It is possible to register the transfer of ownership of a car or motorbike while the owner is overseas. However, most importantly, you will need to have a person in Phuket empowered by a power of attorney to transfer the ownership of your vehicles on your behalf. Please note that we will investigate to make sure that the person who presents the power of attorney is actually representing the owner. That person will also need to bring to our office a copy of your passport signed by you; any proof your immigration status during your stay in Thailand and a copy of your work permit if you have or had one. Situations where the visa of the foreigner transferring the ownership of the vehicle has expired will be handled case by case. Your representative will also need to present the sales receipt or transfer agreement as proof of purchase, signed by you or your representative, and the person buying the vehicle. It costs 105 baht to transfer ownership of a car, plus a duty of 500 baht per 100,000 baht value of the car as deemed by a Department of Land Transport mechanic who inspects the vehicle. This duty applies only if the vehicle is deemed to be worth more than 100,000 baht. It costs 105 baht to transfer ownership of a motorcycle, plus a duty of 50 baht per 10,000 baht value of the car as deemed by a Department of Land Transport mechanic who inspects the vehicle. This duty applies only if the vehicle is deemed to be worth more than 10,000 baht. There will be a fine if the registration of the car or motorbike being transferred has expired. However, the total transfer fee will not exceed 1,000 baht.
Pluetinai Yangyuen, officer, Vehicle Registration Section, Phuket Land Transport Office