Yesterday we did the Thai/Laos border out and in with the identical paper work as every other time we have entered, no new papers to fill in,we completed in about 1 hour, we are getting quite expert at it now. We decided that Lesley would stay Thailand side and I would drive Plodd in and out without actually going into Laos, anyway it was all going great until the Thai customs officer said to me where are your Laos stamps in your Passport and where have you come from, so I had to say Thailand, then he said you must go in to Laos (leaving our vehicle at the Thai side)and get my passport stamped in then get stamped out (that meant I had to buy a Visa (Bt1500) anyway that was simple enough and then I return back to Thailand to collect Lesley and we are now on our way home, stopping off a couple of nights in hotels on the way.

There was absolutely no question of us not being allowed in to Thailand with our vehicle, the only thing the customs officer did ask for was a certificate of insurance, however, I am sure you can buy the Thai government insurance at the border, just ask the customs officer where you can buy insurance, the only thing with the government insurance it is the absolute minimum insurance and covers you for very little other than being able to show the Thai police the certificate should they stop you for any reason.

So all in the Bangkok Post just does not make any sense.

I hope this information helps anybody thinking of entering Thailand and gives you piece of mind.

Good luck to all entering Thailand

Dave
Plodd - A Trip of a Lifetime
Overlanders - Stellplatz stop over and tour Pattaya, Thailand
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Hi,

I have found a new trick that may or may not help when driving in Thailand. While I am in the UK I have had new number plates made for our truck (old stile as in silver and black) to get a company to supply the plates I had to show a copy of the temporary import papers in to Thailand as proof that the vehicle was in infact in Asia and not in the UK.
The benefit of using the silver and black plates is the fact that they are identical to the Malaysian plates and I am pritty sure that the Thai police will think that the vehicle is from Malaysia and not the UK.
It may help.

Dave
Plodd - A Trip of a Lifetime
Overlanders - Stellplatz stop over and tour Pattaya, Thailand