Crossing Thailand's Borders

Singaporeans entering Thailand for less than 30 days do not need a visa. If you are driving in via border checkpoints, you are only allowed to enter Thailand twice in one calendar year. International driver's licence is recognized in Thailand. However, insurance requires a Thai drivers licence for stays longer than 3 months, so if you are staying for more than 3 months in Thailand, you should get a Thai drivers licence.

 Car Permit in Thailand from ExpatGo.com

Car insurance and Temporary Car Permit have to be applied for and purchased at the border. It's a minimum amount requirement, I am told most people pay for more coverage and I will probably do so as well. Total costs less than $100.

Thailand x Malaysia Borders

There is a duty free shop on the Malaysia side of the border, it's by no means cheap but its a great place to stretch your legs and take a break.

On the eastern part of Malaysia is the Rantau Panjang - Sungai Golok border checkpoint.  

On the western part of Malaysia is the Wang Kelian - Wang Prachan border checkpoint. There are some markets and its in the middle of a nature reserve so nobody lives here. This place also offers Malaysian citizenship services.

Next to WK-WP is Padang Besar border checkpoint for trains. There is also Bukit Kayu Hitam - Sadao border checkpoint that is completely fenced in and built up, that leads to Hat Yai.

In the middle, between eastern and western Malaysia is Pengkalan Hulu - Betong border checkpoint.

Thailand x Laos Borders 

On the northern part of Thailand, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai region is Phu Sang National Park border checkpoint.

Heading up north from Bangkok to the city of Vientiane Laos is the Friendship Bridge border checkpoint. There is a duty free shop and cafe on the Laos side.

There is a second friendship bridge border checkpoint at Mukdahan - Savannakhet. Border towns with schools, airport, eateries.

On the eastern part of Thailand is Chong Mek border checkpoint that has a bus terminal, shopping, markets, temporary eateries.

Thailand x Cambodia Borders

Cham Yeam border checkpoint is located at the southernmost part of Thailand. It's a seaside town with a market and some nice hotels.

Poipet International Border is on the eastern part of Thailand at Sa Kaeo going into Krong Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is located, UNESCO World Heritage site. It's also where Thailand citizenship services are located. See picture above.

In between Cham Yeam Border and Poipet International Border is Chantaburi- Phsar Prum Border where Cambodian citizenship services are located.