Buying a Used Motorcycle in Thailand? 🛵 Don’t Get Scammed!

How to Safely Buy a Second-Hand Motorcycle in Thailand: A Guide for Foreigners

Buying a used motorcycle in Thailand can be convenient, but for foreigners unfamiliar with the local procedures, it can also lead to costly mistakes. Without proper documentation and a legal transfer process, you could end up paying for a motorcycle you don’t legally own—or worse, lose your money entirely. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

✅ 1. Never Pay Without the Official Transfer Documents

Always demand the following before handing over any money:

• The signed vehicle transfer form (Tor Ror Dor 13)
• A copy of the owner’s national ID
• The original vehicle registration book (the “blue book”)
• A signed Power of Attorney (if the owner isn’t present)

Just recently, I took one of my students to a used motorcycle shop. The shopkeeper demanded immediate payment, even though the actual owner wasn’t present and the transfer documents were missing. He proposed taking photos and writing a sales agreement under the shop’s name, but had no legal authority from the owner to sell the vehicle. While they allowed my student to take the bike, this arrangement was completely illegal and risky—without a Power of Attorney, no shop can legally transfer ownership.

⚠️ 2. Don’t Rely on Verbal Agreements or Shop Contracts Alone

Another student of mine had bought a motorcycle before joining my course. He later found it unrideable and returned it to the same shop to resell. Despite a verbal agreement to receive payment once sold, he’s been waiting over 5 months without getting a single baht. The shop claimed a delay from the finance company, but provided no written proof.

📝 3. Understand the Required Sale Documents

Whether you’re buying directly from a person or a dealer, make sure the seller provides the following legal documents:

A. National ID Copy of the Seller (or Passport for foreigners)

• Should be signed with a clear note like:
  “For motorcycle transfer, registration number [ABC-123] only.”
• Prepare at least two copies.

B. Company Registration & Authorized Signatory (if buying from a company)

• If the motorcycle is under a company name, ask for:
  • Company registration certificate
  • National ID copy of the authorized director
  • Power of Attorney

C. Vehicle Transfer Form

• The seller must sign in the “Seller” section.
• This document can be obtained from the Department of Land Transport (DLT) or downloaded from their website.

D. Power of Attorney (if owner is not present)

• Mandatory for transactions where the owner isn’t there.
• Must specify:
  “For motorcycle registration number [ABC-123] only.”
• Also downloadable from the DLT website.

E. Original Blue Book (Vehicle Registration Book)

• This is the most important document. It proves ownership.
• Always double-check that the seller’s name in the book matches the ID provided.

F. Sales Contract

• A written sales contract is crucial, especially if problems arise later.

• This should include:

– Buyer and seller details

– Motorcycle information

– Sale price

– Terms of payment

– Signatures from both parties

• If possible, also request a receipt and tax invoice, especially when buying from a dealership.

🛑 4. Avoid the “Floating Transfer” Without Protection

The practice of a “โอนลอย” (blank transfer) is common but dangerous. It means the owner has signed the vehicle transfer form but not yet updated the buyer’s name in the system. This opens risks like:

• Unpaid taxes or fines under your name
• The vehicle being reported stolen
• You being unable to legally sell or insure the vehicle

Always complete the registration at the Department of Land Transport with full documentation as soon as possible.

🔎 5. Do a Mechanical Check Before Buying

Before any money changes hands, test the motorcycle and check:

• Engine condition
• Brake function
• Suspension
• Frame damage (accidents, rust)
• Chassis number matches the blue book

If unsure, bring a mechanic or ask your instructor to help inspect it.

✅ Summary Checklist for Safe Motorcycle Purchase

Document	Required For	Notes
National ID (or passport)	Buyer & Seller	Include copies with purpose noted
Power of Attorney	If seller isn’t present	Must mention specific bike details
Vehicle Transfer Form	Change ownership	Get from DLT or website
Original Blue Book	Proof of ownership	Must match seller ID
Sales Contract	Legal proof	Include all terms
Company documents	If from business entity	Ensure seller is authorized
Inspection/Test Ride	Safety & value check	Bring someone you trust

Final Word: Don’t Let Convenience Cost You Your Rights

Many foreigners fall into traps due to language barriers, lack of local knowledge, or overtrust in friendly sellers. Always ask for proper documents, never pay in advance without legal proof, and don’t hesitate to walk away if something feels off.

If you’re unsure, bring a Thai friend, a bilingual instructor, or a legal advisor. Buying a second-hand bike should give you freedom—not legal headaches.