The Complete Guide to Buying a Car in Thailand

The quality of life and freedom that owning a car gives you is incomparable. 

The public transportation systems are unreliable in most parts of Thailand and having a car is necessary for many. Sure Bangkok has the BTS and MRT. And most major towns and cities have a van network and local buses or songthaews. But these don’t serve the needs of everyone.

In general, all over Thailand, the public transportation systems are inadequate. For those who live in places like Chonburi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai subway lines and sky trains are still a distant dream.

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Getting Started

It can feel overwhelming when you first start looking into buying a car in Thailand. 

You can talk to other expats who have been through the process, and snoop around online to get an idea of prices. But in Thailand, you have to prepare for things to be a bit more complicated than they might first appear. Let us help you. 

Do You Really Need a Car? 

First up, think about whether or not you really need one. They are a big expense and a lot of potential headaches. 

Not many people living in central Bangkok could justify having a car because there are airport transfer services, good mass transportation systems, and motorcycle taxis on every corner. There’s also a lot of traffic which makes driving a nightmare.

pickup truck Thailand
Pickup truck is the most popular type of car in Thailand.

If you need to travel outside the downtown area for business, it becomes a necessity to have private transportation. Having a car might sound good for weekend trips outside of the big city, but you need to think about how often you would use the car and if it would improve your quality of life.

For those who have decided to buy a car, your location can help determine what type of car would best suit your needs. If you travel long distances from a rural area then a larger car for cruising around would make sense. If you live in the city, choosing a small compact car to make traversing through traffic easier would be the better choice. 

Also think about parking. Does your condo or neighborhood allow it? This can be a very expensive afterthought if you don’t have access to a safe parking space.

You might also want to read:

Long Term vs Short Term

A key factor for many expats to consider is whether they will be staying in the country for a long- or short-period of time.

Long-term expats have more reason to buy a car as it is a considerable financial investment in Thailand. Those married on retirement visas, or those with full-time jobs who stay for the long haul could benefit from having a car.

Those here for a short period need to consider the resale value of their car and how easy it’ll be to sell. As you’ll see, there is quite a bit of paperwork involved when selling a car.

For those here for a short time, it might not be the best option. You also need to consider that if you must leave Thailand on a certain date the car needs to be sold by then which could cause problems if you are rushing to find a buyer.

There is always the option of leasing a car for a period of a few months up to a year or relying on local public transport and taxis. 

If you’re looking for a brand which holds its value and is easy to service, then the best bet is a Honda or Toyota or perhaps the top models from Japanese car makers.

Family

One common reason for buying a car in Thailand is for when you have a family and don’t want to rely on public transportation. 

A car is the safest and most convenient way to transport your family around. Having your own car makes for great road trips with the kids.

New Cars vs Second Hand Cars

One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make is whether you want to buy a new or used car. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. 

Many people prefer to buy new due to the lower maintenance costs and frequent special offers.

But there is also a thriving used car market in Thailand. And the possibility of buying from other expats in Thailand means you can go through the majority of the process in English.

New Cars

When you buy a new car, there are several benefits. You can get a bunch of extras thrown in if you are good at negotiating.

Here in Thailand, most dealers seem to sell at the recommended list prices, but the extras are where you can try to get added value. For example: better parts-exchanges on new car purchases, your first year’s insurance covered, or free tinted windows.

The relationship between the customer and dealer lets expats ask more questions with the experts before, during, and after the buying process.

If you buy new, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re the first owner of the car, so there shouldn’t be any surprises later on.

Thailand car event
There are car events thoughout Thailand all the time.

A new car also comes with a guarantee for the first three to five years or the first 100,000 kilometers, depending on which one comes first. The guarantee period between each brand and model can differ. 

This means if a car suddenly has any unexpected issues that don’t result from reckless driving, you can visit an official garage and get a part replacement for free. 

Buying a new car also means you have more finance options open to you, and you’ll get the chance to speak to the dealer. However, it can be hard for an expat to get a car loan unless you have a Thai friend to help you. 

As you’ll see below, the buying process isn’t always easy but by using an authorized dealer, you’ll be dealing with salespeople who have experience negotiating with expats.

Get the Best Price on a New Car

There are several things you can do in order to get additional discounts and more freebies when buying a new car in Thailand, if you know what to do, where to go, and who you talk to.

We have a list of four tips you can use to get the best price when buying a new car.

It’s one of our 100+ exclusive pieces of content available only to our premium subscribers.

To get access, please become a subscriber.

Second Hand Cars

The major benefit of a used car is that you get a cheaper set of wheels. There is the potential for a bargain in Thailand, but in general, used cars hold their value well and cost more than you would pay in western countries.

You also have the choice to buy a used car from a licensed dealer, which means you’ll have access to a service package or insurance.

You can buy used cars from many sources and some of them offer the cheapest prices on the market.

To buy a used car, you should also know how to inspect a car yourself or bring someone who can. Otherwise, you might get a car that’s in a bad condition and needs lots of surprise repairs. 

Another negative for used cars is the 7% VAT that’s added to the bill if you buy from a showroom or used car dealer, or use a loan to finance the purchase.

To avoid this payment, you can pay in cash from a private seller. Buying from a private seller who has looked after their car is an excellent choice. Thai people call these “house cars.”

Looking around the roads of Thailand, you will notice two car model trends. 

The first is the number of pickup trucks. This is because these cars can carry many people and have a reduced excise tax, making them a popular choice for many people.

The second is the popularity of Honda and Toyota cars. There are several reasons for their prevalence.

Japanese Brands

Japanese cars are very popular in Thailand because of prices and quality. 

A majority of cars from Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, and Suzuki are manufactured in Thailand and are priced better than other brands. 

Honda and Toyota are the two most popular car brands in Thailand by far. This is because people trust in their quality and they can fetch a good resale price. 

The availability of certified mechanics is another convenience. Literally, every garage knows how to fix these cars, and parts are easy to come by.

When it comes to other Japanese brands, Isuzu is known for the pickup truck while Mazda is known for its design and functions. 

Nissan and Mitsubishi are known for performance while Suzuki is good value for money. 

European Brands

European brands are generally considered luxury cars in Thailand. They are much more expensive than Japanese brands because of an import tax. 

BMW and Mercedes are assembled in Thailand but use imported parts which make them more expensive than they’d be throughout Europe or in America.

Imported finished cars and trucks are subject to 300% tax, making them three times more expensive than in Europe or America.

BMW and Mercedes (known as Benz in Thailand) are by far the two most popular European brands in Thailand, followed by Ford (especially their pickup trucks), Audi, Volvo, and Volkswaken respectively. 

Maintenance is a main disadvantage of an European car. It tends to be more expensive than Japanese brands. Unless it’s BMW and Mercedes, finding a good mechanic to fix your car can also be a challenge. 

You may also not want to use an official garage all the time since the price can be two or three times more expensive than independent garages. 

Chinese Brands

MG was the one of the very first Chinese brands to enter the Thai market in 2014. It’s been the most popular Chinese car in Thailand ever since. 

Since then, more brands have been introduced into the Thai market, including GMW, Chery, and Neva. 

Chinese brands are known for being inexpensive and with more functions than Japanese and European brands. On the other hand, they still have problems with part quality and maintenance. 

These Chinese brands mainly sell electronic vehicles due to the tax regulations between Thailand and the Chinese Government.

Electric Vehicles (EV)

You still have a limited choice of electric cars (EV) in Thailand. 

Looking at the sales numbers alone, MG is the most popular brand in Thailand since they were the very first brand to sell electric cars in Thailand at an affordable price. 

Tesla has been available in Thailand since 2023. However, the starting price for their model 3 is 1.75 million baht, which is almost twice as expensive as the US. This is mainly because of import taxes. 

In addition to Chinese brands as mentioned in the previous section, you can also get an EV from a brand like Lexus, Nissan, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. 

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Please note that if you want to get an electronic car, you need to plan your route well because of limited charging stations. 

While many shopping malls and gas stations have started to provide charging, there are still not enough. 

If you live in a condominium, you need to also check with the condo juristic person to see if they provide changing stations, and how many they have. 

Car Color 

Black and white are the two most popular colors for cars in Thailand and would be a good choice if you were looking to sell your car after a few years.

Avoid Paying Taxes on a Used Car

There are certain conditions, completely legal, under which you can avoid paying taxes when buying a used car.

You can read how in this exclusive content.

It’s one of our 100+ exclusive pieces of content available only to our premium subscribers.

To get access, please become a subscriber.

To avoid this payment, you can pay in cash from a private seller. Buying from a private seller who has looked after their car is an excellent choice. Thai people call these “house cars.”

Looking around the roads of Thailand I saw two trends. The first was the number of pickup trucks and the second was the popularity of Honda and Toyota cars.

Coming from the UK where the roads are full of Fords and Renaults, I put the number of Hondas and Toyotas down to the Thai love of Japanese products. But I soon discovered other reasons for their popularity.

Honda and Toyota are two of the car brands which are manufactured in Thailand and have lower taxes and selling prices than imports. Tax is also the reason for the large number of pickup trucks. These cars have a reduced excise tax, making them a popular choice for many people.

Another reason for the popularity of these two brands is the availability of certified mechanics. Every town will have a garage to repair these cars and the parts are easy to come by. Even third-party garages will be knowledgeable of top-brand cars.

“black and white” were the two most popular colors for cars and would be a good choice if you were looking to sell your car after a few years.

road in Thailand
Regardless of the model, black are white are two most popular colors in Thailand.

Since there’s a high demand for black or white cars, you might need to wait longer than other colors when buying a new car. 

For example, if you buy a blue car, you might be able to get it right away. But a black or white version of the same model might have a waiting list of several months. 

With certain models, white cars can be 5,000 to 10,000 baht more expensive than other colors because they have extra layers to make it look brighter – often called “pearl white”.

Finding Cars for Sale

There are many different options when it comes to buying a car, new or used, in Thailand. Traditional dealerships are popular but there is also an ever-growing list of online options.

New Cars

You can buy new cars in Thailand mainly from dealers at a showroom or car events. 

Car Dealerships 

A dealership can be reassuring because of attentive service and more legal fallback if there are any problems. It’s also easier to get finance through an authorized dealership than relying on alternative methods listed later in this article.

Going to a dealership means you have an entire range of models, and can discuss pricing options. There are car dealerships in all big towns and cities in Thailand, giving you loads of options. 

Another benefit of a dealership is that you can see new and used cars and compare prices and conditions. Most official dealerships also have promotions, and provide warranties and extras on not only new cars, but used cars as well.

Different dealers have different promotions even if it’s the same car brand. And it isn’t only about freebies you get from buying a new car, but also finance options too. 

If you are not in a hurry, you can shop around and ask different dealers to find out which one gives you the best promotions. 

In many cases, the car dealer that you bought a car from is going to be the same place where you maintain your car during the first few years. This means if you are not happy with the shopping process, it’s best just to change dealers. 

You also have the option to test drive a car if you have a Thai driving license, a license from your home country, or an international license.

As with many places in Thailand, at dealerships sales people will treat you according to your appearance. You might consider dressing up to get taken seriously. 

When this writer walked in wearing a scruffy T-shirt and shorts I got little attention. But when I returned in a collared shirt and dress shoes, I had sales people jumping over themselves to help me. Maybe this was just random luck or bad customer service, but there is a correlation between the two.

Car Events and Shows 

The Bangkok International Motor Show is one of the most popular places for Thai people to buy a new car. Often there are great promotions. 

It is held annually for two weeks in December at the Impact Arena on the outskirts of Bangkok. All car brands in Thailand will be there to showcase their existing and also upcoming models.

In the past, the event has been criticized for being more about the pretty models, but things have been toned down and the cars are now taking center stage again.

At the Motor Show, you will be offered different promotions from many salespersons, which make it easy to compare promotions between events across all models. 

This will give you an easier time making a decision on which model and dealer you want. It’s also possible to test drive within the event if you have a driving license. But it will be a quick test drive because of the number of people there. 

If you already have a model you want, you can go to an official dealer in your area too. They may offer the same promotion at the Motor Show. But you will have more time to do a test drive and talk with a dealer. 

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A main disadvantage when buying a car during a big event like the Bangkok International Motor Show is that it comes with a longer waiting time than usual. You might need to wait for 6-8 months if you buy a popular model in a popular color from the event. 

It is also common to see mini shows in the numerous shopping malls around Thailand. Places like Fashion Island seem to have at least one car company showcasing new models every couple of weeks. 

They have huge signs offering discounts but it is not clear if these are the same deals you’d get at the dealership. One benefit of these events at the mall is that there is less pressure to buy and you get the chance to see and sit in the car.

Used Cars

Buying a used car can save you a lot of money if you know how to thoroughly inspect a car. Or take someone who knows what to look for. 

Otherwise, you may get a car that’s only good on the outside and you will spend a good amount of cash fixing it.

Car Tents

One of my Thai friends told me I could buy a car at the tent which confused me at first, but a car tent is basically a place where you can buy used cars in Thailand from unofficial dealers. 

Many cars come with limited warranties and many are sold “as seen” so you need to have a real understanding of cars to get a good buy. Tricks such as winding down the mileage and putting different parts into cars do happen, so buyers beware.

car tent in Thailand
an example of a car tent in Thailand

Many car tents work in conjunction with a finance company and a loan can be agreed upon on the spot. It’s best to make a payment and drive the car away. 

It’s not unheard of for car tents to change out expensive parts for cheap ones when a customer pays a deposit and comes back later for the car. Also, if you pay by cash, the price of the car can be higher than if financing, since some car tents get commission from giving out loans.

If you are looking for a cheap car to get you from point A to point B then looking for bargains at a car tent could be an option.

Private Offline Listings

When I was going to buy my first car,  my dad went straight to the newsagents and picked up a copy of Auto Trader Magazine. It listed thousands of used cars for sale and was like his bible. You could compare prices and specs to see what was a reasonable price for different models.

Most car businesses have moved online these days but it’s still possible to find offline car listings here in Thailand. National and local newspapers have car sections with private listings, which are worth a look if you want to go this route.

You might also see private listings at your condo. Sellers leave flyers on notice boards and the sale can progress quickly between neighbors.

Sometimes cars in the street have for sale posters or stickers on them. You might even see a for sale brochure for the car you’re looking for. There’s no exact science to buying a car, but fate might bring you to your dream car on the soi you’re walking down.

Online

Buying a car online is a popular choice. Many sites have sprung up in Thailand to cater to the desires of Internet shoppers. These websites cater toward the sales of used cars, but some websites offer sales of new cars, or links to special offers from dealerships.

There are also many listings on forums and social media which can match you up with a seller. The phrase “buyer beware” is important here, because there can be limited recourse if the buyer purchases a car as seen and turns out to be a lemon.

Good sources of online cars in Thailand are below. However, note that these online sites run by car agencies result in prices that can be higher than average market prices. 

There are other sites that help you buy cars directly from sellers. Prices will be cheaper with better conditions.

Our premium subscription includes all of these reputable sites as well as tips to car inspection tips and tricks and other money saving strategies while living in Thailand.

Motors.co.th/en – This site is easy to use and clear for used car shopping. Enter a few simple details about your budget, location, make, and model and you get a list of results. You get everything in English, and the list gives you pictures and contact number of the seller. 

Suekairod.com – The site is useful if you are looking to get a guide price and find information about your nearest dealer. A major selling point of this site is that they list cars available in dealerships, both new and used. This means that you can pick up a bargain from a dealer and not just from a private individual.

The other option for online purchases is to look at sites like Facebook Marketplace, kaidee.com and bahtsold.com, which offer secondhand goods including cars. Craiglist also has a site for used cars in Thailand. 

Just use lots of common sense if you go this route. 

Auctions

Car auctions are great to watch. The atmosphere is exciting and fun to study the tactics of the bidders trying to work out their top price. Buying a car through auction is something to be wary of for a number of reasons though.

The issue is that you have to compete against other bidders and could end up paying more than you’re prepared to in the heat of battle. At auctions you’ll have to make quick decisions and might not get a full description of the vehicle or have limited opportunities to inspect it. 

However, you can sometimes get a bargain at an auction if others aren’t interested in the car you want. Those with knowledge of cars can be confident that they can spot a bargain when they see one.

If you’re interested in car auctions, check out Union-Auction which has listings for car auctions in Thai and English. Both sites give pictures and descriptions for the cars available and list fees you need to pay.

A buyers administration fee of 8,560 baht (including VAT 7%) applies to all lots purchased in the financiers vehicle auction and the salvage vehicle auction. The buyer’s fee for burnt out vehicles is 4,000 baht and for motorcycles it’s 1,650 baht. 

For trucks it’s 12,500 baht. If you purchase a financiers or salvage vehicle using Simulcast, an additional buyer’s fee of 1,420 baht applies. If you purchase a motorcycle using Simulcast, an additional buyer’s fee of 250 baht applies. 

Full payment in cash or bank check is required by 4pm the working day after the sale. VAT is included unless otherwise indicated. Check on site, in auction catalogues, or with cashiers for fees applicable to your vehicle.

The auction is a fun, exciting, fast process. So here’s some tips to help you succeed:

  • Set yourself a budget
  • Check the car you would like to bid on, including the documents
  • Pay by internet bank transfer for the safest method of payment
  • All cars are sold “as is, where is;” there are no returns
  • Read the terms and conditions
  • Ensure you have the correct name registered for the auction
  • Bid clearly and don’t wait until the last minute.

A quick look on Google shows there are plenty of car auctions in Thailand so you might be able to find a local independent auction close to you.

The Buying Process

When you’ve decided to go ahead and make your purchase you have a few hoops to jump through. When buying a new car it’s possible that the dealer will look after most, if not all, of the paperwork for you. But when buying from an individual, you’ll need to be more hands-on.

New Car Buying Process

After finding the right dealer and car, you need to reserve the car by paying a deposit, usually 5,000 – 10,000 baht. The reason for this is that cars in Thailand are usually made to order. Sometimes, it may take up to six months for the car to be delivered to you.

You should get the receipt after paying the deposit, stating everything about your new car including: model, color, delivery date, and all freebies you got from the negotiation. 

Once the car arrives, you need to check the car from bumper to bumper. Be sure to take it for a test drive and check that all freebies are included. Check the warranty for the manufacture date, inspection dates, and customer details. Make sure everything is perfect before accepting the car. 

If possible, bring a car expert with you. Also, write down the engine number to make sure that this is the same car you inspected.

You should receive all documents on that day including car insurance, CPTL, car manual, the temporary red book, and the tax sticker.

New cars will need special red license plates which will be replaced with the official white plates in a few months. The cost of these temporary ones is around 2,500 baht but you will be refunded when you change over to the white plates. 

Failure to transfer from the red temporary plates to the white official ones can result in a fine if you are pulled over by the police. A lot of people do like to keep red plates on just to show that they have a new car.

You will get your official blue ownership book a few days after or on the same day you receive the white plates. If you finance the car you’ll get a copy of the blue book. The finance company will be listed as the owner of the car. The blue book and car will be transferred into your name once the loan is paid off.

Driving with Red License Plates

When driving with red license plates there are a few things you must be aware of. 

First, you should always keep your ownership papers, the temporary red book, and transfer documents with you. If the police decide to stop you then you’re liable to pay a fine if you can’t prove ownership. 

Second, with red plates you are restricted to driving during daylight hours and in the province the car is registered to. If you want to drive to other provinces or at night time (after 8pm), you need to write down the date and destination inside the temporary red book. 

Car Registration 

All car registration paperwork is dealt with by the Department of Land Transport. The dealer should do it for you for a small fee once all the following documents have been prepared:

  • Passport (signed copies of all visa pages and information page)
  • A signed copy of a work permit or a certificate of residency issued by the Immigration Bureau or the applicant’s embassy
  • A valid Thai driving license

Booking a Specific Car Registration Number 

If you want a specific registration plate number, you can do it yourself online if you can read Thai at the Department of Land Transport website on weekdays from 10am to 4 pm. You only need a chassis number, which you can get from the dealer. 

Everyday on the Department of Land Transport website, it shows you a list of available registration numbers sorted by Thai alphabet and number. If it doesn’t have the alphabet or number that you want on that day, you just need to wait until it’s available.

Department of Land Transport in Bangkok Area 3
Department of Land Transport in Bangkok Area 3

There are some people who wait for almost a year in order to get the number and characters that they want. During this time, they just keep driving their new car with a red plate. While it’s not entirely legal, it happens. 

Once you can successfully book your desired number, you can print out a confirmation document and hand it over along with a copy of your passport, residential certificate, and the car purchase contract to your dealer for a car registration process. After that, you should get a white plate within a week or two. Although some dealers may take longer than that. 

Depending on your negotiation skills, it’s possible to ask a salesperson to book a specific car registration number for you too. If you don’t book a specific number, it will be assigned randomly depending on what’s available on the Department of Land Transport website at that moment.

Used Car Buying Process

Guide to Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car in Thailand can be complicated. There are 5 common scenarios that you could end up dealing with.

You can read about them in our complete guide to buying a used car in Thailand.

It’s one of our 100+ exclusive pieces of content available only to our premium subscribers.

To get access, please become a subscriber.

Transferring Your Car

The transfer process involves several steps. The first is to submit all paperwork and get it checked and stamped by an official. At this stage, they may ask you to come back in a few days if you bought a car from another province. 

When everything has been checked, you need to come back and inspect the car. The inspection makes sure the car matches the details on the submitted forms and that there are no other problems. Finally you will be asked to come back to collect plates and the Blue Book.

If the car is transferred within the same province, everything should be finished within a few hours. If it’s transferred to another province, it will take a few days.

The transfer cost is different based on the estimated amount of the sale value of your car. There’s a 105 baht transferring fee and a stamp fee of 0.005 baht from the estimated car price. For example, if the car is estimated at 300,000 baht, the total transfer cost would be 1,605 baht (105+ (300000 x 0.005)).

Finally, if you are unable to do it yourself, you can give the power of attorney to another person to complete the paperwork for you.

Used cars registered in a different province will need a new set of plates. The cost of this is around 200-300 baht.

Finance Options

One of my biggest concerns when buying a car was where the money would come from. Even with the cheapest models I would still need to borrow to complete the sale.

It’s possible for foreigners to get loans in Thailand to buy a car but there are strict restrictions. 

The foreigner must have a bank account with good standing at a local bank. 

You need a work permit or similar showing you are here long term. Some people stated that they have been successful getting a car loan using a tourist visa, but it seems to take a lot of effort, requires a much higher deposit payment, and is decided upon by the manager at each place.

For the first car a foreigner buys they will need a Thai guarantor. 

This can be a relative or friend but they need to be aware of the situation and what happens if the foreigner defaults on the loan. For the purchase of all cars thereafter and where the loan is through the same source, a guarantor is not needed. 

The exception to needing a guarantor is when the deposit payment is between 50-70%.

The final stipulation for getting a loan is that a minimum down payment of around 20% is required. 

Sometimes a bank will ask for a higher down payment if you are new in the country or have limited funds in your bank. Either way make sure you prepare copies of your work permit, passport, bank statement, and wage slips before applying for a loan.

Interest rates for a car loan in Thailand is around 2% – 4%. It can be more or less depending on the amount of down payment and lease duration, which is normally in the range of 24 months to 84 months. 

During a promotion period, it’s possible to get an interest rate of less than 1%, if the amount of downpayment is over 25% and duration is shorter than 48 months. 

However, if you get a good deal on the interest rate, you will get fewer freebies when buying a car, as a car dealer will make less profit from you. 

Now let’s look at your financing options.

Through the Car Dealer

Many people apply for finance through the car dealership where they purchased the car. The benefit here is that the car dealer will have a good relationship with finance sources and it could be easier than going through a bank. 

The terms of this agreement may come with special introductory offers so check to make sure you understand the payments you will make throughout the contract.

For a foreigner this might be easier if buying new from a showroom as you’ll have to deal with only one company for the purchase and loan. It also means you can build a financial relationship with the dealer when it comes to upgrading your car or replacing car parts.

In case a certain financial institution doesn’t give you a lease, a car dealer might also be able to find a new bank for you. This is because they want to get a commission from selling a car to you. 

Make sure your dealer is authorized to finance your car. 

Official dealerships are fine but sometimes private firms might bend the rules and regulations when it comes to giving a loan.

Through the Bank

The rate of loan defaults has been rising due to the poor performance of the Thai economy and increasing household debt. Therefore the conditions for getting a loan have become stricter and the bank may request a Thai guarantor based on your circumstances. 

One positive is that the banks are prepared to loan money to foreigners for auto purchases, unlike when it comes to financing property. They also offer special incentives such as 0% interest introductory offers.

For more information on available offers from major banks in Thailand, follow the links below and speak with the banks.

Krungsri

Krungsri bank logo

You can find many options for financing a car at Krungsri . The Krungsri new car option looks good and works like a hire-purchase agreement. Foreigners need a work permit and must show proof of employment to get this loan.

SCB

SCB bank logo

SCB offers various finance options for both new and used car purchases. You will see they offer loans of up to 95 for new cars and 90% for used cars. The payback term lasts up to 84 months and is available to Thais and foreigners. All applicants must be living in Thailand and show proof of funds with six months worth of bank statements, as well as proof of address.

Bangkok Bank

Bangkok Bank logo

There are different types of personal loans offered by Bangkok Bank. One interesting option is using your savings as collateral to gain up to an additional 100% on a loan. The payback term is up to ten years and is subject to approval based on the amount of savings you have.

However, loans from Bangkok Bank are mainly available to those who have a payroll account with them. 

Insurance

There are several different types and levels of insurance in Thailand and it is important to know which ones are mandatory and the difference between them all when making a buying decision. 

We have a separate article on car insurance in Thailand providing you everything you need to know on this topic.

Tax

As part of the initial registration process you will pay tax. Tax depends on the make and model of your car and can be between 800-10,000 baht per year.

If it is a new car, your car dealer will be able to tell you in more detail how much tax you will be expected to pay.

After that, you need to renew your car tax every year.

Maintenance

Driving along most roads in Thailand you will see garages and people working on cars. There are enough places to take your car to if it needs a tune up or if something major has gone wrong with it.

While you hope your car will run forever you’ll have to get bits and pieces replaced or repaired over time. These little things might not be included in your insurance coverage if there is an excess ,so you will need to find someone to make the repairs.

If you buy a new car from the dealer then it’ll be covered for repairs and services for a set period of time–normally three years. If you decide to do work in another garage then it’ll void any further inclusions under the special package you got when purchasing the car.

The numerous roadside garages do a good job and are useful if you are in need of urgent repairs. Simple tasks like oil changes are often much cheaper than at official service centers and the labor cost is much lower. 

Some gas stations provide simple car service and repairs. To find a reputable garage where you live, talk to friends who have the same car model as you. Ask them where they go. Most roadside garages are more up to speed with Japanese models, but there are some repairmen knowledgeable in European brands as well.

Most people budget around 10 – 20K baht a year for maintenance costs but this varies depending on the age and model of car you have.

Can I Buy a Car Using a Tourist Visa?

Although you can buy a car with a tourist visa, you can’t legally register your car under your name. 

This is because the Department of Land Transport always asks for a work permit or an affidavit of residence from your embassy in Thailand. And this affidavit is only available to those who have a valid long-term visa

Selling Your Car

The steps for selling your car work like the advice given above. However, you need to think about the best way to sell it. If you’re part-exchanging you may sell to a dealer but if you’re leaving the country you might find a better deal by selling to another person.

Selling Privately

If you have a friend or a colleague then this might be an easy way to get a quick sale. You can advertise around your company or through Facebook – there are always a lot of adverts and people looking to buy. The negative is that if you’re on a tight deadline, getting a deal completed can be difficult and stressful.

The paperwork is not too difficult but you will be responsible for doing it and going to the DLT with the correct documents and blue ownership book. The other option is to give all the required documents (stated in the paperwork section for used cars above) to the buyer, who will then go through the process themselves. Make sure you have the usual selection of photocopies of your visa, passport, and proof of address with you when transferring your car.

However, one thing to be careful of is that if the buyer doesn’t complete the car transfer, and the car is still registered in your name, you’ll be the responsible person if they get into trouble with the car.

Selling to a Dealer or Car Tent

This is a convenient option if you want to part-exchange and get a new car. The dealer will give you a better price to part-exchange rather than to sell. A lot of people head to car tents when they are in a rush and want a fast payment. You might not get the best price but it will be done quickly.

Selling at Auction

If you have a rare car or a car that might create some interest, then look at an auction. Especially if you’re not happy with the prices offered by dealers.

Well advertised auctions give you the chance to attract a lot of bidders if it’s a well-respected auction and you have a special car.

Do I Need to Sell if I Leave Thailand? 

This depends on your visa status. If your Thailand visa is active while you are out-of-country, then you can keep your car in your name. If not, then you need to sell your car. 

If you are holding a work visa and will be returning to your home temporarily for three months, you don’t need to sell your car if your visa is active during that time. 

On the other hand, if your visa expires while you are back home, then you should sell your car before you leave Thailand.

Now, on to You

We hope that this article gives you all the information you need when it comes to buying a car in Thailand. 

Some people may think that a private car isn’t necessary in Thailand. But it is much more convenient (and fun) to get around Thailand when you have a car, especially if you have a family or don’t live within a city area. 

If there’s any questions you want to ask about buying a car in Thailand, please feel free to do so in the comment section below. 

Richard moved to Thailand in 2013 to enjoy the tropical climate, golf in the sun and working in a new culture. During this time he has started a website, put down roots and experienced a lot of what Thailand has to offer. When not working Richard is normally playing sport, scuba diving or planning a new vacation.

47 thoughts on “The Complete Guide to Buying a Car in Thailand”

  1. I recently purchased a Mazda CX3. It was 2nd hand, with 23K and still had the new car smell! What could be better? Well, alot. One thing I would tell anyone buying a used car in Pattaya, is have it inspected or bring someone along that knows what to look for. I learned the hard way things aren’t always what they appear to be. I was selling another car(MG3) that basically I was not happy with, and wanted to get a Japanese model because they are better cars and have a better resell value. A man came to look at the MG and he inspected the car in great detail. He had a device which I later found out measures metal thickness(a way to see if panels are original part or been replaced), and he went over the entire car. He also looked in the door jams, inspected the paint, the grooves, the tires(age) and rims(what model year), and finally the motor. He found numerous issues and pointed them out to me and I took pictures and video. He found bolts that were scratched(which shows removal), scratches on the frame and crinkled metal(showing buckling), as well as several aftermarket parts that were not original equipment(overflow tank, radiator). He showed me a section on the frame where a device is attached to straighten the framework in the engine department, as well as missing clips, screws and missing caps for AC line as well as the freon line being bent which proved it had been damaged in an accident or when they removed the engine. All of these things indicated the car had been in an accident. Also, the paint did not quite match between door panels, and the bolts for the door that are supposed to be unpainted and silver, had been sprayed over. There was also marks on the repaint where dirt had gotten on the paint and then it was buffed out but left a small pock. The rims were from a 2019 model car so why were they on a 2021 car? Because the front wheel had been damaged and instead of paying 10 baht for one rim, they picked up 4 used rims for a cheaper price. Plus, the tires were 2019. The front end plastic grill cover was also missing the dust cover. The hood had been replaced with another hood and was missing the VIN tag. The warranty book was a replacement and not original as well and they put a homemade sticker on the cover where a manufacturers stamp would have been. I was completely flabbergasted. The one thing this will affect is the reselling of the car. A bank will not finance a car like this so forget selling to a Thai person. I will have to find a cash buyer. The man even knew this car and had seen it before and asked me if the seller had tattoos on his arms and I said yes. He said this is what they do. They buy auction cars, fix them up cheaply and sell them to people for cash. They must have a cash buyer. He said that it is still a really nice car for what I paid. It drives perfect. I probably can find a buyer after a few years of driving it. My suggestion is if you are going to buy a used car in the 400K+ range, pay someone to look at it. This guy charges 10K baht. Or just look for what I have mentioned here. If they insist on a cash sale, walk away.

    Reply
    • Thanks a lot for your comment. I also had a similar experience. It’s quite important to have a car inspector when you want to buy a used car here.

      Reply
  2. Hi,
    May I check what is the requirement and process of getting the Certificate of Residency ? assuming the buyer already has a condo and bank account in Thailand.

    Reply
    • You can go to your local district office with a passport and house registration book (blue book) in order to get a yellow house registration book (called as yellow book). Then, you can use a yellow book as a certificate of residence.

      Reply
    • Yes, if it’s a popular car that’s in a high demand, it can even be longer than six months. On the other hand, it’s also possible to receive it within a week or two.

      Reply
  3. Quote: “Imported finished cars and trucks are subject to a 300% tax, making them three times more expensive than in Europe or America.”

    300% tax makes a car 4 four times more expensive, not three.

    1000 x 300% = 3000 + 1000 = 4000 (4x)

    Reply
  4. My stepson is negotiating to buy an Isuzu truck and has been quoted a price of 974,000 Baht which includes the 7% VAT tax. They ask for 20% down and balance over 84 months at 2.69% interest with financing at the dealership. They enter those figures into an auto loan calculator app to determine the monthly installment, and inside the calculator is a toggle switch to turn on to calculate another 7% VAT tax into the monthly installment. In other words, they are trying to charge him the VAT twice. I keep telling him this is not correct and the VAT should be taken off the sales price before calculating the monthly installment with the VAT added to the monthly payment. Or, the entire amount, car price plus VAT, should be entered into the calculator and turn off the VAT toggle switch when computing the monthly installment. My stepson’s answer is always the same….”dealer says this is the way they always do it”. I tell him to walk and go somewhere else, but he’s dead set on getting this truck regardless and may fall for their trick to double charge him the VAT.

    Does anyone else have any experience with this, and if so, am I correct in the method to calculate.

    Reply
  5. -“The exception to needing a guarantor is when the deposit payment is between 50-70%.”
    -“Some people stated that they have been successful getting a car loan using a tourist visa, but it seems to take a lot of effort, requires a much higher deposit payment, and is decided upon by the manager at each place.”

    I’m curious who with and where was this accomplished successfully? I’ve talked to a few dealers now that absolutely would not accept anything but a work permit and a guarantor was necessary even with a 50% deposit.

    Reply
  6. Would you care for an update? Chevrolet has withdrawn from the Thai market in 2020.
    Only repairs and spare parts are available from then from that time on.

    Reply
  7. An outstanding and very detailed and easy to read article!!! Big kudos!!!

    I have one question, though: in the text it reads “blue ownership book”. Isn’t the ownership book of a car not green? Or is that only with motorbikes?

    Reply
  8. can i check a vehicle’s details with a number plate. eg: if it’s registered, under finance, etc.

    Reply
    • Only an authorized person can do that (eg. Department of Land Transport officers, policemen, and so on). So, if you know one of them personally, he/she might be able to do it for you. But it’s not entirely legal.

      Reply
  9. I would like to buy BMW. I found one for 39k from 2005. Insurance and tax is more expensive? Also car parts?

    Reply
  10. My Personal Suggestion, To Buy a Brand New Car, Not A Used One. In Thailand, Use Cars Are Very Expensive & You Perfectly Don’t Know What Are You Going To Buy.

    Reply
    • I agree Mike. The issues with 2nd hand are many here in LOS. I would say unless buying from a hi-so Thai who has had the bucks to look after their car, and has log books to prove it, or someone you know very very well who also has the means and attitudes to show they have looked after the car well, otherwise I would say don’t buy 2nd hand.
      If you are very mechanically minded and can repair cars then this is a different matter in servicing, parts replacing and fixing 2nd hand pre-exisiting issues.
      I did consider buying on the ‘grey market’ here as my well-healed Thai dentist and friend in Asok has done for years but I changed my mind because; I’m not a Thai, and the price and zero additional benefits on a Euro high priced car made no sense, and many/most Thais don’t take care of their cars cosmetically or otherwise as I expect a car to be maintained.
      We went around to the Benz dealers in BKK (and deliberately told them we were going to the other dealers in town) with my dentist as my spokesperson and interpreter.
      She got me a great deal which included insurance, extended warranty (the standard warranties is already superb with all Benz’s as is), and a 5 year fixed price servicing as per log book requirements, and a discount on purchase price (I said I wouldn’t consider any deal without a decent discount cause I was paying cash). I saved over $25 K AUD, am not locked in to using Mercedes to service the car (I use a friends recommended Mercedes trained independent).

      Reply
  11. Interesting article. One of the reasons left out as to why Toyotas, Hondas and Isuzus are so prevalent in Thailand is there reliability and longevity. These brands consistently out last their competitors on average and by a long way. Mitsubishi are built cheap as well as Nissans. Ever since Nissan was taken over by Renault in the early 2000s their quality has dropped quite a bit. Instead of buying brand new unreliable brands, buy a bigger and better second-hand car from a reliable brand at the same price or less. If its low kilometer car (Under 60k km) it will outlast even the brand new cheap car. For example instead of buying a brand new Mitsubishi Attrage for 450k baht, or a Nissan March, buy a second hand Honda City, Mazda 2 or Toyota Vios a few years old and you are guaranteed a better driving experience, more space and a longer life of your cars, with still very good resale value. Good cars can outlast cheap cars by 2 or sometimes 3 times. All cars are not created equal. If you live outside the biggest cities you will usually pay around 50,000 baht more than you should for a worse condition car with higher kilometers.

    Reply
  12. Richard whot are options bought car 400.000 4 years ago. Ono on hp not understang agreament. My. Fault. Payed 100-000 deposit leaving 300-000 owlng now paid 352000 but theay wont me to pay another 2 half. Years saying agreament is. 7 years whot are optcions nevrre missed a pament but due to exchange rate etc. Canot. Keep up. Paymemts look forward to your reply terry

    Reply
  13. Very informative write-up, thank you! I was wondering if you might be able to shed some light on this predicament . . . We have a car that was given to us by my brother-in-law. He lives in Bangkok and we live in Northern Thailand. We want to sell the car, but it is still registered in his name with Bangkok plates. Does the actual owner have to be present for transfer of ownership at a used car dealer? Can I just send him the papers to sign and he can send them back with a signed copy of his Thai ID card. Any idea if that would work? I guess I can ask at the used car lot, but just thought I’d try here first. Thanks.

    Reply
  14. Here is tip of get financing for car or loan for car from bank ,
    Requirements documents
    1) Passport
    2) work permit (more than 1 years)
    3) salary slip or DBD documents
    4) Car documents
    5) Statement 6 M
    6) 1 Thai citizen ( for guarantee)

    Without these not able to get financing as forginer .
    If u with retire visa or some other ,
    Please explain on bank , about your visa status .

    Apart from this , forginer we can’t take loan from bank .

    Reply
  15. I tried my own bank Kasikorn at 2 different branches and also the Bangkok Bank you have listed above. All said that they do not loan to foreigners. Even though I explained that I have savings as collateral.

    Reply
    • Exactly. I find this information in the article a bit misleading and overly hopeful. I’ve yet to see anyone successfully secure a bank loan with a tourist visa of any length nor using a large deposit or savings as collateral.

      Reply
  16. Hello Richard.
    I am interested in buying a brand new MG SUV car. I have lived and worked in Thailand with my wife (not Thai), since 2013. I can’t get anyone from my school to stand as a guarantor for the new car and I want to buy the car through financing, with my down payment not exceeding 20%. Is it possible; what can I possibly do in this circumstance to be able to purchase my dream car, without a Thai guarantor?

    Reply
    • As being foreigner , without Thai gurantor not able to take financing , to get financing u need to have work permit over a year , business visa , and six months bank statements , pay slip , one Thai Grantor .
      without that , it would be difficult .

      Reply
  17. Dear Richard,

    Is it damn right necessary for a car to be registered to my name? Whats happening if the car tent dealier is insisting the car to be registered to a local friend and then shipping it to Udon from Bangkok to me? Car dont pass customs checks?

    Thanks in advance,
    Kyle

    Reply
  18. Apologies if this has already been covered but I couldn’t see it anywhere. Is it a legal requirement to keep the original blue book in the car or will just a copy suffice?

    Reply
  19. Hi,
    Thank you for providing valuable information. I am planning to move to Bangkok mid-next year. Do I need Thai Driving License in order to buy a car in Bangkok?

    I am holding Australian Driver license. Can I buy the car without local driving license? (ie. Passport and Aus Driver License only)

    Thanks

    Reply
  20. Hi…thanks for this information.
    If you are able to pay for the car in cash, in full and dont require a loan or financing, do you still need a guarantor or long term visa, or can you just buy one?

    Reply
  21. Hi. Thank you for very detailed info. I just wonder what I am doing. Im gonna buy one ole car with changed engine. I live in Pai, Hae Hong Son, and the nearest Land transportation is in Chiang Mai. The owner is not very good in paper work, and the car price is only 30 000THB. Now you tell, that I must have a copy of hid ID-car, copy of house registration, blue book and the transfer of ownership. Then you advice to go to some official. What is that official? Do you think that I can find it in Pai? or do I need to go to Mae Hong Son for this procedure. So with what official I deal with the car transfer process? The owner has not been paid the annual tax, so where I can pay that? Thank you. Alex.

    Reply
  22. Hi, I like your detailed description on buying a car in Thailand .Can you tell me what is the purpose of the temporal red book / red license plate? On the surface it seems rather ridiculous to buy a new car and be restricted to only driving in the province you live in and the time of day you can drive while waiting for the white plates.

    It also should be mentioned that there could be issues with insurance companies coverage if you have an accident while driving the car under red plates.

    Reply
  23. Richard:
    I’m from the U.S. married a Thai 10 years ago, and will be back again to live soon. Although she had owned used cars in the past, we’ll be looking at new ones this time. Your article is very helpful in understanding the somewhat complex (at least compared to the U.S.) system. Even with normal banking, we’ve run into problems in other provinces using the same bank, as they told us that we would need to return to the Bangkok office to complete what I would think is a normal request, and even my wife didn’t understand, despite her having a master’s degree from Thailand.
    I guess I shouldn’t complain, as governmental and private issues in South America are far more difficult to accomplish in my experience.
    Thanks for writing this, it’ll save us aggravation!
    Mark

    Reply
  24. Does anyone have any recommendations for a reliable outfit that would do a PPI (pre purchase inspection) on a used vehicle in Bangkok?

    Reply
  25. Thanks, very useful. Wasnt sure if I would go for a used almost new car or a brand new. Now I feel a bit more secure to by from a tent 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey Stefan, buying a car from the tent can be an option. But you need to be extra careful on it. Bring a person who understand cars really well with you.

      Reply
    • Hi

      It means when the car has been changed, either on the inside or outside to make it look better

      Reply
  26. Hi Richard,

    This is Himanshu this side. I work with a an automobile CRM company that is based out of India. I am trying gain an understanding of car market in Thailand and came across your post. It is really very detailed and helped me gain initial understanding of way vehicles are retailed/serviced in Thailand.

    If possible can i call you anytime over next few days for a general chat. The agenda of the call would be to introduce myself and also try and gain better understanding of the Industry.

    Regards,
    Himanshu
    +91 9167661692

    Reply
    • Hi Tom,

      If you want the car in your name it is possible to do without a visa. You will however need to have proof of address in Thailand. Not having a work permit / retirement visa etc means it is much more unlikely that you will get approved for finance through a dealer.

      If buying in cash there is no problem, you can discuss with the dealer and they will assist you. If buying privately then be prepared to visit immigration or your embassy to get proof of address in Thailand to use when registering the car in your name.

      Many thanks

      Richard

      Reply
  27. Hi Richard,

    Thank you for the detailed post. I came to this page actually looking for information on how soon I can buy a car and the documents that the dealer or owner would need from a buyer. I have the work permit. Do I need to have 6 months statement of bank account or so as I’m staying at Pathum Thani province and a car seems essential here.

    Please let me know

    Thanks
    Ananth

    Reply
    • Hi Ananth,

      I used to live in Pathum Thani so understand your concerns!

      I presume that you will be requesting finance from the dealer? In all honesty it depends on the dealer as they like to see financial stability which is why they normally request 6 months worth of statements. If you can show them a work contract or perhaps proof of funds from your home country this may suffice. The best option is to actually speak to the dealer and see what they accept as they have different policies and it is possible they may assist you based on your personal circumstances or amount of deposit which will be paid.

      If you are just buying outright for cash then it doesn’t matter regarding the statements.

      Hope this helps,

      Many thanks

      Richard

      Reply
      • Thank you Richard, I’m seeing your response just now as work and trying to find accommodation have kept me tied up. I’ll request one of Thai speaking colleagues to speak to a few dealers and see how it goes.

        Reply

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