One of the wife's relatives have requested we give them a loan, and have offered their car as surety in case they don't pay it back. I am not necessarily opposed to this, but it is not clear to me exactly how this works.

Generally, when my wife and I have financed a car before, the finance company keeps the blue book until the car is paid off. But does this work on a private loan? What is to prevent someone from simply heading down to the Land Transport Department and saying they lost their lem tabien and getting it reissued? Is there another registry somewhere that is checked to see if there is an outstanding lien on the vehicle?

Any advice on how to do this legally and properly is appreciated.

I'm not 100% sure but isn't a vehicle which is financed actually registered to the finance company until payment is made in full? Easiest way is to have the car registration transferred to your wife's name then back again when loan is paid off.

Change the car into your name first, then give the loan.

After the loan is repaid change the car back at a cost to the loanees(is that a word?)

As above - Oh, and no matter what tale of desperation comes your way, do not let them use the car for a bit. You will never get it back or the cash

Want a Loan " and have offered their car as surety in case they don't pay it back ".

That's worrying, tell em they have to leave the car, no worries.

Don't do it. You will never know if this lady have done this with other people before. I mean place the car as safety for loan

Don't do it. You will never know if this lady have done this with other people before. I mean place the car as safety for loan

Yes, you do, simply make sure the blue book is in your name.

Don't do it. You will never know if this lady have done this with other people before. I mean place the car as safety for loan

Yes, you do, simply make sure the blue book is in your name.

Sure, if they have the blue book. (Paid the car already)

As a principe I never loan people moeny in Thailand. It can be complicated due to "loosing face" spes among family

In Thailand there are several companies that make very quick loans against cars. usually in minutes with the book. They keep the car and make payments. Cash for cars, SCB, as well as others do it and are all over Thailand.

Why do they not go there ?

Yep, let someone else give them a loan so you're off the hook when the stories start coming in about why they can't pay.

If the ride belongs to them, not a finance company, then transfer ownership to YOU, nobody else, YOU. Make sure it has real insurance and when the loan is paid back you will transfer ownership back.

IF IF, they um and ah then you are on a looser.