Cross Border Paperwork

[ianh68]

I am planning to drive from Thailand to Laos next year. It would be in a rented car. Will I need any special paperwork for the car? We're talking about a day trip.

[bkkjames]

While we wait for a qualified answer, please let me provide you with some practical advice.

The most important paperwork you will need is a stack of 500 Baht notes to help expedite any additional paperwork you come across on your journey.

[samran]

search in the motoring forum, there a bunch of stories there on how to take a Thai registered car into Laos.

The long and the short of it is you won't be able to in your case.

Basically, you need to own your car outright to take it over, or, in the case where it isn't your car (ie you still owe the finance company) you need their permission of the owner, which is rarely forthocming, as it is only possible to by third party insurance for Thai vehicles in Laos.

You need to own it as ownership means you are then in possession of the blue ownership booklet of the car, which is needed to obtain a 'car passport' which is what you need to take your car over the border.

No blue book, no car passport, no taking your vehicle across. You won't even be allowed to take it out of Thailand.