Planning to drive into Thailand using your parents' car, your spouse's vehicle or one borrowed from a friend? You might need more than a simple permission letter, especially if you're crossing through Sungai Golok.
Thai Customs at the Sungai Golok checkpoint has reportedly tightened its requirements for vehicles registered under someone else's name. According to Utusan Malaysia's 9 November report, affected motorists must now present a court-issued power of attorney instead of relying solely on a signed authorisation letter from the registered owner.
- Borrowed car? Sungai Golok reportedly requires a court-issued power of attorney.
- Ordinary permission letter? Reportedly no longer sufficient at this checkpoint.
- Other Thai borders? The same requirement has not been confirmed elsewhere.
Why Is A Permission Letter No Longer Enough?
Patikorn Liewweha, head of customs control and inspection at Sungai Golok, reportedly said the revised procedure aims to strengthen border controls and prevent stolen or illegally obtained vehicles from entering Thailand.
But there's an important detail. Existing Thai government guidance already calls for a power of attorney when the driver is not the registered owner, without explicitly stating that the document must be issued by a court.
Owner's power of attorney
Court issuance is not explicitly specified in the published guidance.
Court-issued power of attorney
Reported by Utusan Malaysia on 9 November 2026.
The published government guidance may predate the reported change at Sungai Golok. The difference does not necessarily mean the two requirements are contradictory.
What Documents Do You Need To Drive Into Thailand?
Before heading to the border, Malaysian motorists should check that they have the following documents ready:
- Vehicle registration document accepted by Thai Customs
- Valid passport or applicable border pass
- Vehicle owner's authorisation in the form required by the checkpoint
- Compulsory Thai motor insurance
- Valid driving licence
Motorists may also need to complete a temporary vehicle import declaration. Patikorn reportedly said vehicle information can be submitted in advance through the TTA application to speed up customs processing.
Does This Apply At Every Thailand Border?
Not necessarily. The stricter court-issued authorisation requirement was reported specifically at Sungai Golok. It has not been established whether the same procedure applies at other crossings, including Bukit Kayu Hitam, Padang Besar or Wang Kelian.
Thailand's published temporary vehicle import guidance also requires foreign-registered vehicles to be declared to customs and taken out of Thailand within the permitted period.
If you're driving a vehicle that isn't registered under your name, check the latest requirements directly with Thai Customs at your intended checkpoint before setting off. It could save you a frustrating turn-around at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car into Thailand?
Thai entry procedures provide for vehicles driven by someone other than the registered owner, subject to the required authorisation and customs documents. At Sungai Golok, a court-issued power of attorney is now reportedly required.
Is a permission letter from the car owner enough?
According to the 9 November Utusan Malaysia report, an ordinary owner-signed permission letter is no longer sufficient at Sungai Golok. Other checkpoints may have different procedures, so confirm the latest requirements before travelling.
Do I need court authorisation at every Thailand border?
There is currently no confirmation in the original report that the court-issued document requirement applies nationwide. The reported change specifically concerns Sungai Golok.
What if the car is registered under my spouse or parents?
The reported Sungai Golok requirement concerns vehicles registered under someone other than the driver. The report does not establish a separate exemption for spouses or family members.
How do I obtain the court-issued power of attorney?
The exact application procedure, fees and processing time have not been independently confirmed. Check with the relevant Malaysian authorities and Thai Customs before applying or paying for any document.
