to inquire where you intend to use your IDP. The reason of course being that one issued according to the 1968 convention is not (at least formally) accepted in Thailand (and several other countries).

I honestly have no knowledge (or interest) concerning whether the UK issue and/or accept IDPs according to the convention of 1949 or that of 1968. I am an EU citizen, so the UK is obliged by other treaties to accept my national license.

A quick search turned up a document from the United Nations, Economic and Social Council, Economic Commission for Europe, Inland Transport Committee (TRANS/WP.1/2004/1), dated 30 January 2004, that clearly states that the UK has signed both the 1949 and the 1968 conventions, but only ratified the 1949 convention. Whether this has changed since 2004 I do not know, and do not care. The discussion (and this forum) concerns Thailand, and this country has not ratified the 1968 convention. IDPs issued according to the 1949 convention are of course accepted by all countries that have signed and ratified that convention.

/ Priceless

Must be from Skane...never mind. You know something, I don't care either.

[Priceless]

Must be from Skane...never mind. You know something, I don't care either.

Then we fully agree, isn't it wonderful

/ Priceless