Driving Thailand Registered Car / Motorcycle To Malaysia

In this article, you will learn how to drive/ride your Thailand registered car/motorcycle into Malaysia.

Note: If you want to drive a Malaysian or other foreign-registered vehicles into Thailand, read my post here.

Land Borders Between Malaysia and Thailand

There are a total of 9 border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia. 8 of them can be crossed overland and 1 over the sea (Langkawi/Satun).

Below are the land border map and names.

1. Wang Kelian / Wang Prachan
2. Padang Besar / Padang Besa
3. Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao
4. Kota Putra / Ban Prakob
5. Pengkalan Hulu / Betong
6. Bukit Bunga / Buketa
7. Rantau Panjang / Sungai Kolok
8. Pengkalan Kubor / Tak bai

Malaysia-Thailand Borders Opening & Closing Time

Required Documents & Conditions For Malaysia Border Crossing

• The vehicle must be registered in Thailand

• Original Vehicle registration card (Greenbook In Thai)

• Copy of the translated registration card in English or Bahasa Melayu with the payment receipt. Please note translation can be only done by the Department of Land Transport of Thailand. It usually costs about THB 50.

• Authorisation letter if the vehicle is not registered in your name.

• The registration number must be in the Roman alphabet. You can get a translated number plate sticker at the border and stick it at the front and back of your vehicle. (Red registration license plates from Thailand are not allowed to enter Malaysia)

• The vehicle must be insured by Malaysian Third Party insurance which can be purchased at Malaysia’s border side.

• International Circulation Permit (ICP) is a temporary import permit for foreign vehicles into Malaysia. You can get ICP at the road transport department of Malaysia (JPJ) office at the border complex, just after the Malaysian immigration counter for free.

• You must have a valid driving license. Thai license is accepted in Malaysia as Thailand is part of the  ASEAN agreement on the recognition of domestic driving licenses issued by ASEAN countries.

• Motorcyclists are required to use a crash helmet,

• Van and car drivers are required to use the seatbelt.

• Having travel insurance is really important and some even choose not to have one but honestly, accidents do happen and they also seem to happen when you least expect it & least need it.

• The translucence level of the windscreen of your vehicle is at no less than 70% and the rear and side windows are at no less than 50%.

Border Crossing Procedure

At the Thailand Border:

Keep your vehicle to the left, drive through the border and get your passport stamped at the immigration counter. If you are crossing via the Sadao border, you can just drive through.

Next, just drive towards the Malaysian border.

At the Malaysian Border

Follow the lane based on your vehicle type and you will arrive at the immigration counter. There is no need to get out of your vehicle, just hand over your passport to the counter to get it stamped.

Next, just drive on a little further and you will be stopped by the Malaysian border police/customs. If needed, they will inspect your vehicle to ensure you are not bringing any illegal stuff.

After passing the border crossing, there is a tourist information building on the left. Stop and park your vehicle here.

Just across the street, you can see tents. Here you can purchase;

• Malaysian third-party vehicle insurance.

• Plate number stickers in English. You will need to stick it at the front and back of your vehicle. (you can also purchase this at Dannok, Thailand border side)

You can now drive into Malaysia!

Important Notes

• Make sure you followed Malaysian traffic laws and drive safely.

• There is no Money changer at the Malaysian border side. Make sure you have about RM 500 to purchase vehicle insurance, number plate sticker etc.

• Your Thailand vehicle insurance is not valid in Malaysia. Only 3rd party vehicle insurance is available for Thailand-registered vehicles in Malaysia.

• Malaysia petrol station offers RON 97, RON 95 & Diesel for fuel types. For foreign-registered vehicles, you are not allowed to purchase RON 95 (the cheaper fuel).

• The International Circulation Permit (ICP) is valid for 90 days and it can be extended with the approval of the State JPJ Director for additional 90 days and not exceeding 180 days in a year.

• Medical bills can cost a fortune abroad and by having travel insurance, you can have peace of mind.

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