Frequent Asked Question
General
Question : Is driving in Thailand safe ?
Answer : It is safe to drive to Thailand, I have been driving to Thailand since 2006 and I do not encounter any problem there. Make sure your car is in good condition, obey the law and pay full attention while driving. It is recommended to drive during day time and have enough rest before your journey. There are a lot of petrol kiosk cum rest area along the highway, please stop and rest at least every 2 hours of your journey.
Question : How is the road condition in Thailand ?
Answer : The road condition is very good in Thailand. The major highway are usually dual carriage highway like Malaysia north south highway. However there is no structure divider in the middle of two lane, beware of illegal crossing and u-turn in some places.
Others country side road similar to Malaysia trunk road.
There is no toll collection for highway from south to north except elevated highway in Bangkok city.
Question : What car is suitable to drive to Thailand ? Do I need a 4WD ?
Answer : You can drive any car to Thailand as the road condition there suitable for any types of car. You do not need a 4WD. We use 4WD is because it is hardy and it can carry heavy load especially after our shopping trip. Most noticeable is the tire is thick and less prone to puncture.
Question : Do I need International driving license to drive to Thailand ?
Answer : If you are Malaysian, all you need is Malaysia Driving license.
Question : What is the maximum days can I and my car stay in Thailand ?
Answer : For Malaysian passport holder, you and your car can stay up to 30 days per entry. If you need to extend you stay, please contact the nearest Thailand Custom office. Following is the official reply from Thailand Tourism Board Malaysia Office.
Extension of the Temporary Permit
The Temporary Import Permit obtained at the Thailand Border should be valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the country. The Temporary Import Permit can be renewed if you have a visa that is valid up to the date that is required. The permit can be extended up to the date on your Visa but not exceeding 6 months from the date of entry appearing on the Simplified Customs Declaration Form. Write out a letter addressing to
The Director of Customs Department, Customs House, (Address of the Customs House).
Provide the following information :
* The permit cannot be extended beyond the date of your Visa. Mention the reason for your extension. Provide the following documents.
* The original Permit (Simplified Customs Declaration Form).
* A photocopy of the Simplified Customs Declaration Form, your personal details, The Visa used to enter Thailand, The date stamp of entry into Thailand. The original copy of the SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM will be retained by the customs. It may take about several days to weeks to process the application but not later than the date requested to be extended to. You will receive back the original with a date of extension, stamp and signature. The following are the locations of the Customs House.
+ Legal Affairs Bureau, Klong Thoei, Bangkok.
+ Regional Customs Bureau I, 11th Floor, Klong Thoei, Bangkok. Tel : 2494076
+ Regional Customs Bureau II, Nongkai Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau III, Chiangmai Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau IV, Songkla Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau V, Phuket Province.
Things to do before the trip
Question : What do I need to prepare before driving to Thailand.
Answer :
1) Valid Driving License ( For Malaysian and Singaporean, International driving license is not required )
2) Make sure your car is in tip top condition. In order not to spoil your holiday, change your battery if it is more then 18 months old, replace belt and hose if necessary. Both running tyre and spare type are in good condition. If you are driving a japanese make car, you will not have much problem finding parts in Thailand.
3) Bring 2 sets of key and alarm controller just in case you misplace it along the way, a spare key is always handy.
4) Bring necessary tools ( car jack, wrench, spanner, screw driver, pliers, torch light) and spare parts ( fuse, bulb, battery jumper cable)
5) A raincoat can put into good use during raining season.
6) Electrical Adapter for power socket conversion ( just get a universal power adapter from electrical shop). Thailand is using 220AC which is similar to Malaysia and Singapore. Only the power outlet socket is different. Bring a multiple plug if you have more then 1 device to charge.
7) A good Thailand map, road guide and travel information from Thailand Tourism Board Malaysia.
8) GPS and Thailand Map will be very very helpful.
9) Detail emergency contact number and blood type or any medical information in black and white. ( For emergency used only due to language barrier )
10) Insurance Coverage – There are 2 insurance here. The first one is the Insurance that you purchase at the border. That insurance cover 3rd party in Thailand but not your own vehicle. The insurance cost about RM15 for about a week coverage. This is compulsory.
In order to cover your own vehicle, you need to purchase from your local insurance company to cover your stay at Thailand.
However, this is optional if you do not think it is necessary.
You can purchase an extension from your existing insurance company. That means if you car is currently insured under MSIG, then you can only buy the extension from MSIG, not from any other insurance company.
Note : Last update November 2011
For Kurnia Insurance, the insurance premium is 20% of the 1st party insurance that you pay in Malaysia for 30 days coverage. For example, if your car 1st party premium is RM1,000.00, then you need to pay additional RM200.oo for 30days coverage in Thailand. You need to inform the insurance company before you go and when you return. Multiple entry is permitted.
For MSIG insurance, coverage for less then a week is 20% of your existing premium x 1/8. Less then 1 month is 20% of your existing premium x 1/4. That means if your premium is RM1,000.00, the coverage for less then 1 week is RM25.00, less then 1 month is RM50.00
Please call your insurance company to find out more.
Border Crossing
Detail border crossing procedure at Bukit Kayu Hitam click HERE.
Fuel – Petrol and Diesel in Thailand
Most common petrol station is PTT. Shell and Caltex are available as well.
Diesel – “Solar” in Thai. It is Euro 3/4 so it is better quality then Malaysia’s diesel. Try to avoid using Bio Diesel called B5 if you are not sure.
Gasoline – Generally they do offer RON91 and RON95. Malaysia and Singapore car can use RON95 without problem. But it is more expensive. About 40Baht per liter depending on world oil price.
Gasohol- It is a mixture of gasoline and 10% of bio oil. It is cheaper then gasoline by about 10Baht per liter. You may use it if there is no gasoline. I have try using Gasohol without any problem with a Pajero petrol 2400 for short period of time. Not too sure if it is long term as we do not have this kind of petrol in Malaysia and Singapore.
You can check out the latest fuel price in Thailand HERE.
Types of Fuel In Thailand as at November 2010.
| MOGAS | Motor Gasoline = ULG, UGR น้ำมันเบนซิน |
| ULG 95 RON | Unleaded Premium Gasoline, with Research Octane Number = 95 น้ำมันเบนซินพิเศษไร้สารตะกั่ว ออกเทน 95 |
| UGR 91 RON | Unleaded Regular Gasoline, with Research Octane Number = 91 น้ำมันเบนซินธรรมดาไร้สารตะกั่ว ออกเทน 91 |
| Gasohol E10 | Gasoline with Ethanol 10% by volume น้ำมันเบนซิน ผสมเอทานอล 10% โดยปริมาตร |
| Gasohol E20 | Gasoline with Ethanol 20% by volume น้ำมันเบนซิน ผสมเอทานอล 20% โดยปริมาตร (เริ่มจำหน่ายใน กทม. 1 มค. 51 ที่ ปตท. และ บางจาก) |
| HSD 0.05%S | High Speed Diesel with 0.05% Sulphur content น้ำมันดีเซล (โซล่า) มีกำมะถันไม่เกิน 0.05% |
| Biodiesel B5 | HSD with bio-oil 5% by volume น้ำมันดีเซลหมุนเร็ว ผสมน้ำมันจากพืข 5% โดยปริมาตร |
Hi there,
I am planing drive to Bangkok from KL. I am finding information and found here.
May i know is that difficult to drive in to THailand when pass by Custom? will it security check with very hard? Are we easily drive into THailand like drive into SIngapore?
Hi Elbert,
Driving to Bangkok, Thailand is very easy, the custom procedure is different from driving to Singapore.
Driving to Singapore you do not need a apply for vehicle import permit and insurance, but you need to buy a smart card for entrance fees purposes.
Driving to Thailand required you to purchase local insurance, apply for car entry permit ( Please check the posting for detail customer procedure ). The security check at Thai custom is not as strict as Singapore. Overall, it is pretty straight forward as long as you follow the procedure. Please check with your Malaysia insurance company for coverage of your car in Thailand.
From Hatyai to Bangkok is about 1000KM, the road is just like our PLUS North South Highway except it is toll free. Petrol station and restaurant is readily available along the road. It will take approximately 12 hours to cover the journey driving at 110KM per hour.
You may want to plan your time entering Bangkok to avoid the rush hour traffic jam.
Reading your travel blog, haha.
i saw that it need original car registration card. my car is the loan from bank, so how can i get for the original copy?
Hi there,
I am from Malaysia and will be driving into thailand. Have done that several times already. For my knowledge the duration of my car in thailand is actually 28 days. Is there any possible way to extend the time longer than that? From my understanding, in Singapore, we can go to the land authority to ask for another 14days extra. Does anyone knows about thailand? if do, what is the procedure?
Hi Elbert,
I do see some using photo copy of the car registration card. I do not have problem getting the original copy from bank even my installment is not finish yet.
The best bet I guess is to get a certify copy from commission of oath which cost you a few ringgit.
In my personal opinion, it is Malaysia custom that may need to check your registration card in order to determine that you are the genuine owner.
Anybody kind to share ?
Hi Wen,
I emailed your question to Thailand Tourism Board Malaysia and following is their reply.
****
Dear Kent,
Kindly contact the Royal Thai Embassy for the full procedure/visa requirement at 03-214 88 222 / 03-21458004 located at 206 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and Thai Custom & Immigration upon reaching the border. Kindly see below for your reference/information:
Extension of the Temporary Permit
The Temporary Import Permit obtained at the Thailand Border should be valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the country. The Temporary Import Permit can be renewed if you have a visa that is valid up to the date that is required. The permit can be extended up to the date on your Visa but not exceeding 6 months from the date of entry appearing on the Simplified Customs Declaration Form. Write out a letter addressing to
The Director of Customs Department, Customs House, (Address of the Customs House).
Provide the following information :
* The permit cannot be extended beyond the date of your Visa. Mention the reason for your extension. Provide the following documents.
* The original Permit (Simplified Customs Declaration Form).
* A photocopy of the Simplified Customs Declaration Form, your personal details, The Visa used to enter Thailand, The date stamp of entry into Thailand. The original copy of the SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM will be retained by the customs. It may take about several days to weeks to process the application but not later than the date requested to be extended to. You will receive back the original with a date of extension, stamp and signature. The following are the locations of the Customs House.
+ Legal Affairs Bureau, Klong Thoei, Bangkok.
+ Regional Customs Bureau I, 11th Floor, Klong Thoei, Bangkok. Tel : 2494076
+ Regional Customs Bureau II, Nongkai Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau III, Chiangmai Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau IV, Songkla Province.
+ Regional Customs Bureau V, Phuket Province.
*****************
I called the Thailand Embassy office in Malaysia and the following is the answer :
1) For Malaysian entering Thailand, maximum stay is 30 days per entry.
2) The car entry will follow our entry visa, that means 30 days per entry.
3) We can re-enter and gain another 30 days stay at Thailand.
4) According to Thailand Embassy, the best person to check for detail is the custom office at the border.
Please share if you have others information.
Great for your reply, i am planning the way to go.
Mostly will start my journey on April!
Will keep reading your blog for more info!
Hi Elbert & Admin, did you find out about whether the original car registration is compulsory?
Hi Sharon,
Officially yes. But I have seen someone using photocopy as well.
In order not to spoil your holiday, bring the original one.
I have no problem request the copy from my finance company, I told them I would like to renew the roadtax myself and I never return after that. Of course you have to make sure your payment record is clean.
When are where are you planning to go ?
Thanks for your speedy reply! Actually my parents always travel to a small town in south Thailand to my grandma’s house. However, my parents plan to purchase a new car due to the old one always break down. They thought that the custom need the original car registration to proof that the car is own by us. After reading this, it seems that this is not the case.
So far Thai custom never check the car registration card during my visit. ( Thai custom is not situated at the border immigration office, it is few KM on the way to Hadyai.
There is a Malaysia police/army booth belong Malaysia in front of the custom that I believe will do random check.
Hi,
I’m planning to drive into Hadyai next month. Actually, I’m driving my company car (as I’m not the owner of the car), will it be a problem if i can bring along the original registration card? is there any additional/special procedure if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle that he drives in?
you need an authorisation letter from the company to allow you to drive to thailand.
Hi, may I know if I can buy rice from hat yai back to msia if I drive in? How many kg per person? Will it be taxed?? What abt zebra pots and pans? And things like groceries or shampoo or milk powder? Will the Msian custom give us a difficult time or even tax us? What are the allowed items?
Thank you fir your advice.
Hi Lily, Rice is no allow to bring back to Malaysia as you need import permit to do so. Zebra pots and pans are popular items, as long as it is for personal use it will be ok. In most cases the custom will not disturb you unless you buy in bulk. I strongly suggest you take initiative to open your car boot and tell the customer officer what you had purchase and how you enjoy the trip especially the food. The most common question ask is how many days you spend in Hatyai and did you purchase any liquor. Please take note you only allow to buy 1 liter per person above 18 years old if you stay more then 3 days. Beer is not included.
hi..
may i know if i can “takeaway” a few bottles of petrol into thailand???
cheap is part of the reason but the journey to bangkok is way too long…
just in case we missed out petrol station especially i will drive at night…
what time the petrol station close??? ( along the highway to bangkok)
i guess i would not have any problem pumping within bangkok at mid night….
hi. no problem having a spare tank of petrol with you.
petrol station is widely available along the highway to Bangkok.
I did not travel at night. so i am not sure if they open 24hours.
But I guess it is similar to what we have in Malaysia as Thailand is very prosperous as well.
Hi, I am planning to drive to Hatyai from KL for holiday. But the car belongs to my sister in law and she is not following. Is there any problem to drive through custom even if I have the original registration card?
According to the official requirement. You need to have the authorization letter from your sister in law to allow you to use her vehicle.
I guess bringing along a photo copy of her IC will be helpful as well.
Hi, I’m usually to go thailand, but I want drive a car in this country. Could you tell me is it possible to drive there if I’m a Cambodian.
Ths
can i know what is the open hour for wang kelian and wang prachan check point ?
if i reached at 6.30am ,is that possibility to buy the insurance from the agent ? many thx!
Hi,
I am not sure about Cambodian, the best is check with Thailand Embassy at your country.
Thanks
Hi,
I am not sure about the operating hours for check point that you mentioned.
As for Malaysia/Thailand border, the insurance agent is available at the check point or even bordering town.
Hi,
We will be driving up to Bangkok from KL next week during the Hari Raya break. Leaving KL at night and will stop 1st night in Chumphon before heading up to Bangkok the following day.
Any good advice for us? Travelling with my wife and 6 year old son.
Are you able to share with us where the elephant temple, highway rest area and prachuap market is?
Have already extended car insurance to include Thailand. No worries about crossings, as we have done Phuket many times.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for visiting.
Since you had travel to Phuket many times, the road to Bangkok is much straight forward, but the traffic in Bangkok is quite heavy. May be you need to avoid reaching Bangkok during rush hour.
The rest area is plenty, usually sharing the petrol kiosk/7-11 at the same place along the highway.
I don’t have the exact location elephant temple but it is just next to the highway. ( It could be different from where you travel as I put up a night at Nakhon Si Thammarat and travel via Donsak jetty instead of direct highway 41, If it is located between Donsak at Surat Thani, then you will not see it along highway 41)
Safe journey, enjoy your trip and please share your travel journey with us.
Kent
hi,
i’m planning a visit to koh lipe and thinking of driving to pak barra via wang kelian and prachan route since it’s much nearer. do you have any ideas where i can purchase the car insurance?
Thanks in advance :)
Hi Gan,
The car insurance can be purchased both at Padang Besar and Bukit Kayu Hitam check point.
There are insurance agent located near the border, usually at the restaurant/rest area when tourist gather.
Can i know Where can I get the Thai local insurance and car entry permit..
Thank you.
You can get the insurance at the border town or near the custom area.
Car entry permit obtain from Thailand custom, without insurance, you will not issue the entry permit.
Keep a copy of the permit and return it to custom when you exit Thailand.
Thank.
So what I need to ready from KL.
Thanks for ur prompt reply, really appreciate it. Sorry to ask you so many questions because this is my first experience driving up to Thailand;
1) what’s the checkpoint in wang kelian/wang prachan called?
2) Were the padang besar or bukit kayu hitam you mentioned near to this border?
3) Are there any rest area for this route for me to purchase the insurance?
4) what documents do i need other than passport?
5) how much would it cost to bring the car to thailand?
6) what is the operating hour for immigration at the border?
If you are the car owner, bring the original car registration card.
If you are not, then you need the authorisation letter from the car owner and the original car registration card.
Please take note that you need to cover your own car insurance from your Malaysia insurance company.
1) what’s the checkpoint in wang kelian/wang prachan called? You can use Padang Besar or Bukit Kayu Hitam, however most people will use Bukit Kayu Hitam as it is much bigger.
2) Were the padang besar or bukit kayu hitam you mentioned near to this border? Yes
3) Are there any rest area for this route for me to purchase the insurance? Check my road trip you will notice that I buy the insurance at the MINI CAFE at Changlung.
4) what documents do i need other than passport? You need the bring the original car registration card, if you are not the owner of the car, then you need the authorisation letter to use the car.
5) how much would it cost to bring the car to thailand? The import permit is free, the insurance for a week cost about RM20.00
6) what is the operating hour for immigration at the border? I just google it, open from 6am to 12 midnight.
hi ,
i’m planning drive to Koh Samui / Phuket. May i know actually need how many hours from Hatyai to Koh Samui & oso from Hatyai to Phuket. Don’t count with the break time.
Thanks !
hi~~~
now i think im ready to drive to thailand anytime..hehe~~~
but i thought at this point of time.. AUG SEP or even OCT…is the low season
monsoon ranining season…
so do we expect rains all the way to bangkok???
what about the sea condition? good for snorkelling??
any island will be closed during monsoon season???( just like tioman redang)
Hi Hugo,
There are two parts of Thailand facing the sea, the east coast where Koh Samui located ( same as Tioman/Redang and Perhentian ) and the west cost facing the Andaman Sea like Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi. I have not problem enjoying snorkeling during my travel time around September and October.
All the island are open all year round especially from November to Jan being their super peak season where foreigner from the west enjoy their winter break.
Be expect similar weather here like Malaysia.
HI, the distance from Hatyai to Donsak Jetty to Koh Samui is about 350KM, it will take approximately 4-5 hours drive. Ferry cost another 2 hours. Travel from Koh Samui Jetty to your destination may cost another 30 minutes.
Hatyai to Phuket is about 400KM it will take 6-7 hours as the road leading to Phuket from Phattalung is single carriage road similar to Malaysia federal trunk road.
i mean krabi phuket…
thanks~
another question is currency~~~
thai bath exchange is damn poor in JB….
at current rate about 1- 10.05…we get 1 – 9.7 only
at kl i think i can get 9.8….
so what do you suggest??? exchange in kayu hitam?? or thailand better???hatyai or krabi or bangkok???
if kayu hitam…where shall we find money changer along the highway?
Krabi to Phuket is about 2 hours
Rate is better in Border town and Hatyai.
Plenty of money exchange when you approaching border.
hi~
I am concerned more on car theft. Do you have any tips to share to prevent car from stolen??
Im not sure if my insurance covers theft or accident in thailand…do your insurance cover??
Because if we need to buy a need insurance in thailand im afraid our own insurance would not cover…so is there premium insurance for us to buy in thailand?
i guess premium is the one covering all these…3rd party dont…or do 3rd party cover?
2) which is the last petrol station nearest to custom??? or we can see many there??hehe…
i prefer BHP…tell me if u didnt see any bhp along road side…then i shall not waste time to find…hehe~~
~~~~BHP is real good petrol….economy and powerful…. :)
for my last question for money changer…
which border town meaning kayu hitam?? or sadao??
from maps i see that kayu hitam are plain..haha…
before kayu hitam is changloon….so is changloon?
i prefer to change in malaysian side….will be easier…
hatyai is not my 1st stop…
where u meantion good rates….
really a big thank you….its really great to have someone like you…
thanks~
Car theft is something that we try to avoid.
I look for hotel with proper car park to reduce the risk.
You are right that the Thai insurance only offer 3rd party, so you have to get your own insurance coverage from Malaysia insurance company, they offer short term coverage, do check with them.
There is a BHP after Changlun, but it is at the opposite direction, no problem to turn in if you prefer BHP.
Ya, money changer available at Changlun town especially those along the road side.
Enjoy your trip. I will be making a short trip to Songklah soon, will update the trip report, tune in later.
The journey from hat yai to phuket are excellent, my 2 small kids enjoyed it, im not feel tired at all, stop almost every 2 hours and their petrol kiosk are clean and convenience
Hi, thanks for your info, it’s great help.
We are planning to drive up to Hatyai & Krabi by end of this year with our MPV Car (Naza Ria). However, wud like to know, is there any height restriction towards Hatyai or Krabi town as we will have our “roof box” on top of our vehicle. In Malaysia, we can drive thru the toll “below 2.1 meter” height. So, how about at Hatyai/ Krabi?
Meantime, if we reach border earlier, says 6 or 630am, are we able to get any insurance agent at the border?
Thanks,
Lee
Hi Lee,
Thanks for visiting.
I did not see any height restriction in Thailand. There are a lot of trucks and double deck buses there, so I don’t think your Naza Ria + roof box will have problem with it. For your information, no tol in Thailand highway. ( The only toll road I know is the Bangkok elevated highway). But please be careful at the hotel car park as most of the basement car park allow 2M only. Check with the hotel for open car park or get permission to park near the hotel entrance.
Not many Korea car in Thailand, so parts might not be easily available if you need to. Depending on your car condition and age, you may bring some parts such as belt and host if necessary.
I am not sure about the opening hours of the insurance agent as I had never reached there at 6am. You may call Naluri ( Used to call MINI Cafe and Tour ) for detail information Tel: 04-924 6313.
In fact last week I make a trip to Songkhla, I left KL 5pm and put up a night at Changlun and cross the border next day about 9am, this will give me enough rest to continue the journey. The traffic was very very bad at Bukit Kayu Hitam, so I decided to detour to Padang Besar check point. Please check this blog later for my trip to Songkhla.
Hi,
Thanks for yr advice.
Enjoy yr trip~
Hi,
I wish to get some advise. I will drive to Hatyai tomorrow (from KL) but I’m not sure which immigration exit i should take; Padang Besar or Bukit Kayu Hitam. I hope to opt for the less hassle exit as we will travel with an infant.
Thanks in advance
Hi Shar,
Bukit Kayu Hitam is more convenient and faster. But during peak period, especially holiday in Malaysia, it will be very bad jam.
I went to Sonkhla during Malaysia day, stuck at Bukit Kayu Hitam for 30 minutes without moving 10 meters. I detour to Padang Besar, its is faster there as compare to Bukit Kayu Hitam in this situation.
Kent
Hi,
Thanks for quick response.
Need you advice as i forgot to mention earlier. We plan to stay in Langkawi after the Hatyai trip before head back to KL. So should we stick to Bukit kayu hitam or opt for Padang Besar? I dont have any preference so far.. neither perlis nor alor star.
Thanks again
Either way will do.
You can go in at Bukit Kayu Hitam and return at Padang Besar.
But I guess Bukit Kayu Hitam will be more straight forward as you can by pass Kangar town.
There is a highway a few kilometer before Changlun town lead to you Kuala Perlis.
Hi there,
I’m not driving into Thailand. But I’m considering renting a car/motorcycle in Phuket. Do I need International Driving licence when I have the normal Malaysia driving licence (Class D)? Also, if I don’t have a Malaysia motorcycle licence, can I rent and ride a motorcycle in Phuket?
Hope to hear from you soon :)