@John *********
I think you'll find many, perhaps even a majority? of westerners residing in Thailand aren't work permit holders.
I meant you're one of the few who hasn't been asked for proof of residency when getting a car loan or obtaining a driver's license.
You must also be the only farang in Thailand who's obtained a car loan without being employed in Thailand. That is unless you used MBK finance, who specialize in loans for foreigners/expats, including those who don't work in Thailand.