How important is it to change ownership of a bike in Thailand when facing challenges with obtaining a certificate of residence?

Question

# Seeking for advise regarding changing owners on a bike, how much of a must is it? Pros and cons. Blessings 🙏🏽
# *Editing - its complicated to issue certificate of residence with my visa, and I understood I must have it to change owners, so that's why I am asking about it.

Ask Thailand · Answer

Changing the ownership of a motorcycle in Thailand is generally considered essential for legal and practical reasons. Pros include legal ownership, easier resale, and avoiding liabilities for taxes and fines associated with the bike. Cons may involve complications if the previous owner cannot be located, potential difficulties with insurance, and challenges related to visa regulations that could affect the transfer process. Commenters highlight that not having the bike transferred can lead to problems if any legal issues arise, leaving the original owner responsible.

Simon ********** · Answer

I don’t think the current owners will be happy with you not having the bike transferred into your name, in case you commit any infraction and they get blamed.

Bob ********** · Answer

You’ll never have a green book so you might be able to sell it way below value or just park it when your done and walk away

Tony ********** · Answer

Are you asking if you should purchase a motorbike and leave it in the seller's name?  What visa are you on that makes an RC difficult?

Jordi ******** · Answer

The pro would be that it is then your bike...

Paul ******* · Answer

A must your a farang

Peter ******* · Answer

Obviously do it

Bryan ******** · Answer

Look for a car repair shop with a cog logo. They do the annual inspection ( I presume they are government approved)

They will do the transfer paperwork for a small fee. Leave the book with them and collect a few days later. I’ve done it twice in Hua Hin and very easy

Sharon ******* · Answer

Hm well logic says if your buying a bike & it isn't put in your name then the previous owner could claim it's still theirs. You will obviously have difficulty in reselling & shouldn't expect to get fair market price. If you are selling it & can't find the documents to do the transfer etc then you will get any tickets & might have a problem if it's used illegally or in any accident. As you would still be the legal owner I guess you would be liable for the tax.

Jabuka ********* · Answer

Tried to do it recently (Koh Lanta). Found out previous owner had passed away so was told it couldn't be done but that it didn't matter. Was able to renew insurance nonetheless, which is now in my name. Was told to show insurance sticker + letter and that I'd have no problems.

How important is it to change ownership of a bike in Thailand when facing challenges with obtaining a certificate of residence?

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