@John ******

. Only instances of success that you mention that I have heard of is when the vehicle is owned and registered by a Thai national. The rules are different then as a Thai is allowed to bring it in. But the car and owner must have spent at least 12 months outside Thailand and all documents to prove it.

Only other exception is diplomatic vehicles.

@John ******

. If his end goal is to.bring his car to Thailand permanently it's pointless because he can't bring it in , its not allowed. Rest of the journey would be futile then unless he's prepared to abandon his car at the thai border orship/drive it back, which defeats the purpose of the whole plan.

@Paolo ***********

. You need a thai work permit too which is impossible to get on a retirement visa. Google car passport buddy.. you can't just drive a car registered in one country into any country you like

This is a link to a car importing/shipping company but the rules just for entering Thailand will also apply if you drive in.

Yeah it's possible but why? You need a passport for your car and visas for you to enter all the countries on the route. And to keep the car in Thailand you will need an import permit and pay import tax on it up to 200% of your cars value. You'll also need a thailand long term visa to get these. A lot of headaches and expenses for a 17 year old car..

Try Kasikorn Bank.

If all else fails open a 2nd joint account or 2nd account and give her access to it.

@Brandon ***********

. Exactly. Passports are actually property of the holders government. Only police and Imm officers are allowed to take it from you directly.

@Steve *******

. Probably using an "agent". Immigration never hold your passport if you deal direct.

@Jo *********

. Some yes... vast majority don't. They make rules and regulations to manage the majority not a handful of individuals who try to find loopholes instead of doing what most do... a visa. Visa exempt means no visa.

@Jo *********

no I'm not saying that.. I'm saying immigration prefer you pay for a tourist visa instead of using visa exempt, which is free, to stay long term. Thats all..

They look at your history, and if they see you bouncing in and out of thailand , not spending much time outside, they can suspect you are using it to stay long term. Most people who have done this and were questioned by imm eventually are told to get a VISA next time or face being denied entry next time. A visa of any type almost always avoids this.