Driving Into Cambodia

[iforget]

To admins: First, yes I know there are already topics that cover this but they contain nothing recent. Some are years old, and should probably be deleted as useless. Second, yes, I should probably add this to the end of those out-of-date threads, but would it get noticed by anyone? So that's why I started a new one.

Five days from now I'll be driving with the missus and a couple of friends from Aranyaprathet to Poiphet-Siem Reap-Phnom Penh and back. We have obtained the following:

International Transport Permit ("passport" for our 4WD pickup truck) and accompanying paperwork. Do we also need to get stick-on numbers for the front and back of the car?

International driving permit (Thai transport department swore black and blue that I didn't need one as I have a 5-year Thai - therefore ASEAN - license, but I got one anyway).

We'll be taking the blue book for the truck as well.

From research I understand we can get 30-day visas on the gate (US$20 + photo). Correct?

I've also been told by my insurer that the Thai car insurance cannot be extended to Cambodia, and I was unable to find any company that will cover the car. I also understand that we will have to buy insurance on the Cambodian side. That's fine by me. I want insurance. But does anyone know how good the coverage is?

Many posts indicate that Cambodian law allows one to drive around only in the province one entered, and not further afield. Is this still the case? How rigidly is it enforced? Anyone have experience of what happens when you caught by the ops breaking this rule (if it still exists)?

Anyone got any comments on the current state of roads on our route? Research indicates that the roads are paved all the way - but have they been maintained, or are they already full of potholes? Be useful to know whether Poiphet to Siem Reap is two hours or five.

Have I missed anything vital in terms of documentation?

Would be very grateful for any practical comments/suggestions.

Please, nothing about "Oooh! You're mad! You'll wreck your car, Khmer Rouge bandits will steal everything and rape your dog and your cat, cops will demand millions for allowing you to breathe etc etc" We understand there may be some risks, but we're going anyway. And yes, the truck's fully paid for, so no need for posts about hire purchase cars not being allowed out of Thailand.

Thanks. When we get back I'll do a full post for anyone else who may want to do this trip.

Edited February 11, 2010 by iforget

[Nio]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

[iforget]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

Thank you. That's a BIG help.

Edited February 11, 2010 by iforget

[NADTATIDA1]

QUOTE

"I've also been told by my insurer that the Thai car insurance cannot be extended to Cambodia, and I was unable to find any company that will cover the car. I also understand that we will have to buy insurance on the Cambodian side. That's fine by me. I want insurance. But does anyone know how good the coverage is?

Many posts indicate that Cambodian law allows one to drive around only in the province one entered, and not further afield. Is this still the case? How rigidly is it enforced? Anyone have experience of what happens when you caught by the ops breaking this rule (if it still exists)"

The only safety net you have is there is a gang of you! and are less likely to be got at by banditos somewhere out of the way,i presume this is why you want to take the truck? transport between the places you mentioned is good!

I understand your adventure and hope it all goes well. but i still would not bother taking a car into Cambodia because of the uncertainties in your quote above...but thats just my opinion

If there is a few of you making the trip it would be cheaper and safer without taking a vehicle for sure,you could just hire a driver,relax and enjoy the trip.It is bad enough coping with all the scams there than thinking about.... what? if? and why? with a vehicle?

As you stated no Thai company will insure you..(tells me everything) and i can imagine the difficulties you will have on entering and driving in Cambodia with an uninsured vehicle,remember if you think it is corrupt in Thailand times it by 10 there! do you speak Khymer?

You will get a 30 day visa on arrival.

I am sorry i have not answered your questions well,but this is because i have never done this by car and not many others have also by the looks of it? this does tell me something!

I hope it goes well and look forward to your trip report on the pros and cons of taking a vehicle inside uninsured.

Take care and good luck.

Edited February 11, 2010 by NADTATIDA1

[lovelomsak]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

Thank you. That's a BIG help.

I just want to apologize for Nio and nay others who state the obvious and wish to apear as authorities.

I my self cannot help. You appear to know more than me already. But I am seriously interested in this thread for I may do same in the near furture. I had a friend that 9 years ago travelled around on a dirt bike all over Cambodia before the roads were upgraded,. He has lots of stories to tell. I wish you best of luck and please post on return for all to read Thank You

[Jimmu]

Sorry can't help with the specifics as they are today. However, I have toured around Cambodia in the past and it proved simple. Cambodians in general speak better English than most Thais (certainly in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Sihanoukville). Further, With the exception of border guards at Poi Pet I found it to be less corrupt than Thailand. Genuinely more friendly too with real smiles! Foreigners in Thailand are attacked,mugged, kicked off their bikes, bag snatched and murdered nearly on a weekly basis so what is the problem in going elsewhere in the vicinity? Take common sense and have fun. Look forward to your news.

[Lynmark]

I've been to Cambodia many years ago, In Siem Riep I hired a motorcycle and having own transport proved very convenient. I also drove in Thailand to Trat and up to 10 metres from the Cambodian border line.

The Roads have probably improved since then, but I found many were potholed with little warning of hazards. Theres probably still landmines about so stick to sealed or well defined roads. I'd allow at least 5 hours to Siem Riep as you'll be avoiding bicycles, farm machinery etc as well. I've often used Google satellite maps to check road conditions if the image is recent and not blurry.

I dont know too many specifics, I can only give some pointers and you may already know and have tried them. I would head to the vicinity of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok. The embassy may be a good source. Also, the specialist agencies near the embassy have all sorts of goods and services and may sell insurance or arrange permits. Try the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand also, who should know about motoring in neighboring countries.

Finally, 99.9% of vehicles crossing to/from Cambodia are locals from provinces either side, so they are the most knowledgeable. It may be that you will have to drive to Aranyaprathet then 'wing it' from there. Walk around the area, ask truck drivers, local shops and agencies. Chances are they can sell or arrange whatever you need (insurance etc) since there would be others with the same needs before you. If you can, walk to the Cambodian side across the small bridge and just ask there too. Worst case is just driving 3 hours back to Bangkok after some shopping there.

Worth considering is hiring a guide, which may not be expensive if shared between a few people, and may know the issues and solve problems along the way.

Hope this helps a little and have a good trip, let us know what you find out. I would also like to drive through Cambodia to Vietnam sometime this year.

Mark.

Edited February 11, 2010 by Lynmark

[THAIFRENCHY]

I will go to Cambodo and Laos next month, riding a motorbike and alone. Many people have done it and I have not heard that it was so dangerous. Cambodia is not Afghanistan...

Insurance is available at the border on the Cambodian side.

My 2 last trips in Laos, driving a car, alone, was nice. No problems at all.

Wish you good luck !

Claude

[NADTATIDA1]

I will go to Cambodo and Laos next month, riding a motorbike and alone. Many people have done it and I have not heard that it was so dangerous. Cambodia is not Afghanistan...

Insurance is available at the border on the Cambodian side.

My 2 last trips in Laos, driving a car, alone, was nice. No problems at all.

Wish you good luck !

Claude

Hi Claude driving a motorbike is not the same as taking a truck into Cambodia,also Laos is not the same as Cambodia,You state that insurance is available at the border on the Cambodian side....where? which border crossing? can you be more specific to help the op and others?

Or have you never done it?

You say many people have done it! i would like to hear from these people to help me also,where are there comments? With a Truck/car!!!

[phuketrichard]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

I took my Honda Civic many times and travelled all over the country over a 2 year period with last exit in June last year and this all applies for entry via Koh Kong but i exited thru 3 other borders on the west and northern borders of Thailand and Cambodia.

International Transport Permit ("passport" for our 4WD pickup truck) and accompanying paperwork. Do we also need to get stick-on numbers for the front and back of the car?

You dont need

International driving permit (Thai transport department swore black and blue that I didn't need one as I have a 5-year Thai - therefore ASEAN - license, but I got one anyway).

You dont need , I have a 5 year Thai license and was never asked for it anywhere in Cambodia, if your stoped you give them $5 and your off.

We'll be taking the blue book for the truck as well.

YES!! thats all you need and you must have it and show it to exit Thailand

From research I understand we can get 30-day visas on the gate (US$20 + photo). Correct?

Yes you will need to show your blue book when u leave thailand your given paper work. By law your allowed to keep your car out max 30 days but.....Then when u enter Cambodia u pay the $20 for visa . In Koh Kong, your given a red plate and they keep the paper work and your supposed to keep on yoiur dash Its only good for Koh kong province but u can go anywhere. You also will be charged 100 baht./day but they ask you how long your staying. I never said more than 3 days (once had my thai car there 7 months) not sure if the other borders make u pay ther 100 baht or not

I've also been told by my insurer that the Thai car insurance cannot be extended to Cambodia, and I was unable to find any company that will cover the car. I also understand that we will have to buy insurance on the Cambodian side. That's fine by me. I want insurance. But does anyone know how good the coverage is?

I never had insurance and never carred.

Many posts indicate that Cambodian law allows one to drive around only in the province one entered, and not further afield. Is this still the case? How rigidly is it enforced? Anyone have experience of what happens when you caught by the ops breaking this rule (if it still exists)?

Not enforced at all!! like i said above $5 handles everything. I was ONLY ever stopped in PP for making a u turn on Monivong road. If you do show your Thai license do NOT let them take it out of your hands as then they have it and it will cost you more, One cop tried to take mine in Phnom Penh but i wouldn't let him have it and gave him the $5 and he was happy

Anyone got any comments on the current state of roads on our route? Research indicates that the roads are paved all the way - but have they been maintained, or are they already full of potholes? Be useful to know whether Poiphet to Siem Reap is two hours or five.

Great roads unless ur way out in the eastern proviences. Poi pet to sr via Sispohon about 3 hours to Phnom Penh to Vietnam/Shinoukville/Koh kong, Kep, Kampot all roads are ok but some might have potholes or might have detours.

Have I missed anything vital in terms of documentation

Passport

Would be very grateful for any practical comments/suggestions.

Having your own transport makes travelling in Cambodia a joy and you will have a great time. Do be carefull driving at night more than you would in Thailand as lots of activity on the road without lights and animals sleeping on the road as well.

Please, nothing about "Oooh! You're mad! You'll wreck your car, Khmer Rouge bandits will steal everything and rape your dog and your cat, cops will demand millions for allowing you to breathe etc etc" We understand there may be some risks, but we're going anyway. And yes, the truck's fully paid for, so no need for posts about hire purchase cars not being allowed out of Thailand.

Edited February 14, 2010 by phuketrichard

[samran]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

[sas_cars]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

Samran, as you've done Malaysia trip by your car. Can you suggest if third party liablility insurance is available for a thai vehicle for Malaysian trip?

[samran]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

Samran, as you've done Malaysia trip by your car. Can you suggest if third party liablility insurance is available for a thai vehicle for Malaysian trip?

Yes, but you have to purchase it once you cross the malaysian border. You need to get that, plus the temp registration sticker. see my old thread

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Driving-Malaysia-t184695.html

[iforget]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

I took my Honda Civic many times and travelled all over the country over a 2 year period with last exit in June last year and this all applies for entry via Koh Kong but i exited thru 3 other borders on the west and northern borders of Thailand and Cambodia.

International Transport Permit ("passport" for our 4WD pickup truck) and accompanying paperwork. Do we also need to get stick-on numbers for the front and back of the car?

You dont need

International driving permit (Thai transport department swore black and blue that I didn't need one as I have a 5-year Thai - therefore ASEAN - license, but I got one anyway).

You dont need , I have a 5 year Thai license and was never asked for it anywhere in Cambodia, if your stoped you give them $5 and your off.

We'll be taking the blue book for the truck as well.

YES!! thats all you need and you must have it and show it to exit Thailand

From research I understand we can get 30-day visas on the gate (US$20 + photo). Correct?

Yes you will need to show your blue book when u leave thailand your given paper work. By law your allowed to keep your car out max 30 days but.....Then when u enter Cambodia u pay the $20 for visa . In Koh Kong, your given a red plate and they keep the paper work and your supposed to keep on yoiur dash Its only good for Koh kong province but u can go anywhere. You also will be charged 100 baht./day but they ask you how long your staying. I never said more than 3 days (once had my thai car there 7 months) not sure if the other borders make u pay ther 100 baht or not

I've also been told by my insurer that the Thai car insurance cannot be extended to Cambodia, and I was unable to find any company that will cover the car. I also understand that we will have to buy insurance on the Cambodian side. That's fine by me. I want insurance. But does anyone know how good the coverage is?

I never had insurance and never carred.

Many posts indicate that Cambodian law allows one to drive around only in the province one entered, and not further afield. Is this still the case? How rigidly is it enforced? Anyone have experience of what happens when you caught by the ops breaking this rule (if it still exists)?

Not enforced at all!! like i said above $5 handles everything. I was ONLY ever stopped in PP for making a u turn on Monivong road. If you do show your Thai license do NOT let them take it out of your hands as then they have it and it will cost you more, One cop tried to take mine in Phnom Penh but i wouldn't let him have it and gave him the $5 and he was happy

Anyone got any comments on the current state of roads on our route? Research indicates that the roads are paved all the way - but have they been maintained, or are they already full of potholes? Be useful to know whether Poiphet to Siem Reap is two hours or five.

Great roads unless ur way out in the eastern proviences. Poi pet to sr via Sispohon about 3 hours to Phnom Penh to Vietnam/Shinoukville/Koh kong, Kep, Kampot all roads are ok but some might have potholes or might have detours.

Have I missed anything vital in terms of documentation

Passport

Would be very grateful for any practical comments/suggestions.

Having your own transport makes travelling in Cambodia a joy and you will have a great time. Do be carefull driving at night more than you would in Thailand as lots of activity on the road without lights and animals sleeping on the road as well.

Please, nothing about "Oooh! You're mad! You'll wreck your car, Khmer Rouge bandits will steal everything and rape your dog and your cat, cops will demand millions for allowing you to breathe etc etc" We understand there may be some risks, but we're going anyway. And yes, the truck's fully paid for, so no need for posts about hire purchase cars not being allowed out of Thailand.

This is what I was looking for - someone who's done it recently and knows the ropes. Thanks a lot!

Thanks, too to all those who responded, even the negative ones. I'll post when I get back with full details of procedures.

Edited February 15, 2010 by iforget

[iforget]

QUOTE

"I've also been told by my insurer that the Thai car insurance cannot be extended to Cambodia, and I was unable to find any company that will cover the car. I also understand that we will have to buy insurance on the Cambodian side. That's fine by me. I want insurance. But does anyone know how good the coverage is?

Many posts indicate that Cambodian law allows one to drive around only in the province one entered, and not further afield. Is this still the case? How rigidly is it enforced? Anyone have experience of what happens when you caught by the ops breaking this rule (if it still exists)"

The only safety net you have is there is a gang of you! and are less likely to be got at by banditos somewhere out of the way,i presume this is why you want to take the truck? transport between the places you mentioned is good!

I understand your adventure and hope it all goes well. but i still would not bother taking a car into Cambodia because of the uncertainties in your quote above...but thats just my opinion

If there is a few of you making the trip it would be cheaper and safer without taking a vehicle for sure,you could just hire a driver,relax and enjoy the trip.It is bad enough coping with all the scams there than thinking about.... what? if? and why? with a vehicle?

As you stated no Thai company will insure you..(tells me everything) and i can imagine the difficulties you will have on entering and driving in Cambodia with an uninsured vehicle,remember if you think it is corrupt in Thailand times it by 10 there! do you speak Khymer?

You will get a 30 day visa on arrival.

I am sorry i have not answered your questions well,but this is because i have never done this by car and not many others have also by the looks of it? this does tell me something!

I hope it goes well and look forward to your trip report on the pros and cons of taking a vehicle inside uninsured.

Take care and good luck.

Thanks for the input. We'll be careful. Looks like four of us going in, and another 2 joining us in SR. So we won't be alone.

[iforget]

Sorry can't help with the specifics as they are today. However, I have toured around Cambodia in the past and it proved simple. Cambodians in general speak better English than most Thais (certainly in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Sihanoukville). Further, With the exception of border guards at Poi Pet I found it to be less corrupt than Thailand. Genuinely more friendly too with real smiles! Foreigners in Thailand are attacked,mugged, kicked off their bikes, bag snatched and murdered nearly on a weekly basis so what is the problem in going elsewhere in the vicinity? Take common sense and have fun. Look forward to your news.

Sounds good to me. I'm in Phuket and we have had quite a few attacks on farang in recent years, some fatal. But murders and violence happen everywhere. Remember the violent tourist carjackings in Miami a few years ago? In 11 years here I've never had a problem. Not just good luck - also using common sense to make sure you don't end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. On our way tomorrow. Man, I'm looking forward to this.

[iforget]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

Thank you. That's a BIG help.

I just want to apologize for Nio and nay others who state the obvious and wish to apear as authorities.

I my self cannot help. You appear to know more than me already. But I am seriously interested in this thread for I may do same in the near furture. I had a friend that 9 years ago travelled around on a dirt bike all over Cambodia before the roads were upgraded,. He has lots of stories to tell. I wish you best of luck and please post on return for all to read Thank You

Thanks for the good wishes. Will definitely post when I get back.

[iforget]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

Thanks. I've read elsewhere in TV that Cambo insurance is available in Poi Pet. The truck is ten years old - fine mechanically, and just serviced, but it's had a few dings and a couple more won't matter. Just don't want to get into a fight over banging into someone's motorbike and hurting/killing someone. So definitely want 3rd party insurance at least. We'll see.

[samran]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

Thanks. I've read elsewhere in TV that Cambo insurance is available in Poi Pet. The truck is ten years old - fine mechanically, and just serviced, but it's had a few dings and a couple more won't matter. Just don't want to get into a fight over banging into someone's motorbike and hurting/killing someone. So definitely want 3rd party insurance at least. We'll see.

do give us an update. There was supposed to be an initiative implemented in January to allow the purchase of insurance, but given the politics, I'm not sure it has happened yet.

http://thailandtonight.blogspot.com/2009/0...nce-scheme.html

I was given a whole range of excuses including I needed a Cambo License and I couldn't insure RHD vehicles in Cambodia

Edited February 15, 2010 by samran

[iforget]

I researched the option of doing this trip December and Phuket Richards experience will still be true as far as I could gather. Have done similar trips to Malaysia and Laos.

Insurance is impossible to get. I rang all the major cambodian insurers and they flat out refused me. Crossing at Koh Khong at least, there was no insurance available when you cross the border (unlike Laos and Malaysia where insurance and registration is available).

As long as you don't value your car too much (ie it is second hand etc) then I guess you don't want to worry to much about damage to the car, which was our case. I was more worried about third party liability, which is not available for a Thai vehicle.

Thanks. I've read elsewhere in TV that Cambo insurance is available in Poi Pet. The truck is ten years old - fine mechanically, and just serviced, but it's had a few dings and a couple more won't matter. Just don't want to get into a fight over banging into someone's motorbike and hurting/killing someone. So definitely want 3rd party insurance at least. We'll see.

do give us an update. There was supposed to be an initiative implemented in January to allow the purchase of insurance, but given the politics, I'm not sure it has happened yet.

http://thailandtonight.blogspot.com/2009/0...nce-scheme.html

I was given a whole range of insurance including I needed a Cambo License and I couldn't insure RHD vehicles in Cambodia

Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.

[MJP]

Tell that to the Australian that was killed there recently over $2 in his pocket even though he had lived there for 2 years

Cambodia, anywhere outside the main tourist areas are a crapshoot

You should already know that and it is not risk of losing a vehicle

You could be killed and no one would give a dam_n or even know where you were, while they drive off in your truck

If that is a risk you want to take, good luck

I commend this post to the house.

If you're going to drive in, take one of these.

[Ratsima]

I commend this post to the house.

If you're going to drive in, take one of these.

But will I be able to get it insured?

[MJP]

I commend this post to the house.

If you're going to drive in, take one of these.

But will I be able to get it insured?

It weighs 80 tonnes and is armour plated . . . insurance in itself.

[iforget]

I commend this post to the house.

If you're going to drive in, take one of these.

But will I be able to get it insured?

MJP: You selling? How much? You got more than one? Might get one for the missus too. Be good for persuading people to pay back the money they've borrowed from her.

[MJP]

I commend this post to the house.

If you're going to drive in, take one of these.

But will I be able to get it insured?

MJP: You selling? How much? You got more than one? Might get one for the missus too. Be good for persuading people to pay back the money they've borrowed from her.

Be great for upcountry here.

[iforget]

Well, thanks for all the input. In the end, however, it was a complete bust. On the Thai side they said, "Oh cannot". Then when they saw the paperwork, said, "oh okay, but Cambodia won't let you take the car in," and gave us a piece of paper allowing us to export the car temporarily. We then stamped ourselves out of Thailand and into Cambodia, leaving the car just on the Thai side. Found a Cambodian who knew where the Customs office was, about half a kilo down the road in Poi Pet.

In Cambodian customs they refused point blank to let us bring in the truck cos we did not have an official letter from the Minister of Tourism (yes, the Minister, not just the Ministry), requesting customs to allow the car in. A young officer was called in to translate into English for us. "This is the official way," he said. So I asked if there was an unofficial way. "Oh no! If you are caught we will be fired." They seem to take this very seriously, and despite all the hints and the wife's waiing, we couldn't get them to bite. They were sympathetic, but immovable.

They did give us photocopies of the paperwork they had received for a Chinese guy driving in from Laos in a LHD car. This consisted of his letter to the minister, a photo of his car from the rear, a copy of this passport (photo page) and the letter from the minister to customs asking them to let him in - which, apparently, they did.

Not clear, but it seems that RHD cars may be problematic. The nearest we got to understanding this was "Is your car LHD?". "No, it's RHD" "Ooh. tut tut tut." "So we can't bring a RHD car into Cambodia?" "Only if you have the letter from the minister." Hmm. Does the minister like RHD cars? Wec were unable to find out.

The good news for bikers is that they said, "In the case of motorbikes we turn a blind eyem if they don't have the minister's letter."

So, having already stamped out of Thailand and into Cambodia, I walked back into Thailand, drove the car to a long-stay car park (B100 a day), then walked back into Cambodia. As I walked back again, I was asked, "You got a visa? You got a Cambodia stamp?" "yeah, yeah." "Okay!"

So the good news is, if you're an assassin or bank robber, you can stamp out of Thailand and into Cambodia, walk back into Thailand, hop in your car, go do the job, then walk back into Cambodia, and no one will stop you. When the cops come knocking you'll be able show them your passport, proving you were in Cambodia when the politician got shot/bank got blagged.

Nifty, huh?

When I get back I'll scan and upload the docs the Cambodian customs copied for us.

[iforget]

Well, thanks for all the input. In the end, however, it was a complete bust. On the Thai side they said, "Oh cannot". Then when they saw the paperwork, said, "oh okay, but Cambodia won't let you take the car in," and gave us a piece of paper allowing us to export the car temporarily. We then stamped ourselves out of Thailand and into Cambodia, leaving the car just on the Thai side. Found a Cambodian who knew where the Customs office was, about half a kilo down the road in Poi Pet.

In Cambodian customs they refused point blank to let us bring in the truck cos we did not have an official letter from the Minister of Tourism (yes, the Minister, not just the Ministry), requesting customs to allow the car in. A young officer was called in to translate into English for us. "This is the official way," he said. So I asked if there was an unofficial way. "Oh no! If you are caught we will be fired." They seem to take this very seriously, and despite all the hints and the wife's waiing, we couldn't get them to bite. They were sympathetic, but immovable.

They did give us photocopies of the paperwork they had received for a Chinese guy driving in from Laos in a LHD car. This consisted of his letter to the minister, a photo of his car from the rear, a copy of this passport (photo page) and the letter from the minister to customs asking them to let him in - which, apparently, they did.

Not clear, but it seems that RHD cars may be problematic. The nearest we got to understanding this was "Is your car LHD?". "No, it's RHD" "Ooh. tut tut tut." "So we can't bring a RHD car into Cambodia?" "Only if you have the letter from the minister." Hmm. Does the minister like RHD cars? Wec were unable to find out.

The good news for bikers is that they said, "In the case of motorbikes we turn a blind eyem if they don't have the minister's letter."

So, having already stamped out of Thailand and into Cambodia, I walked back into Thailand, drove the car to a long-stay car park (B100 a day), then walked back into Cambodia. As I walked back again, I was asked, "You got a visa? You got a Cambodia stamp?" "yeah, yeah." "Okay!"

So the good news is, if you're an assassin or bank robber, you can stamp out of Thailand and into Cambodia, walk back into Thailand, hop in your car, go do the job, then walk back into Cambodia, and no one will stop you. When the cops come knocking you'll be able show them your passport, proving you were in Cambodia when the politician got shot/bank got blagged.

Nifty, huh?

When I get back I'll scan and upload the docs the Cambodian customs copied for us.

Completely forgot about putting up the links to the scans. Here is the paperwork. As far as I can make out, there is no form to fill on the Cambodian side. You have to write a letter to the Minister of Tourism, accompanied by a copy of your passport photo page and a pic of the rear of your car. If your application is approved, you get an official letter signed by the minister himself.

Here's the sample letter I was given:

http://gardeninsiam.files.wordpress.com/20...cam-car-app.jpg

And here's the permit from the minister

http://gardeninsiam.files.wordpress.com/20...-car-permit.jpg

I don't know how long this takes, because I can't read the scrawled Cambodian date on the permit. But the guy made the application on Feb 4 (wanting to enter the following day), and I was given the photocopies on Feb 18 - two weeks later.

Hope this helps.