Driving a Thai Car into Cambodia - Car Passport

[phuketrichard]

I'm in Cambodia now. I crossed a couple of days ago. This is the second time in two years I have visited Cambodia. I absolutely love it here.

This year they remembered me from crossing last year. On the Cambodia side I had a hard time, but since he remembered me he let me pass. Not sure, but it may be starting to tighten up a little.

I've been knocking around Asia for way to long. I though this year I would try to get into Vietnam? When I get back from this trip I am going to look into it.

Good travels and stay safe.

I am curious Richard. What border crossing did you have to pay 100 baht/day?

Koh Kong they charged 100 baht/day( it is now 150 as of Jan 1st ) i am told

Osmach is free so assume thats where you crossed in

will be using that border this July

Car passport for the xxth time is ONLY used for visiting Laos nearby

[Tomtomtom69]

I'm in Cambodia now. I crossed a couple of days ago. This is the second time in two years I have visited Cambodia. I absolutely love it here.

This year they remembered me from crossing last year. On the Cambodia side I had a hard time, but since he remembered me he let me pass. Not sure, but it may be starting to tighten up a little.

I've been knocking around Asia for way to long. I though this year I would try to get into Vietnam? When I get back from this trip I am going to look into it.

Good travels and stay safe.

I am curious Richard. What border crossing did you have to pay 100 baht/day?

Koh Kong they charged 100 baht/day( it is now 150 as of Jan 1st ) i am told

Osmach is free so assume thats where you crossed in

will be using that border this July

Car passport for the xxth time is ONLY used for visiting Laos nearby

Went in through Koh Kong for the second time. This time was only spending a night (full day) and the guy surprisingly wanted only 100 Baht. AND he didn't even want any money for the day of arrival, as normally the date of arrival and the next day are counted as 2 days, not one day. Maybe this was because it was close to 9pm when I crossed. Last time when I crossed at 6pm, that day counted as day 1 (150 Baht) plus the next 3 days so 600 Baht (4 x 150 Baht).

The guy who lifts the gate will almost certainly want something as well - he got 80 Baht out of me after bargaining from the "standard" 100 Baht down to 50, and eventually it became 80.

I'm intrigued to see if next trip will be 100 or 150 as I've been told since Jan 1. However, since there are no receipts issued and none of this is official, "standard" fees are anything but standard in Cambodia.

I've been told the car passport should soon be accepted for private cars by Cambodia (and possibly Myanmar) but as you say, until we have a news story that confirms an official announcement to that effect, we can assume that only Laos will require it's use for now.

[Tomtomtom69]

the blue book MUST be in the name of the driver /passport holder.

or u could try and get a letter notarized that says you have permission to take it. not sue exactly what they will accept thou.

I hear its now 150 baht/day

It's quite clear and the instructions are even given on a blue board in both Thai and English at the Hat Lek border.

Those persons who intend to drive a car (or motorcycle) across the border who do NOT own the vehicle, must have a standard Thai language power of attorney letter, signed and dated, along with a copy of the ID card or passport of the owner of the vehicle, which specifically states that the vehicle is authorized to be driven into Cambodia (in this case) by xxx individual (name of driver) of nationality etc.

Power of attorney forms can be requested at the Land Transport Department or printed off the internet.

[Tomtomtom69]

I'm in Cambodia now. I crossed a couple of days ago. This is the second time in two years I have visited Cambodia. I absolutely love it here.

This year they remembered me from crossing last year. On the Cambodia side I had a hard time, but since he remembered me he let me pass. Not sure, but it may be starting to tighten up a little.

I've been knocking around Asia for way to long. I though this year I would try to get into Vietnam? When I get back from this trip I am going to look into it.

Good travels and stay safe.

I am curious Richard. What border crossing did you have to pay 100 baht/day?

Hard time? I'm not aware of the Cambodian border crossings open to vehicles giving anyone a "hard" time. I crossed at O'Smach last year, although admittedly I did use a fixer (paid a travel agent to meet me at the border). However, I'm aware of the fact I could have done it alone. Since then I've crossed unaided at Koh Kong twice and will be crossing a third time again soon. No troubles whatsoever. At the end of the day it's all about money.

However, there is a news story out (first published by the Bangkok Post on Mar 15) that suggests all foreign registered vehicles with which Thailand does NOT share an agreement on cross border transit will find it more difficult to enter Thailand, especially Chinese cars (thank god - they deserve it since they've been abusing the privilege), Vietnam (when could they ever enter? I've never seen one Vietnamese vehicle in Thailand and Thai/Lao officials have confirmed to me that they can't enter), as well as Myanmar (not allowed to leave the border city they entered anyway, so what's the problem?) and Cambodia.

Now even though officially, Cambodian vehicles may not be allowed to leave the Thai border province they entered, doesn't mean they should be restricted from entering Thailand at all, if that news story is anything to go by. Because I fear that IF that were to happen, Thai cars would probably not be allowed to enter Cambodia at all as retaliation. I'm all for ASEAN/AEC integration - the next step is for Myanmar and Cambodia to finally sign an agreement on the movement of private vehicles into each other's territory - Cambodia has managed to sign an agreement with Thailand covering commercial vehicles. There is absolutely no reason why they couldn't have reached an agreement on private vehicles a long time ago.

Fingers crossed that something might happen this year, or if that news announcement is anything to go by, Cambodia may be rushing to implement something with Thailand before their vehicles get banned from Thai roads.

The Vietnamese have eased up on the requirements for Thai trucks to enter their territory - 20 Thai trucks a day can now enter. However, forget about driving a Thai registered car in without going on a tour. In the unlikely event the Cambodians or Laotians let you leave their border control, the Vietnamese will refuse you. No amount of arguing, negotiating etc. will sway them I'd say. For a motorcycle, you might be able to get away with it, but still run the risk of having the police become interested in you while driving down a highway or city street. For a car, you likely won't be getting any further than border control.

Again, I would pay close attention to any official announcements first. It's 100% certain that the Vietnamese will first make an announcement of any changes in policy that would make it easier to drive into their country. They won't just suddenly allow your car in without the local media at least making it known to the public.

[garyk]

I'm in Cambodia now. I crossed a couple of days ago. This is the second time in two years I have visited Cambodia. I absolutely love it here.

This year they remembered me from crossing last year. On the Cambodia side I had a hard time, but since he remembered me he let me pass. Not sure, but it may be starting to tighten up a little.

I've been knocking around Asia for way to long. I though this year I would try to get into Vietnam? When I get back from this trip I am going to look into it.

Good travels and stay safe.

I am curious Richard. What border crossing did you have to pay 100 baht/day?

Hard time? I'm not aware of the Cambodian border crossings open to vehicles giving anyone a "hard" time. I crossed at O'Smach last year, although admittedly I did use a fixer (paid a travel agent to meet me at the border). However, I'm aware of the fact I could have done it alone. Since then I've crossed unaided at Koh Kong twice and will be crossing a third time again soon. No troubles whatsoever. At the end of the day it's all about money.

However, there is a news story out (first published by the Bangkok Post on Mar 15) that suggests all foreign registered vehicles with which Thailand does NOT share an agreement on cross border transit will find it more difficult to enter Thailand, especially Chinese cars (thank god - they deserve it since they've been abusing the privilege), Vietnam (when could they ever enter? I've never seen one Vietnamese vehicle in Thailand and Thai/Lao officials have confirmed to me that they can't enter), as well as Myanmar (not allowed to leave the border city they entered anyway, so what's the problem?) and Cambodia.

Now even though officially, Cambodian vehicles may not be allowed to leave the Thai border province they entered, doesn't mean they should be restricted from entering Thailand at all, if that news story is anything to go by. Because I fear that IF that were to happen, Thai cars would probably not be allowed to enter Cambodia at all as retaliation. I'm all for ASEAN/AEC integration - the next step is for Myanmar and Cambodia to finally sign an agreement on the movement of private vehicles into each other's territory - Cambodia has managed to sign an agreement with Thailand covering commercial vehicles. There is absolutely no reason why they couldn't have reached an agreement on private vehicles a long time ago.

Fingers crossed that something might happen this year, or if that news announcement is anything to go by, Cambodia may be rushing to implement something with Thailand before their vehicles get banned from Thai roads.

The Vietnamese have eased up on the requirements for Thai trucks to enter their territory - 20 Thai trucks a day can now enter. However, forget about driving a Thai registered car in without going on a tour. In the unlikely event the Cambodians or Laotians let you leave their border control, the Vietnamese will refuse you. No amount of arguing, negotiating etc. will sway them I'd say. For a motorcycle, you might be able to get away with it, but still run the risk of having the police become interested in you while driving down a highway or city street. For a car, you likely won't be getting any further than border control.

Again, I would pay close attention to any official announcements first. It's 100% certain that the Vietnamese will first make an announcement of any changes in policy that would make it easier to drive into their country. They won't just suddenly allow your car in without the local media at least making it known to the public.

The guy at the final check point in Cambodia really did not want to let me threw. I honestly believe that if I had not gone threw last year I would of been denied. That was my gut feeling. Finally he called his boss and the talked a while and I was let threw.

Kinda strange, Thai cars that come threw regularly seem to be waved threw. They do not stop. Just slow down and wave. This year I was questioned for about 10 minutes before let threw. Not sure what was up. That is why I said they may start tightening up.

Regardless I made it threw, and will be here for a month birding. I am a birder that likes the norther part of Cambodia for birding. Several species of birds here in Northern Cambodia are now gone from Thailand. And with the illegal logging they will be gone here before too much longer I fear. So I am grateful I am able to at least have a look before they disappear for good.

Hopefully they will get an agreement hashed out before my next trip. I hope so anyway.

Http://www.flickr.com/photos/avianphotos

[phuketrichard]

Garyk:

which border?

Many thai cars are just heading to the casino's so the border guards know them.

[Tomtomtom69]

Yes GaryK, which border?

Koh Kong is as easy as ever, though they still tell you not to leave the province (nothing is stopping you though), while they confiscate only the Thai customs temporary exit form (not the passenger conveyance form, although strangely the first time they took both). I also saw a big folder of Thai car registrations - no way I'd give them mine though. I wonder who agreed to hand over their registrations rather than the easily replaceable customs forms?

So when going through Koh Kong, just say you are going to Koh Kong island or something, tell them how many days you'll be in Cambodia, pay them the amount, pay the guy lifting the barrier and you'll get through.

[garyk]

Sorry for the delay, I am getting up at 4:30 every morning to get to the birding area where I like to bird. I just photographed one of the rarest birds in the world by the way. I am pretty happy today.

I cross at Chong Chom, I never thought about the casino there. I bet you are right about the cars being waved threw.

Thanks for the info on Koh Kong Tom, Richard I did not know you could cross there. Good to know.

Cheers, Gary

[Tomtomtom69]

Sorry for the delay, I am getting up at 4:30 every morning to get to the birding area where I like to bird. I just photographed one of the rarest birds in the world by the way. I am pretty happy today.

I cross at Chong Chom, I never thought about the casino there. I bet you are right about the cars being waved threw.

Thanks for the info on Koh Kong Tom, Richard I did not know you could cross there. Good to know.

Cheers, Gary

Now the casinos at O'Smach are located right after Thai immigration. The customs checkpoint is 300m down the road towards Samrong/Siem Reap. It was good that when I was stopped with my fiancé, her passport was examined and found that they only stamped her in for 2 days instead of 14. This was quickly corrected by the immigration officials. They didn't care about the car but as mentioned before, as I used a fixer they wouldn't have been able to deny me anyway. Still, it's the first time I've heard of them questioning cars as that border is normally seen as being the most flexible. But I still think it's better to tell them you aren't going far as there is still no official agreement with Thailand on the exchange of traffic rights for private cars.

There is actually little reason to bring a car across just to go to the casinos, both of which are located barely 100m from the Thai immigration posts.

When I went last August, I think I spotted only one Thai car beyond the customs checkpoint, until I hit Siem Reap, where I saw quite a few (at least 8 or so).

[Matty83210]

Hello, do you know what are the needed documents to get a Thai car passport ? And is it only useful to go to laos ? Thank you.

[phuketrichard]

just apply for it where u pay ur car tax, cost 50 baht in Phuket and takes a few days

need the cars blue book,ur passport (copies of the front page , visa and departure card ( sometimes)

thats it

MANDATORY to go to Laos and only used for Laos

[watcharacters]

Would you please update all of us about the tinted window restrictions  in Cambo?   Or am I thinking about Malaysia?

 

And important to me is the car passport country specific and date specific?

 

TIA

[phuketrichard]

car passport valid for 1 year, same dates as ur tax sticker.  ONLY used to travel to Laos

Tints;

I got stopped 2 weeks ago in pp,  they hassled me and eventually made me  pay $5 cause my driver an front passenger windows were tinted,  Tints are NOT allowed on these windows in Cambodia

 

Malaysia is 40% MAX an they have a hand held machine and check at border ( have had to tear off my tints heading to Penang once)

[phuketrichard]

UPDATE; left Cambodia last week with car at Pailin, Baan Pakard

'was stopped at customs and asked where my paper was granting my car into Cambodia, told them i entered at Osmach an no paper was giving.  They said i might not be able to take my car back into Thailand ( lol as if they know)

and asked for $10, gave them $5

got to thailand customs, no problem..

[innocenthai]

Do you think that these border customs will cost me more with a luxury car ? I mean, if they see guess that you have money, can they be more greedy ? Thank you.

[phuketrichard]

NO

[doctorproc156]

On 14/08/2016 at 4:17 PM, phuketrichard said:

UPDATE; left Cambodia last week with car at Pailin, Baan Pakard

'was stopped at customs and asked where my paper was granting my car into Cambodia, told them i entered at Osmach an no paper was giving.  They said i might not be able to take my car back into Thailand ( lol as if they know)

and asked for $10, gave them $5

got to thailand customs, no problem..

 

Hey richard, do you happen to know if the car must be in your name when you cross the border at O'Smach and Koh Kong? We are planning a trip by crossing into Koh Kong and then heading over to Sihannouk-Phnom Penh-Siem Reap then exiting at Poi Pet. We could also enter at O'Smach and do it in reverse. What would be your best suggestion? Thanks a lot

[phuketrichard]

YES, to get out of thailand, have heard you can have a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission but....

IF you enter at Had Lek they ask you how man days ur staying and charge you 100 baht/day AND take ur temp export paper thai customs gives you,

 

Enter at Osmach  easier!!

[doctorproc156]

3 hours ago, phuketrichard said:

YES, to get out of thailand, have heard you can have a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission but....

IF you enter at Had Lek they ask you how man days ur staying and charge you 100 baht/day AND take ur temp export paper thai customs gives you,

 

Enter at Osmach  easier!!

 

Thanks for your reply, I guess we will enter at O'Smach. What about leaving through Poi Pet? Is it straight forward and easy enough or should we exit elsewhere? Thanks a lot.

[amjamj]

On 9/13/2016 at 0:35 PM, doctorproc156 said:

 

Thanks for your reply, I guess we will enter at O'Smach. What about leaving through Poi Pet? Is it straight forward and easy enough or should we exit elsewhere? Thanks a lot.

 

 

What about your trip ? did you like it ? No problem ? Cambodia is fun.

 

 

 

[amjamj]

On 1/13/2016 at 8:25 PM, questionsreplies said:

Hello, can you tell me where i should cross to go to Sianookville from Pattaya ?

And can i get at pattaya the passport for a car with bangkok number plates ?

Thank you.

 

 

You can cross at HAD LEK, BAN LAEM and BAN PAKARD.

 

Maybe more but I don't know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[phuketrichard]

Ignore post 51, IF  ur traveling with your  car

Car passport ( purple book) is ONLY for Laos,  Nothing is asked for to drive into Cambodia BUT you need your BLUE book to depart Thailand

 

ONLY 2 borders will allow a Thai plated car in  Hat Lek  ( ur closest bet from Pattaya) & Osmach

 

NOTE ; Cambodian Customs at Hat Lek, will charge you 100 baht/day your going to stay in Cambodia and keep ur thai temp export papers.

Osmach doesn't

 

PS: DO NOT drive ur thai car down Ekareach street in SHV unless you want to be stopped and fined!!!

[amjamj]

6 hours ago, phuketrichard said:

Ignore post 51, IF  ur traveling with your  car

Car passport ( purple book) is ONLY for Laos,  Nothing is asked for to drive into Cambodia BUT you need your BLUE book to depart Thailand

 

ONLY 2 borders will allow a Thai plated car in  Hat Lek  ( ur closest bet from Pattaya) & Osmach

 

NOTE ; Cambodian Customs at Hat Lek, will charge you 100 baht/day your going to stay in Cambodia and keep ur thai temp export papers.

Osmach doesn't

 

PS: DO NOT drive ur thai car down Ekareach street in SHV unless you want to be stopped and fined!!!

 

 

Thank you, but have you tried crossing at  BAN LAEM and BAN PAKARD. at Chanthaburi province ?

 

Chong chom is too far:

https://goo.gl/DOvFRM

 

I also wonder if a Thai can cross somewhere without passport as it's possible in laos ?

 

 

Thanks again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[marinediscoking]

I have a thai friend who got the car passport and rear translated english plate for the sole purpose or driving between Bangkok and Phnom Phen which he has done once already. He said he had no problems, but he is thai millitary so i don't think the same rules apply but he was encouraging me to do the same with my car.

[amjamj]

On 12/28/2016 at 11:12 AM, marinediscoking said:

I have a thai friend who got the car passport and rear translated english plate for the sole purpose or driving between Bangkok and Phnom Phen which he has done once already. He said he had no problems, but he is thai millitary so i don't think the same rules apply but he was encouraging me to do the same with my car.

 

The fact that he is a soldier can explain why he is either stupid or a liar.

 

Nobody needs a car passport to go to Cambodia.