buying a motorbike

[rotherman 0]

Hi all

I will be in pattaya soon for 5 or 6 months

I have seen motorbikes for sale for as little as 30,000 baht (New)

I was wondering if it legal for tourists to buy them, and how you would register, tax and insure.

I think it maybe a cheaper option that renting for 6 months

[marleyboy 140]

In march, i bought a suzuki smash for 20,000 baht (they even threw in 2 helmets and a jacket!). it was about 6 months old. however my wife is thai, so she did the paperwork, they also threw in some insurance too. So maybe a thai has to "buy" it. If you know any thais maybe its better ro get them to sign for it. According to my missus, whoevers name the bike is under, then that person is culpable for all responsibility for it! If that is correct, get a thai to sign for it!

[torrenova 644]

Insurance for vehicles here is on the vehicle not the rider / driver. So you might be right that the owner is liable. In any case, the farang is liable.

 

You can register one in your own name but you may have to get a form from the immigration office which you can get if you have some semi permanent accommodation.

[rotherman 0]

I own a condo in pattaya - so no problem with the semi-perm accom

I guess that if its the vehicle that is insured - the bike shop can arrange the insurance (and tax), and I will then just have to register it

Cheers

[iian23 1]

you should be able to rent a bike for 3000 a month so a new bike would not be cheaper unless you got a decent price when you sell it. but for 3000 a month is it worth it?

[kolobos 0]

Farang can own (I had two) though I think you have to have a non-im visa (not tourist). With regards insurance, make sure you ask to upgrade for theft (approx 1400 baht extra from around 350 baht for standard) I have just had a Nouvo that was coming up to 12 months old robbed and I am getting 41k back for it. I bought for 56k, so its only cost me 15k for a bike for a year (cannot rent for 1200 baht a month).

 

They will do all the paperwork for you re: Tax, immigration paperwork, insurance etc.