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Can you own a car on a Non-O visa in Thailand?

May 29, 2025
23 days ago
Bernie *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am sure someone will know this one 🤞

Can you buy/own a car whilst on non O visa.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can buy or own a car while on a Non-O visa in Thailand. However, you must obtain a residency certificate from immigration, which confirms your place of residence. This is necessary regardless of the visa type. Various users shared experiences indicating that even individuals on a tourist visa have been able to buy vehicles, but it is advisable to have proper documentation, including an International Driving Permit and a passport. Purchasing a used vehicle also requires careful checks to ensure legitimacy, including verifying ownership documents and potential tax obligations.
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Julian *******
Of course you can
Bernie *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for all the info, I feel much wiser now 😂👍
Jonathan ******
YES
Michael ********
Yes, I bought a new car in January, a week after getting my Retirement Non O
Jo **********
what’s required to get residency certificate?
Michael ********
Jo **********
@Michael *******
Thank you!!! oh dear I have an LTR have my own house don’t have TM30
Michael ********
@Jo *********
Likewise, we have our own Condo and are on Non O Retirement Visas.
Jo **********
@Michael *******
ok I am not alone
Gerg **********
I hope so. I bought one.
Kent ***********
Silly question
Will *********
Work permit book if it has your address on it.
Will *********
Yes you can
Daren *********
Sure
Ant ***********
Yes
Eddie **********
Many car an Bike in Bangkok area have been in accident and the km are not correct …. Be carefull….

Ask for service book

And go to a car Repair shop and let them control if it been in accident… hard to find a buyer when you want to sell so you end upp going to a cardealer . And Will lose a lot off mony
David **********
I drive
Andrew *******
Yes can buy a used car or bike quite easy, just don't buy anything that does not have a full book, if no book it's a risk that it's stolen, if only front photocopy of book then there is probably a loan against the car/bike, so I strongly advise you avoid these kinds of purchase, any reasonable owner or dealer is generally willing to go to the transport office with you to transfer ownership, do note that if the item is registered in a different province then you will need to pay for the transfer, for a bike it's between 4-5k baht, don't know for a car and also it can take a couple of months for the new book to get to you, also watch out for anything that has missing tax, if it's more than 3 years or very close too I would avoid because after 3 years re-registration is required and I understand that's a pain, but only a couple of years is ok and can pay the back tax easy enough, but also note that you can take anything to the test centre and get a new test and do the tax a couple of months early and for a bike of 150cc it's under 1k baht for all, for cars I think it's 10-15k depending on car type and engine size, I would also advise you to get a full Thai license, it's simple enough and you won't require an agent, cost for both car and bike if do yourself is under 1k baht, if they require you to do the theory test I think there is a small extra charge and I strongly advise you do the practice tests online, easy enough to find, because some questions do not translate well. If you want to do the license make your first stop the local DVT office to get an appointment because they are quite busy and they will also give a list of what you need to prepare to get your licenses.
David *********
Just bought a new car in Bangkok on non visa tourist

Need a International Driving permit

Need a certificate of residency from immigration

Passport

Need your passport
Jack ********
@David ********
non visa tourist? What are you talking about? Nonsense
David *********
@Jack *******
who got up your nose?
David *********
@Jack *******
tourist entry is non visa for 60 days
Robert ********
Yes
David **********
Yes go to immigration and get a letter from immigration to buy a car
David *******
Have you noticed expats driving?

Ofcourse!
Steve **********
@David ******
doesn’t mean they own the vehicle
David *******
@Steve *********
Well every expat I know(over a 23 yr period) drive a car or rides a bike if able.
Steve **********
@David ******
but that wasn’t the question.
David *******
@Steve *********
Odds are....

..
Frank **********
If you are paying cash should be no problem.
Nine ******
Even on tourist visa

I had my car on tourist visa

But l use it agency help me
Mailing *******
Guided by
@Carlos ******
lead, my portfolio has multiplied 7 fold, while I've been on a victorious roll.
Brandon ************
Visa type makes no difference. You need a residence certificate from immigration.
Bernie *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the info gents
Pertti *************
@Brandon ***********
tabien baan is ok too and work permit book👌
Brandon ************
@Pertti ************
depends on the dlt office. Some no longer accept yellow books in place of residence certificate
Bernie *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon, what are the requirements for a residence certificate please
Neil *********
Brandon ************
@Bernie ************
each immigration office will have different requirements. Generally your passport, TM30, passport photo and application form. Some offices charge and some don't.
Michael *********
@Brandon ***********
Yes, its fairly straighforward. I was asked to see leasing paperwork for condo I rent, in addition, I was also asked for copy of passport of the owner of the condo, thank goodness it in with the leasing documents.
Ronny *****
Yes
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