Temp. Importing a Foriegn Reg. Mbike into Thailand

[KTMphil]

5 hours of meetings with Thai Customs and Thai Land Transport Permit Division, this is what we now Know.

1. Motorcycles (except Singapore, Malaysia & Laos), camper vans & vehicles over 3,500 KG all fall under the special circumstances provision in the new law

2. 30 days in advance permit application is needed by a Thai tour company with inbound and outbound tour licenses. They did hint in special circumstances can be done quicker

3. Permits will match valid Thai immigration visa or be maximum 30 days. It cannot be extended, it sounds like, you will need to exit Thailand, get another permit and re-enter with a new permit if wanting the 60 days in total maximum allowable in 1 calendar year. They indicated that there must be a good reason to get the 2nd 30 day permit.

4. You need a letter from your Embassy or Foreign Affairs office stating your reasons for entering Thailand & if exiting through a different international border crossing, explaining why. See a letter below that has qualified for this. An endorsed letter by the Embassy will qualify too.



embassy letter crop by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


5. If you overstay the permit 1,000 Baht a day fine, maximum 10,000 Baht, same as before with Thai Customs and is payable at the border on exit. Tour company that issued you the permit will be in serious trouble and may lose license. They indicated that a Thai tour guide isnt compulsory, but the tour company is taking immense risk with the sponsored foreigner unsupervised.

6. Full itinerary of hotels and provinces needed


7. Airport in or out need permit

8. The new law says inspection/ MOT certificate needed. Many new bikes dont have them, they said not needed for motorcycles

 

[Snakeboy]

Thanks very much for the updates and clarifications KTMPhil.
Now it seems we have a relative complete picture of how the new rules are going to be enforced.

So its clear now that the new rules are very similar if not more strict than the rules in China and Myanmar - and that both itinerary and accomodation, letter with authorisation from embassy/consulate and MOT too are mandatory. Extremely strict rules! And very far from a certain other person assumptions on this forum.

Well - this news makes my personal choice very easy. Im in Australia with my european bike and had the choice of riding it home through Asia and spend 3-4 months in Thailand on the way with my bike - or the other option was to ship the bike to South-America and continue my trip there - which Im gonna do now. I rather spend my money in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina etc than feed the military dictatorship banana republic of Thailand.

Other countries open up - Thailand moves in the total opposite direction. Its a shame and a pity - Thailand and thai people are in general nice and a good, relaxed and its s cheap place to stay.

But as Bob Marley sings - when one door closes - another one opens....

 

[blackwolf]

Thanks very much for the updates and clarifications KTMPhil.
Now it seems we have a relative complete picture of how the new rules are going to be enforced.

So its clear now that the new rules are very similar if not more strict than the rules in China and Myanmar - and that both itinerary and accomodation, letter with authorisation from embassy/consulate and MOT too are mandatory. Extremely strict rules! And very far from a certain other person assumptions on this forum.

Well - this news makes my personal choice very easy. Im in Australia with my european bike and had the choice of riding it home through Asia and spend 3-4 months in Thailand on the way with my bike - or the other option was to ship the bike to South-America and continue my trip there - which Im gonna do now. I rather spend my money in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina etc than feed the military dictatorship banana republic of Thailand.

Other countries open up - Thailand moves in the total opposite direction. Its a shame and a pity - Thailand and thai people are in general nice and a good, relaxed and its s cheap place to stay.

But as Bob Marley sings - when one door closes - another one opens....

"Thailand is more strict than the rules in China and Myanmar"? LOL not even close.

China requires a HUGE deposit (some say 50,000 Yuan or around 270,000 Baht) for each vehicle entering (this may be taken care of by the travel agency but you are ultimately paying for this hence why China tours cost in the vicinity of US$10000 for a car at least - not sure about motorcycles). A tour guide is compulsory, 3 months advance notice, and strict adherence to your itinerary is required. If you don't follow your itinerary to the letter, your vehicle could be seized. Here is a blog of an actual group who drove through China, detailing some of the requirements : http://www.goannatracks.com/Home/China__Overland_from_Laos_and_Traveling_China_and_Tibet.html

Myanmar requires 1 month advance notice, strict adherence to the itinerary (entry/exit points must be specified), a travel agent guide AND Myanmar Tourism and Transport liaison officer to accompany the tourist at all times. No travel permitted to restricted areas, unless a permit is applied for in advance.

Thailand has indeed started clamping down, but I don't know any countries which have "opened up" recently. Neither Cambodia, China, Myanmar etc. have made it any easier to transit their countries in the past year or two. Cambodia still randomly refuses entry at all its border crossings except Koh Kong and O'Smach.

The embassy letter in Thailand's case does seem a bit strict though - but is it really required in every case KTMPhil? According to the guy on the Facebook page, Michel, the itinerary doesn't have to be that exact - an idea of provinces visited not necessarily a need to pre-book hotels (see also Lone Riders post from July 12). Especially if no guide needs to be present, then there is also no way of enforcing where the tourist stays.

Everyone says something different - I too would like to know the correct answers, as a friend of mine from Vietnam plans to drive through Thailand to join me on a tour to Myanmar. Not for a while yet, but I'd like to have all the answers come next year when this trip goes ahead.

 

[bill]

Phil

Regarding DLT requirements for the letter from one's Embassy
Do they need it to be from the Embassy, ie typed on the Embassies letterhead, or can I type the letter myself and just get the Embassy to witness my signature and notarize it ?

 

[KTMphil]

Phil

Regarding DLT requirements for the letter from one's Embassy
Do they need it to be from the Embassy, ie typed on the Embassies letterhead, or can I type the letter myself and just get the Embassy to witness my signature and notarize it ?

No your letter endorsed by them will qualify.

 

[KTMphil]

The embassy letter in Thailand's case does seem a bit strict though - but is it really required in every case KTMPhil?

A letter endorsed in some format by your Embassy is needed for every permit currently.

 

[blackwolf]

A letter endorsed in some format by your Embassy is needed for every permit currently.

OK, thanks for clearing that up.

Now does it matter where the embassy is located? Could a traveler/overlander from say, Australia choose to get this letter certified at the Australian embassy in Singapore to use for entry to Thailand? Or does it have to be the traveler's embassy/consulate located in Thailand?

 

[Lone Rider]

This is what Lawrence (the guy who was one of the first to apply for and get a permit under the new rules) wrote after getting additional information from the travel agency he used:

If you may need an exceptional handling of your case (motorhome, motorbike, >3.5 ton, or timing problem), you need to additionally supply a legalized letter which states what you are aiming for when and what. This letter must be legalized / stamped at your country's representation (embassy or consulate), and can then be scanned/photographed and sent per email to the agency. Without this letter, the permit process can not succeed.

As you have to start the process for applying for the permit outside of Thailand it would seem that it has to be any of your country representation outside Thailand as basically the embassy needs to legalize that it was you who signed the request (at least that is what I understand what the Embassy is asked to legalize).

 

[Snakeboy]

"Thailand is more strict than the rules in China and Myanmar"? LOL not even close.

China requires a HUGE deposit (some say 50,000 Yuan or around 270,000 Baht) for each vehicle entering (this may be taken care of by the travel agency but you are ultimately paying for this hence why China tours cost in the vicinity of US$10000 for a car at least - not sure about motorcycles). A tour guide is compulsory, 3 months advance notice, and strict adherence to your itinerary is required. If you don't follow your itinerary to the letter, your vehicle could be seized. Here is a blog of an actual group who drove through China, detailing some of the requirements : http://www.goannatracks.com/Home/China__Overland_from_Laos_and_Traveling_China_and_Tibet.html

Myanmar requires 1 month advance notice, strict adherence to the itinerary (entry/exit points must be specified), a travel agent guide AND Myanmar Tourism and Transport liaison officer to accompany the tourist at all times. No travel permitted to restricted areas, unless a permit is applied for in advance.

Thailand has indeed started clamping down, but I don't know any countries which have "opened up" recently. Neither Cambodia, China, Myanmar etc. have made it any easier to transit their countries in the past year or two. Cambodia still randomly refuses entry at all its border crossings except Koh Kong and O'Smach.

The embassy letter in Thailand's case does seem a bit strict though - but is it really required in every case KTMPhil? According to the guy on the Facebook page, Michel, the itinerary doesn't have to be that exact - an idea of provinces visited not necessarily a need to pre-book hotels (see also Lone Riders post from July 12). Especially if no guide needs to be present, then there is also no way of enforcing where the tourist stays.

Everyone says something different - I too would like to know the correct answers, as a friend of mine from Vietnam plans to drive through Thailand to join me on a tour to Myanmar. Not for a while yet, but I'd like to have all the answers come next year when this trip goes ahead.

Have you ever been riding in or through China?
I rode through China in 2014 and no deposit for any vehicle was required. So what you say is NONSENCE! And although costly - not even near the amount you are raving about.
Itinerary and guides very quite loose. Guides we usually saw in the morning at the hotel, and in the evening at the next hotel. I actually wanted the guides to follow us up much more than they did. Hard to order dinner in a restaurant when nobody speaks the same language. The whole group I rode with got at one stage totally lost - no guides were even near but local police were extremely helpful and friendly and escorted us "back on track".

Myanmar has opend up. 3-4 years ago it wasnt possible to cross that country with a foreign vehicle - nowadays it is.

Kazakhstan has opened up visa and most countries get a 15 days visa free stay.

Philippines has increased their visa free or is it visa on arrival stay for most citizens from 21 to 30 days. Extensions easy!

Many such examples. Thailand has made it harder both visa-wise and now these nazi rules for foreign vehicles. I read news lately that they raid condos in Pattaya to search for people whi have overstayed their visas. The generals in Thailand are obviously quite paranoid. And it wont be better in the near future either.

Hasta la vista Thailand

Ill be back

 

[Lone Rider]

Here are the 2016 costs for China self drive cars and/or motorbike which is published on the website of Hidden China.net. Costs per vehicle in USD for 2016:

​

 

[Snakeboy]

Here are the 2016 costs for China self drive cars and/or motorbike which is published on the website of Hidden China.net. Costs per vehicle in USD for 2016:

View attachment 47202​

Thanks Lonerider. Prices very far from what other persons ravings.... Quite obvious that he hasnt hot a clue about this.

 

[KTMphil]

You are wrong, a huge bond is left at the border by the tour company in China. 10 bikes and a support vehicle will be around USD$ 30,000 deposit/ bond.

Have you ever been riding in or through China?
I rode through China in 2014 and no deposit for any vehicle was required. So what you say is NONSENCE! And although costly - not even near the amount you are raving about.
Itinerary and guides very quite loose. Guides we usually saw in the morning at the hotel, and in the evening at the next hotel. I actually wanted the guides to follow us up much more than they did. Hard to order dinner in a restaurant when nobody speaks the same language. The whole group I rode with got at one stage totally lost - no guides were even near but local police were extremely helpful and friendly and escorted us "back on track".

Myanmar has opend up. 3-4 years ago it wasnt possible to cross that country with a foreign vehicle - nowadays it is.

Kazakhstan has opened up visa and most countries get a 15 days visa free stay.

Philippines has increased their visa free or is it visa on arrival stay for most citizens from 21 to 30 days. Extensions easy!

Many such examples. Thailand has made it harder both visa-wise and now these nazi rules for foreign vehicles. I read news lately that they raid condos in Pattaya to search for people whi have overstayed their visas. The generals in Thailand are obviously quite paranoid. And it wont be better in the near future either.

Hasta la vista Thailand

Ill be back

 

[KTMphil]

OK, thanks for clearing that up.

Now does it matter where the embassy is located? Could a traveler/overlander from say, Australia choose to get this letter certified at the Australian embassy in Singapore to use for entry to Thailand? Or does it have to be the traveler's embassy/consulate located in Thailand?

The Embassy must match your passport that endorses or issues the letter. It can be in any country.

 

[Snakeboy]

You are wrong, a huge bond is left at the border by the tour company in China. 10 bikes and a support vehicle will be around USD$ 30,000 deposit/ bond.

By the tour company maybe - but not by each single rider as someone in here claims....

 

[KTMphil]

By the tour company maybe - but not by each single rider as someone in here claims....

Yes, Chinese tour company puts up the bond. I think they can do with security pledge against assets, houses etc....

 

[KTMphil]

For foreign registered motorcycles still in their own country (you don't have an Embassy in your own country), headed for Thailand, get the Foreign Affairs Office to issue or endorse your written letter of intent, regarding your reasoning and travel ITIN. in Thailand. Thai DLT permit department are currently saying all motorcycles need it to qualify for permit issuance.

 

[Lone Rider]

You are wrong, a huge bond is left at the border by the tour company in China. 10 bikes and a support vehicle will be around USD$ 30,000 deposit/ bond.

The 30,000 USD deposit/bond for 10 bikes and a support vehicle corresponds to a certain extent with the deposit/bond requirement by Hidden China Tour - Every vehicle will be charged a deposit of USD 2000 which will be returned after exiting China if no problems occurred. which would be a deposit of 22,000 USD for the same number of bikes and a support vehicle to be refunded after leaving China.

 

[blackwolf]

By the tour company maybe - but not by each single rider as someone in here claims....

That's semantics really. You didn't read what I wrote. I stated that a deposit is required that the tour company handles BUT each car or motorcycle must pay a separate bond. As was mentioned by Lone Rider, the deposit (or bond) is additional to the tour cost. Hence why I quoted a US$10,000 figure for the whole tour, which is what NAVO China was quoting when I made an enquiry some time ago. This includes all costs except accommodation. The guide is already US$150 a day, which is more than what many of us make in a day working normal jobs back in the west!

For all the bickering about the new Thai rules, there is no such rule in effect here nor any indication of a plan to implement one.

China doesn't even recognize a carnet hence why they still need a deposit even though the carnet should take care of that. I find China's arrogance in making things this complicated unbelievable, yet you don't seem to find a problem with this, only with Thailand's much simpler rules. Hmm...

 

[Snakeboy]

That's semantics really. You didn't read what I wrote. I stated that a deposit is required that the tour company handles BUT each car or motorcycle must pay a separate bond. As was mentioned by Lone Rider, the deposit (or bond) is additional to the tour cost. Hence why I quoted a US$10,000 figure for the whole tour, which is what NAVO China was quoting when I made an enquiry some time ago. This includes all costs except accommodation. The guide is already US$150 a day, which is more than what many of us make in a day working normal jobs back in the west!

For all the bickering about the new Thai rules, there is no such rule in effect here nor any indication of a plan to implement one.

China doesn't even recognize a carnet hence why they still need a deposit even though the carnet should take care of that. I find China's arrogance in making things this complicated unbelievable, yet you don't seem to find a problem with this, only with Thailand's much simpler rules. Hmm...

Monopoly money kept for a few weeks doesnt bother anyone much. And again - I have travelled through China - and your RAVINGS about the costs there arent even near. Its obvious that you havent travelled a milimeter in that country yourself. China are communistic and paranoid - but Thailand are becoming exactly the same if not even worse.

I suggest that we keep this thread about what is and what is should be about - namely the new and extremely thighten up rules for foreign vehicles in Thailand - making it very very hard to travel through the country and totally impossible to travel freely around and not for more than max 30 days. A huge leap in the wrong direction - not only for overland travellers but for Thailand itself.
Its a sad day for overlanders and for people who would like to experience Thailand on their own and on their own vehicle. But theres ways around it, one can buy or rent a bike in the country and in that way still travel relatively freely around and even in other neighbour countries - to a certain extend at least. Im sure travellers will do more of that in future.

 

[KTMphil]

Yes, Chinese tour company puts up the bond. I think they can do with security pledge against assets, houses etc....

These are the Chinese Government required bond guarantees per vehicle, for a Chinese tour company bringing foreign vehicles into China for a tour In Chinese RMB/ Yuan:


Yunan by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[blackwolf]

Monopoly money kept for a few weeks doesnt bother anyone much. And again - I have travelled through China - and your RAVINGS about the costs there arent even near. Its obvious that you havent travelled a milimeter in that country yourself. China are communistic and paranoid - but Thailand are becoming exactly the same if not even worse.

I suggest that we keep this thread about what is and what is should be about - namely the new and extremely thighten up rules for foreign vehicles in Thailand - making it very very hard to travel through the country and totally impossible to travel freely around and not for more than max 30 days. A huge leap in the wrong direction - not only for overland travellers but for Thailand itself.
Its a sad day for overlanders and for people who would like to experience Thailand on their own and on their own vehicle. But theres ways around it, one can buy or rent a bike in the country and in that way still travel relatively freely around and even in other neighbour countries - to a certain extend at least. Im sure travellers will do more of that in future.

The only one ranting and raving is you. Just for the record, I lived in China for 3 years. I've explored much of the southern part of that beautiful country, but in a locally registered car (I hold a Chinese driver's licence). Indeed China is paranoid and also expensive for a tour, which is why I brought it up because for all your whining about the new Thai rules, you keep on dismissing the difficulties of crossing into China with your own vehicle. There is no doubt that China is the strictest country in the world when it comes to touring by yourself. They even require you to go on a tour if you are bringing in a solar powered tuk-tuk! I know this because I met some people who did just that last year and they needed a guide with them on their journey from Laos to Mongolia through China.

Phil and Lone Rider have both been kind enough to provide an up-to-date price list about how much it costs to drive to China. From the price list, if you go on a 30 day tour with one vehicle (the price difference between a motorcycle and car is negligible) you're looking at US$4500/4400 + (30 * 150) = US$9000/US$8900 for car/motorcycle respectively (close enough to the US$10,000 I referred to) and that's before the deposit, which I correctly stated as being 50,000 Yuan for cars (confirmed by Phil) and 20,000 for motorcycles. "Monopoly money" this is not. The need to deposit such a substantial amount of money (and as Phil has mentioned at other borders it can be as high as the value of the vehicle) is a huge deterrent. I don't know many people who would be willing to part with such a large amount of money to drive around a country and then having to worry about a deposit that someone is holding onto they might not easily return to you. Unless they make it easier to tour China in the future, no way I would ever drive a foreign vehicle there - too expensive, too complicated. On the other hand, I would drive a foreign vehicle to Thailand and to Myanmar because both are way cheaper.

I also read on an overlander's blog (the link is on the Goanna Tracks website I linked in one of my earlier replies) a story about how 2 overlanders who didn't follow their itinerary but decided to drive somewhere they weren't supposed to having their vehicles seized by the authorities. The travel agency responsible was also temporarily barred from organizing self-drive tours (apparently they had been allowed to travel without a guide).

Back to Thailand though - as an overlander mentioning China, Myanmar and other neighboring countries is very relevant. Unless Thailand is your final destination, you're going to need to know how to continue to other countries. You may be upset about these new rules, but I think most travelers will be able to adjust to them in time.

 

[KTMphil]

As of 22nd July, 2016, six permits have been issued for foreign motorcycles to enter Thailand. Nationalities are Swiss, Australia & four riders from India who got their permits in a mad panic.



Some are saying the new law doesnt mention anything about this intent letter endorsement to enter Thailand. The new law relates to motor vehicles only. It doesnt cover foreign motorcycles. Motorcycles fall under the special exception clause and are considered on a case by case basis, that's why they can ask for this endorsed intent letter/ document.


We are currently trying to get a permit for a customer with a 10,000 KG truck, permit limit is 3,500 kg, again this will fall under the special circumstances provision & considered on a case by case basis.


image5 [426437] by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

U.K Foreign Office are now saying that if you get your "letter of intent in Thailand" notarized by a public notary or signed, sealed and dated by a licensed solicitor IN THE UK, they will then legalize the letter for you. There is an online form from the UK Foreign Office that has to be completed before you send the notarized letter to be legalized by the Foreign Office Legalization Department.

You can Call the UK Legalization Department on +66 37 0000 22 44. They open 12.00 lunchtime UK time.

 

[KTMphil]

This is the kind of letter of intent content, once legalized by your Consulate/ Foreign Office, should qualify for the permit application


j1e by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


j2e by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


This has been notarized by a public notary as per the Foreign Office wishes

j3e by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[Lone Rider]

Well, according to the Bangkok Post the new rules start to bite the local economy with the Post indicating that traffic into Chiangmai Province has dropped to 10 cars a day from 600 cars a day with the decline in arrivals costing Chiangmai some 1 million Baht a day and may result in the loss of 3-5000 workers in the tourist industry within the next 3 months.

Chinese tourists drive from the border crossing in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai province toward Chiang Mai province on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai highway. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)

Source of the info: Driving-in-tourist-numbers-plummet-after-ban

 

[KTMphil]

I havn't seen a blue plated Yunnan car since the 27th June 2016 law implementation.

 

[blackwolf]

Well, according to the Bangkok Post the new rules start to bite the local economy with the Post indicating that traffic into Chiangmai Province has dropped to 10 cars a day from 600 cars a day with the decline in arrivals costing Chiangmai some 1 million Baht a day and may result in the loss of 3-5000 workers in the tourist industry within the next 3 months.

Chinese tourists drive from the border crossing in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai province toward Chiang Mai province on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai highway. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)

Source of the info: Driving-in-tourist-numbers-plummet-after-ban

I've spoken with some of these caravan operators recently. What they are basically calling for is either a relaxation of the 30 day advance notice requirement to leave the border province entered (perhaps only 10 days) and/or be allowed to drive outside the border province entered and leave through a different crossing without requiring separate permission. Otherwise they seem happy with the new requirements because it forces foreign cars to go through a tour operator, whereas before they were able to do tours independently.

 

[Lone Rider]

I've spoken with some of these caravan operators recently. What they are basically calling for is either a relaxation of the 30 day advance notice requirement to leave the border province entered (perhaps only 10 days) and/or be allowed to drive outside the border province entered and leave through a different crossing without requiring separate permission. Otherwise they seem happy with the new requirements because it forces foreign cars to go through a tour operator, whereas before they were able to do tours independently.

Yes, that is also what today's Nation newspaper indicates:

This is a different story to the situation last year when many Chinese tourists visited our country by car," Pakaimass said. "Now the tourist industry in Chiang Khong, which relies heavily on Chinese tourists, has already been affected and some businesses have already closed down."

Chiang Rai Tourism Authority of Thailand director Lertchai Wangtrakuldee said Chinese tourists who wanted to travel to Thailand by car must follow the Transport Ministry regulations, which were very complicated and expensive. Lertchai said Chinese drivers had to undergo a driving test which took an entire day, buy car insurance and they could not drive in other provinces.

"From what I have asked the tourism business owners that arrange road tours from China, I found that tourists still want to travel to Thailand by their own car. But after the Transport Ministry regulations came into effect, they felt that it is too costly and complicated to travel more than 1,000 kilometres and they can only travel in Chiang Rai," he said. "We are trying to solve this problem by suggesting the affected tourism business owners send a petition to the relevant agencies asking them to loosen the regulations, and if the tourists are allowed to travel beyond Chiang Rai, the high number of Chinese tourists will resume."

Full article here: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Chinese-vehicle-entries-into-Thailand-cease-30291396.html

 

[blackwolf]

Thanks for that link, Lone Rider. It's interesting how different news agencies all print completely different things. The Bangkok Post is reporting 10 vehicles a day, the Nation claims none have come in the past month. One of the caravan tour operators I spoke to stated that she was under the impression that only one month after the implementation of the new rules (so basically now) would there be Chinese/other foreign registrations allowed to leave the border province entered. She made the assumption that permission could only be sought starting June 27th, but in actual fact a tour operator who requested the 30 day advance permission back in May (assuming all the relevant agencies were talking with each other) could have already arrived in late June.

Thai newspapers have been reporting this story within days of the new rules, seems that the English language media is merely catching up now.

One of the main reasons to have these rules in place is to regulate the flow of visitor vehicles, so naturally what Mr. Lertchai is suggesting that "if the tourists are allowed to travel beyond Chiang Rai, the high number of Chinese tourists will resume" is exactly what the authorities and many local residents want to avoid. In other words, they don't mind Chinese tourists, but they don't want large numbers of Chinese cars. Small, limited numbers are fine. Out of control numbers, no. Of course, even if there were a loosening of the 30 day and border province restriction rules, the mere fact one needs to apply for advance permission to enter will undoubtedly depress numbers, that's the whole point.

 

[KTMphil]

There is a revision coming to the Thailand foreign vehicle temporary import law on 15th August, 2016. Also they have no decided currently (I think this will change), no foreign vehicles over 3,500kg will be allowed temporary import into Thailand for tourist purposes. We just tried to get a permit for a guy with a 10,000 kg truck and the said no:


truck no by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Pillions do not need to be documented in the permit process unless they intend to drive the motorcycle, 2 drivers per motorcycle can be recorded on the permit.


pillions by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[blackwolf]

There is a revision coming to the Thailand foreign vehicle temporary import law on 15th August, 2016. Also they have no decided currently (I think this will change), no foreign vehicles over 3,500kg will be allowed temporary import into Thailand for tourist purposes. We just tried to get a permit for a guy with a 10,000 kg truck and the said no:


truck no by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

Do you have any other details of this revision or is this the main change?

 

[KTMphil]

Do you have any other details of this revision or is this the main change?

I think the revision is coming 15th August, 2016.

 

[blackwolf]

I think the revision is coming 15th August, 2016.

What I meant was, is this the only proposed change (i.e. no permits for vehicles weighing above 3500kg) or are there others you have heard? The only news I have read recently was about a tourism official who is urging the authorities to build facilities for campervans and motorhomes as soon as possible in order to allow tourists to bring in these vehicle types in the future.

 

[KTMphil]

What I meant was, is this the only proposed change (i.e. no permits for vehicles weighing above 3500kg) or are there others you have heard? The only news I have read recently was about a tourism official who is urging the authorities to build facilities for campervans and motorhomes as soon as possible in order to allow tourists to bring in these vehicle types in the future.

They have not elaborated on the extent of changes in the law. Right now they have admitted that no insurance company has a policy to underwrite the 1 million Baht collision and injury insurance, which is needed to qualify for permit issuance.

 

[blackwolf]

They have not elaborated on the extent of changes in the law. Right now they have admitted that no insurance company has a policy to underwrite the 1 million Baht collision and injury insurance, which is needed to qualify for permit issuance.

I see. This is probably one of the main issues that needs ironing out. Incidentally, speaking to a Chiang Rai tour operator, her main gripe was that they were basically not being issued with permits for Chinese vehicles to travel outside the border province and/or she didn't know how to process them. Based on what she said, I could imagine the authorities will streamline the rules to make it simpler to apply for permits. That's my hunch but I'm sure once you have more information you will post it here.

 

[KTMphil]

Lawrence has re-written the summary of what is needed to qualify for the motorcycle entry permit into Thailand:


Overlanding Thailand with foreign registered vehicle Regulation as per 27th june 2016[IMPORTANT NOTICE : The regulation is scheduled to be revised on 15th of august 2016. The content of this document does not reflect it. It will be updated as soon as the new regulation is published]

1. Context As per 27th of june 2016, the Department of Land Transportation of Thailand (DLT) require all travellers expecting to transit Thailand for tourism purposes with their own vehicle to apply for a special permit. This permit can only be processed through a licensed travel agency based in Thailand.This permit is mandatory for all type of motor vehicles.The regulation document and various infos can be found here :http://tta.customs.go.th[Note : Their summary PDF on their website is older than then one I was provided. You may find the newer one on the same page you found this document : « Department of Land Transport_EN.pdf »]


2. The permit

The permit consists of an official paper document you will have to hand to the border authorities andkeep it with you all along your stay in Thailand until exit.The permit comes together with a 3rd party insurance, which must cover at least 1’000’000 Baht 3rd party damage.


3. Agencies

Aran Sisophon Travel

Contact person:Mrs. Thip +66 (0) 8100 1335325 Suwannasorn rd, Aranyaprathet , Sakaew27120Their price from 1st August 2016 are (referenceonly) [S : Single entry ; D : Double entry] :- Motorcycle : S : 6’000 Baht, D : 9’000 Baht- Car or camper under 3.5 ton : S : 7’000 Baht,D : 10’000 BahtTel:+66 37 232 383 -4Mobile: +66 8130 21709Khun Ratree SangrungreungLicense No. 11 /03962Website : www.tour-ast.comaransisophon@hotmail.comInsurance fee can vary tho, affecting the final priceof the set.Exceptional cases can affect price listed above.These prices are for reference only. Your pricecould slightly differ given your specific case.


Phil Gibbins

Email : motoasia.permits@gmail.comBased in Chiang Mai. Speaks english and thai. He has the rideasia.net website and organizes motorcycle tours in SE Asia.


4. How to apply

In order to apply, do check you have got following documents and scans/photographs:• Passport of the driver(s) (scan)• Home vehicle registration licence (scan)• International driving permit(s) (scan)• Home vehicle insurance, if provided (scan)• A plan of your route which provinces you aim to visit for example. There is no need to be too →detailed• Photo of your vehicle, showing front number plate• Not mandatory : the Carnet de Passage (ICP). Very useful for the travel agency and DLT. This document has your vehicle references written in english, so it is easyier for everyone to find which number refers to what.


5. Exceptional case


Exceptional case handling is raised if :• the category of your vehicle do not fit their regulation (e.g. camper trucks – above 3.5 tons)• Time urgency• Enter and exit borders aren’t the same (transit case)If your situation requires to raise an exceptional case, there is an important document you will have to hand on top of the list: A legalized letter stating your situation and what you are aiming for in Thailand.This is how it works :✔ 1° Write a one page letter adressed to The Director-general of Thailand Department of Land Transport. Explain who you are, your current situation, vehicle, what you are aiming for in Thailand, a basic route, and so on. And what your exceptional case is (timing for permit too short, multiple entry, entry and exit border are different, vehicle above 3.5 ton, and so on –Please refer to the summary of regulation edited by the DLT).✔ 2° Bring a printed copy to your nearest embassy or consulate, with your passport and some cash in order to have them legalize it. A legalization is simply them to confirm through their stamp that you are the one who wrote the letter. They are not required to agree with the content or whatever.✔ 3° Scan / photograph the legalized letter and email it to your travel agency.Be aware that this is the annoying part of the permit process, so I really advise you to avoid getting last minute. You may have to reroute in order to get to your nearest embassy / consulate. Check prior with them if they do such, and watch out about their opening hours.

 

[KTMphil]

A Thai insurance underwriter has stepped up and offered the 1 million Baht Liability coverage for property and injury, for foreign motorcycles entering Thailand, which is needed to qualify for the entry permit. The first two bikes that entered after the new law has the 1 million Baht insurance waived (just poroboh insurance for entry into Thailand). Premium for 1 month is 2,150 Bht. You do still need to have the "Poroboh" compulsory insurance which is strange as its duplicates (Poroboh compulsory insurance is a lesser underwritten sum though) the 1 million Baht liability insurance.

With all the insurance now available, the permits can be done at last.


poroboh done1 by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

This guy was finally granted a Thailand entry permit being over the 3,500 KG legal limit.

As of 22nd July, 2016, six permits have been issued for foreign motorcycles to enter Thailand. Nationalities are Swiss, Australia & four riders from India who got their permits in a mad panic.



Some are saying the new law doesnt mention anything about this intent letter endorsement to enter Thailand. The new law relates to motor vehicles only. It doesnt cover foreign motorcycles. Motorcycles fall under the special exception clause and are considered on a case by case basis, that's why they can ask for this endorsed intent letter/ document.


We are currently trying to get a permit for a customer with a 10,000 KG truck, permit limit is 3,500 kg, again this will fall under the special circumstances provision & considered on a case by case basis.


image5 [426437] by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

The latest version of the explaination of the Thailand permit process by Lawrence:


Overlanding Thailand with foreignregistered vehicleRegulation as per 27th june 2016[IMPORTANT NOTICE : The regulation is scheduled to be revised on 15th of august 2016. Thecontent of this document does not reflect it. It will be updated as soon as the new regulation ispublished]1. ContextAs per 27th of june 2016, the Department of Land Transportation of Thailand (DLT) require alltravellers expecting to transit Thailand for tourism purposes with their own vehicle to apply for a specialpermit. This permit can only be processed through a licensed travel agency based in Thailand.This permit is mandatory for all type of motor vehicles.The regulation document and various infos can be found here :http://tta.customs.go.th[Note : Their summary PDF on their website is older than then one I was provided. You may find thenewer one on the same page you found this document : « Department of Land Transport_EN.pdf »]2. The permitThe permit consists of an official paper document you will have to hand to the border authorities andkeep it with you all along your stay in Thailand until exit.The permit comes together with a 3rd party insurance, which must cover at least 1’000’000 Baht 3rdparty damage.3. AgenciesAran Sisophon TravelContact person:Mrs. Thip +66 (0) 8100 1335325 Suwannasorn rd, Aranyaprathet , Sakaew27120Their price from 1st August 2016 are (referenceonly) [S : Single entry ; D : Double entry] :- Motorcycle : S : 6’000 Baht, D : 9’000 Baht- Car or camper under 3.5 ton : S : 7’000 Baht,D : 10’000 BahtTel:+66 37 232 383 -4Mobile: +66 8130 21709Khun Ratree SangrungreungLicense No. 11 /03962Website : www.tour-ast.comaransisophon@hotmail.comInsurance fee can vary tho, affecting the final priceof the set.Exceptional cases can affect price listed above.These prices are for reference only. Your pricecould slightly differ given your specific case.Phil GibbinsEmail : motoasia.permits@gmail.comBased in Chiang Mai. Speaks english and thai. Heruns the rideasia.net website and organizesmotorcycle tours in SE Asia.4. How to applyIn order to apply, do check you have got following documents and scans/photographs:• Passport of the driver(s) (scan)• Home vehicle registration licence (scan)• International driving permit(s) (scan)• Home vehicle insurance, if provided (scan)• A plan of your route which provinces you aim to visit for example. There is no need to be too →detailed• Photo of your vehicle, showing front number plate• Not mandatory : the Carnet de Passage (ICP). Very useful for the travel agency and DLT. Thisdocument has your vehicle references written in english, so it is easyier for everyone to findwhich number refers to what.5. Exceptional caseExceptional case handling is raised if :• the category of your vehicle do not fit their regulation (e.g. camper trucks – above 3.5 tons)• Time urgency• Enter and exit borders aren’t the same (transit case)If your situation requires to raise an exceptional case, there is an important document you will have tohand on top of the list: A legalized letter stating your situation and what you are aiming for inThailand.This is how it works :✔ 1° Write a one page letter adressed to The Director-general of Thailand Department of LandTransport. Explain who you are, your current situation, vehicle, what you are aiming for inThailand, a basic route, and so on. And what your exceptional case is (timing for permit tooshort, multiple entry, entry and exit border are different, vehicle above 3.5 ton, and so on –Please refer to the summary of regulation edited by the DLT).✔ 2° Bring a printed copy to your nearest embassy or consulate, with your passport and some cashin order to have them legalize it. A legalization is simply them to confirm through their stampthat you are the one who wrote the letter. They are not required to agree with the content orwhatever.✔ 3° Scan / photograph the legalized letter and email it to your travel agency.Be aware that this is the annoying part of the permit process, so I really advise you to avoid getting lastminute. You may have to reroute in order to get to your nearest embassy / consulate. Check prior withthem if they do such, and watch out about their opening hours.