Border Crossing Malaysia to Thailand:
Position and Times:
There are two border crossing points from Malaysia to Thailand. On the left of the peninsula the North South Express way takes you directly to the border post at Bukit Kayu Hitam. The other on the right side , inland from Kota Bharu, is at Rantu Panjang crossing to Sungai Kolok on the Thai side.
This is not a 24hour border, the gates opening 6am and close 12 midnight (Malaysia Time)
There is a one hour time difference between the two countries. As you cross into Thailand you gain one hour.
We crossed the border at Rantu Panjang however I would believe the process would be the similar at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Leaving Malaysia- Immigration and Customs:
Approaching the border area there was two or three security check points. At each of these we slowed and were simply waved through.
At the actual border (pictured right) we were just waved through. All of us thought this unusual so at the next checkpoint 100metres on, we decided to force the issue and pulled the trucks off to one side and walked back with our passports and Carnets. This was obviously unusual and the guard made some telephone calls and he then proceeded to stamp our passports. The departure cards had been perviously filled out as part of our arrival card when we arrived by air and remained stapled into our passports.
As for the Carnets, knowing that they needed to be processed, we were directed to what appeared the main building. (Not the one pictured) At the commercial truck processing point in the middle of the traffic lanes, we managed to have the Carnets signed off. Really the officer did not know where to sign or stamp the documents so I had to show him.
Arriving Thailand - Immigration, Customs and 3rd Party Insurance:
At the Thai immigration we pulled the vehicles over to the left and locked them up. At the row of immigration windows on the right we were given the immigration cards. These cards are in both English and Thai and are the same cards you would receive as if arriving by air. Thai Immigration Card.pdf . Our passports were stamped accordingly and the departure card stapled therein. (As Australians we did not need Visas for Thailand)
Returning to the vehicles we drove perhaps 100meters further to a much larger complex. This is Customs. Here we presented a copy of our registration papers and the officers did know what to do and preceded to complete a ‘temporary Import’ for each vehicle. We were asked how long out visit would be and our reply was 3 weeks. The officer made the temporary import for 1 month. Customs retained the copy of our registration papers and attached it to the Import Papers. We were given a copy of our SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM for presentation at the exit border.
See: Thailand SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM and Temporary vehicle Import Doc..pdf
On this form you have to state a value of the vehicle. One must select a realistic value not high, but certainly not ridiculously low. We chose A$65,000 thus the value on the form is THB 2,000,000 (Thai baht). On the form you are signing you state that if you do not export the vehicle within the time frame specified the fine will be THREE times the value. This equates to THB6,000,000 or A$200,000.
I understand that if you bring a vehicle in by plane or ship that this is the amount of bond that must be posted based on the customs duties etc, so bringing a vehicle in be land is very must easier.
It is important to notify the officer, at which border crossing you will be exiting Thailand. This is so that they can send these forms to that border post.
Customs then did a quick check over and in the vehicle and camper section. I think just to make sure we did not have a motor bike or something extra.
The same officer who did the Temporary Import also arranged the compulsory 3rd Party Vehicle Insurance. For one month we paid THB800/vehicle (A$26.00). See: INSURANCE BOLTON.pdf
This insurance is very basic, and it is only meant to keep you legal whilst travelling in Thailand.
There was no money changer at this border post and as it was a weekend the banks were closed in the next Thai town of Sungai Kolok. However there are plenty of ATM’s in all towns.
After the border area we drove around many army barricades manned by armed soldiers. Thailand has been having some problems in this southern provence but we found everybody typically Thai friendly. Once we were north of Hat Yai these barricades disappeared.
Travel in Thailand:
In Thailand you drive on the Left Hand Side. The roads are well signposted with the signs in both English and Thai. The road driving habits leave a lot to be be desired. More than once we saw road accidents, one or two horrific. There seems to be no rules, so be careful.
Once in Bangkok there are tolls on the expressways, usually about THB45/vehicle (A$1.50) In a truck size vehicle apparently one needs to use the far left hand side toll booth. At the first toll gate complex we used a centre lane and were pulled over by the police. It became quite an uncomfortable discussion because the officer and chief wanted an unacceptable THB2000 for the four vehicles. Eventually this was negotiated down to THB500 (A$16)...no receipt! I had to accept it as part of the system. Bangkok traffic is like a massive parking lot that only occasionally moves so best avoid the 3 hour morning and afternoon rush hours.
Outside of the major cities money changes were scarce however ATM’s are everywhere.
We free camped everywhere. The beaches being our favourite place. Following lesser roads would lead to fishing villages and some isolated and quiet spots by the ocean. Other times in National Parks or even following tracks into Rubber Plantations.
In Bangkok we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Silom Road and they have an open car park that was guarded, thus ideal for storing the trucks. We use www.agonda.com for our Asian City accommodation when required.
Refer to our blog notes for GPS points of the camp sites we used at: Travel Thailand
I enjoy Thai food and have a toughened resistance to street food, that is not to say all of our party was so lucky, so do carry appropriate medication. Food supplies were easy to buy in the many modern supermarkets, 7 11’s etc, however in the southern provinces alcohol was not available until after 5pm. The street markets are a great experience and a great place to shop for vegetables and beautiful tropical fruits.
There are also plenty of hot food stands for quick snacks offering anything and everything. Like a sandwich of crispy prawns! Very good.
Do be prepared for stomach problems in any foreign country.
Fuel:
Diesel is available at most service stations. Price was always close to THB28/Lt (A$0.93)
This was a little more difficult to obtain. When we did ask they thought we wanted bottle water or wanted to wash the vehicle. However we did get water at service stations or car wash facilities like this.
For our actual Travel Diary through Thailand see: GoannaTracks Across Thailand
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