I am interested in acquiring a 2nd hand Hiace flat top or Vw Caravelle to convert into a day van/surf van. Would like to take a row of seats out, install storage space, electrical outlet(for charging laptop/phone), small foldable side table. No major changes. Firstly, what are the legalities of a foreigner driving a Hiace or Vw Caravelle for private purposes( specificaly in regards to insurance)? Can anyone recommend which model would be better, probably Toyota for its vast network...Any recommendations for companies who specialise in these conversions in the Bangkok/Pattaya area? It would be great to hear from forum members experiences. Thank you.

You are allowed to drive a van except for commercial purposes (public transport/tour vehicle). Just look at the back of your Thai driving license.

However, the van should have black letter plates. Those are for personal vehicles.

Ok, thank you! Does anyone have any experience with either of these vehicles or van conversions in general?

Depends on your budget..

Most of the Toyota Mini Buses have very high KM [couple of Villages away fleet of Toyota they change every 2 years and still sell for around 1 million baht with around 700,000 KM]

VW still have high KM and a high price + most are V6 engines...

Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi more likely private owned

Citroen Evasion/C8 or the Peugout

Nissan 3.0 ZDi appear much cheaper than Toyota/VW for same year ........ all = around 250,000 baht for a 2002/3 with 100 - 150,000 KM

Cheapest of them all and most Private owned Kia Carnival [can be expensive to repair]

The Plus side with Toyota is many around, easy to get parts, 1,000"s of cheap copy parts

Edit: No idea but cheap as chips if there is such a thing here is the Benz MB100 or 140, seen many 2002-04 for less then 200,000 baht.

Pluto how much room do you need? Sleeping in van on the beach? etc. Table inside of outside the van?

I am really looking for a Hiace flat top or vw caravelle/transporter not minivans. I need to haul some surfboards on top rack and sometimes inside. Just need a dayvan really with rocker bed, some swivel captain chairs and small table(inside)....My main concerns are that 2nd hand Toyotas' are beat to death and VWs' have a very limited network for spare parts and service. Cheers.

I am really looking for a Hiace flat top or vw caravelle/transporter not minivans. I need to haul some surfboards on top rack and sometimes inside. Just need a dayvan really with rocker bed, some swivel captain chairs and small table(inside)....My main concerns are that 2nd hand Toyotas' are beat to death and VWs' have a very limited network for spare parts and service. Cheers.

and where is the surf @? Or paddle boards you mean? Sorry to go off topic. But really would like to know where you have found decent waves.

There are some good days in monsoon season on the Eastern Seaboard in Rayong Mae Ramphung area, sometimes Koh Chang White Sand beach in June/July. Then from May-November the Andaman coast and Phuket....In October you can hit Chumphon and Kanom area as well...Eastern Seaboard can get 4 ft waves on the best days and Andaman coast its more regular and can get to head high waves....Its' not Bali or Hawaaii but you can Surf in Thailand and Malaysia as well.

There are some good days in monsoon season on the Eastern Seaboard in Rayong Mae Ramphung area, sometimes Koh Chang White Sand beach in June/July. Then from May-November the Andaman coast and Phuket....In October you can hit Chumphon and Kanom area as well...Eastern Seaboard can get 4 ft waves on the best days and Andaman coast its more regular and can get to head high waves....Its' not Bali or Hawaaii but you can Surf in Thailand and Malaysia as well.

have tried some of the places you have mentioned but can be a little bit hit and miss and really need conditions going in your favour. Anyway pm me if you find anything Off the beaten track and consistent on your travels. Good luck with everything☺

There are some good days in monsoon season on the Eastern Seaboard in Rayong Mae Ramphung area, sometimes Koh Chang White Sand beach in June/July. Then from May-November the Andaman coast and Phuket....In October you can hit Chumphon and Kanom area as well...Eastern Seaboard can get 4 ft waves on the best days and Andaman coast its more regular and can get to head high waves....Its' not Bali or Hawaaii but you can Surf in Thailand and Malaysia as well.

I have surfed in Phuket now for more than 4 years. In the monsoon you can get 4 metre (12 foot) days. And yes if you know where to go you can also get barelled.

KIA PREGIO front seat in rear already swivels 04-06 no more than 100-150k unless you want to pay more .

After long and careful research, I am looking for something dependable and Kia definitely does not fit that criteria...The trusted workhorses are Toyota and Volkswagen.

Okky straps on the roof...through the windows...job done

Okky straps on the roof...through the windows...job done

Yes, I have been doing just that. However, it is nice to chill out after a session in a nice spot, or stay out of the rain and travel in a little more comfort than a cramped pick up truck. It is also sometimes more convenient to throw the boards in a van, out of sight and/or overnight.

Cheap already done ??

http://www.taladrod.com/w20/Search/CarDet40.aspx?cib=1358842

Thank you Ignis but I am looking for something from around 2004-2010..reliable workhorse.

Well I guess that leaves out my suggestion, I've seen a number of US spec conversion vans around the Bangkok area for sale, but they are older then that. There was a dealership that was pretty much specializing in them in Bangkok but the name escapes me at the mo. I guess it's academic any ways it seems.

Chevrolet g20 vans are great! Some of the issues are, limited spare parts and heavy fuel consumption(5.7 liter engine). However, in terms of comfort...second to none. If you can remember the dealership which specialises in them, please do share!

It was years ago, I'm trying to recall but looking around at the various websites might give you some luck..

Thank you all for the help. I went for a '04 Toyota Hiace.

There are some good days in monsoon season on the Eastern Seaboard in Rayong Mae Ramphung area, sometimes Koh Chang White Sand beach in June/July. Then from May-November the Andaman coast and Phuket....In October you can hit Chumphon and Kanom area as well...Eastern Seaboard can get 4 ft waves on the best days and Andaman coast its more regular and can get to head high waves....Its' not Bali or Hawaaii but you can Surf in Thailand and Malaysia as well.

I have surfed in Phuket now for more than 4 years. In the monsoon you can get 4 metre (12 foot) days. And yes if you know where to go you can also get barelled.

I've learnt something new today, didn't realise you could surf in Thailand