Stuck at border: Taking a Vietnam-registered bike into Thailand at Pakxsan/Bung Kan
 

Hey all,
I arrived at the Lao/Thai border of Pakxan/Bung Kan today, and tried to cross from Laos to Thailand with my Vietnam-registered Honda. The folks at the Lao side were really helpful and wanted to try and help get me across, but ultimately failed. I'd like some advice on what to do next.
The best I could get from the folks at the border is that I need a Thai Vehicle Passport to be able to take the bike into Thailand. One lady keeps saying that she thinks I can get one at Vien Cheng, but I'd rather not backtrack there unless it is a guarantee. Does anyone know for certain on that?
It is Saturday evening here, and I knew going into this that the boat wouldn't run until Monday (thought I'd chance it though). What do you think the odds are of me successfully passing if I try again on Monday?
My other thought is that if getting a Vehicle Passport is going to be a big hassle, that I will just skip Thailand and go back into Vietnam. I'd really like to explore Thailand though, if possible.
So, if anyone has advice, I'll hang out here in Pakxan until tomorrow morning local time and would love any advice from you folks, if you have any!
Adam

crossing
 

Hi Adam
and if you drive to Vientiane and crossing the friendbrige? I crossing the border at March 2011 and they a very friendly to my.
But the other problem is, if you drive in thailand you need a insurance.
by the way , i stay 2 months without a insurance, but other peopel have to buy that paper.
cu

hi Adam

I know this message is old, but did you managed to enter Thailand with your bike ?
I'm trying the same, with no success.

Thanks

Nope
 

I never did make it through at that border crossing, but I also didn't give it another shot after that first day.
What frankly never occurred to me at the time, but would be something for you to consider based on your own values, is that perhaps a bribe would have made it all work. I've never really offered one in my travels, and if they were asking for one, I was missing the cues. It might work.
Post here to let me know what you end up doing and what happens!
Adam

Thank you for your reply !

I also asked on the Thorntree forum :
Entering Thailand through Cambodia with a vietnamese motorbike - Lonely Planet travel forum

So... I won't take my chance (because the border is 150km from Siem Reap, 300km if it doesn't work....) and let the bike in Siem Reap for a month. Next step, find a guesthouse who can keep it :)

Thanks !

As Adam mentioned, when I tried to cross the border the guard thumbed through my passport looking for inserts ($) not visas. Maybe some emergency dollars accidentally left in your passport ? Maybe $20, $50 ? would grease some wheels. Be Subtle though, this is important.