oh dear

End of the road: Thailand tightens up rules on foreign tourist vehicles

Foreign tourists face strict curbs on driving into Thailand * | Bangkok Post: news

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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014

I read it in the Bangkok Post the other day, you can apply to come in... also come in from Laos etc. But as with anything else over here...everything is possible This Is Thailand, time will tell. There are still people crossing. The same thread has been on Advrider and riders are still entering ok in the last few weeks.

Wayne

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The Balkans
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/poi_entity/8417

This basically discriminates against Chinese camper vans .. I don't think its too much for overland vehicles to worry about.

I got the impression from other articles ( i don't know where, maybe TVF ) that its was probably targeting Cambodian (scooters) ( due to the temperamental attitude of border staff with relation to Thai vehicles entering ) - I guess it could apply to Chinese bikers too.

I love the way its also reported but its OK .. "However these regulations will not apply to vehicles from Laos, Malaysia and Singapore as Thailand has pacts with these countries on international car travel."

I guess its just because Thai vehicles generally can't enter China, Myanmar and Vietnam and the attitude of those in power "We can't, so, YOU can't either"

Reports had been of a lot Chinese vehicles had been sneaking across during last years Chinese new year period.
The system isn't set up for them to purchase compulsory insurance ( firstly they would need either an English or Thai translation of their log book ), China doesnt recognise or issue IDP's ( right ? ) they aren't in the ASEAN licence agreement - So Chinese drivers would unlicensed and there are always complaints about their driving behaviour and also cleanliness.

Would be quite easy to fix - Customs issues temporary import tickets, the police accept Chinese licences, companies sell them compulsory insurance and the creation of IMHO something desperately lacking in Thailand .. camp sites !! Thailand benefits from increased tourism that they have never had before, but instead, its easier to ban something.

Other countries opens up such as Myanmar and possibly Vietnam but Thailand moves in the other direction. But what can one expect with a military junta in charge for an unlimited time.... To call it a banana republic would be an offense to the banana.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

Hi All
Im presently touring Thailand now and I crossed Via the Malaysian boarder 8 days ago and had no problems at all. In fact the Thai Immigrations & Customs officers were very helpful...

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Regards Ray http://cooksendeavour.com
Instagram: raycooknz

The story I read referred to a future possible crackdown rather than one in force right now.

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Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map

I crossed from Cambodia (forget the name, straight north from Siam Reap) into Thailand, yesterday on a GB plated XT660Z. That said the customs guys wanted to use my CDP but didn't know how to fill it out - so I'm not sure to what extent they've got their finger on the pulse!

Ed

Why would a thai border official want to see a carnet? Thailand is NOT a carnwt country. Dont show or let thai border officials stamp carnets. They might think that is something everyone should have.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

I don't know TBH but I was happy to use mine on this occasion.

If you don't have or wish to use one, then stand your ground!

Ed

I might be forced to use a Carnet the next time I cross the thai border since other persons have started feeding the border trolls with it.....

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

Yes, interpreting Thai news is pretty hard. I think the way the country has been going, a complaint is made and some legislation is introduced overnight.

On the 25th February, a week after the Chinese new year, The Nation, reported the government would consider introducing legislation. On 2nd March, China's ambassador was reported to endorse the regulations.

However, the legislation will be enforced for about 3 weeks and then promptly forgotten about the week after.

Yes, the issue is in the North on the border with Laos.

There is more info here ..

ETS: I suggested in a previous post the Chinese were sneaking over - it appears not to be the case - the Chinese drivers pay Bt1,300 for the visa, Bt400 for the insurance, Bt200 for a border pass for the car and Bt20 in document processing fees. Visitors are also required to watch a 15-minute-long video clip on traffic laws in Thailand.

.. 4,757 of them during February. Thats a lot future visa fee's to turn away.

This made me chuckle ..

"The Royal Thai Police will prosecute any commuters ( Chinese tourists ) who violate any of the 10 following rules. They include driving on the sidewalk, driving without a license, not stopping at a crosswalk for pedestrians, not wearing a seat belt, driving over the speed limit, driving under the influence, not wearing a helmet, creating a noise disturbance, parking illegally, and blocking the road."

Hi Everybody,

On the subject:
My English wife and I in 2014 traveled by overlander vehicle from the UK to Thailand (Plodd - A Trip of a Lifetime) and have been taking our vehicle in and out of Thailand every 6 months since. I have only ever found the Thai customs officers helpful, sometimes a little slow but always helpful, we are due to go back out soon as we can only keep our vehicle in Thailand for a maximum of 6 months on the temporary import papers, I am pretty sure that there will not be a problem when we arrive at the border. I feel that like snakeboy says overlanders that carry a carnet are the problem, because they are quite prepared to offer there carnet almost without being asked for it, why would you expect the Thai authorities
after being offered the carnet that they would want to go through the task of filling in all the paper work for temporary import when he or she can just stamp the carnet and wave good by to the traveler.
We must start thinking about the travellers that are following us at these borders. I will keep you informed,after we have exited Thailand and re entered hopefully early June, also if anybody needs any info about any of the border crossing in or out of Thailand just ask and I will try to help.
Incidentally we have a brand-new overlanders camp/parking facility completed in 2016 at our home in southeast Thailand so if anybody it down our way looking for a safe place to stay check out our web site. www.overlandersthailand.com

The (relatively) happy days seems to be gone. Foreign motorbikes are to be banned totally from entering Thailand. It is mentioned guides, fees, permits and only border provinces though. 27th of June it is....

A very sad day for overlanders indeed. Travelling Europe to Australia or opposit direction is becoming much more difficult when this new laws and regulations starts working. You will need to ship your bikes over Thailand as there is no other option.

Foreign registered motorcycles likely to be banned from entering Thailand soon

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

I thought it was only if you are coming from countries that don't have the agreement with Thailand....unless I read it wrong

Wayne

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The Balkans
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/poi_entity/8417

And those countries are? Malaysia, Singapore and Laos afaik....

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....