Foreign registered motorcycles likely to be banned from entering Thailand soon

blackwolf

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Honda Sonic 125cc, 4 wheels, about to buy a 250cc dirt bike
According to the Land Transport Department's (LTD) plans to introduce strict curbs on foreign registered vehicles driving to Thailand, all vehicles registered in countries with which Thailand does NOT share an agreement on cross border traffic rights will be subject to new rules for entering.

The LTD initially suggested that cars and pickup trucks weighing up to 3500kg and motorcycles will be allowed entry but under the currently proposed rules, only cars and pickups will be allowed entry.

So no motorcycles or motorhomes, starting very soon.

See this article for more details:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business...ts-face-strict-curbs-on-driving-into-thailand

The new rules will apply to Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese and Vietnamese registrations, basically all foreign countries with which Thailand does not share an agreement on traffic rights. They will NOT apply to Lao, Singaporean and Malaysian registrations as those countries already have pacts with Thailand. Additionally, Cambodian and Burmese vehicles travelling locally in the border regions will also be exempted.

The basic rules will require 10 days advance notice through Thai based tour operators prior to entry.

A request to bring in a foreign registered vehicle must include the details of the vehicle's registration, driver's passport, driver's licence useable in Thailand (this will likely exclude Chinese driver's licences since China did not sign the 1949 UN convention on international motor traffic), 500 Baht entry fee plus another 500 Baht for a special plate that must be displayed at all times while the vehicle is driving in Thailand. Traffic orientation at the nearest LTD office will also be required.

Additional new rules announced in the Thai media:

Vehicles travelling in convoys of 3? or more will require a guide and police escort (similar to Myanmar, Vietnam and China and even Malaysia for large numbers of vehicles)

Travel will only be permitted in the border province entered, except if a guide accompanies the vehicle.

Another possible rule that has been announced by the Bangkok traffic police (not confirmed if or when it will go into force though):

No foreign registered vehicles will be allowed to be driven inside Bangkok to alleviate heavy congestion and reduce traffic accidents - if found a 10000 Baht fine applies and the vehicle must be towed out of the country.

So all you guys driving motorcycles from countries with which Thailand doesn't have a pact (such as Vietnam, China, Europe etc.) looks almost certain that very soon (if not already, although I think the law hasn't entered into force yet) you'll be blocked from entering Thailand.
 
Could be a major problem for guys who keep the bikes in Cambodia toavoid Thai registration rules
 
Could be a major problem for guys who keep the bikes in Cambodia toavoid Thai registration rules

Yes, I'm wondering what will happen to those guys although it won't affect many. The new rules will exempt Cambodian and Burmese vehicles which travel locally (well Burmese vehicles have never been able to drive outside of the border town entered anyway, such as Mae Sot or Mae Sai) and for Cambodians this usually means the border province entered - so for example Trat. However, unlike for Burmese vehicles, up until now the Thai police and military usually turned a blind eye to Cambodian plates driving past their checkpoints, therefore they were often in effect able to drive around the country. It's a similar story for Thai vehicles driving in Cambodia - in spite of the rules some Thai vehicles would drive to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville etc. despite being instructed by customs not to leave the border province entered.

For Cambodian cars it's clear - can enter as normal but only remain in the border province - I wonder if Cambodian motorcycles will be blocked completely altogether even from the border regions having said that in the many years I've travelled overland between Thailand and Cambodia, motorcycles crossing the border are very rare. I have seen big bikes (Thai and Malaysian plated) crossing into Cambodia at Koh Kong, but even in Hat Lek or the Rong Kluea market, Cambodian motorcycles are never really seen due to concerns about theft. I saw one Cambodian plated small bike in Hat Lek near the border once, but it probably belonged to some official or security guard who crosses regularly and doesn't travel further inside Thailand. Never once saw a big bike from Cambodia in Thailand so these new rules will make very little impact at all - even though this is a motorcycle forum I'd like to point out the obvious that it's only if cars are being prevented from entering that an impact may be felt.

As we all should be aware, most pacts rarely take into consideration motorcycles. Apparently Laos does not allow it's motorcycles to leave the country officially, yet Thai motorcycles, at least anything bigger than 110cc and certainly 250cc and up can enter Laos at most checkpoints except some of the bridges. Motorcycles are also not allowed to cross the Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge except big bikes going on a tour with advance permission, permits and guide(s).
 
Yes, I'm wondering what will happen to those guys although it won't affect many. The new rules will exempt Cambodian and Burmese vehicles which travel locally (well Burmese vehicles have never been able to drive outside of the border town entered anyway, such as Mae Sot or Mae Sai) and for Cambodians this usually means the border province entered - so for example Trat. However, unlike for Burmese vehicles, up until now the Thai police and military usually turned a blind eye to Cambodian plates driving past their checkpoints, therefore they were often in effect able to drive around the country. It's a similar story for Thai vehicles driving in Cambodia - in spite of the rules some Thai vehicles would drive to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville etc. despite being instructed by customs not to leave the border province entered.

For Cambodian cars it's clear - can enter as normal but only remain in the border province - I wonder if Cambodian motorcycles will be blocked completely altogether even from the border regions having said that in the many years I've travelled overland between Thailand and Cambodia, motorcycles crossing the border are very rare. I have seen big bikes (Thai and Malaysian plated) crossing into Cambodia at Koh Kong, but even in Hat Lek or the Rong Kluea market, Cambodian motorcycles are never really seen due to concerns about theft. I saw one Cambodian plated small bike in Hat Lek near the border once, but it probably belonged to some official or security guard who crosses regularly and doesn't travel further inside Thailand. Never once saw a big bike from Cambodia in Thailand so these new rules will make very little impact at all - even though this is a motorcycle forum I'd like to point out the obvious that it's only if cars are being prevented from entering that an impact may be felt.

As we all should be aware, most pacts rarely take into consideration motorcycles. Apparently Laos does not allow it's motorcycles to leave the country officially, yet Thai motorcycles, at least anything bigger than 110cc and certainly 250cc and up can enter Laos at most checkpoints except some of the bridges. Motorcycles are also not allowed to cross the Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge except big bikes going on a tour with advance permission, permits and guide(s).

The new rules will *EDIT* go into effect by the end of June as the regulations have now been published in the Royal Gazette as of April 28, so presumably June 27 since they take effect 60 days after being announced. However, a poster over on Thaivisa claims that already Chinese vehicles aren't coming into Thailand anymore, he thinks they may have been banned until June?

Also, it appears that motorcycles will be banned after all as the final regulations posted in the Royal Gazette mentions only cars and pickup trucks.
 
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Blackwolf, thanks for the updates.

I've really enjoyed touring around Nth Thailand on my Cambodian registered street bike. Have ridden over for a few weeks at a time the last two dry seasons.
Such a tour requires passing through several provinces.
If this new law limits me to one province, then its no use to me.
The 1200 baht fee is fair enough, but I hope they think it through a bit more and come up with something for multiple provinces over a one month stay.

Ideally, Cambodia (and Vietnam) will sign up to the same agreement that Laos and Malaysia etc have. No way China would sign up and I get the impression their drivers are the main problem ?
 
Blackwolf, thanks for the updates.

I've really enjoyed touring around Nth Thailand on my Cambodian registered street bike. Have ridden over for a few weeks at a time the last two dry seasons.
Such a tour requires passing through several provinces.
If this new law limits me to one province, then its no use to me.
The 1200 baht fee is fair enough, but I hope they think it through a bit more and come up with something for multiple provinces over a one month stay.

Ideally, Cambodia (and Vietnam) will sign up to the same agreement that Laos and Malaysia etc have. No way China would sign up and I get the impression their drivers are the main problem ?

Yes, the whole back and forth on motorcycles entering has been a bit confusing to say the least, but the latest rules seem to be quite clear. You would not be subject to a fee if you just enter and remain in the border province though - it supposedly only applies to vehicles registered in 3rd countries with which Thailand does not share an agreement or if a vehicle registered in Cambodia or Myanmar wishes to travel beyond the border province (assuming that will be allowed at all).

Cambodia will likely sign up to an agreement with Thailand eventually and Vietnam is a possibility too since they have already managed to sign up to an agreement covering trucks.

Yep, Chinese drivers are the main problem and you got that right - China would never sign up to something like this. Even if they did, they wouldn't follow it in practice. Case in point is the GMS CBTA agreement that the 6 Mekong countries signed, including China's Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. Fast forward more than 10 years and it's meaningless, because neither China, Vietnam nor Myanmar follow the agreement they signed.

The law has already been submitted for Thai cabinet approval so they won't change it anymore, only travel within the border province entered will be allowed, which, although it was never enforced was always the rule for Cambodian vehicles entering Thailand and vice versa. Although that hasn't stopped you from driving to northern Thailand nor did it stop me from driving my Thai registered car to Siem Reap last year and to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh last week. Hope to see more Cambodian plates in Thailand and vice versa, but I suspect it's the Cambodians who are dragging their feet on this issue. Perhaps this new law will be a way of pushing the issue forward.

I've heard a rumour that suggests Myanmar is negotiating something with Thailand as we speak; Cambodia can't be too far off either.
 
Phil
Did you discuss the option of touring multiple provinces ?
Getting the bike in is one thing, but not much use if limited to one province which seems to be the legislation going by Blackwolf's posts.
 
Phil
Did you discuss the option of touring multiple provinces ?
Getting the bike in is one thing, but not much use if limited to one province which seems to be the legislation going by Blackwolf's posts.

No we didn't discuss that.
 
Ive spoken to some of the motorcycle rental companies in Chiang Mai, none of them are aware of any law change regarding tourists renting motorcycles. Looks like it just effects border crossing with foreign vehicle.


I want to get a copy of the new Thai Law regarding this:



Bangkok Post article below:


Foreign tourists will be banned from driving motorcycles and motor homes into Thailand as part of measures to control an influx of foreign vehicles onto Thai roads, particularly in the North.


Only vehicles with a total of nine seats and pickup trucks with a maximum load of 3,500kg will be allowed to travel in Thailand.
The vehicles present problems in terms of frequent accidents and ecological harm, said Land Transport Department chief Sanit Phromwong on Monday, adding the ban is meant to enforce order and allow only some types of vehicles to travel in certain areas for particular periods of time.
The order will also prohibit people who have not made prior agreements on car usage abroad from driving cars into Thailand from China, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam, according to transport officials.
Many Chinese tourists like to drive their cars into Thailand but that will not happen in the future, Sanit said.
Only vehicles with a total of nine seats and pickup trucks with a maximum weight of 3,500kg will be allowed to travel in Thailand.Motorists also need to seek permission and have their vehicles checked by authorities, he said. Read More.
 
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So all you guys driving motorcycles from countries with which Thailand doesn't have a pact (such as Vietnam, China, Europe etc.) looks almost certain that very soon (if not already, although I think the law hasn't entered into force yet) you'll be blocked from entering Thailand.



Had a long chat with Thai Customs about this yesterday. The new law, they tell me takes effect on the "27th", currently not sure if thats May 2016 or June 2016 but will check. From Blackwolf's comments, looks like 27th June 2016 it takes effect.


We are a Thai licensed/ bonded travel company, with inbound & outbound tour licenses, and hopefully will be able to help foreign motorcycles obtain the permit that is needed in advance to bring a foreign motorcycle into Thailand. (www.MotoAsia.bike)
 
I've been taking my 450cc Cambodian bike into Thailand every year for the last 7 years. Always from Koh Kong then up to north Thailand. About every second year will take the bike into Laos through the Nan border crossing. I have never had an accident or broken any traffic laws in Thailand. Have had work done on my bike a few times in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Spend 2-3 months in Thailand every time I go. Spend at least 150,000 baht and more each month I'm there. And now that country wants to ban me and my bike from touring there. WTF?!? The new Junta Government sucks and is doing it's country and citizens more harm than good. Is it arrogance or ignorance? I can only shake my head and wonder. What a shame.
 
The new law is issued by the Thai Dept. of Transport and will be enforced by Thai Customs at the Thai international border crossings. Dept. of Tourism, Thailand/ TAT know nothing about them being able to issue the permits in advance for foreign motorcycles entering Thailand, right now it looks like an agency associated with the Thailand Dept. of Transport will be responsible for issuing the permits in advance, not a Thai tour company. No-one knows right now this is just a guess.

I've been taking my 450cc Cambodian bike into Thailand every year for the last 7 years. Always from Koh Kong then up to north Thailand. About every second year will take the bike into Laos through the Nan border crossing. I have never had an accident or broken any traffic laws in Thailand. Have had work done on my bike a few times in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Spend 2-3 months in Thailand every time I go. Spend at least 150,000 baht and more each month I'm there. And now that country wants to ban me and my bike from touring there. WTF?!? The new Junta Government sucks and is doing it's country and citizens more harm than good. Is it arrogance or ignorance? I can only shake my head and wonder. What a shame.
 
Hello all. Nice discussion. Long time not logging in at this forum..

What about motorcycle with Indonesian plate liesence? As long as I know I always went to Thailand with motorbike but with Malaysian registered plate. But I'm Indonesian. So far just buy the insurance, white card , tm2 /3. And made export term document Ind customs

But next January I've plan to bring my CB500X Indonesian registered plate to Thai, Laos, Cambodia,

Carnet? Yes I have, but as long as I know entering Thailand even we are using Indonesian plate is no problem no using carnet, carnet just for malaysia Laos and Cambodia.

But after this regulation, there is a big effect for Indonesian rider with carnet who will entering Thailand or not? I'm little bit confuse,

Because as long as I know Indonesian vehicle plate entering Thailand is last year. No carnet needed, just buy insurance, white card, and export term document. Same like I'm using Malaysian bike as usual
 
As far as I am aware you don't need a Carnet for Laos or Cambodia....using one may make it the normal practice therefore ruining it for others

Wayne
 
Had a long chat with Thai Customs about this yesterday. The new law, they tell me takes effect on the "27th", currently not sure if thats May 2016 or June 2016 but will check. From Blackwolf's comments, looks like 27th June 2016 it takes effect.


We are a Thai licensed/ bonded travel company, with inbound & outbound tour licenses, and hopefully will be able to help foreign motorcycles obtain the permit that is needed in advance to bring a foreign motorcycle into Thailand. (www.MotoAsia.bike)

Correct, the law takes effect on June 27th. This has been confirmed by numerous news sources including on Thaivisa.com.
 
I've been taking my 450cc Cambodian bike into Thailand every year for the last 7 years. Always from Koh Kong then up to north Thailand. About every second year will take the bike into Laos through the Nan border crossing. I have never had an accident or broken any traffic laws in Thailand. Have had work done on my bike a few times in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Spend 2-3 months in Thailand every time I go. Spend at least 150,000 baht and more each month I'm there. And now that country wants to ban me and my bike from touring there. WTF?!? The new Junta Government sucks and is doing it's country and citizens more harm than good. Is it arrogance or ignorance? I can only shake my head and wonder. What a shame.

I have to disagree. Driving into Thailand has always been a free for all, meanwhile taking a Thai vehicle to some neighboring countries is rather difficult. Bringing in some order makes sense to me, as many foreign vehicles brought in have caused accidents, maybe not you but Chinese drivers certainly have.

If anything it's Cambodia's fault that Thailand will ban their vehicles from driving outside the border province entered, because it has refused to sign up to a bilateral cross border agreement. Cambodia currently makes it almost impossible to bring a private vehicle from Thailand/other countries across some border crossings such as Aranyaprathet/Poipet and Ban Laem/Daung. Yet Cambodian vehicles have been allowed to enter Thailand at Aran? Doesn't seem fair to me. One would think a more powerful country like Thailand would have the upper hand on this kind of issue, but up until now, Cambodian vehicles have had the advantage. Not anymore, and for good reason if you ask me.

Maybe this new law will force Hun Sen to sign an agreement with Thailand. In any case, you will continue to be allowed free entrance via Koh Kong/Hat Lek, just that you won't be allowed to drive beyond the Trat provincial boundary without special permission.
 
Oh thanks . so specific this rules just from Vietnam, China, and Burma vehicles?

Not exactly. Burmese vehicles have never been allowed beyond the border area and this new law won't change anything for them. They will continue to be allowed in on one day trips within a 10-15km radius from the border, except at Mae Sai where vehicles may be permitted to spend up to one week on the Thai side, but again, not outside the border area. For the first time ever, there will be an opportunity for Burmese vehicles to drive outside of the border area, but they will require advance permission, which is similar to the system Thai vehicles require if seeking to travel outside of the border areas of Myanmar.

These new rules will affect vehicles from ALL countries with which Thailand does NOT share an agreement and that includes Indonesian vehicles. If you can get access to a Malaysian registered bike, you will continue to be allowed to enter Thailand without seeking advance permission.
 
A Thai Customs Officer has tried all this week to find out the procedure for applying and obtaining the new permits for foreign motorcycles entering Thailand & according to him there has been no procedure made yet.

Below is his email that he sent back to me:


Thai customs dont know by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
 
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