2 months ago I had to use a Thai agent to ride my Australian registered bike from Thailand into Malaysia due to a Malaysia paperwork issue.The agent was very helpful and later assisted in extending my initial 30 day Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for another 30 days.


The agent told me that one may only apply for 1 x 30 day extension each calander year. Meaning total of 60 days total per calander year for foreign registered bike in Thailand. He sent me to Chiang Rai for the extension where I learned a few things…

The Chiang Rai customs people told me that while an agent is necessary for first import extensions can be self-managed. Contrary to what the agent told me though there is no legal limit to the number of 30 day extension one may get at the discretion of the customs people. But you cannot get more than 30 days at a time. So every 27-30 days or so you must apply for an extension with a valid reason (mine was ‘further tourism’).

Long story short: the Chiang Rai customs people did it for free and even waived a 1000 baht fine I incurred due to my original TIP expiring the previous day (which was a Sunday so I could not go to the office - which they understood and sympathised with).


The Thai agent tells me that:

1. If I go to Laos next, I just do everything at the Lao border when I want to cross. No agent or pre-approval required.

2. If I go to Cambodia next I should use an agent and the agent costs US$300 to manage the initial crossing and 30 day TIP. And 30 day extensions of the TIP after that it will cost US$200. All monies payable only after successfully making the crossing / getting the extension.

I am entering Cmbodia at Poi Pet and exiting Cambodia into Laos at Nong Kok Khien.

It’s not yet clear whether this cost includes 3rd party insurance etc.

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Malo periculosam libertatem quam quietam servitutem