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Answered3 years ago

What does "off the pawn" mean in relation to buying used cars in Thailand?

Jack ****************
asked Oct 29, 2023
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Does anyone here know what "off the pawn" means relative to used cars? I spoke with a lawyer and his answer didn't jive with my guesses and just seemed weird.
Answer summary
In Thailand, "off the pawn" refers to vehicles that have been pawned as collateral for a loan. If the loan is not repaid, the pawn shop can sell the vehicle. Buying a car off the pawn can be risky because the legal transfer of ownership may not be clear, and both parties need to register the transfer. There are concerns about the legality and potential for purchasing a stolen vehicle, making it a dangerous option for foreigners.
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Bob **********
Bob **********
2nd hand cars are expensive over here and if not something isn’t right
Jack ****************
Jack ****************
OP
@Bob *********
coming from the US I struggle to see the used market as expensive. My country lost its God damn mind.
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Jack ***************
yea my brother had to pay 50k for a used Ford Ranger last year in Vegas
Jack ****************
Jack ****************
OP
@Bob *********
it's bananas
Ol ***************
Ol ***************
Whatever it is ..it is in any Way not a legal way to transfer Ownership to Anyone.. such easy .... it is usable of Course .. but for a Foreigner very dangerous as You drive a Car with you never can own Legally !
จิระ *************
จิระ *************
Basically, it’s stolen car without legal documents.
Rattapon **************
Rattapon **************
There are pawn shops in Thailand that loan money to people who bring in valuable items such as gold, mobile phone, or car. If the borrower does not pay back in time, the pawn shop can sell those items out as repayment. In Thai language we call ของหลุดจำนำ which Google directly translate as “out of pawn”.

Buying out of pawn car is very risky because legally when buying a car, both party have to register the transfer of ownership. Chances are the owner may be nowhere to be found among other things that could go wrong from this.
Jack ****************
Jack ****************
OP
@Rattapon *************
thank you Rattapon! This seems intuitive.
Rattapon **************
Rattapon **************
@Jack ***************
you are welcome 🙂
Bob **********
Bob **********
I’m sure it means to make sure there’s a clear title no lean from being pawned
Jack ****************
Jack ****************
OP
@Bob *********
that's what I thought, but the lawyer answer made it sound more like this was after voluntary surrender. (Lawyer unaffiliated with any car sales) and implied the prices were low because of the stigma. But he also said something about it happening after maintenance issues- like people would drop the cars off when the warranty expired. It was pretty unclear.

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