Moving Out Of Thailand

[overherebc]

Only a question brought on after a conversation over a few scoops.

Mr A decides to leave Thailand and go to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, whatever, or god forbid, back to UK.

Can you take/export your car with you ?

[IrishIvan]

Would that depend on the laws of your country of destination?

[overherebc]

The question came up about it over a few beers and I/we were not aware of anyone who has done it so posted just in case there is someone who has.

As far as I know UK will let you bring your car into UK if it is tax paid in country of purchase and has been owned by you for one year in that country. Officially you cannot sell the car for two years after import. (10 years ago, maybe now changed)

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam , I have no idea but would like to find out purely for info.

[cycloneJ]

Right hand drive car into Cambodia . . .

RH cars banned I thought in Cambodia 2001 or 2002

Unsure what laws apply for Laos.

[Jay Sata]

One problem you may face bringing a Thai car to the UK is lack of mandatory standard items such catalytic converters on the exhaust system. As a result it would not pass the emission section as part of the annual vehicle test.

Thai vehicles do not have airbags as standard and many have no heaters or heated screens.

By fitting items needed to pass the test you would be modifying the vehicle which presents huge problems in trying to insure it. A decade ago there was a glut of Japanese second hand cars being imported to the UK but that was stopped by stricter regulations regarding construction and use.

The other problem you'd face is the value of UK vehicles being substantially lower than their Thai counterparts. You would be better off selling the vehicle in Thailand and using the money to buy a much newer and better car in the UK for less money.

Edited February 23, 2013 by Jay Sata

[Hedghog]

Jay Data.

Nicely put.

All good reasons not to take a car back to the Uk.

[bobrussell]

Thai cars don't have heaters!

[Jay Sata]

My advice to anyone moving to Thailand is assume any money or assets you bring in will never go out.

In short be prepared to write off all assets you bring to the Land of Smiles.

Another tip is never bring more than you can afford to lose and as a rule of thumb never bring in more that 20% of

your wealth.

If you need a reminder of your status then just check the visa in your passport.