What are the road tax payment requirements for a motorbike that hasn't been taxed for multiple years in Thailand?

Nov 26, 2023
a year ago
Reimar ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello - using a friends motorbike and she asked me to help her pay the taxes on it. They havent been paid in a few years as she has been out of the country since before COVID - the sticker says 2561.

Does anyone know if the transport office makes you backpay all the years or just this current year to update the road tax? Dont want to get in trouble or pay a huge fine!

Thank you kindly if you have some accurate information 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the process of paying road tax for a motorbike that has not been taxed for several years. It appears that if taxes have not been paid for multiple years, both back payments and the current year's tax must be settled. If the tax is overdue for several years (generally reported as 5 years), the vehicle’s registration might be revoked, necessitating complete re-registration and new documents. Users emphasize the importance of checking with the Department of Land Transport (DLT) for specific procedures, as many factors can affect the requirements based on how long taxes have been overdue and whether or not the vehicle's registration has been canceled.
Radost **************************
So many answers and only 1 came close

You can't pay more than 2 years backwards for another person. Only the person who is registered as the owner with a valid ID can do it and it takes about 1 week as the green book is void and they do a new one. If the owner is not available then you can use the motorbike for spare parts only or paying 2000 baht fine every time police stop you. No insurance, no tax + accident means a minimum fine of 20.000 baht a you pay all the damage out of your pocket
Clive *******
Its around 5k for everything including new book after 5 years it neens to be re registerd not sure if its 5 years for a car as well 4-5 years anyway
Radost **************************
@Clive ******
it's not 5K it's not even 1500 as you pay only 3 years backwards and the fine for late payment is 1 baht/month
Clive *******
@Radost *************************
bull shit my girlfreins sister just paid 5k its 550 a year so thats 1650 on its own tax on her zoomer then the new book and registaition fee and then the new tax for the year stop talking bullocks fella
Rich *****
That’s a couple of years before anyone had even heard of COVID!
Reimar ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you very much for all the answers!
David ***********
@Reimar **********
dont leave it to long. More than 5-7 years overdue and they cancel the licence and trying to get another is very difficult. Bike is worthless without it
David ***********
Will need a test first then you pay current year in full about 600thb then a fine for each year you missed which from memory was about 150-200thb per year missed
Tom *******
Seems like a stupid system. What if you were using a vehicle only on private land? Why would you have to pay road tax? And backdated too? When it wasn’t being used on said roads? Smh.
Steve ********
@Tom ******
If you were not using it on public roads you would notify the authorities and return the number plate surely?
Tom *******
There seems to be some confusion here between a number plate and registration plate. To me, they are the same thing. Anyway I’m done. Have a nice day.
Tom *******
@Steve *******
why? if you’ve paid to have it registered in your name, why would you give that proof of ownership up? Using it on your land, you still want to be able to prove it belongs to you should it be stolen etc.
Steve ********
@Tom ******
But it still bears a registration plate. Plates can be switched from bike to bike so it doesn't prove anything.
Edna *******
@Tom ******
point is if your not Thai, taking a big chance. You may not think so now, but you’ll be tempted to make a quick trip to the village etc. just get your own bike and register etc properly. Not worth the risk of getting seriously hurt. Must have bike and health insurance.
Tom *******
There’s no reference made to the UK or the US in the original post so you’ve lost me. My point is that usually you’re not expected to pay road tax when a vehicle isn’t being used on a public road. Anyway, I’m done. Carry on. :-)
Tom *******
@Edna ******
been here 25 years, dear, and we have two cars, me and wifey, both registered and taxed. My comment was about having to pay tax every year regardless of whether it’s being used on Thai roads or not. Seems scammy. You should have the choice like you do in the UK.
Edna *******
@Tom ******
no choice, and not uk but US. I was referring to original post.
Andrew ***********
Or you just let her drive it with no rego or insurance, worst case she will get a small fine. Many thai do this. But for it to be legal go to you local DLT and ask is the best option.
Kev **********
@Andrew **********
and let the rest of us carry the can when she hits your car...
Andrew ***********
@Kev *********
haha possibly
Stephan ***********
As far as I know... after so many years without paying tax the registration is revoked by the DLT. Right now I'm not sure it's after 3 or 5 years. So... worst case it's not done by paying the tax, you need to register the motorbike completely new - new Greenbook, new Numberplate. Best will be to go to the DLT and ask for the exact procedure now.
Andrew ***********
Jay *****
Definitely back pay plus for the current year. You can't just pay the tax for the current year.
John **********
You'll likely need to get it tested first and pay insurance
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