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Can a foreigner buy a car on credit in Thailand with a DTV visa?

Jul 28, 2025
7 days ago
Kirill *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone here managed to buy a car on credit with a DTV visa? I’ve heard of people who’ve done it, but only through second-hand stories. Maybe someone here has actually gone through it themselves? I have a couple of questions — what challenges did you face, how did you solve them? Was a Thai guarantor needed? And so on.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of buying a car on credit in Thailand with a DTV visa is largely debated among expats. While many believe a work permit is essential for securing credit, some have reported success purchasing vehicles with alternative methods such as substantial upfront deposits or private arrangements with dealerships. Key challenges include the necessity of a Thai guarantor, proof of income, and interest rates that may be unfavorable. Many advise approaching the situation with caution, as official financing options are typically limited to those with work permits, while others have had some success in acquiring loans under specific conditions.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
John **********
A lot of people are saying you have to have a work permit. I bought a brand new Ford Everest on a Non O Visa. No work or retirement visa. I financed 50% at around 2% interest about 2 years ago. So at least two years ago you 100% did not need a work permit
Dany ********
private loans with official

1.5% interest per month. or some shady unofficial ones with up to 3% per month 🤣 not really useful to get a credit here. just use cash.
Bob **********
If you have a WP which you can’t and a Thai co signer maybe but interest rates will be high
Siggi *******
O foreigner get any loan without work permit for Thailand. Dtv visa gets nothing
Anonymous ******************
You need a work permit to officially get credit. However you can still finance with some garages where you have an agreement (if you can convince them you won’t run away and have long term rentals etc) then you can pay a deposit (I paid 40%) and then paid the rest off monthly and then when I paid the last payment the vehicle was transferred in my time.

I paid it off in under a year though.

This was a 2nd hand vehicle from a dealership

I did recently speak to Ford dealership and managed to convince them to do the same thing with a brand new car which they would do too

But to officially get credit from a bank is only possible with work permit
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 839 the key is having long term ties to Thailand, for example I already had long term visa (ed) with Thai bank , I have rental contract on my house too and showed them I can afford to pay because of how much money I made
Jef ********
I’ve seen on one2 car . Com some people offering foreigners “payment plans” it won’t be “bank finance “ but that’s risky I’d say I would wouldn’t go down that road
Anonymous ******************
Unlikely. Most foreigners can't get it except under a work permit and under strict conditions such as partial upfront payment.
George *******
Need at least a work permit they reckon.
Daniele *****
pay cash. if you cant afford it dont buy it.
Anonymous ******************
I have a friend in Chiang Mai that got a car loan while on an ED visa. He said he tried many different banks and eventually after begging enough, one bank said yes after very careful review of his financial situation. It’s very difficult, but not impossible.
Suhaan *********
I tried with many dealers and got turned down even with 50% upfront payment. Still hunting
Jack *******
If you pay 35% on a high value car and find a good dealer they will do a deal even on a dtv.
Anonymous ******************
I didn't know DTV are relate with credit to purchase car 555

Without workpermit you have zero chance to purchase vehicle or motorcycle in Thailand. For those who has workpermit in Thailand , they also need to verify proof of their income at least 1 year, some banks might do for 6 months but most likely not gonna happen.

In Thailand you should do things in RIGHT WAY, unless you'll be in trouble. Good luck
Lena *******
Foreigners don't get credit. You pay cash.
Philip ***********
@Lena ******
you van easily have on a work permit or retirement visum if you pay about 20-30 % upfront On DTV I don't think so
Anonymous ******************
Russians can’t get credit in Thailand