** THAILAND ** New regulation as from 27th june 2016
 

[UPDATE 05.01.2017]

A tour guide is now mandatory in order to transit Thailand. We created a share folder in order gather all useful documentation. Feel free to give any feedback.

Read carefully both PDFs in the addendum folder!!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...Tg?usp=sharing

Keep an eye on following FB page we created for that purpose:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/

[END UPDATE]

[UPDATE 05.10.2016]

The regulation for overland travelers transiting Thailand may get tighter as from now on. A tour guide will be mandatory. I haven't got more infos at the moment.

Keep an eye on following FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/

[END OF UPDATE]

Cheers

Lawrence

That's really informative and hugely appreciated, you taking the time to speak to the relavent authorities.

We will be dealing with this situation later this year.

Again thankyou

Graeme

Thanks very much for youre effort, time and energy to do this and to share it here.

Many overlanders cross Thailand every year and its a pity that the thai authorities are getting very much stricter about foreign vehicles in their country. I wish they will loose up after a while and be more liberal when it comes to overlanders.

In the meantime - thanks again for your efforts. Much appriciated!

A HUGE THANK YOU for your effort and willingness to share this info.

I will be heading in that direction within a couple of months and this helps me tremendously.

Cheers!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Overlanders stop in south east thailand
 

Hi Nrgizr,

Hope you have a good trip and please let us know how you get on at the Thai border


Dave
Overlanders - Stellplatz stop over and tour Pattaya, Thailand

Your time and effort insourcing this information and being part of the process is greatly appreciated!

I do have one question for you: Do I require a Carnet de Passage for Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Loa?

Your guidance in this matter would greatly appriciated.

For Thailand, Cambodia and Laos....NO, so please do not use as it starts to make things bad for others if you do
I can not say for Vietnam
Wayne

Thx Wayne for your feed back. I diffidently agree with your comment regarding the use of this document. However, yesterday I received from JamesCargo (Heathrow UK) whom I've been corresponding with, the following information from their Thai agent:

. We request Photo of bike, + ATA Carnet + Copy of Passport to verify with customs before arrival.
. Upon arrival, our customs broker will prepare importer entry and submit to customs.
. Upon cargo releasing, our customs broker and customer will meet the customs officer at airport and show original docs, then the bike can be released.

My plan now is to reach out to the agent and question their information source, as you can see by their response they have not included any information regarding the new regulations that took effect 27 June 2016.

From my research there seems to be allot of unknowns regarding the use of the Carnet in some countries who are unaware of their own regulations.

Martyn

FYI, agents contact details:

Worawat (Lee) Lertthanawongse
Manager, Thailand
INTERUNION (THAILAND) CO.,LTD.
23 Krung Thonburi Road,
Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San,
Bangkok 10600, Thailand.

TEL; +662-438-2860// 66 (AUTO)
FAX ; +662-438-2866
MOBILE; +6680-600-6298
EMAIL; worawat@inter-union.com

Ummmm ok, it may have change recently but not heard of anyone using for Thailand, But it can be that the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing over here :innocent:

Keep us all updated

Wayne

Many thanks for the info.

So you can travel in one border and out of another? As I read somewhere that the permit was only valid for the same province - must have been sorted now. So based on the above (as long as the application is made) overland travel through is still acceptable.

No Carnet required for Thailand
 

Hi Wayne,

You were absolutely right in your first statement you do not require a Carnet for entering Thailand, that is for certain, I have spoken with the Carnet head office in Switzerland and they said that Thailand is not one of the countries that they cover.

Dave
Plodd - A Trip of a Lifetime
Overlanders - Stellplatz stop over, Thailand
www.overlandersthailand.com

Thought as much...but you never know TIsT :thumbup1:

Well - by the looks of the situation loosing $$$'s all over the region, looks like travels from the motherland and other countries to the land of smiles will be easier once again in the future but who really knows just yet....

Thailand Authorities mull easing tourist vehicle ban
The Transport Ministry is considering easing measures curbing the influx of foreign-registered tourist vehicles entering the North of Thailand, particularly from China, following a plunge in Chinese tourist...

Authorities mull easing tourist vehicle ban | Bangkok Post: news

Its tightening up in Thailand. They will soon only allow overlanders to travel through the country with guides by their side. So costs will rise, freedom of travelling around on your own will be negatively affected etc. Similar to Myanmar and China.... what a pity.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/

More requirements
 

It seems it's getting even harder to get a vehicle into Thailand::thumbdown: now it is required that you submit a verified translation of your registration certificate too - and despite Switzerland saying that Thailand doesn't recognise Carnets, Mrs Thip needs that too; this from her yesterday: doh
- car book and carnet (if you have)
- passport
- international driving licence
- moto picture front/side/back
- letter to DLT
- route for entry date and exit day and border
?c?

It seems it's getting even harder to get a vehicle into Thailand: now it is required that you submit a verified translation of your registration certificate too - and despite Switzerland saying that Thailand doesn't recognise Carnets, Mrs Thip needs that too; this from her yesterday: doh
- car book and carnet (if you have)
- passport
- international driving licence
- moto picture front/side/back
- letter to DLT
- route for entry date and exit day and border
?c?

No translation needed by other agency
 

Received today from one of the other three agencies successfully doing applications for entry permits, www.motoasia.bike:

"JUST ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF REG BOOK NEEDED AS EXTRA NOW"

These new regulations, implementation and fluidity will be a serious topic of discussion at the HU Mini-Meeting January 6-7, 2017 at Rider's Corner, Chiang Mai.

And the IPD must be of the 1949 convention type. The 1968 type is not recognised in Thailand and thus not valid there. But one can get a 1968 IDP converted into a temporary thai driving license at a Thai land department office if I understands this message right....

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024...8582508530773/

Sounding like a bit of a hassle for foreign bikes these days. FWIW with my Malaysian registered bike, the borders are super easy, no issues. Am living in Penang so the borders only a couple of hours away, handy for weekend trips.

Just don't forget the RM2 in your passport at the Thai immigration otherwise you'll be waiting 10x as long as everybody else ;)

Entering Thailand - 1st hand experience November 2016
 

Hi All,
we entered Thailand on 25th November 2016 with our car. We have a Swiss IDL which is not recognized in Thailand.doh

The whole story on how to successfully overcome all bureaucratic obstacles you may imagine read on out website

jealousyreloaded | Monika and Martin Mayer's Trip From Lesotho to Argenitine

A story making us thinking twice if it's still worth overlanding Thailand.:oops2:

I agree, it's probably not worth it if you only want to tour Thailand.

The thing is, if you're on an overlanding trip coming from India through Burma, or from China through Laos, there's no way around Thailand if you want to reach Malaysia and onward to Indonesia.

Take a good look at the map again - Malaysia and Myanmar do not have any common border.

Costs of guide
 

Does anyone have an idea what the costs of a guide will be for lets say 15-25 days?

Im on my way to Australia and in Dubai at the moment and dont really have the opportunity to divert (where to?) or return home. Crossing Thailand is kind of the only possibility for me.

One of the main companies that are allowed to handle permits from overlanders to thai authorities - Motoasia have now been in a meeting with the Thai DLT and mandatory guides seem to be the new rule from soon on. Applications handled before 23th december and entering Thailand before theend if February 2017 will not need guides.

Copied from the Facebook site: "New regualtions affecting overland travellers":

LATEST NEWS: I had a meeting in Bangkok with DLT today this is what we know:
1. Law will probably be announced re guide requirement next week, they indicated 23rd December, 2016.
2. Applications WITH insurance already completed into DLT before that date and entering before the end of February 2017, should not need a Thai tour company accompanying them. Any permit where entry is March 2017 onwards need a guide.
3. After announcement all applications need guide.
4. Vehicle group less than 5 foreign vehicles 1 guide.
5. 5-15 vehicles 2 guides/ 2 guide vehicles.
6. 15 plus vehicles 3 guides.
7. Permit processing will be available at any Thai DLT office not in Bangkok as is currently.

As from 23rd December, the new regulation is now requiring a mandatory tour guide.

There is a big discussion on the FB page about the pricing to expect, which is, atm, only having one agency having them published. I am waiting for additional numbers to be handed from other agencies in order that the pricings and conditions may be converging into a sweet spot.

Check on the FB page. A new how-to document will be provided as soon as the new situation is consolidated

Cheers

crossing Thailand 2018?
 

Hi guys,
i´m already planing my trip from Germany to New Zeeland since 2 years.
I will start end of April going to Turkey, Iran, Pakinstan and India.
Then the plan was doing a Tour through Myanmar into Thailand.
This will be in Januray 2018! I´m following the discussion about the new Regulation going into Thailand with a foreign bike now for a while and the rules are changing every month. What happens if i come to the boarder leaving Myanmar into Thailand without any Registration done bevor?
If i tell then i will Transit Thailand only going to Laos or Malaysia what will happen? Because for me as Person i don´t need anything, no Visa!

i´m definitively not going with a guid through Thailand. Then i will ship my bike from India to Malaysia and avoid Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

ride save, all the best for 2017!
Michael

Why should someone want to import a bike to Thailand, if one can just rent a local bike in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for just 5 Dollars per day to explore those wonderfull countrys? http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?re...ok&design=dark

http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/sma...ng_mai_045.jpg

Hi Michael
I live in China and every year for the past 5 years I have travelled down to North Thailand by Car/Bike.
This year because of the new rules I have taken a plane, so far I have not seen 1 Blue plated car (Chinese) or 1 yellow plated motorbike (Chinese), were by now I normal have seen 100s if not 1000s by now.
If the Chinese are going to come we need to wait until the 27th January (Chinese New Year)
From information, my Chinese wife has by talking to friends who live in Kunming the general consensus is F##K Thailand we will just stay in Laos.
Now my point is already the new law has been modified so IMO by 2018 the new law will be further modified or even scrapped altogether.
When the Thailand government realises how much money they are losing things will change for the better.

Not necessarily if you just rent a bike for 5 Dollars per day in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia insted and use the public bus to cross boarders with http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?re..._hong_son_loop

Shiping bikes or flying bikes over Myanmar from India to Thailand was allways an expensive waste of money so if now the government wants their share from the people looking and acting like money on legs its no big wonder. These kind of people with no time but lots of money will still come and rush through to say "if done it" as you can see in China.

Nobody in Thailand will care but you will miss some of the most interesding countrys in the world ;)

It would be nice if one could easily rent a bike in China and Iran as well to save Carnet and Gude costs there too :-)

Hi all,
i dont´t want to rent a bike. I will ride with my one bike free of any guide aroud the world. And if this is not possible in Thailand i will spent my Money in other countrys. The guided Tour through Myanmar is expenseve too.
A flight from Nepal to Malysia is cheaper. Even if i will miss some beautiful countrys like Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. More time in India and Nepal!

Michael

[QUOTE=ta-rider;554501]Not necessarily if you just rent a bike for 5 Dollars per day in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia insted and use the public bus to cross boarders with Ａｄｖｅｎｔ&# xff55;ｒｅ motorcycle tour around the mae hong son loop

Well - dont wanna start a long and tiresome discussion about this issue but lets say that youre travelling from Europe to Australia/New Zealand or opposite. You can probably rent a 20 year old worn out 100 cc scooter in the countries you mentioned for the price you mention and have a lot of fun. But you will still need to ship your own bike over these troublesome countries and maybe pay for storage while youre riding small rentals in Thai, India, Laos etc.
So cheaper? Dont think so mate, and to compare humping around on a 20 year old worn out rental scootwr to riding your own well set up 650 cc isnt actually comparison at all.

But for travelling only in these countries flying in and rent a cheap bike sure can be a lot of fun and a doable and relative cheap option.

So you think a thai, lao, burmese or chinese citizen can just rock up at the german or Schengen border and shout let me in I dont need a visa!?

We are all extremely disappointed and pissed off by these new laws and regualtions in Thailand but theres no point being ridicilous...

I am also very upset about the new laws in Thailand.
But that is life and I just move on.

Que Sera, Sera

So true my Honda i rented in Thailand for just 5 Dollars a day was brand new same year model and had less then 9000 km on the clock but its better to rent older bikes because then little scratches dont matter so much ;)

Small bikes like this are way more fun riding the small roads in the jungle then any biger bike. Not talking about fuel economics and price per km.

If you want to travel from Europa to Australia without wasting money for shiping bikes and a carnet just buy a used bike in Europa were they are very cheap, ride to Moldavia or down to Mazedonia or Turkey, sell it there (if done it. It works), then follow this plan:

http://adventure-travel-experience.d...t=en_australia

Buying and selling vehicles is very common in Australia and Newzealand. Same in Europa if you want to travel the other way round ;)

(if you have)


Say No don't have?

One question that I have thought of is what would happen if you planned to visit and stay with friends in Thailand? And then fly the bike home. Would you still need a guide for all the time you spent there?

No shure not if you enter Thailand without a vehicle your a normal tourist like million and million others every year and can visit friends, get drunk on the beach or rent a bike without a guide and ride around thig beautifull landscape.

We're about to set off on a RTW trip too: the original plan was to fly from Melbourne to KL, ride through Thailand and Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar before flying to Africa.
Sorry to say that with the chaotic Thai representation here in Aus, we've given up and fly straight to Johannesburg next week. After that it's Argentina and much of S America.
We simply couldn't get a straight answer to info about the Thai permit system: US$500 and more for each bike is what some ex-pats are demanding, but no-one knows whether we need to have ALL our docs translated and approved before we go - the consulate says to phone Thai Tourism, who have no clue: "Just arrive at border, all sorted out there," and the Guide/Guard system is even more chaotic: it might work for organised tours, but for a pair of overland wanderers without a firm itinerary, it simply doesn't work. At $150 a day for just two people - why bother?
We'll get our SE Asia fix in Korea and Japan instead - countries which actually want tourism dollars. Hopefully at some future time, Thailand can be more welcoming to overlanders.

There have been very very many changes to whats neccesary to satisfy thai authorities in this case. The last I heard was valid translations of documents that showed you had paid roadtax and the that the yearly roadworthiness test has been done. Quite difficult to come up with that if one are from a country such a thing doesnt exist.
Anyhow - with all the changes and constantly new demands its understandable that not many persons know exactly what paperwork is required for a crossing through "The Land of Smiles"
The thai authorities have certainly made it clear that they give a fekkin shait about overland travellers.

Anyhow - starting in Australia I would very much consider going through Indonesia. The 3,5 months I spent there was certainly the highlight of my more than a year in SE-Asia. And then maybe ship to somewhere else from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, maybe Katmandu - Nepal?

New regulations December 30 2016
 

We have heard today that we will not get a permit to enter Thailand as we are a camper van. We were expecting this and now plan to ship to Indonesia from Cambodia. The Department for Land Transport have sent me a copy of the document detailing who is and who is not allowed in and the docs needed. I would like to put it on the Hubb and the face book forum, if it's not there already, but I don't have the IT skills to do it. Could anyone do it for me please? If you can, would you send me your email address and I will forward the document to you so you can put it on the HUBB and on the face book page please? Please email me if you want the info sooner it's sue@nworth.co.uk
Many thanks
Sue

Some up to date cost.

With the new Thai law (Thai DLT), requiring most foreign vehicles, to hire a licensed Thai tour company guide & their vehicle, plus permit, below are some costs for a quick transit through Thailand.


Costs include:

Permit for foreign vehicle under tour company license
Insurance
Tour company agent & vehicle
Agent & vehicle travel expenses either side of your Thailand entry/ exit
(If you have an international driving license issued under road regulation 1968, there will be additional costs as Thailand does not recognize this, you will need a Thai temporary tourist driving license, issued with the assistance of our tour company)



Mae Sot (Myanmar) - Sadao (Malaysia) - 3 days - 1 motorcycle - 48,000 Baht (3 days extra agent travel)


Chiang Khong (Laos) - Sadao (Malaysia) - 4 days - 1 car - 64,000 Baht


Aranyaprathet (Cambodia) - Mae Sot (Myanmar) - 3 days - 2 motorcycles - 55,000 Baht total for 2x motorcycles


Mae Sot (Myanmar) - Sadao (Malaysia) - 5 days - 1 car - 65,500 Baht




Does not include hotels or food.

Or you could just get an IDP under the 1949 Convention, been using mine here a while now.

Where is your source of info from for the prices, just curious?

Phil (Riders corner CM)

Source link....http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-f...2255#post62255

Stuck in Malaysia!
 

We were planning on riding from Malaysia across Thailand to Cambodia and catch the bike meet in Pattaya on the 17th Feb on the way but it's sounding like that's going to be impossible now!
I don't suppose anyone else is riding from Malaysia to Myanmar in the next few weeks who wants to share a guide? We're two bikes.

The way i see it, the document says the guide only needs to be a Thai national and have a Thai registered vehicle. Says nothing about a registered tour company guide. I figure you could lodge the permit through any registered travel agent, then chase up your own local Thai person and pay him directly. Save$$$$$$

As far as i can see the guide only needs to be a Thai national, with a Thai registered vehicle. Says nothing about a licensed tour operator.

I think i will submit the application through a Thai travel agent as required, then source my own local guy for a couple of days hire.
Save $$$$$$$$ from the prices going around.

Pretty sure the pricing for a guide is through Moto Asia.

Thailand-Myanmar
 

If anybody is looking at crossing Myanmar from Thailand then into into India let me know.
We have a couple of bikes looking to cross early May. Still somewhat flexible on exact date.

ktm620@hotmail.com

I heard you have till March to cross Thailand without a guide.
Worth looking into!!

If you end up crossing Myanmar in May, we will happily join you.

You heard wrong mate you need a guide NOW?
your not reading the rules correctly KTM620 you need to buy some glasses

As i said i have heard of people crossing now, apparently before the 60 days is up. that is, i believe the new regs will be enforced 60 days after the new regs where made public. I could be wrong, but its certainly worth looking into if your already on the road!!

It states clearly the guide/escort only needs to be a Thai national, with a Thai registered vehicle.

Don't be a Nuf!

There have been almost constantly changing of rules and regulations. New ones have been added and others have been out of function.

But for us who have followed this subject for a while (or tried to at least) know that to get into and through Thailand without guides the last date for having a permit approved was 23th of december 2016. And the last period of entering Thailand without guides - but with permits approved before 23th december last year is March 2017.

Thus - entering Thailand now without guides will be impossible. Although I would be very happy if it is possible.

When it comes to the definition of a guide by thai government - I dont think you can take any local Somchai for the job. Papers and qualifications must be present and such things are not free at all in Thailand. So dont expect anyone to be approved as a guide and dont expect a guide to be cheap.

Where are you right now this minute ???
Well, I am right now in CR Thailand and have been here for the last 3 months.
And just 3 days ago crossed over from Laos to Thailand on a Thai plated bike.
So members like me who are on the ground can only but advise other members on here what we know?
Correction glasses you don't need but the light is on but no one is at home.?

Good luck at the border you are going to need it.

Nuff Said.

Thai-plated bike probably makes a difference; speaking, reading and writing Thai will certainly help - though no-one in Aus seems to be able to give a definitive answer about what the new regs actually involve.
Yes, there are people profiteering, making the task seem hopelessly complex and burdensome, so they can charge a premium: maybe you can get a local on a bike to be your Guide/Guard, or maybe you can't - but the concept of a per-ordained itinerary fills me with dread: I have no idea if each day will be a 40km day or a 240km day.
Call me kinky, but none of my ideas of fun include spending hours at a border post while people in uniforms try to interpret hastily imposed regulations.
Our bikes are already crated and at Customs - we pick them up on Monday.
In Johannesburg.
Sorry Malaysia, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia - maybe another time.

The Thai Guide has to have an "inbound" and "outbound" TAT license which are not easy to get and are expensive so the likely hood to JUST pick up a Thai guy at the border is not going to happen.
Surely even Aus people can understand that.
The best way to get back at the Thai government is to bypass the country like you are doing.?
Good luck with you ride

Yep bypass the country, stop the money coming in then the rules will change again, what the junta fail to realise is that people don't have to come here a pay through the nose for guides etc. But when greed takes over ........!

As a back up looking into shipping bike from Penang Malaysia to Myanmar.
LCL cargo $270 m3.(All inclusive)
Ill investigate this one a little further, might be a good option.

If anyone is looking at crossing Myanmar around May 2017 let me know.

Car transporter to transit Thailand
 

Hi,
i was going to drive a Land Rover, Singapore to UK end of 2017. The Thailand thing has made it a bit more complex.
Myanmar is bad enough but this really takes the piss.
My Land rover is a 1968 model so it would be long days to get across Thailand in 5 days and i resent paying best part of £1500 for nothing.
Anyone know of a car transporter company??
Id rather pay the money to a transport company than finance a stupid overreaction rule.

:thumbdown:

I know its a car request but i have bikes too :cool4:

I am not sure....just putting this out there...but even if you use a transporter company you would still be bringing your Vehicle in to Thailand so you may have to still pay a price.
Have you looked at shipping from Malaysia to other country East or West and missing out Thailand altogether, it may be cheaper than the Escort (rip off) price.

Yea did wonder if bringing the car even if the wheels don't touch the ground might present some problems. Have to wait and see. Whole situation will be more known by the time we leave Oz.
Pity, was looking forward to driving all the way Singapore to uk but maybe we ship Oz to India and spend more time in Bhutan and Nepal. Have until Sept to decide.
Nobby

Just received this reply from Aran Sisophon Travel

"Thai permit = 8000 baht.

guide = 3000 baht per day not inculed hotel and meal

car = 3000 baht per day not inculed oil -hotel and meal "

At today's rates that's £140 a day. Too much on our own but if you were organised with a group it wouldn't be so bad. Still I'm favoring shipping Australia to India directly. A great shame but I won't aid this rip off attitude. Nobby

Hi Nobby.

The cost would only be sheared if 5 cars/Bikes over this number then you need more guides.


http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/...psmjouyoci.jpg



+ Hotels and food cost for the Thai guide?

Hey Nuff, good to see you got to doc's i sent!!
Know where does it say needs to be a registered guide/escort?
Or does the escort only need to be a Thai national, with Thai registered vehicle?
Cheers!!

The guide needs to have a TIT license.
But I am sure you will find that out when and if you get to the border.

Shipping from Cambodia
 

A few weeks ago Sue White wrote about shipping from Cambodia. See has information about an agency in Cambodia and a Quote for shipping to Jakarta.
Further she has info about the agency in Jakarta and her contact with the Indonesian ambassy in Cambodia. She asked to put the info for her on the HUBB. Hereby I do it as attachments (PDF).
cheers,
Klaas

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2660a009d2.jpg

Just for info.

While doing a long weekend ride to Thailand, I just discovered I've used up my permitted 2 land border crossings already and it's only Feb.. This just came into force at the beginning of this year. Seems to be an attempt to cut down on the folks doing visa runs. (FYI I'm a British national with a Malaysian registered bike)

Sent from my HUAWEI MLA-L12 using Tapatalk

Ho PO PO
Yes, I see the same letter at the Thai embassy in Savanahkhet?
Just pick up a Visa at 1 of the Thai Embassy in Laos for FREE until the end of February
But be warned the Embassy are enforcing the requirement to prove you have 20.000 THB in a bank account in your name and you have travel document to show when you are leaving Thailand.

They have now extended the free tourist visa until the end of August but you do still require all the extra proof, I was also asked to show a hotel booking or apartment agreement at Savannakhet. Luckily I had taken my apartment agreement with me.

Wayne

Letter to DLT - do you know what this consists of? Any examples to share would be appreciated :) Thanks!

Source ... RideAsia

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.

http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/...psy5meeius.png



http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/...psvdzhsxdw.jpg



http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/...pswurdylr3.jpg

I'm hearing that you can cross certain border crossings without the permit. Someone has already done it.
Waiting on more info.

Maybe i should move to Thailand and buy myself a bike and start a little business doing escorted crossings, couldn't be that hard. :scooter:

Yeah right. Try to get a work permit in Thailand as a guide....

Rumours says that a few travellers have slipped into Thailand from Malaysia without guides and permits through the smaller eastern bordercrossings. Also from Cambodia into Thailand at certain bc there seem to have been the same thing happening.

However I wouldnt count this will last. Actually - I would say that this is just normal for Thailand and SE-Asia. Different rules and regulations are handled differently at different borders, at different days and by different staff members.

source.......Temp. Importing a Foriegn Reg. Mbike into Thailand - Page 12





There's a guy called Marvin Wen who, with a copy of a Thai permit from another tour company, used the permit copy to enter Thailand, ducked the Thai tour guide at the border and rode off into Thailand. Apparently has given the Thai tour company a huge headache doing this.


He's around posting everywhere, that its a lie and a Thai tour guide isnt needed. Apparently screwed the agent out of half the agreed fees too.

If you're reading his stuff, maybe call Thai DLT and check for yourself (+66 2271 8409) and they will confirm it is needed 100% to be legal.


Doesn't seem very smart and moderators are letting him post the bad information.

New Agent?

Source - Thailand - New regulation - Group

*** News ***
TravelActiv agency is now providing permits and tour for transiting Thailand. I invite you to check the PDF you will find on the pinned post of this page for their details. I had a talk with them and all looks good and clear, especially on the regulatory part.

I wish them to provide us fair pricing and the best thai transit experience we hope to get given the current regulation we have to abid for.

Link to their page: Travel Activ

Great news.
Always nice to have options? not that I need them.
But IMO Travel Activ is just a middle man trying to get on the bandwagon which will just inflate the REAL end price.
I could be wrong let us just wait and see what prices these guys come back with?

They posted prices which seems reasonable and probably cheaper than both Moto Asia and Mrs Thip, (posted in Overlanding Asia)

I think it's more of a case they are charging reasonable fees rather than taking advantage of people.

From their post

"3 days - Thailand - Including Accommodation, Insurance, Permit, Guides Expenses and Fuel - 2 Vehicles 4 people $800 per vehicle - 3 Vehicles up to 6 people - $650 per vehicle - All prices are dependent on the size of the group. The costs are based on a double room, so if there are two of you on two bike we can reduce the accommodation cost if you want to share."

Link to their FB page Travel Activ

Yes, I was wrong looks like good prices good find thanks for posting I am sure people will be interested.

Thanks for information another agent could help to bring the costs down

I was quoted by Moto Asia for 3 days two cars 70,000 Bhat / $2000, there are quite a few comments in a facebook group about this agent, so I’m not sure how reputable they are, so I gave them a miss.

Then I was quoted by Mrs Thip 48,000 / $1400 for one car, she is a nightmare to deal with as her English is so bad the costs have changed several times, I still don’t know what the total costs would be with the guides expenses.

Both quotes did not include costs, fuel, accommodation, guide expenses etc.

The costs you quote above from Travel Activ are a lot cheaper even before you add on accommodation, Fuel, guide expenses etc. $400 cheaper than Moto Asia and nearly the same price as Mrs Thips, if you added accommodation & other costs on, and that quote was only for one vehicle not two!

If their prices are true I’m interested!

Does anyone else plan to travel in the next couple of months?

Moto Asia
 

Moto Asia is owned by an English guy called Phil and he also owns a
Motorcycle Forum website called Ride Asia.
Each year Phill host the Thailand HUBB meeting at his bar called Riders corner in Chaing Mai
so I can't see them not being reputable?
As to his cost 'No FT, no comment'

Link to Ride Asia. Ride Asia Motorcycle Forum
Link to Moto Asia. https://motoasia.bike/

Moto Asia seemed ok by email, I don't know the guy just asked for a quote.

But having read the comments here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/ it did not feel right.

I'll be crossing Thailand (from Laos to Myanmar) around 17 July. We're on a motorcycle and looking for more people to share the costs of guides, etc. We would like to cross in 3 days.

I've just traveled 2 weeks from south to north thai, entered laos and back to thai and then to Malaysia. No tour guide was required , carnet etc. I just obtained the temporary import permit at the Border in Sadao and Nong Khai for my malaysian registered motorcycle for free..

Yes Malaysian, Singaporean and Laotian vehicles are excempt from the mandatory permit and guide requirements that vehicles from other countries have. These countries have a bilateral agreement with Thailand.

On the other hand - there are many reports that vehicles from Europe, Oz etc are coming through several border crossings into Thailand without having permits and guides and get in by having a temporary import granted just as before June 2016. Some bordercrossings just dont seem to enforce the new laws. Just as usual in this part of the world. Anyhow - I dont expect it to last very long...

Thailand crossing in just 4 days
 

Hi there,

the very recent experience of crossing Thai border in Mae Sot.

All custom formalities passed within 4 hours, with official medical check and issuing 1948 standard driving license.
The trip from Mae Sot to Malaysian border took 4 days with 8 hours stop for technical service.

We were kindly asked by the our guide not public the details - for those , who are practically interested how to get the process smooth - pls contact me directly
uncle.den@mail.ru +79191063651

If anyone is interested to avoid Thailand due to the imposed Adventure Tax i've managed to find a shipping company Malaysia that will ship our bikes in a container to Mongolia. The price is reasonable and if you add Thailand and Myanmar up it will be cheaper than those 2 combined.
We are looking to ship within the next 2 weeks and if anyone is interested to join please get in touch. Currently 2 bikes in the container and can accommodate 4 more. Price will be less than 1000$ per bike (the more the cheaper) and transit time will be 20-25 days.

thailand rules
 

Hi
Does anybody know if Thai rules might have eased recently?
thanks

Not exactly eased but some bordercrossings have never started enforcing the new rules and the overlanding community have started to know which bordercrossings who do and which who dont.

Coming through Myanmar and entering Thailand at Mae Sot you will not be able to get away from the new rules. But coming from Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos there still seem to be some bordercrossings that dont enforce the new permit and guide rules.

Seek out different facebookgroups and ask for advice. The knowledge about which bordercrossings that do and which who dont enforce the new rules are not shared openly for obvious reasons but will be shared on pm.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/OverlandingAsia/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024579897597702/

Thai border crossings
 

Hi Snakeboy,

I am trying to put together a list of borders that you can and can not for our friends heading for Plodd Stop, up to now we have had 7 different vehicles arrive most without, so I would really appreciate any help from anybody that as any info.
We have just finished our trip driving from Thailand to Hungary, read about it on Plodd - A Trip of a Lifetime

Dave

I know of two borders into Thailand where it's still possible to cross without the new permit. One is in the north of Laos, where two motorcyclists went through in the last few months. It's here:
https://goo.gl/maps/vdP97hv7hAz
The second one is the most southern border from Cambodia. I just crossed it today with my Swiss motorbike, here:
https://goo.gl/maps/9iRN2D8bPrt
it definitely does NOT work at the big border in Vientiane, Laos. some friends tried a few weeks ago and didn't get in.

you must have a carnet! and it's also recommended to have a Thai motorbike insurance. sometimes they ask for it (today they didn't). I got my insurance from http://www.aainsure.net , just send an email to info@aainsure.net. it's 646 Baht (about 20$)

some more information for those who want or need to get into Thailand with the official permit.
I had contact with Aran Sisophon Travel (contact details below).

their prices are as this:
permit 7000thb (210$)
agency service fee: 9000thb (270$)
guide per day: 6000thb (180$)

you need to book the guide for a minimum of two days.
so the minimum total is 28000thb (840$).

you can try to get special conditions. but ask the guide directly about this, not the agency!
if you want the contact details of the guide, pm me or the user "uncle.den" in this thread.


Aran Sisophon Travel
25 Suwannasorn rd, Aranyaprathet , Sakaew 27120
Tel:+66 37 232 383 -4 Mobile: +66 8130 21709
Khun Ratree Sangrungreung
License No. 11 /03962
Website: https://www.tour-ast.com
Email: aransisophon@hotmail.com , aran_sisophon@yahoo.com

Guide cost?
 

"guide per day: 6000thb (180$)"

Curious. Does this $180.00 per day include guide's transport (car/motorcycle or?), gasoline for transport, guide's food and sleeping (hotel/guesthouse or?) and tip (a general rule for guides from customers)?

Last hard cost I got/computed for "all" in a three day crossing was $1,500.00 USD (including tip and an occasional swill), that was in May. Guide would have been using a car (with air/con), I'd be following a short distance back, staying in tourist agency booked hotel/B & B's/, and assumed I had a proper IDP so didn't need extra days for medical certificate and Thai recognized IDP (thus more costs for hotel/food, doc, IDP).

Just curious.

Dr. G
Chief, World Adventure Affairs Desk, CITY BIKE Magazine
Participant: Great Around The World Adventure Rally www.rtwmotorcycleadventurerally.blogspot.com

I was in Thailand in 2014/2015 with my norwegian plated bike so thus I didnt have the problems with guides/permits etc. I know from the facebook group about new rules for overlanders Thailand that they try to keep what borders that dont enforce the new rules off circulation and off public display which I think is very good as there might be some travel agencies that dont want this borders to be known. And I havent bothered asking anyone which borders enforrce and which borders dont enforce the new rules as it is not important to me for the moment
All I know is that Xayabouli province in Laos does not let any foreign bikes through, neither in or out. Cars seem to be ok though. But this is for a totally different reason than the new rules in Thailand.

I do think we shoud be quite careful to whom we spread the information about which bordercrossings that enforces and which bc that dont enforces the new rules. It would of course be great of you to make such a list but I would advise you to not let it be known in public and just pass information to persons that are real overlanders.

Chok dee khrap!

Why must you have a Carnet.....as far as were aware Thailand is not a Carnet Country?

Thailand does not require you to have a Carnet yet, but having one is recommended. There is talk that Thailand may soon enforce the Carnet requirement though, not sure if its true or just rumour.

the same reason as for Cambodia. it's heavily recommended, because the customs officers know the carnets and know how to read the information to put it in their computers. or on small borders without computers they will have at least the slip of the carnet as a receipt.

if you don't have a carnet the officer will be confused and does not really have the will to try to translate your vehicle registration papers or write down the information manually.
they just prefer to not let you into the country than to change their standard procedures...

I didn't get that far to know what will be included.
In my case I guess nothing would have been included when only take the two days. because then the guide will just get you over the border and does not really accompany you for this short time.

Is that 'may soon enforce it' because people crossing can't do some research first and see that you don't need one. Then thrust the carnet under the noses of the people on the crossing point therefore ruining it for the people who don't have them? Just a thought! bier

who knows, i just spent half an hour looking for where i read it!

its on this web site and may have been taken down or changed,
but ill share anyway.
Carnet De Passage Information by Country - Overlanding Association

The Facts on Thailand and Carnet
 

The facts are Thailand is not a member of the Carnet and I have had this confirmed by the head office of Carnet in Swizerland ,therefore if you overstay or default in any way Thailand can not claim against your Carnet, this also go's for Cambodia and Laos, however, if you show your Carnet at a border between any of these countries this can simplifies the procedure for the customs officer and he/she can get on with watching his or her TV program, on the other hand this makes it more difficult for the next overlanders, so my advice is don't show your Carnet, with only one exception the border between Laos and Cambodia (Strung Trang) the Cambodian Officer there will not let you into Cambodia if you don't.

If you need any advice about crossing into Thailand PM me and I will try to help.

Dave
www.plodd.net