Permission To Buy A Car Or Motorbike

[Shan]

I heard recently that someone was refused by immigration in Chiang Mai the form needed by a non Thai to buy a car or motorbike in Thailand. As far as I can remember with a non immigrant O with mutiple entires there was no problem. This guy told me that he was informed that the law (or rules) had changed some 2 weeks ago and that only with a retirement visa or a permanent residence you would qualify to obtain this permission.

Has anyone heard of this. Is this true, as sometimes people only tell half the story or mix things up.

I would highly appreciate some solid information about this subject. Also, if true are there other legally correct options for someone that only has a non immigrant o visa?

Edited August 7, 2006 by Shan

[lopburi3]

Immigration wants a 90 day address report on file I believe - first extension of stay should be considered an address report. If you do not qualify you may be able to obtain from your Embassy to serve the same purpose.

[Shan]

This guy I spoke to just arrived here from Bangkok. I live at the same address - can proof that with my rental contract - from september 2002.

I never had problems before and bought and sold one motorbike and recently (2 months ago) bougth a new one. No question was asked.

Edited August 7, 2006 by Shan

[geoffphuket]

Immigration wants a 90 day address report on file I believe - first extension of stay should be considered an address report. If you do not qualify you may be able to obtain from your Embassy to serve the same purpose.

shan

My experience here in Phuket, was that immigration would issue an 'address confirmation slip' without a 90 day report on file. That was last year. I think it unlikely the situation has changed.

The shop where the motorbike is being bought from then only need this and a copy of the buyers passport. The visa has to be a non'B', 'O' or retiremant OA.

Hope this helps

[thedi]

I was refused a letter of recommendation for a Thai driving licence in Nong Khai immigration last year. I was on a non immigrant O visa, multiple entry. They told me, i would have to extend my permission of stay, not leave the country and come back as I do (because i still work in Switzerland).

I was treated very friendly, like always whenever I visited Nong Khai immigration. They told me this rule has always been that way: driving licences are only for people who _live_ in Thailand.

I guess this goes for owning motor bikes or cars too.

[geoffphuket]

I was refused a letter of recommendation for a Thai driving licence in Nong Khai immigration last year. I was on a non immigrant O visa, multiple entry. They told me, i would have to extend my permission of stay, not leave the country and come back as I do (because i still work in Switzerland).

I was treated very friendly, like always whenever I visited Nong Khai immigration. They told me this rule has always been that way: driving licences are only for people who _live_ in Thailand.

I guess this goes for owning motor bikes or cars too.

Sorry thedi but all your information is simply wrong!

A non immigrant visa of any type gives you the right to hold a Thai driving licence and purchase a car/motorbike from the date of your arrival.

[PeaceBlondie]

In the past ten days in Chiang Mai, they have a sign posted right on the counter (of the building to the left of the entrance drive) that says a non-immigrant visa is needed to get certificate of residence. I went in with only a passport and one-year visa, to buy a car, and they told us we had to get a contract signed by our landlady. The sign may say you have to have a one-year visa. We weren't there previously, so don't know if it's a new policy.

They nearly refused a polite European lady to even get a certificate to SELL a motorbike on a tourist visa.