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Answered2 years ago

What paperwork is required to buy a motorcycle in Thailand?

Michael ********
asked May 10, 2024
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Hi. I wanted to buy a motorcycle yesterday. Used. After the test drive, when I was determined, I told the seller that we could sign a contract. He replied that it wasn't necessary. He gave me a green book, a copy of his ID card and said I didn't need a contract. Of course, I didn't agree and resigned. Later I read on the Internet that you need a lot more paperwork than I thought. There must be an agreement, that is obvious, but there must also be a house book and a letter to deregister and change the name. Can anyone confirm this?
Answer summary
When buying a motorcycle in Thailand, it's essential to follow the correct paperwork and transfer procedures to ensure legality and protection against potential scams. The seller must provide the motorcycle's Green Book, ID copy, and transfer documents. While some buyers suggest that a contract is unnecessary if these documents are present, others strongly advocate for having a sales contract to protect against theft or disputes. In some cases, a residency certificate may also be needed, particularly if the seller or buyer is a foreigner. It’s advisable to complete the transaction at an authorized location for safety and ease.
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Carsten **********
Carsten **********
No sales contract needed. You buy what you see. Only green books get handed over and two signed transfer of ownership documents and copy of ID. That's how it is in Thailand.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Carsten *********
read on the official what you need before purchase
Carsten **********
Carsten **********
@Michael *******
I bought plenty of motorcycles with only the signed transfer document and signed copy of ID. Never got scammed, never had any problems. However, law/regulations might have changed. But let me know, where I can read 'the official' where it is stated I need a contract to change ownership of a . motorcycle in Thailand.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Carsten *********
if you want be scammed you no need contract 🤣
Carsten **********
Carsten **********
@Michael *******
I never got scammed when I bought 6 motorcycles over the years. Did you get scammed? I do not think it would make a difference to have a sales contract if you got really scammed.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
Carsten **********
Carsten **********
@Michael *******
I have the contacts of the sellers. According to the green books, the bikes are in my name. I understand from you, that all the bikes in my garage with my name in the green book are not owned by me? Who owns the bikes then? Please send us all a reference, to what you stated that I'm/we're not the owner without the 'contact'. BTW, we talk about Thai law in Thailand, not the law of the nation you are coming from. The same is true for cars. And yes, if you want to, ask the seller to sign a sell/buy contract, but it does not make a difference in future ownership.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Carsten *********
if you don't have a contact you're not an owner.
Peter **********
Peter **********
It’s great isn’t it , all this paperwork to purchase a motor bike

Then 25% of the Thai population ride around with no helmet , no driving licence , no insurance , no Tax paid and all the family riding , husband , wife and two kids

only in Thailand
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Peter *********
it's like you choose to have fire insurance or not . you may never have to use it . but eventually the day comes ........

I had driver's licence and insurance in this country for 20 years . never had to show or use it .

but if ever I have to . I'll be more than happy to have it ......TIT .....
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Giorgio *****
wchich one do you have, where bought?
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Giorgio *****
wchich one do you have and how much you paid for
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Michael *******
both driver's . went through the tests and passed . no cheating . as you may suggest .

insurance , you pick up your own company like you'd do in the west .I don't see where there could be any problem .

quite cheap too for a good third party coverage in case of accident .

in Chiang Mai you can go and see Ben , at Pantip plaza .4th floor . he does insurance for foreigners . it's his job . good helping guy
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Peter *********
ever heard of TIT ?
Peter **********
Peter **********
@Giorgio *****
yes mate , but thought some may not understand the abbreviation
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
Peter **********
Peter **********
@Giorgio *****
very true , it’s a steep learning curve for some ex pats living in Thailand
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Peter *********
then they're still too fresh . time to start to make their own research !!!!! but I know that cost a lot of energy for some ...
*****
5555
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Peter *********
haha exactly, amazing world 🤣
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
who doesn't enquire about conditions BEFORE ????
*****
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Giorgio *****
I was convinced that purchasing a vehicle is the same all over the world
Mika ********
Mika ********
@Michael *******
hope you are also “convinced” that we drive on the left here 😁
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Michael *******
you still have a lot of travel to do . and obviously a lot to learn
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Giorgio *****
it was just joke 🤣

And, honestly, i was almost everywhere 😜
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
@Michael *******
be very careful. just for your info : in some places you can smoke cannabis freeely , in other places may get death penalty .

much more easy in some countries you drive on the right side, in some others on the left . in others you drive where ever there is room to drive . the world is very diverse . don't take anything for granted because you've seen it once
Bryan ********
Bryan ********
I bought my bike from a private individual. You can do the transfer at a garage that does testing. There are many everywhere. Look for the cog logo. We went to one on phetkasem road near the palace opposite. They told us what paperwork we needed and left it with them and collected the book in my name about a week later. Did the same with my car but we went to the transport office in Pran Buri where they did it while we waited . Took about an hour.
Jimmy ******
Jimmy ******
If you followed what he said then you would actually be buying the motorbike under his name but he would be allowing you to use it. A lot of motorbike shops do this with foreigners. They are mostly not trying to cheat. They are trying to help you out. Lots of my friends who trust me have also putten their bikes under my name as i have thai id. You could also put it under someone you trust with thai id or residential certificate.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Jimmy *****
this way has some advantages?
Jimmy ******
Jimmy ******
@Michael *******
well on a tourist visa you can't own a bike, so let someone you trust have it under their name.
Clive *******
Clive *******
Or you can get a power of return there are two a 4 papers he can sign copy of his ID car signed and a copy off his Tubian barn signed then you can go put in your name job done
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Clive ******
I'm not sure what you said
Clive *******
Clive *******
@Michael *******
not easy to explane I have bought over 20cars and 100 motor bikes I will try to send you the power of return forms wait
John ********
John ********
You need a Certificate of Residence
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@John *******
from who?
John ********
John ********
@Michael *******
Prior Owner
Jack *********
Jack *********
@John *******
or Yellow Book
John ********
John ********
@Jack ********
Mine is Blue
Ally ************
Ally ************
You strike a deal to buy the bike.. then agree a time to meet at the LTO to sign the bike over.. both parties will have to confirm their identity and residence to the LTO's satisfaction.. you can check their exact requirements online before you go.. and unless it's a new/relatively new bike it will have to pass a basic inspection.. once the transfer paper work has been completed and checked by LTO and signed off by both parties you make the bank transfer and officially file the forms with them.. it can all be done within a couple of hours if you go early in the morning.. and if you are prepared to wait you can even leave with the green book in your name.. though if it's late in the day and it's really busy they will sometimes suggest you return the next day to collect it.. this assumes it is a private sale of course.. if you're buying from a dealer (ie. a motorcycle shop) then they will normally attend to everything on your behalf.. you just provide them with copies of the necessary ID docs etc.. and don't have to visit the LTO in person.. it's a fairly simple process.. but if there's no green book or a private seller refuses to go to the LTO to undertake the transfer then some warning bells should be ringing!
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
yeah what ever you say 😁😆😄
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
I'm talking to my Thai friend right now. confirms that you cannot buy or sell a motorcycle without a green book. If the police stop you, you must have a contract. End of topic.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael *******
A green book has nothing to do with a contract.. and if you read my threads again.. I've repeatedly said you need a green book to legally transfer title of a motorcycle at the LTO.. nobody here has said you don't need the green book.. i think you are confused my friend 😐
Michael *******
Michael *******
Michael Villin yeah what ever you say 😁😁😅
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Ally ***********
I have bought two motorcycles in Thailand and have never had to do that 🤔 on both occasions the seller's transferred the bike's over to me and it was straightforward 🤗 I only had to get a residents certificate from immigration
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
residents certificate isn't necessary
Jeffrey **********
Jeffrey **********
@Michael *******
If either the buyer or the seller is a foreigner a residency certificate is needed or a Yellow House book
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
well that's what they ask me for when I first license the bike so I can only go buy what I at to do 🤗
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael ******
You have options to shorten the process.. but would have to trust the seller (a stranger) with copies of personal documents.. and trust them to lodge the documents with the LTO after you have given them your money.. they surely won't do so before you make payment.. so how do you prevent a potential scam.. i accept that 99% of sellers are probably honest.. but why would you take the risk when there is a system in place to protect you.. and it only costs you a couple of hours of your time.. we've bought and sold both cars and motorcycles many times.. and always followed the LTO prescribed system.. it's really a no-brainer when the buyer/seller don't know each other.. since it protects both parties at zero cost.. and you obtain good title to the vehicle.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
read this thread and what people wrote and don't make an idiot of yourself
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
yeah what ever you say 😁😁😅
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
why don't you understand the basic principles? These are the regulations in Thailand. You need to have a number of documents.
Michael *******
Michael *******
You obviously haven't bought a bike or vehicle in Thailand 🤫🤔
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
you don't need any contract, and only the seller needs bring house book or ID copy
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
read the requirements to buy. You need not only contract, you need even house book of owner.
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
Announcement of the Committee on Contracts regarding the hire purchase of automobiles and motorcycles is a regulated business agreement B.E. 2561" which came into force on July 1, 2018, which aims to protect those who hire cars or motorcycles.
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
And don't you be so arrogant and ignorant calling people stupid 🤨 I think your comment says more about you than it does me 🤫

at least I know what I am talking about ,you on the other hand seem a bit paranoid and your comments are absolutely rubbish ,
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
the vehicle book can be stolen either, don't be stupid farang.
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
you have the vehicle book simple, the only time you need a contract is if the vehicle is on hire to yourself 🤫
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
you need to have contract!!!!! This is really simply guys. How do you prove that the bike is not stolen? Think!!!!!
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
the most important thing's you need at a police check point or stop is The correct driving license/permit to drive in Thailand the correct Visa in your passport if your buying the car , tax on the vehicle and sometime the vehicles register book , that's all 🥱
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
I don't think that is correct at all, when you buy your own bike or car 🤫
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Michael ******
read the official. If police stop you without contract you'll go to the prison immediately.

THE CONTRACT IS MOST IMPORTANT. EVERYTIME. EVERYWHERE.
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Michael *******
I don't think that is true 🤔 it's no worse and no better than anywhere else in the world 🌎 I have never had a problem
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael *******
Well i have been stopped many times at routine check points when travelling between provinces.. and each time was in a vehicle i bought without a sale contract.. so long as i had a valid driving license and the green/blue book showing ownership of the vehicle there was never any problem.. so i don't understand this comment.. the real purpose of a pre-sale contract is to detail the intention of the buyer/seller.. eg. exactly what is being bought/sold, the agreed price for it, any extras included, any warranty or guarantees, etc.. which is all very important when you are purchasing a new vehicle from a dealer.. which invariably will be pre-ordered and delivered at a later date to the agreed specification.. but by contrast a second hand vehicle bought privately is sold as seen.. so you must satisfy yourself with its quality when striking the deal.. and will have another chance to check this when you meet at the LTO.. who will also check the bike's providence before transferring title.. so you get what you see and will have indisputable title to it.. with money only changing hands once title is guaranteed.. hence you cannot end up with a stolen vehicle or a vehicle that is not as described.. and therefore a contract is meaningless and unnecessary.. there is also an audit trail of all previous owners in the green/blue book.. which is on permanent record with the LTO.. so nobody can hide from responsibility should their later be an enquiry from the police (or other authorities) regarding said vehicle.. ie. who owned it and when and where they live.. which is also connected to their Thai ID or foreigner ID to facilitate tracking by police (using immigration system if needed) should they need to he found later.. so the whole system is geared to making scamming extremely difficult.. the one area where you will have no recourse at all is if you buy a vehicle without testing the mechanics are up to the expected (or described) standard.. so if the gearbox is faulty or there is a serious oil leak on the engine say.. or the suspension needs replacing and you don't identify it yourself.. then any repairs will fall on you.. unless a written guarantee has been provided by the seller covering such faults for a limited period.. but the average Thai person selling a 5-10 year old motorcycle is not going to do that.. so if you are concerned get the bike examined by a qualified mechanic before you part with your money.. otherwise you accept the risks involved and must factor these into the price you agree to pay!
Jeffrey **********
Jeffrey **********
@Michael *******
They are totally unnecessary so why do one?
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Ally ***********
Check. Pay for a vehicle without a contract and you will see. Let the police stop you, and after some time you will tell us what happened 🤣
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael *******
Please explain the purpose of a pre-sale contract and the benefit of it to a buyer 🤔
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Ally ***********
no. the contract is the most important. never buy without a contract

And read above
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael *******
In Western culture it may be normal to look to execute a written agreement.. but in Thailand it's not normal if you are trading privately.. yes if you are buying from a dealer with retail premises.. ie. one with a corporate image.. but many small 'dealers' that trade from home will not want to sign a pre-sale agreement.. they are just as suspicious of your intent as you are about theirs.. but the LTO system removes all doubt and worry from the transaction imo.. unless buying retail you don't need a contract really.. but if a seller won't bring the vehicle to the LTO to be checked and verified i'd walk away personally 👍
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Ally ***********
I wonder what the seller wanted to achieve when he didn't want to write down the contract. Could this has been a stolen vehicle?
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Ally ***********
in Thailand 90 percent of sellers are scammers. Be careful.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Ally ***********
so this is more difficult proces than i expected
Ally ************
Ally ************
@Michael *******
The system actually provides buyers with a good level of protection against getting scammed.. the seller must prove they own the bike before the LTO will sanction a transfer of title.. and you don't part with any money until you know everything is kosher.. apart from a small deposit at the time of making the deal perhaps.. to show your commitment to attending the LTO to complete the deal.. they are effectively giving you a free identity and ownership check.. and can flag up any issues before you make payment.. removes a lot of worry for people!
Cris ******
Cris ******
A lot of. Legit motorbike shops can do the process for you. Sounds like you were getting scammed. I bought a scooter. They just took copies of my stuff. Went to the DLT for me. And 2 weeks later. Got my green book with my name in it etc.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Cris *****
when you paid for?
Cris ******
Cris ******
Bob **********
Bob **********
If he’s Thai no residents certificate if foreigner he needs a residence certificate to sell and transfer green book
Carsten ************
Carsten ************
Finalise the deal at some nearby motorbike shop. They know what to do and will provide all forms and do the transfer for you, for a very small fee.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Carsten ***********
good idea thanks
Frank **********
Frank **********
It always helps to find out what the procedure is first so that you know what is required.
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Frank *********
I was convinced that purchasing a vehicle is the same all over the world
Greta *****
Greta *****
Maybe it's a good idea to find out the procedure BEFORE engaging with sellers? 🤔
Michael ********
Michael ********
OP
@Greta ****
I was convinced that purchasing a vehicle is the same all over the world
Peter **********
Peter **********
@Michael *******
nothing is the same in Thailand
Floris ***************
Floris ***************
@Peter *********
oh ok that could be yes.
Peter **********
Peter **********
@Floris **************
, yes but most countries I’ve lived in you can fill in the forms and post them

Not possible in Thailand you have to visit in person with all the paperwork
Floris ***************
Floris ***************
@Peter *********
I think in every country you have to put it in your name nothing to do with Thailand. All the country's I've bin it was like that.
Mark *****
Mark *****
Why don't you both go to the transport, licence office together and transfer the bikes green book into your name ?.

Once the green book is in your name pay for guy for the motorbike, if he refuses to go... walk away

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