Tax Amnesty Program Till September 25 Th

[ray23]

This was done in Udon, I will say one thing that is a lot less then I paid for my book and plate. This is Thailand the end users experience may be different I don't know. But it is a chance to get a bike legal with less money.

Ray.

Hi Ray,

As usual spent my afternoon banging my head against the wall asking the wrong people the right questions, but here goes…

I’ve just been down to both the tax & the plating/book places. Even after import tax they want their pound of flesh!! They couldn’t value the Desperado as didn’t have the number for it in their little book. They valued Morty’s bike at 429k, tax payable 14,087b. The Fazer was valued at 620,400b, tax payable 20,473.20b (.20?? belabouring the point a little??!!) This amnesty finishes on the 25th Sept.

We then went to the big testing/licensing centre in Non Soon as advised, they knew nothing about anything of course. They DID however pick up on the fact that wanke_r Jimmy from Udorn Lamtong had never even completed a receipt to say the bike was in my name, watch out lads! That needs to be sent off to Bkk for something, but won’t cost.

Came back to the vehicle testing centre in Udorn, knew nothing in the offices, sent me to a guy out in the bay said that we can ride with impunity anywhere on this deal; if the police catch you just show the paper and away scot free.

Both he and the tax people said to get a book & plate would be an extra 20-30k, dependant on year/make/model and also advised against it as a pull from the police will involve only a 4-500b fine for no plate rather than possible impounding. Not value for money, as it were.

We can’t then tax the bikes after or even insure them 1st/2nd class as this isn’t proper registration. You need book & plate for that.

They say after the closing date we’ll have to go to Bkk to do this, and will be far more expensive, don’t know how much though; surprise surprise!!

That’s as much info as I’ve been able to glean, clear as mud? Here too :(We took all the bike papers, so they could see what was paid for them, duty already paid etc too. Dunno?

Bladdy good job I had nothing better to do with the day, LOL‼

Cheers,

[blakegeee]

This was done in Udon, I will say one thing that is a lot less then I paid for my book and plate. This is Thailand the end users experience may be different I don't know. But it is a chance to get a bike legal with less money.

Ray.

Hi Ray,

As usual spent my afternoon banging my head against the wall asking the wrong people the right questions, but here goes…

I've just been down to both the tax & the plating/book places. Even after import tax they want their pound of flesh!! They couldn't value the Desperado as didn't have the number for it in their little book. They valued Morty's bike at 429k, tax payable 14,087b. The Fazer was valued at 620,400b, tax payable 20,473.20b (.20?? belabouring the point a little??!!) This amnesty finishes on the 25th Sept.

We then went to the big testing/licensing centre in Non Soon as advised, they knew nothing about anything of course. They DID however pick up on the fact that wanke_r Jimmy from Udorn Lamtong had never even completed a receipt to say the bike was in my name, watch out lads! That needs to be sent off to Bkk for something, but won't cost.

Came back to the vehicle testing centre in Udorn, knew nothing in the offices, sent me to a guy out in the bay said that we can ride with impunity anywhere on this deal; if the police catch you just show the paper and away scot free.

Both he and the tax people said to get a book & plate would be an extra 20-30k, dependant on year/make/model and also advised against it as a pull from the police will involve only a 4-500b fine for no plate rather than possible impounding. Not value for money, as it were.

We can't then tax the bikes after or even insure them 1st/2nd class as this isn't proper registration. You need book & plate for that.

They say after the closing date we'll have to go to Bkk to do this, and will be far more expensive, don't know how much though; surprise surprise!!

That's as much info as I've been able to glean, clear as mud? Here too :(We took all the bike papers, so they could see what was paid for them, duty already paid etc too. Dunno?

Bladdy good job I had nothing better to do with the day, LOL‼

Cheers,

This sounds interesting but unless its just me, this seems a little "unclear" to say the least. Does anyone have a clear explanation about what he is talking about?

[ray23]

Well I know what he is talking about he is talking about getting your bike legal so it won't be seized.

Procedures are never clear in Thailand, which is why I have always paid someone to do it for me.

One thing is missing is how much is the penalty going to be if don't get it done in this period.

I know the Police activity is very different here in Udon at the moment check points being sit in places we have never seen them before.

So my belief is they are going to get serious about unregistered bikes very soon.

Or it just may be the numbers of farrangs living in Udon making look like a good target. But they are stopping everyone. Cars and bikes alike.

They need tax money this is a good source.

[LivinLOS]

Until the bike has a properly issued plate and book, it aint legal..

Sure it might mean they look the other way until some later date, but try it in another province etc..

[blakegeee]

Well I know what he is talking about he is talking about getting your bike legal so it won't be seized.

Procedures are never clear in Thailand, which is why I have always paid someone to do it for me.

One thing is missing is how much is the penalty going to be if don't get it done in this period.

I know the Police activity is very different here in Udon at the moment check points being sit in places we have never seen them before.

So my belief is they are going to get serious about unregistered bikes very soon.

Or it just may be the numbers of farrangs living in Udon making look like a good target. But they are stopping everyone. Cars and bikes alike.

They need tax money this is a good source.

Yes I do understand that much about the fact that its in regards to unregistered bikes. Its just a little confusing with the way its written.

Ok so after the taxes are paid (which do sound like very good prices for import tax here) what would the "extra 20-30K" even be for? With the "traditional" system here, once the bike is properly imported (duties paid) in BKK, the registration isn't actually expensive. On that note, this must be for the "inspection", right? It sounds like they are discounting the taxes and increasing the inspection price. If you have somebody bring an unregistered bike to BKK to get it all taken care of the "traditional" way, it usually costs roughly 40-50K to get it all done, duty, inspection, green book and plates (obviously it varies somewhat on age and model). My friend paid 50K total to get his 2005 CB400 done and it took about 3 months. So all in all, this "amnesty" doesn't seem to be any cheaper in the long run.

BTW; they have been cracking down on unregistered vehicles in Chiang Mai over the last few months too, also with new check point locations.

I'd be interested in hearing if this does turn out to be a good deal as one could obviously bring a bike from anywhere in Thailand to get it done there, (if Udon is the only place with this "promotion".)

[ray23]

I agree if I were looking at this I would go for the book. It would still be a lot less then I paid, to have a legal bike. The facts are gentlemen if your using the road you owe the road tax simple a that. Get legal then you don't have to worry about it. It's no different then anywhere else.

[ray23]

Well I know what he is talking about he is talking about getting your bike legal so it won't be seized.

Procedures are never clear in Thailand, which is why I have always paid someone to do it for me.

One thing is missing is how much is the penalty going to be if don't get it done in this period.

I know the Police activity is very different here in Udon at the moment check points being sit in places we have never seen them before.

So my belief is they are going to get serious about unregistered bikes very soon.

Or it just may be the numbers of farrangs living in Udon making look like a good target. But they are stopping everyone. Cars and bikes alike.

They need tax money this is a good source.

Yes I do understand that much about the fact that its in regards to unregistered bikes. Its just a little confusing with the way its written.

Ok so after the taxes are paid (which do sound like very good prices for import tax here) what would the "extra 20-30K" even be for? With the "traditional" system here, once the bike is properly imported (duties paid) in BKK, the registration isn't actually expensive. On that note, this must be for the "inspection", right? It sounds like they are discounting the taxes and increasing the inspection price. If you have somebody bring an unregistered bike to BKK to get it all taken care of the "traditional" way, it usually costs roughly 40-50K to get it all done, duty, inspection, green book and plates (obviously it varies somewhat on age and model). My friend paid 50K total to get his 2005 CB400 done and it took about 3 months. So all in all, this "amnesty" doesn't seem to be any cheaper in the long run.

BTW; they have been cracking down on unregistered vehicles in Chiang Mai over the last few months too, also with new check point locations.

I'd be interested in hearing if this does turn out to be a good deal as one could obviously bring a bike from anywhere in Thailand to get it done there, (if Udon is the only place with this "promotion".)

I think you got as clear a it is going to get. It implies to me they will asses penalties after that time.

I don't think Udon is the only place, my guess is each district will do this. The problem is did the National Government tell them and give them the guidelines to follow. I seriously doubt it. But you might as well get through the hassle if you want the bike.

[blakegeee]

I couldn't imagine why someone would even consider paying the ridiculously high import tax if aren't going to get a book and plates out of it. I don't however agree that its just like anywhere else! I can ride any size bike at home without paying double its value to ride it on the road legally. Besides if I paid the road tax on a small bike, (which is a reasonable amount) I certainly wouldn't feel bad about not paying it on the big one. Its not like I ever ride both bikes at the same time anyways. One that note, here in Chiang Mai anyways, you can pay taxes and insurance on an unregistered bike so road tax is not the issue.

"It implies to me they will asses penalties after that time."

There has always been a risk of being penalized before, during and after this time, has there not?

Edited August 11, 2009 by blakegeee

[ray23]

You know the problem I see is this, we have some guys on a ride right now, 10 days to Koi Samui. They never miss a bike weekend. But they won't pay to get the book. The laws are what they are, if they are applied to everyone then they are fair. ( they are seizing all bikes not just farrang owned or big bikes) I agree that it is more expensive here. But it's trade off you can always go back home and ride. But, what would you be losing?

If you try to circumvent the law then your no different then the cop taking the bribe.

I was not real happy about paying a 30% import tax on a new bike part either, but I paid it. It's the cost of living here. Just like you I could back to my home country and not pay that 30%. The fact is have more freedom here in my everyday living then I ever did in the states.

[blakegeee]

You know the problem I see is this, we have some guys on a ride right now, 10 days to Koi Samui. They never miss a bike weekend. But they won't pay to get the book. The laws are what they are, if they are applied to everyone then they are fair. ( they are seizing all bikes not just farrang owned or big bikes) I agree that it is more expensive here. But it's trade off you can always go back home and ride. But, what would you be losing?

If you try to circumvent the law then your no different then the cop taking the bribe.

I was not real happy about paying a 30% import tax on a new bike part either, but I paid it. It's the cost of living here. Just like you I could back to my home country and not pay that 30%. The fact is have more freedom here in my everyday living then I ever did in the states.

I wasn't saying that "its better at home" or anything like that. I was arguing with the statement, "Its the same as anywhere else".

Personally, I ride an older big bike that was registered long ago because I cannot afford this crazy prices for registering a newer bike. But I can understand why people would want to get around this system. If I thought I could get away with having an unregistered bike without much hastle, I'd do it. We live in a place where the cops as well as the rest of the system do take bribes so ya I wouldn't feel bad breaking these BS laws. Ya, it is "fair" and transparent to charge 20-30K baht for an inspection, especially in Thailand. I don't care if its charged to anybody, its BS!

"I was not real happy about paying a 30% import tax on a new bike"

BTW; isn't import tax currently at 80%, or was this part of the Udon Amnesty thing?

Edited August 11, 2009 by blakegeee

[ray23]

Yes it probably is is I meant new Bike part.

I think we are kicking a dead horse now, it's there is someone wants to use it, if not up to them. I ride the same sort of bike you do.

[LivinLOS]

Ok so after the taxes are paid (which do sound like very good prices for import tax here) what would the "extra 20-30K" even be for? With the "traditional" system here, once the bike is properly imported (duties paid) in BKK, the registration isn't actually expensive. On that note, this must be for the "inspection", right? It sounds like they are discounting the taxes and increasing the inspection price. If you have somebody bring an unregistered bike to BKK to get it all taken care of the "traditional" way, it usually costs roughly 40-50K to get it all done, duty, inspection, green book and plates (obviously it varies somewhat on age and model). My friend paid 50K total to get his 2005 CB400 done and it took about 3 months. So all in all, this "amnesty" doesn't seem to be any cheaper in the long run.

BTW; they have been cracking down on unregistered vehicles in Chiang Mai over the last few months too, also with new check point locations.

I'd be interested in hearing if this does turn out to be a good deal as one could obviously bring a bike from anywhere in Thailand to get it done there, (if Udon is the only place with this "promotion".)

I got sent this the other day.. Note this is for bikes with a full legal invoice paperwork package, so import license, plus frame and engine tax invoices etc..

Green Book Price List Japanese model sport bikes 400cc. $ 66.000 Baht 600cc. $ 71.000 Baht 750cc. $ 76.000 Baht 1000cc $ 81.000 Baht 1300cc $ 86.000 Baht

European model sport bikes 750cc $ 86.000 Baht 1000cc $ 91.000 Baht 1300cc $ 96.000 Baht

Harley Davidson bikes 883cc 88.000 Baht 1200cc 93.000 Baht 1340cc 96.000 Baht 1450cc 100.000 Baht 1570cc 104.000Baht

So look at these prices on top of any tax payments you make now. And those are if the bike passes emissions first time (add 30k per fail)..

The Page 18 tax paid in the back of my 400 book is only about 4 - 5k baht.. But thats only a smnall part of the costs.

[ray23]

Was that from a Government entity or a private business?

Cost of riding is going up guys, you got one with a book it's worth more now. I paid 70K on 400 dragstar, that through a dealer. I assume he made some profit along the way.

I don't have the patience to get myself in that mess. Worth it not to deal worth the hassle to me.

Right now I think buying a bike without a book is a big mistake, things simply are not as they were before.

The 30K for test fail or pass explains why you can't order a dragstar through Yamaha, even with money up front.

Have you heard anything about penalties?

You know it's going to be any cheaper if they seize your bike.

Like I said up to the individual I won't take the chance.

[blakegeee]

Ok so after the taxes are paid (which do sound like very good prices for import tax here) what would the "extra 20-30K" even be for? With the "traditional" system here, once the bike is properly imported (duties paid) in BKK, the registration isn't actually expensive. On that note, this must be for the "inspection", right? It sounds like they are discounting the taxes and increasing the inspection price. If you have somebody bring an unregistered bike to BKK to get it all taken care of the "traditional" way, it usually costs roughly 40-50K to get it all done, duty, inspection, green book and plates (obviously it varies somewhat on age and model). My friend paid 50K total to get his 2005 CB400 done and it took about 3 months. So all in all, this "amnesty" doesn't seem to be any cheaper in the long run.

BTW; they have been cracking down on unregistered vehicles in Chiang Mai over the last few months too, also with new check point locations.

I'd be interested in hearing if this does turn out to be a good deal as one could obviously bring a bike from anywhere in Thailand to get it done there, (if Udon is the only place with this "promotion".)

I got sent this the other day.. Note this is for bikes with a full legal invoice paperwork package, so import license, plus frame and engine tax invoices etc..

Green Book Price List Japanese model sport bikes 400cc. $ 66.000 Baht 600cc. $ 71.000 Baht 750cc. $ 76.000 Baht 1000cc $ 81.000 Baht 1300cc $ 86.000 Baht

European model sport bikes 750cc $ 86.000 Baht 1000cc $ 91.000 Baht 1300cc $ 96.000 Baht

Harley Davidson bikes 883cc 88.000 Baht 1200cc 93.000 Baht 1340cc 96.000 Baht 1450cc 100.000 Baht 1570cc 104.000Baht

So look at these prices on top of any tax payments you make now. And those are if the bike passes emissions first time (add 30k per fail)..

The Page 18 tax paid in the back of my 400 book is only about 4 - 5k baht.. But thats only a smnall part of the costs.

Are these prices supposed to be how much import duty is to be paid? Also, is this the gov't prices or what a shop will charge?

[LivinLOS]

Ok so after the taxes are paid (which do sound like very good prices for import tax here) what would the "extra 20-30K" even be for? With the "traditional" system here, once the bike is properly imported (duties paid) in BKK, the registration isn't actually expensive. On that note, this must be for the "inspection", right? It sounds like they are discounting the taxes and increasing the inspection price. If you have somebody bring an unregistered bike to BKK to get it all taken care of the "traditional" way, it usually costs roughly 40-50K to get it all done, duty, inspection, green book and plates (obviously it varies somewhat on age and model). My friend paid 50K total to get his 2005 CB400 done and it took about 3 months. So all in all, this "amnesty" doesn't seem to be any cheaper in the long run.

BTW; they have been cracking down on unregistered vehicles in Chiang Mai over the last few months too, also with new check point locations.

I'd be interested in hearing if this does turn out to be a good deal as one could obviously bring a bike from anywhere in Thailand to get it done there, (if Udon is the only place with this "promotion".)

I got sent this the other day.. Note this is for bikes with a full legal invoice paperwork package, so import license, plus frame and engine tax invoices etc..

Green Book Price List Japanese model sport bikes 400cc. $ 66.000 Baht 600cc. $ 71.000 Baht 750cc. $ 76.000 Baht 1000cc $ 81.000 Baht 1300cc $ 86.000 Baht

European model sport bikes 750cc $ 86.000 Baht 1000cc $ 91.000 Baht 1300cc $ 96.000 Baht

Harley Davidson bikes 883cc 88.000 Baht 1200cc 93.000 Baht 1340cc 96.000 Baht 1450cc 100.000 Baht 1570cc 104.000Baht

So look at these prices on top of any tax payments you make now. And those are if the bike passes emissions first time (add 30k per fail)..

The Page 18 tax paid in the back of my 400 book is only about 4 - 5k baht.. But thats only a smnall part of the costs.

Are these prices supposed to be how much import duty is to be paid? Also, is this the gov't prices or what a shop will charge?

Those are the prices a shop charges to get a plate on a bike with full legal invoice import papers and taxes already paid. Those are basically the book and plate registration costs.

I have heard prices about 6k - 10k cheaper (55- 60 for a japper 400) but unprofessional service levels.

Even with these costs.. When you think a speed triple 1050 can be bought for 200 - 220 and shipped to KL easily for +- 40.. Even with 50k on duty and 100k on the book its still coming in at close to half the 750 Thai sticker shock and fully legal. Plus you can ride it in for 6 months to suss out all your options and check out the paperwork guys professionalism.

[ray23]

That sound pretty close really. You get a book real cheap on a new one but all the other is in the price of the bike, so it ends being the same thing.