Malaysia To Thailand By Car / Motorcycle: Border Crossing Guide
In this article, you will learn the process of how to drive/ride your Malaysia/Singapore registered car/motorcycle into Thailand via land border crossing.
The process is also similar for other foreign vehicles crossing all of Thailand’s borders overland. Note: If you want to drive your Thailand-registered car/motorcycle into Malaysia, read my other post.
Article Contents
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.
- Wang Kelian / Wang Prachan
- Padang Besar / Padang Besa
- Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao
- Kota Putra / Ban Prakob
- Pengkalan Hulu / Betong
- Bukit Bunga / Buketa
- Rantau Panjang / Sungai Kolok
- Pengkalan Kubor / Tak bai
Malaysia-Thailand Borders Opening & Closing Time
Required Documents For Thailand Border Crossing
You will need the following documents to drive your vehicle into Thailand.
- TM2 Information of Conveyance form. – 2 copies | TM2 Form Download
- TM3 Passenger List form – 2 copies. (Only if you’re riding/driving with passengers). | TM3 Form Download
- TM6 (Arrival/Departure white card) – ONLY required if you are crossing via Wang Kelian/Wang Prachan border. For other land border, TM6 NOT required.
- A valid passport. (Expiry of the passport validity, not more than 6 months)
- A driving license is recognized in Thailand. i.e. From ASEAN countries or International Driving Permit.
- Temporary vehicle Import Permit Form (TIP) – Will be given by Thai customs
- Original Vehicle registration card (VOC). (Photocopy is NOT accepted)
- Visa – (Not needed for countries that have been exempted).
In addition to the documents above, you will need to prepare the documents below If the vehicle is NOT registered under your name.
- Authorisation Letter from owner of the vehicle and stamped by the commissioner of oath.
- I.C / Passport of owner (photocopy)
- SSM Form 49 / Section 58, 9 & 24) – ONLY for company registered vehicle.
Note: The Authorisation Letter template can be downloaded from the links below and you can edit it to enter your personal details. Please ensure the letter is stamped by a commissioner of oath
- Authorisation letter.docs download.
- Authorisation letter.PDF download
- SSM Form 49 / Section 58 Examples.
All the (TM) Thai immigration forms and simplified customs import/export forms can be obtained at the Thailand border for free. You can download the TM2 & TM3 forms from the links above and fill them up before you head up to the border
Alternatively, you can save time by having a reliable registered agent prepare all the border crossing documents online including vehicle insurance for a small fee. They will either post all the documents to you directly or you can self-collect at their office near the border before you cross into Thailand.
Car/Motorcycle Insurance In Thailand
You will need the following insurance for proper coverage while riding/driving in Thailand.
- Compulsory Insurance
- Voluntary Insurance
- Endorsement 101
- Travel Insurance
For full details and how to purchase it online, please click on the button below.
Malaysia-Thailand Border Crossing Procedures
Once you have the necessary documents as mentioned above, you can follow the guide below to drive/ride your vehicle into Thailand.
At The Malaysian Border
You can just drive through and you will only need to get your passport stamped. Most of the Malaysian borders have dedicated lanes for cars and motorcycles.
At The Thailand Border
First of all, If you have passenger(s), you will need to drop off them near the big building (immigration complex) as per the image below. Your passenger(s) will then need to get their passport stamped in the bulding.
Once you’ve dropped of your passenger(s) or If you’re driving alone, continue towards the drive-through immigration counter and get your passport, TM6 (white card), TM2 and TM3 forms stamped.
For Motorcycle, you’ll need to park your motorcycle first anywhere close to the big building (Immigration complex) and get your and your passenger’s documents (TM2/TM3 & TM6) stamped in the building. (no drive-through)
Note: You will need to pay an overtime fee when you stamp your passport to enter Thailand during out-of-working hours. Read more at the link below:
At Thailand Immigration Counter
Get your passport and all TM2/TM3 forms stamped. Please note only the driver/rider needs to get the TM2/TM3 stamped not the passengers.
Once they have stamped your forms, the Immigration officer will keep a copy of your forms for their records and PLEASE ensure they return you a copy of the stamped TM2/TM3 and TM6 (departure card) forms. You will need to return these documents at the immigration counter when you exit the border. i.e. When you get out of Thailand.
Note: From 15th April 2024, TM6 is no longer required.
Reminder: Often, the officer will not ask you about these forms but the laws are in place and there is a fine for not having the forms on your return. Occasionally, you get a bad official who likes to make trouble if you don’t have all the copies & / or completed correctly. If you lost them, be polite, smile always and you can often get out of a fine. Remember, this is Thailand 🙂
Once you’ve stamped your passport, park your car or motorcycle after the drive-through passport control/immigration counter and go to the Customs Declaration Counter to get your simplified temporary import/export form.
Note: Once your passenger(s) has stamped their passport, they will exit near the customs declaration counter. You can meet them here.
You will now need to provide your passport and the vehicle registration card (Grant / VOC) to the customs officer at counter# 1 for verification.
If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you will need to provide an authorisation (permission) written letter and a copy of the owner’s passport / Identity card. See Sample.
The customs are organized & computerized and they will complete the form for you. Your data goes into the computer & the form is printed out for you which you need to bring it over from counter #1 to counter# 2. They’ll usually print out 2 forms, one of them (import) which they’ll keep and give you the export form which you will need to sign in two sections. See the image below.
The validity of the form is usually 30 days and you MUST return the export form to the Customs Counter when you exit Thailand. Failing to do so, there is a fine of 1,000 baht a day, with a maximum of 10,000 baht.
Note: You can enter and exit Thailand from any border provided you do it within 30 days, i.e. You enter Thailand via Bukit Kayu Hitam and exit using the Wang Kelian border.
That’s it! You can now drive/ride into Thailand straightaway and their official may stop you to check whether your passport has been stamped or not on your way in, just show it to them and they will let you pass.
The process is quite simple, to be honest, and you may want to skip border crossing during Malaysian public holidays as the waiting queue at the border can be long and you may just be stuck there for hours. Alternatively, go to other small borders such as Wang Kelian etc as they may not be busy as Bukit Kayu Hitam / Dan Nok border.
Exiting Thailand Border
- Drop off your passenger(s) at the big Immigration complex (Sadao only) to get their passport stamped.
- Once you’ve dropped of your passenger(s) or If you’re driving alone, continue towards the drive-through immigration counter and get your passport stamped and return TM6 (white card), TM2/TM3 forms to the immigration officer.
- For Motorcycle, you’ll need to park your motorcycle first anywhere close to the big building (Immigration complex) and get your and your passenger’s passport stamped and return TM2/TM3 & TM6 forms to the immigration officer.
Once you’ve sorted out the process at the immigration counter, you can pick up your passenger(s) at the other side of the immigration complex.
Next, continue towards exiting Thailand border and stop just next to the customs counter. Now, return your temporary custom form to the officer and sign on the manual records book.
Tips: I would suggest that you take a photo of the manual book records that you’ve signed for your personal records. There are few cases where the Thai customs claims the visitor has not returned the form and fine them 10,000 THB when they re-enter Thailand.
This can be due to negligence of the officers. If this happens, you can always show the proof (photo) that you’ve returned the custom form.
Important Notes
- You’re not allowed to bring in and use electronic cigarettes / Vape or any related substances or equipment. Imprisonment not exceeding 10 years and/or a fine of THB500,000.
- If you didn’t declare your vehicle via Thai customs, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years and/or fine 4 times the value of your vehicle value and confiscation of the vehicle.
- Using Walkie-Talkie (unregistered) | Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and/or fine up to THB100,000.
- Smoking at Thai beaches. Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and/or fine up to THB100,000.
- If you driving a commercial vehicle such as Van, you will need to hire a Thai tour guide, get a permit for your vehicle, have a tourist pass and ensure all of the passengers are for tourist purposes. These services can be obtained at the border area. Failing to do so, get ready to be slapped with a big fine and also a jail sentence. This rule does not apply to private MPV vehicles such as Alphard, Velfire, Starex etc.
- Always obey the traffic rules whilst you’re riding/driving and stay calm if you’ve been pulled over by the police. Smiling is the key to starting with good communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question related to vehicle insurance and accidents in Thailand?
Read my other post about this here – Vehicle Coverage in Thailand
My passenger is a Kid/Old/Disabled, do they need to get their passport stamped in the immigration complex/building?
No, you don’t have to. They can follow up with you to get their passport stamped at the drive-through immigration counter.
However, if you have another passenger who can accompany them to the immigration complex, they will need to get their passport stamped at the immigration complex too.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) / License?
In general, an IDP is not required if you are a tourist/visitor in Thailand as long your license is in English, has a photo and your country signed the Geneva 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, which most countries do including Malaysia. There is also an ASEAN agreement on the recognition of domestic driving licenses issued by ASEAN countries.
Note: Temporary/provisional/learner’s driving licences (L&P) is NOT recognised.
However, there is always contention about this but for me, the overriding decision to get International Driving Permit is for insurance purposes. Most travel insurance that I’ve checked mentioned that you must have an IDP in the event of a claim for damages and/or medical costs from an accident. The paperwork for the last few vehicles we hired in Thailand has also required an IDP for claiming insurance.
If you’re Malaysian, you can get IDP at JPJ’s office for RM 150. A sample of the IDP can be found in the image on the right below.
Types of Fuel in Thailand?
Note: If you’re unsure, please refer to your vehicle’s manual for the types of fuel you should use. The data below is merely shared for information.
There are several types of fuel compromising various grades. Most modern vehicles can run on Gasoline E95 (100% RON 95 – Yellow Handle) & Gasohol 95 E10 (RON 95+10% Ethanol – Orange handle)
I would recommend that you fill up at PTT Petrol Station as other stations may have 20% Ethanol for the orange handle pump which may cause confusion.
Singaporeans crossing into Thailand?
In 2016, Singapore travellers entering Thailand through land border checkpoints are eligible to do so without a visa only twice in a calendar year. However, the government has now revised its regulation and allowed Singaporeans to enter Thailand for tourism purposes through land border checkpoints more than twice a calendar year without requesting a visa.
For Vehicle NOT registered in Laos, Malaysia and Singapore
You now need prior approval to enter Thailand. In December 2016 Thailand introduced new rules which required a traveller with their motor vehicle to obtain a Foreign Vehicle Permit (FVP) and a travel guide to enter the country in advance.
Technically, you will need two permits; a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) and Foreign Vehicle Permit (FVP). The TIP is free and can be acquired at the customs counter at the border. The FVP needs to be organised via a registered travel agent and takes up to 2 weeks to process. Cost is between USD $300 – $500.
It seems the FPV is not enforced very rigorously on the Malaysian crossing but it is on the Laos/Cambodian crossings. I have a foreign friend who recently crossed at the smaller Wang Kelian crossing and not a word was mentioned about the FPV. However, When he exited Thailand into Cambodia, the customs agent admonished him for not having a FPV and told he need one to get back into Thailand and that it would take 2 weeks to acquire.
The worst part is that you are required to have a GUIDE ride with you, although this is not strictly enforced either.
Update: It seems the guides are only allocated to you if there are 2 or more in your group. Solo riders not required to have a guide.
Please note they only allow vehicles under 3500kg to enter the country. However, they state – No vans, camper cars, buses, trucks, vehicles over 3500kg and/or that have over 9 seats. For more info / latest updates see Overlanding Asia FB Group.
To hire a travel agent, you can contact Thailand’s DLT or contact Thum Jittipon (Direct Agent)
Can I keep my vehicle in Thailand for more than 30 days?
By default, you can keep your vehicle in Thailand not exceeding 30 days. (the expiry date stated in the import permit).
However, it is possible to extend the import Permit. If you need to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, your options would be;
1. Exit the border before the 30th day and re-enter after 24 hours, resetting the 30 days counter.
2. Get an extension at the Thai customs which may be a little bit of a hassle (depending on the officer’s mood) but you should be able to extend it not more than 6 months in a calendar year.
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