Driving up North to Bangkok from Singapore

ok... this is some info/experience which i gathered during my drive up trip in Sept and Nov 2008 so may not have very detailed info.... the total time taken to drive up from Singapore to Bangkok takes abt 22hrs. Thai border to Bangkok takes approx 12-14hrs. so would be good if u have 2-3 drivers on rotation, lotsa redbull, a Garmin GPS with the original Garmin Thailand Map(heard it cost $200+++) and updated HARDCOPY Map...pls forget abt using free map from the net or free GPS map....it'll be a nitemare, simply not worth the risk if it fails.

I'll skip the part on driving up from Singapore to Alor Star and Bukit Kayu Hitam Malaysian Border. i guess its pretty easy jus follow ur trusty GPS on NS Highway...

there's also a few way to drive up BKK..u can use Highway 4 or use Highway 41 after Hat Yai at a place called Phatthalung. After reaching Phetchaburi, take the turn into Highway 35 which will lead u to Bangkok.

Things to take note upon reaching the border, u need to exit Malaysia with your passport stamped, remember to get additional White Card as u will need it when u re-enter into Malaysia from Thailand. After clearing the custom, jus further up, there will be a guarded post where the Malaysia police/custom/army personel will ask for your vehicle's ownership/registration proof.

Once cleared, u continue driving until u reach the Thai Custom, you need to park the car in a big carpark on the left side of the Thai custom entry point... then walk to the counter and fill up the Thai Entry card & pay RM$2 or 35 baht when u get ur passport stamped and please remember to smile at the webcam... u can obtain the card from the custom office jus next to the toilet.

for the vehicle owner, u need to go to the last booth and have the officer fill up a vehicle temporary import forms for u with ur vehicle details. at this point u'll need to show proof of ownership, so get ready ur documents(log card, passport, etc)
one set of this form will be collected/retain by the custom officer when u drive pass, the other set u need to retain and PLEASE REMEMBER TO RETURN/SURRENDER this GOD DAMN FORM back to the last office in Thai Custom before u re-enter into Malaysia..... or face a fine on ur next visit to Thailand.... forms not submitted back, they'll deem the car is still in Thailand even when u exited.... u can purchase the car insurance at the shophouses jus a distance away from the Thai border custom.

some things to take note of if u r driving in the nite, if u see someone shining torchlight at the center of traffic junction/streets, its probably the policeman.. do slow down upon reaching junction...especially those with the flashing amber light...if u see long white tube lamp(white fluorescent lamp) on the side of the streets, it could mean a road block or police check/stop point, or a road detour/sharp bend... so slow down when u see bright & long white tube lamp (white fluorescent lamp).

following are some important info on the type of fuel available in Thailand. Majority of the petrol kiosk are selling Gasohol (a mixture of 90% Petrol + 10% ethanol) which is very much cheaper compared to pure petrol.

my readup on the following sites, claim it to be working the same as petrol(gasoline) without any ill effects....except for some big high compression engines... some even claim the by-product is much more cleaner than pure petrol's... if you are driving a modern car having an engine equipped with knock sensor and min recommended octane 92/95, i guess its pretty safe to use the Gasohol 95. Older cars without knock sensors, i would suggest u bring some octane booster additives for the trip.

****Note: Shell Advance is Petrol-95 Octane***

do check them out for info sake.

www.bkkautos.com/feature/Gasohol-95

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/bikes-and-bio-fuel-t4009-s25.html

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/352361/only_gasohol_95_to_be_sold_in_2007_in_thailand/index.html?source=r_science

http://paultan.org/forum/index.php?topic=24.msg192

http://gasohol95.com/

Thailand Fuel Station

http://www.bangchak.co.th/en/productStation.asp?id=5&subID=4

http://www.pttplc.com/en/ps_lo.aspx?#

http://www.shell.com/home/content/thailand-en/shell_for_motorists/fuels/gasohol/gasohol_0923.html

http://www.shell.com/home/content/thailand-en/shell_for_motorists/fuels/gasoline_safe_0627.html


the following sites also contain info abt driving into Thailand

http://www.expatsingapore.com/content/view/1209

http://www.expatsingapore.com/content/view/1472

http://www.geocities.com/jaggoboom/TheMkIItobangkok.html

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/PersonalVehiclesTemp/TemporaryImport.jsp?menuNme=PersonalTem#1

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148070

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128765