Buying a car on a Tourist Visa

[misterphil]

On 30/04/2017 at 2:20 PM, howard ashoul said:

You can buy car on tourist visa.

 

But you need certificate of residence. To get this certificate you need House-book. Either from your own apartment or of owner of apartment that you are renting. Or house where you are staying. If you're staying in hotels you won't get it.

 

And every 3 months visit office for 3 minutes and tell them your current adress is "too much bullshit"? Why? 

He wont wait an hour for a residence certificate if he cant even wait 5 minutes for his 90 day reporting. 

[owenm]

Certificate of Residence cannot be obtained from BKK IO unless on a 12 mth non-o visa with 90 day reporting. Pattaya and some up country IO will issue with a TV. I'm trying to renew my DL on a METV, but BKK will not issue a RC.. I was advised to go to my Embassy.. 

[jeab1980]

4 minutes ago, owenm said:

Certificate of Residence cannot be obtained from BKK IO unless on a 12 mth non-o visa with 90 day reporting. Pattaya and some up country IO will issue with a TV. I'm trying to renew my DL on a METV, but BKK will not issue a RC.. I was advised to go to my Embassy.. 

Try a police station first

[khunPer]

5 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

An IDP is a translation document and accompanies your actual license. An IDP is not required to get a Thai License, based on your valid license from home country. 

If the officer in the local Land Transport Department say that IDP is needed, it is (period) – no matter weather it's required or not, elsewhere – rules and requirements may not be the same all over. Normally the various text states, that IDP is needed, and you get just as far as "nowhere" beginning a discussion with the officer in the Land Transport Department, so why not just bring your IDP...

Edited May 1, 2017 by khunPer

[jeab1980]

7 minutes ago, khunPer said:

If the officer in the local Land Transport Department say that IDP is needed, it is (period) – no matter weather it's required or not, elsewhere – rules and requirements may not be the same all over. Normally the various text states, that IDP is needed, and you get just as far as "nowhere" beginning a discussion with the officer in the Land Transport Department, so why not just bring your IDP...

Beacuse some dont have one not needed 

[Lokie]

5 hours ago, dentonian said:

Almost!

Under the 1948 and 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic the Thai government accepts all driving licences in English with photo ID.

Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand.

 

An IDP is only required for licences not printed in English.

It is a translation of your licence in English. (International accepted Language)

Thailand ratified it's membership in 1954.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Geneva_Conventions

 

 

We went over this last week and you are supposed to have an IDP accompany your home country valid licence under the Geneva convention, Click the AA link for UK licences, you should have an IDP for Thailand, its there in black and white, here it is again:

 

As has been stated; IDP is only valid in conjunction with your home country licence and basically just lays out your entitlement in several languages

 

Below is overview of an IDP issued in the UK by the AA, is £5.50 valid for 12 months - Thailand falls under the 1949 Geneva Convention (some countries under the 1926 conventaion)

http://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp

 

And here info on the Thai requirements for driving in Thailand (basically a Tourist/Visitor can drive on their own countries licence - with a valid IDP if their home country has an agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva convention)

 

Quote:

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence. Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

 

Link (at end gives a link to Thai Govt site but is in Thai)

https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/thailand/transport/driving-licences

 

So after three months all those who think they are ok on home country licences and IDPs are probably not insured, now may not be a prob with little bumps etc but get involved with a major accident and you could have BiG Ploblem Mister!

 

I think the consensus is, if you intend driving/riding  here just go and get a Thai licence, what for the sake of a couple of hours...

Edited April 23 by Lokie

 

 

[BTB1977]

Why get upset at immagration. Your country not have rules about people staying there?? Thailand is not any differant. Maybe you think you are special. Relax . 

[AlfUK]

1 hour ago, BTB1977 said:

Why get upset at immagration. Your country not have rules about people staying there?? Thailand is not any differant. Maybe you think you are special. Relax . 

I live in the UK and not one immigrant has to do a 90 day report here. If it was brought in there would be  mass demonstrations in the UK.......    No, I do not think I am special, just an ordinary bloke trying to understand and come to terms with the bureaucracy in Thailand. This has simply been demonstrated by the simple task of buying a car in Thailand when not resident.  Thank you for all your postings.

[killala]

I live in the UK and not one immigrant has to do a 90 day report here. If it was brought in there would be  mass demonstrations in the UK.......    No, I do not think I am special, just an ordinary bloke trying to understand and come to terms with the bureaucracy in Thailand. This has simply been demonstrated by the simple task of buying a car in Thailand when not resident.  Thank you for all your postings.

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[killala]

Wrote a reply and Christ knows where it went but all I can say Alf me lad, is that Britain is not for the British, you'll be the foreigner there these days and any demonstrations will be carried out by Poles, Romanians, Russians, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, West Indians, and dare I say it Irish, so I wouldn't get too upset about the immigration system here. Thais have never in their history, been ruled by a foreign power and as such may be a little over sensitive ( as well as a penchant for a little cash) when it comes to who can do what and if course, rules change constantly. I'm a very new resident here myself but we first came to the Thailand in 1976 as travellers and sort of been coming and going ever since. Give it a shot for 12 months and you may just change your opinion. Good luck


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[Peterw42]

.

Edited May 2, 2017 by Peterw42

[muzmurray]

20 minutes ago, killala said:

Wrote a reply and Christ knows where it went but all I can say Alf me lad, is that Britain is not for the British, you'll be the foreigner there these days and any demonstrations will be carried out by Poles, Romanians, Russians, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, West Indians, and dare I say it Irish, so I wouldn't get too upset about the immigration system here. Thais have never in their history, been ruled by a foreign power and as such may be a little over sensitive ( as well as a penchant for a little cash) when it comes to who can do what and if course, rules change constantly. I'm a very new resident here myself but we first came to the Thailand in 1976 as travellers and sort of been coming and going ever since. Give it a shot for 12 months and you may just change your opinion. Good luck


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"After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies, its capital burned, and the territory split. Despite its complete defeat and occupation by Burma, "

 

And many other occasions too.

 

The never conquered/colonized thing is missing a few words - "by a European nation"

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Thailand

[AlfUK]

40 minutes ago, killala said:

Wrote a reply and Christ knows where it went but all I can say Alf me lad, is that Britain is not for the British, you'll be the foreigner there these days and any demonstrations will be carried out by Poles, Romanians, Russians, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, West Indians, and dare I say it Irish, so I wouldn't get too upset about the immigration system here. Thais have never in their history, been ruled by a foreign power and as such may be a little over sensitive ( as well as a penchant for a little cash) when it comes to who can do what and if course, rules change constantly. I'm a very new resident here myself but we first came to the Thailand in 1976 as travellers and sort of been coming and going ever since. Give it a shot for 12 months and you may just change your opinion. Good luck


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This is a good reply and yes you are correct as an Englishman living in the UK I do feel somewhat like a foreigner.   That is perhaps why I am looking for somewhere to retire other than the UK.  Foreigners in the UK do not have to report to the immigration every 90 days in fact not at all.   The only people who have to report to the police in the UK on a regular basis are convicted criminals and people on bail waiting trial.   Although we have somewhat got away from the thread of buying a car in Thailand on a tourist visa, I do feel akin to a convicted criminal having to report every 90 days.   Has any retiree in Thailand tried to change the rules? I do believe in 'people power'. 

[dentonian]

10 hours ago, Lokie said:

We went over this last week and you are supposed to have an IDP accompany your home country valid licence under the Geneva convention, Click the AA link for UK licences, you should have an IDP for Thailand, its there in black and white, here it is again:

 

As has been stated; IDP is only valid in conjunction with your home country licence and basically just lays out your entitlement in several languages

 

Below is overview of an IDP issued in the UK by the AA, is £5.50 valid for 12 months - Thailand falls under the 1949 Geneva Convention (some countries under the 1926 conventaion)

http://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp

 

I never trust commercial websites for information. Where possible I try to find the source.

 

UK licences or those written in English are legally acceptable licences in Thailand under the Geneva convention.

Note that before 29 March 2011 the Article demanded Contracting Parties to recognise as valid for driving in their territories:

• any domestic driver's licence drawn up in their national language or in one of their national languages, or, if not drawn up in such a language, accompanied by a certified translation;
• any domestic driver's licence conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to the Convention; and
• any International Driver Permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to the Convention.

Let me approach this from a different angle;

What are the recognised languages of Thailand..............Thai and English.

Why are Thai ID cards drawn up in Thai and English?

Why are Thai Driving Licences drawn up in Thai and English?

Why does Immigration accept my documents in English.

Why can I use my Thai licence to hire a car in the UK without an IDP.

 

An IDP is a translation of a home Countries licence into English (amongst others).

Only Countries under the agreement who's licences are not in English require an IDP.

 

Insurance is a different issue. Some Insurance companies may only cover you on an acceptable licence or IDP, as in the case of Tourists. For those staying longer than 3 months I would strongly recommend you obtain a Thai DL.

 

[Hereinthailand]

The geneva convention is not thailands father.

[dentonian]

21 minutes ago, AlfUK said:

This is a good reply and yes you are correct as an Englishman living in the UK I do feel somewhat like a foreigner.   That is perhaps why I am looking for somewhere to retire other than the UK.  Foreigners in the UK do not have to report to the immigration every 90 days in fact not at all.   The only people who have to report to the police in the UK on a regular basis are convicted criminals and people on bail waiting trial.   Although we have somewhat got away from the thread of buying a car in Thailand on a tourist visa, I do feel akin to a convicted criminal having to report every 90 days.   Has any retiree in Thailand tried to change the rules? I do believe in 'people power'. 

You feel like a foreigner in the UK, but want to retire to a foreign Country.

Alf, I've got news for you mate, there full of foreigners!    

 

As a UK national you can enter Thailand without a Visa.

As a Thai you cannot enter the UK without a Visa.

 

As a UK national you can meet the Immigration requirement to stay in  Thailand for around 2,000 baht per year.

As a Thai national you pay thousands of £ to meet  Immigrations requirements to stay in the UK. Not to mention the requirement to learn English to a certain standard.

 

Thailand doesn't suit everybody, and everybody doesn't suit Thailand.

You may want to rethink. I believe Scotland and Ireland are nice this time of the year.

[killala]

Wikipedia is written up by the average Joe and not too much of it makes for reliable reading but in this instance I stand corrected.


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[Lokie]

2 hours ago, dentonian said:

I never trust commercial websites for information. Where possible I try to find the source.

 

UK licences or those written in English are legally acceptable licences in Thailand under the Geneva convention.

Note that before 29 March 2011 the Article demanded Contracting Parties to recognise as valid for driving in their territories:

• any domestic driver's licence drawn up in their national language or in one of their national languages, or, if not drawn up in such a language, accompanied by a certified translation;
• any domestic driver's licence conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to the Convention; and
• any International Driver Permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to the Convention.

Let me approach this from a different angle;

What are the recognised languages of Thailand..............Thai and English.

Why are Thai ID cards drawn up in Thai and English?

Why are Thai Driving Licences drawn up in Thai and English?

Why does Immigration accept my documents in English.

Why can I use my Thai licence to hire a car in the UK without an IDP.

 

An IDP is a translation of a home Countries licence into English (amongst others).

Only Countries under the agreement who's licences are not in English require an IDP.

 

Insurance is a different issue. Some Insurance companies may only cover you on an acceptable licence or IDP, as in the case of Tourists. For those staying longer than 3 months I would strongly recommend you obtain a Thai DL.

 

I took the trouble last week to get the source (in this context for UK only way of acquiring a IDP is via the AA/ Crown Post Office) so I would imagine that the AAs website is the place to go for UK licence holders, it clearly states that Thailand under the 1949 Convention requires an IDP along with your UK licence.

 

The other link was the one mentioning that after three months most Insurance companies not covering unless on a thai licence (time factor)

 

When I was issued with both my Car and motorcycle licences at Phuket DLT in January they had a fleeting glance at my UK photo licence, it was the IDP they wanted and checked - that was my experience.

 

I agree with most of your post, but my experience tells me that at least in Phuket they were more interested in seeing an IDP as well as my UK licence... (I was out in just over an hour with both car & bike licence) maybe if I did not have an IDP they may have made me watch the Video? who knows, and I also know people who have got their licence without an IDP but hey is Thailand, for UK holders the UK Govt says you need an IDP to be legal (Thailand blows with the wind) I would rather be belts and braces especially in this country.

 

For the OP he wants to buy a vehicle, so I think we all agree he should be looking at getting a Thai licence to cover all bases in the long run and for £5.50 at a post office and 5 mins, just get an IDP is my advice 

[dentonian]

1 minute ago, Lokie said:

I took the trouble last week to get the source (in this context for UK only way of acquiring a IDP is via the AA/ Crown Post Office) so I would imagine that the AAs website is the place to go for UK licence holders, it clearly states that Thailand under the 1949 Convention requires an IDP along with your UK licence.

 

The other link was the one mentioning that after three months most Insurance companies not covering unless on a thai licence (time factor)

 

When I was issued with both my Car and motorcycle licences at Phuket DLT in January they had a fleeting glance at my UK photo licence, it was the IDP they wanted and checked - that was my experience.

 

I agree with most of your post, but my experience tells me that at least in Phuket they were more interested in seeing an IDP as well as my UK licence... (I was out in just over an hour with both car & bike licence) maybe if I did not have an IDP they may have made me watch the Video? who knows, and I also know people who have got their licence without an IDP but hey is Thailand, for UK holders the UK Govt says you need an IDP to be legal (Thailand blows with the wind) I would rather be belts and braces especially in this country.

 

For the OP he wants to buy a vehicle, so I think we all agree he should be looking at getting a Thai licence to cover all bases in the long run and for £5.50 at a post office and 5 mins, just get an IDP is my advice 

The AA covers Europe, so not surprising they recommend an IDP to cover all European licences and offer the IDP for a fee.

Better to be safe than sorry when advertising products.

 

From my own experience and that of many others, a UK licence alone was sufficient to obtain a Thai DL.

I have also used my Thai DL to hire a car in the UK without any requests for an IDP.

 

I can completely understand a DLT office especially in areas of high foreign visitors, or residents, feeling the need to see an IDP so it covers any eventuality of legally acceptable licences regardless of what Country the licence was issued in.

However that does not change the fact a UK photo licence should be perfectly acceptable to obtain a Thai DL with an IDP.

 

As long as you do your research and know the law, you sometimes have to stand your ground in Thailand with certain government departments when certain customer staff appear to be ignorant of even their own laws.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've been told 'no hab' or 'no can do', only to find they 'hab' or 'can do' but I accept TIT.

[jeab1980]

This has gone way off topic. Buying a car on a tourist visa. Simple answer yes you can. How the hell it got onto IDP's is beyond me. Never had one ever drove and hired cars in multiple countries on my UK licence got a thai licence on my UK licence. OP yes you can buy a car on TV.

Edited May 2, 2017 by jeab1980

[Peterw42]

5 minutes ago, dentonian said:

The AA covers Europe, so not surprising they recommend an IDP to cover all European licences and offer the IDP for a fee.

Better to be safe than sorry when advertising products.

 

From my own experience and that of many others, a UK licence alone was sufficient to obtain a Thai DL.

I have also used my Thai DL to hire a car in the UK without any requests for an IDP.

 

I can completely understand a DLT office especially in areas of high foreign visitors, or residents, feeling the need to see an IDP so it covers any eventuality of legally acceptable licences regardless of what Country the licence was issued in.

However that does not change the fact a UK photo licence should be perfectly acceptable to obtain a Thai DL with an IDP.

 

As long as you do your research and know the law, you sometimes have to stand your ground in Thailand with certain government departments when certain customer staff appear to be ignorant of even their own laws.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've been told 'no hab' or 'no can do', only to find they 'hab' or 'can do' but I accept TIT.

Thailand Motor Vehicle Act – B.E. 2522

Section 42-2
In case there’s a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver’s license, an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license issued by such a foreign government,

 

http://driving-in-thailand.com/type-of-driving-licence-required/

 

Edited May 2, 2017 by Peterw42

[dentonian]

24 minutes ago, jeab1980 said:

This has gone way off topic. Buying a car on a tourist visa. Simple answer yes you can. How the hell it got onto IDP's is beyond me. Never had one ever drove and hired cars in multiple countries on my UK licence got a thai licence on my UK licence. OP yes you can buy a car on TV.

The OP hasn't asked if he legally drive here on a UK licence after buying a car, so although the thread went somewhat off topic, the information was relevant and may have helped the OP.

Now time for a cuppa! 

[jeab1980]

1 hour ago, dentonian said:

The OP hasn't asked if he legally drive here on a UK licence after buying a car, so although the thread went somewhat off topic, the information was relevant and may have helped the OP.

Now time for a cuppa! 

Confused the op more to the point. 

[Lancashirelad]

Lokie said:

 

Quote

 

you are supposed to have an IDP accompany your home country valid licence under the Geneva convention, Click the AA link for UK licences, you should have an IDP for Thailand, its there in black and white, here it is again:

 

As has been stated; IDP is only valid in conjunction with your home country licence and basically just lays out your entitlement in several languages

 

Below is overview of an IDP issued in the UK by the AA, is £5.50 valid for 12 months - Thailand falls under the 1949 Geneva Convention (some countries under the 1926 conventaion)

http://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp

 

The AA site is wrong. They have a commercial interest in selling IDP's.

 

 

Quote

 

Link (at end gives a link to Thai Govt site but is in Thai)

https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/thailand/transport/driving-licences

 

This very link you have provided says quite clearly:

 

To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai.

 

I agree that after 90 days the option to drive on a foreign licence expires even if an IDP valid for 12 months is held.

Many wrongly think the IDP is a licence to drive.

 

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence. Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

 

There is no such thing as an International Driving Licence.

 

I think there may be some confusion by the writer of that article. I consider this is referring to taking say, a British registered vehicle abroad. After 90 days most fully comp insurance policies revert to 3rd party.

 

This topic has been discussed many times before, the conclusion is:

<90 days You can drive on a foreign licence providing it is in English and carries a photo. No IDP needed by law. However, some BIB do no not know this, therefore it may smooth your passage, if stopped, if you can produce an IDP.

 

Edited May 2, 2017 by Lancashirelad
typos

[stevenl]

On 5/1/2017 at 6:40 PM, jeab1980 said:

Well have used 4 so far all accept UK driving licence

So you have so far 4x applied for a Thai license based on a UK license.

[jeab1980]

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

So you have so far 4x applied for a Thai license based on a UK license.

First time 1 year licence as it was then. I let it lapse for a few years. Went to renew they wouldnt had to start from scratch so number two licence on uk driving license. Brother came over to live here we got his and his wifes 2 yr first licence on UK driving licences only.  Also i know for a fact of at least a dozen more expats known to me who got there thai lucences on UK driving licence only.

[Godang]

On 30/04/2017 at 5:39 PM, AlfUK said:

Thank you for the info.  Having to remember to visit the immigration every 90 days and driving perhaps 2 hours to get there seems BS to me.  I would be staying in a hotel so no chance of buying a car. 

You can do 90 day report online.

[edgarfriendly]

i just got my thai licence and it has an address on the back that isnt mine... (another province)

 

can i buy/insure with that or will it need to be amended to my current address?

 

also, what are the requirements for a thai national to buy/insure a car ?  (with no licence)

 

tia!!

[jeab1980]

Licence is not required for a thai or an up body else for that matter to buy a car. Insurance wise not once in many years of buying insurance have i ever been asked to produce my driving licence to them. Had 3 claims on insurance and still not once have i produced my licence. All a thai needs is an ID card and copy of user and house book.

Address on licence is nothing mine was wrong for 4 years never a problem.

Edited November 20, 2017 by jeab1980

[edgarfriendly]

does it matter what province the housebook is in?

 

sorry, what is copy of user?