Can I purchase a car in Thailand while on a visa exempt status?

Visa Exempt Car Purchase Residence Certificate Thai Immigration Expats in Thailand Vehicle Registration

Jan 14, 2024

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I buy a new or used car in Thailand on a visa exempt? I read that a residence certificate is required too from Thai Immigration or my country’s embassy in Thailand, so how would that work if I’m on a visa exempt? Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

In Thailand, it is possible to buy a new or used car on a visa exempt status; however, obtaining a residence certificate may be required, which is more challenging in Bangkok compared to other provinces. If you are in areas like Phuket, acquiring this certificate is generally not an issue.

Richard *********

Yes, if in Phuket.

No problem

10 months ago

Nick *******

Only Bangkok will be an issue getting a resident certificate.

Any other province you will be fine .

10 months ago

Eric *******

How does one get a residence certificate in Bangkok? Will a Rental Agreement work?

10 months ago

Richard *********

sure u can and than take paperwork and register it in another province>>

10 months ago

Chris *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richard ********

Nice. I guess the car dealer will do it for me?

10 months ago

Richard *********

@Chris ****

NOPE> u must do it in person>

if u do it in Bangkok, they will go with you to register it BUT u still need the cor>

in another province of course they wont be with you.

10 months ago

Chris *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richard ********

Noted with thanks. I guess buying a car in the province I live in will be more convenient.

10 months ago

Reply to

Chris *****

Toni *****

@Eric ******

you need to do your 90days report first in bangkok to be able to get residence certificate there

10 months ago

Eric *******

But my friend who is buying the car, will only be here periodically, on visa-exempt, and staying less than 30 days at a time.

10 months ago

Nick *******

@Eric ******

then he can't register it in his name in Bangkok.

Register it in a different province. Everywhere other than Bangkok will give a resident certificate with visa exempt or tourist visa.

I've got 2 bikes registered to a hotel address in Chiang Mai.

10 months ago

Chris *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nick ******

Noted with thanks. Learned something new 👍🏻

So does it mean we can’t buy a car in Bangkok? Meaning we have to buy the car in other provinces?

10 months ago

Reply to

Chris *****

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