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How do I buy a second-hand car and manage the tax and insurance in Thailand?

Feb 8, 2026
3 months ago
Joni****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Applied for driving licence in Phuket

Need advise on first where to buy second hand car

When I get a car, do the have car tax, not, and what is the set up on insurance

Is it on the car is it on you,

Appreciate any help please
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When buying a second-hand car in Phuket, it is crucial to check if the car has a 'blue book' and to ensure proper paperwork is completed at the Department of Land Transport (DLT). Compulsory insurance is required to obtain car tax, which includes basic 3rd party coverage. If the car is over five years old, a test certificate is also necessary. For better coverage, first-class insurance can be purchased alongside the compulsory insurance. It's recommended to involve a reliable local, especially when purchasing from a private seller.
Barry ***************
I use One2car Application. Tons of cars & trucks. I look at it daily last 9 months, great application.

Barry / Retired Hua Hin
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Nigel **********
This is my advice when buying a car in Thailand.

If buying private take a reliable Thai person with you. The safest option is a dealer. Just my advice.

The insurance and blue book have already been covered by people on here.
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Simon *********
When you pay for tax, you also need compulsory insurance, to get the tax. It's basic 3rd party insurance, you can get at the same place as the tax. If the car is over 5 years old, it also needs a test certificate to get the tax.

If you want beter insurance cover, you can get 1st class insurance. As well as the compulsory basic insurance.

I use a broker, to do mine the easy way

Global Insurance Pattaya

1st class insurance, and the compulsory insurance, cover the car, so any driver
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Ant ***********
If you buy a car privately or even

Through a dealer they key item is the “ blue book “

Seller needs to have car in their name in blue book - book needs to be transferred into your name before you pay the full amount

I bought a car from a reputable dealer in Hua Hin

They did all the work

And

The insurance was transferred from the previous owner to me ( buy the dealer )
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Luc ************
If you buy a car, check of it has a blue book. Then ask the seller if it still has insurance and let him donthe paperwork at the DLT office. Same for your plates.
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Joni****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Should be mot
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Joni****
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