Renewing Road Tax In Phuket Town A Stress Free Experience!

[aroyphuket]

This week I visited the Thai government building in Phuket Town to renew the road tax for my Phantom. Previously I had given my Green Book to a local company in Chalong for a fee , who provide this service.

Feeling brave, I wanted to try this process myself, although I had some mixed emotions, am I entering the lions den? As you hear so many stories of inefficient Thai government departments, long delays and mountains of paperwork.

Actually I was pleasantly surprised, they have a help desk as you enter the building and the lady understands some English. She saw Green book in hand and immediately directed me to the right desk to renew the statutory third party insurance, then back to the help desk, she presented me with a number, took my seat and waited for my number on the overhead screen at the designated desk to process my road tax.

The whole process took 20 minutes, from entering the building to leaving with new road tax and third party insurance!

It is refreshing to know that you can have a good experience when visiting Thai government offices, although I am certain that is not always the case!

[hkt83100]

Actually, I had an experience like that many times if not most of the times. Just go to an government office politely dressed, behave like you would at home, and you will get a good service by nice people. Whenever possible, I do my own office runs, the officers tend to know me in the meantime and it has been (almost any time) a pleasant thing to do. If not - everyone can have a bad day...

[ScubaBuddha]

That is my experience as well. I often used a proxy before too, but have found for simple things like road tax it's pretty easy in that office. When I needed my book translated they even filled out the paperwork in Thai for me. The very short woman at the information desk used to be stationed just behind the doors which lead to the area behind the counter. She is the one that was helping me with the CBR which had a bent book. Her English is not bad and she always does what she can, and refuses tips. I see the staff from car dealers give her new books to process then ask how much they can pay her, but she refuses the money. I talked to her about this. She said "It's my job". Once she came out and just sat and talked to me for about 20 minutes when there was no other customers there. I even had her name and phone number (until my mobile got nicked) in case I had any problems with reg.

Edited May 8, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[LivinginKata]

Yes, the situation at the vehicle license office has steadily improved over the years. I remember the days when you had to fill in a renewal form, now you just have to hand over the book, with the insurance tear-off slip, and vehicle test cert (for older vehicles) and it's a painless experience. I was there last month and I see that there is no longer separate counters for bike and car. Now you just look at the board to see which counter will process your queue number. They work fast, I had over 40 people in front of me, yet I only waited 20 minutes. Never had a problem with counter staff over the years, indeed they are always very friendly and helpful.

[Hobc]

In Rawai opp good time bar siam real estate is a registry office down the lane 50m I take in my blue book pay 1850 bt

they get the engine no, body no, come back tomorrow takes 5 mins no Phuket town easy.

[LivinLOS]

That is my experience as well. I often used a proxy before too, but have found for simple things like road tax it's pretty easy in that office. When I needed my book translated they even filled out the paperwork in Thai for me. The very short woman at the information desk used to be stationed just behind the doors which lead to the area behind the counter. She is the one that was helping me with the CBR which had a bent book. Her English is not bad and she always does what she can, and refuses tips. I see the staff from car dealers give her new books to process then ask how much they can pay her, but she refuses the money. I talked to her about this. She said "It's my job". Once she came out and just sat and talked to me for about 20 minutes when there was no other customers there. I even had her name and phone number (until my mobile got nicked) in case I had any problems with reg.

IIRC her name is Wilai and she doesnt refuse tips if your subtle..

Took her boxes of cakes and fruits.. She is great to have on your side. If you ever need her number PM me.