thailand
Ask question

Can I bring my vehicle to Thailand when I retire and live with my Thai wife?

Vehicle Import RegulationsThailand Retiree VisaLiving in Thailand as ExpatThai Immigration RulesTransportation in Thailand
Mar 18, 2024
9 months ago
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am married to a Thai lady

Want to retire in a few years time and live in my wife's village where we/she has a house... Now my question is.. Can one bring your vehicle with you to Thailand or are the duty's to high?
7,204
views
6
likes
221
all likes
123
replies
5
images
39
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about bringing their vehicle to Thailand as they plan to retire and live in their wife's village. The community response indicated that importing used vehicles has been banned in Thailand for several years, making it impossible to bring a personal vehicle without facing high import duties. Suggestions included selling the vehicle before relocating and considering alternative transportation options within Thailand. Additionally, participants discussed the challenges of living in a rural village and recommended maintaining a balance between village and urban living to avoid isolation.
Arch *********
Don't do it ,wife's family included
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
1st no don't bring car, 2nd live part time in wife's village, you won't survive full time.

Unless your heavily insured, in which case you'll spend eternity there.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Bernard *****
No
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jet ********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jet ********
And let me be honest with you. I shipped a convertible BMW sports car there. I barely drove it. It wasn’t worth all the money that I spent when I shipped it there. I sold it there instead. Much easier to get around on a scooter specially, if you’re in a province.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jet ********
It’s not worth it you’re gonna pay at least three to $5000 to ship it plus you’re gonna pay import tax on it when you get there which is three times the value of the vehicle so it’s only worth it if you have a classic vehicle or something you’re thoroughly in love with. It’s much cheaper just to buy, a used vehicle there, but buy a new one is much more expensive in Thailand than the United States if you live in the United States
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Don't do it, the import duties can be over 200% and set by customs on arrival.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Alfred ***********
It really depends on make of model how old etc. They won't let old bangers in but new cars come with huge import taxes. I'd just buy here for cash or by lease if you're married to a thai lady. X
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
Gets more expensive and more difficult to get ,older you get
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Gregory *******
Why just dump it or sell it
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ste *******
Sell it and buy in Thailand.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
I wouldn't bother. Vehicles here are much cheaper.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Cris *****
 and much worse
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
@Michael *******
 no way. I have a hillux. Way better than the American version. And probably half the price
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Cris *****
 xD 🤣 you never seen original Hilux right? How dare you compare this fake to original 🤣
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
@Michael *******
 no no I'm not comparing the original to modern. Haha.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Cris *****
 you're really naive bro. What engine do you have with your super modern Hilux 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, answer is simply, MODERN 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
@Michael *******
 I'm agreeing with you... maybe you should read what i write before shooting off asshole comments about old trucks being better.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Lee ******
Yes, you can bring a car. Strip it down to parts, ship it, reassemble.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@Lee *****
 the how do you insure it?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Lee ******
@Robert ********
 that’s why everyone says you can’t ship a car
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Lee ******
@Robert ********
 you don’t
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@Lee *****
 the to our can't drive on the roads ,you require basic insurance and tax to drive on roads
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert *********
Reply
Dennis **********
If you come from Lao just drive over to Thailand.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Rob **********
No unfortunately you cannot bring your vehicle to Thailand, that was banned about 5 years ago.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob *********
If you live full time in Thailand you will get homesick fast. I suggest you do 6 months in Thailand and 6 months at home. You get the jeep you love half a year, she gets her farmer village half a year. Win win!
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jay ****
@Bob ********
 VERY SMART advice. I do exactly that with a few long vacations in between. Still have your trucks, Harleys, guns, etc back home.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
... Coming from south Africa... And no.. I won't get bored....
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Danny *********
Reply
Terary **********
We have cars here...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Terary *********
 lol, who asked?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Bart **************
Previously it was like 400% of the NEW value (which can be 4000% of the day value), so practically forbidden. Currently it is just outright forbidden. Which is more fair, I'd say.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Craig *********
Can I ask the longest time you have spent in Thailand? Have gf now?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Craig ********
 thats the obvious Q
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Craig ********
 who?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Craig *********
@Michael *******
 sorry was meant for the poster
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Craig ********
 he has wife
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Christopher *************
#Unless it is RHD why would you even bother and unless it is a real collectors piece don't bother.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Christopher *************
Where are you hoping to bring it from?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
You can import a used ambulance or towtruck following a mountain of paperwork. Which could include paramedic vehicles like range rovers if the equipment is retained.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Andy *********
 haha this is the way 😁
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
Fire engines as well. Not sure a fire marshall's car counts though. In any case, you're supposed to donate to a charity, like an elephant foundation......
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So even if you have them for a few years in your name.... You can't bring them with you..?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Micael
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Danny ********
 got an old triumph tiger cub which would love to bring here legally but cannot
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Danny ********
 nope all vehicles not allowed except diplomatic
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Danny ********
 as has been said.

It is banned period.

Doesn't matter what it is.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Carsten ************
While the import of cars was allowed, the tax was about 300%. Forget about it!
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Detlef ***********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Detlef ***********
@Carsten ***********
 accurate info !!!
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Detlef ***********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a jeep wrangler Rubicon with a lot of extras on it.... Selling it here I would loose a lot of money.... Don't think I can buy this in Thailand.... Or probably pay double of what I will get here...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Danny ********
 like anyone else moving here.

It's more than you need !

Why would you need a jeep Rubicon with all the extras on Thailand...really
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 why not
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Steve *********
 yes, really. Or if you're poor you can buy substitute of truck
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Michael *******
 if you're poor, your still richer than the average Thai, and a farang flaunting a better car than the ave villager won't endear anyone.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Steve *********
 lol, you're incredible pathetic. He wants Jeep and this is his business not yours.

A car bought in Thailand will always be worse, even than an old car from Europe or the United States. This is fact. The cars here are a parody of the automotive industry.

I guess you've never been to Thailand if you write such nonsense. Who cares what car you have here? This is not America or Europe, where you have to brag to your neighbors.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Michael *******
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Steve *********
 no, your mother when we talked about you.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Michael *******
 ...over your shoulder.

No, the other one !

That a boy.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Steve *********
 are you adopted? Oh. I'm sorry.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Michael *******
 Mikey, you spelled pathetic correctly this time, I guess the book helped, eh
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Bart **************
@Danny ********
 that is only a fraction of the import duty still (before it got fully banned).
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
@Danny ********
 Just buy a diesel pickup here. They are awesome.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Eric *********
 🤣🤣 this pickups here are toys not cars. You never seen the engine right?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
@Michael *******
 We have 2 Toyota pickup in my family here one 4wd one 2nd. They are amazing pieces of kit. Diesel and you can beat them but can’t kill them. Go drive one. Plus you have great dealer support. Good luck with a Jeep.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Eric *********
 As I wrote. These pickup trucks here are junk. It only has a nice body, the rest is a dummy car. Wasting of money.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
@Michael *******
 Different strokes...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Eric *********
 right. some people allow themselves to be made fools of, others don't.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Danny ********
 we have to settle for poor quality fake SUVs with 1.6 engines 🤣🤣
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Danny *********
Reply
Marty *********
I assume your car is something special? Has sentimental value? If not then sell it and use the proceeds towards buying a car here. Cars tend to be a little more expensive here even if built in Thailand.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *********
Thats what I did with my 65' Karmann Ghia
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Marty ********
 you mean those suvs that are all over the streets? they are toys, not cars
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes I know the house is hers... But it's OK... I trust her
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Marcus ********
@Danny ********
 I have bars and yes it's possible to own property you just have to be savvy and lawyer up. And to ship a car u take the engine out and say it's non running or junk parts. And I know these girls are not loyal, I make 10k a month not trying in USA and they see me spend money they don't care if they have husband or married. Please be careful bro.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Alex ********
@Danny ********
 there are countless examples of men with Thai wives including me that trusted but when the right time comes for her suddenly you find a totally different woman. I trusted my land on her name and 8 years after she refused to let me use my land etc continued then divorced even though we had a child together. What ever you do , do leave the door open for the unexpected to cover your ass.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alex *******
... You are probably right
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Danny *********
Reply
Steve **********
@Danny ********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *********
@Danny ********
 Nothing to lose
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No... I was going to put my jeep in a container and shipped it to Thailand... Not drive it to there
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You have a jeep?

Never ever have any problem with it.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Danny ********
 this guy is troll, i know him from another topic.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Frank **********
@Danny ********
 Jeeps are literally trash vehicles. Not very reliable. I would not bring one to Thailand even if it were possible.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Robert *********
Buy health insurance now
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *********
@Robert ********
 For sure she will buy life insurance for you.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Keith ********
 or her family will definitely !

#2 rule on Thailand.

'Never be worth more dead than alive'
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ********
@Steve *********
 And isn't that true basically anywhere?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Kevin *******
 yes, correct !

Just practiced more here.

But you didn't ask for #1 rule.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ********
@Steve *********
?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Kevin *******
 uh uh, gotta be here a bit and learn on your oun.

No veterans will share.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ********
@Steve *********
 I've learned a lot on my own. Usually after it happening 3 or 4 times.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Kevin *******
 then your learning !

After 5 years, thought I'd learned and see it all.

Now been 22, and learn something new daily.

Most if it beneficial abd positive
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
 why?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Danny ********
 he probably wanted to joke, a bit clumsily
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Stephenie **********
I would never recommend driving to Thailand fly then get a car when you're here. The house is your wife's as unfortunately as a foreigner you can never own the majority of a house
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Diana ******
@Stephenie *********
 we will be driving to Thailand! Part of pur global adventure!💜
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephenie **********
@Diana *****
 my bff rode from London to Thailand, 10k kilometres and quite tge adventure by all accounts.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephenie **********
Reply
Shane ***********
@Stephenie *********
 in correct
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeffrey **********
I have great in-laws, and my wife came from a nice little village. However I don't recommend living in your wife's Village. They're wonderful expat communities I would recommend finding something about 4 hours away or it's easy for your wife to go back to the village and visit are you guys go back together on occasion but if you're there and there's not things for you to do in that Village restaurants shopping movies clothing people to talk to you're not going to be very satisfied and people will be stopping by frequently asking needing wanting. If you're 4 hours away that eliminates just about all that
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Jeffrey *********
 totally agree with that. I made that mistake. I am only the 5th farang here and rarely see the others, f all to do, no restaurants only food carts, one
****
that's it
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephenie **********
@Steve ******
 rather stick pins in my eyes than live in the boonies. I'd need farang interaction. Seen many a man head up country bragging how cheap it is, month later they're back in patts
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Stephenie *********
 it's not a cost issue for me. My biggest complaint is interaction and never speaking English
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Stephenie *********
incorrect
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ******
I trusted mine but money is money that it why i have no restaurant or house so much for husband and wife
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ******
@Jeffrey *********
 correct you cannot buy land but your wife can
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephenie **********
@Jeffrey *********
 what is?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
@Stephenie *********
 I think that he is trying to till you that you can own the house but not the land the house is on, of course that can have its own problems,
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Darren ******
In Thailand a westerner can buy a condo and a car in his name.

When I comes to land and building houses on that land , it is a
*****
% split.. the house is normally considered the 49% and owned by the westerner , land being Thai owned.

1 problem that can occur is how to get to Ur house without trespass on their land 😂
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Darren *****
 that's wrong. I bought a house and land package, registered it in her name, upon divorce and as stipulated in the Thai family law act it is
*****
as long as you can prove you paid
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Darren ******
@Steve ******
 everyone can prove they paid.

Obv the girl can't.

Fort time in 17 years here I heard of
*****
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Darren *****
 here you go

Section 1533 Civil and Commercial Code: Upon divorce, the Sin Somros (common property, jointly owned marital assets and debts) shall be divided equally between man and woman.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Darren *****
 look up the family law act. It is very clear. Everything accrued from the date of marriage is
*****
.

Unfortunately not everyone can prove they paid, especially if they sent the funds to the lady and not to the seller
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephenie **********
@John *******
 Jeffery probably been conned by his wife or he's never actually been to Thailand
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Stephenie *********
28 years in Thailand

Board of Investment has several programs to own land and homes. Also if your thai spouse dies you get it
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephenie **********
@Jeffrey *********
 I had a BOI work permit and I'd never heard of it.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
André **********
@Stephenie *********
 you better stick to diving; obviously the ins and outs of real estate/ land ownership are beyond him and ontop of that makes unverified claims about other peoples relationships...
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
André **********
Reply
Danny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
O really... Thank you very much
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Danny ********
 that is the rule for normies. But remember anything is possible in Thailand if you got enough money
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Chris *******
Importing of used vehicles has been banned for a few years now.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Chris ******
 moto either?
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Michael *******
 nothing bikes or cars.

We had 2 beautiful Harleys and I wish we could have brought them.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Chris ******
 same here. So sad.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Roberto *********
You can't bring in a vehicle
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I insure and tax a vehicle in Thailand if it's registered in my spouse's name but I will be the primary driver?
15 comments
3 months ago
What should I know about bringing expensive road bikes into Thailand without facing taxes or issues at immigration?
2 comments
5 months ago
What steps do I need to follow to transfer ownership of a pickup truck from my Thai wife to me on a retirement visa?
11 comments
5 months ago
What are the regulations for importing used household goods to Thailand with a non-O retirement visa?
17 comments
8 months ago
What are the rules and costs for importing a container of household goods to Thailand?
31 comments
8 months ago
What visa do I need to buy a car in Thailand as an expat?
43 comments
9 months ago
What should I consider bringing or leaving behind when retiring to Thailand?
232 comments
9 months ago
What are the options for owning or renting a car in Thailand when living there part-time?
22 comments
9 months ago
What are the rules for bringing personal items and books into Thailand on a retirement visa?
12 comments
9 months ago
What are my options for bringing my bulky music system to Thailand with a retirement visa renewal?
27 comments
9 months ago
What are the requirements for registering a new truck in Thailand and paying related taxes and insurance?
11 comments
9 months ago
What is the process for registering a custom-built trike in Thailand?
58 comments
9 months ago
What are the requirements for registering a vehicle under a non-O marriage visa in Thailand?
10 comments
a year ago
How can I move to Thailand to live with my Thai spouse if I have limited finances?
89 comments
a year ago
What should expats consider when buying or renting a car in Thailand?
7 comments
a year ago
Can I buy a car in Thailand and register it in my name as an expat?
21 comments
a year ago
What advice can you give for driving a car from Italy to Thailand, including customs and import regulations?
97 comments
a year ago
What are the best options for exporting my new Toyota Cross from Thailand to the UK?
28 comments
2 years ago
Does an Elite visa in Thailand allow shipping personal household items and a car without duty?
11 comments
2 years ago
Is it cheaper to hire a driver or own a car in Thailand for occasional travel?
52 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way to bring personal items to Thailand without incurring import fees?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for long-term car rentals or purchasing a vehicle in Suan Phueng, Thailand?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the costs and considerations for shipping a vehicle and personal belongings to Thailand as an expat?
112 comments
2 years ago
Can I drive and own a car in Thailand on a retirement visa, and do I need a Thai driving license?
54 comments
3 years ago
What are the tax implications and considerations for importing a used car to Thailand on a retirement visa?
0 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.