Malaysiaminilover

Tag: Car Insurance in Thailand

Drive to Thailand: In A Classic Mini Cooper

This is a story written by Koh from Penang Malaysia and submitted to MalaysiaMiniLover.com. It’s a 1,000km road-trip in a 1993 MK6 Classic Mini Cooper. The full story goes here:

As a Mini lover, I’ve been driving a classic Mini for at least 18 years and also the BMW Mini Cooper for 10 years. Couple years ago, I drove a 2005 Mini Cooper to Thailand and clocked a few thousand miles during that trip. You may read the full story here if you are planning to drive to Thailand from Malaysia. This time, the journey is more or less the same, however, I made in with a 1993 Classic Mini Mayfair.

The purpose of this trip is to test the limit of a classic Mini Cooper. There are many people in Malaysia who are interested to buy a classic Mini. However, they always have a lot of concerns which hold them back. “Is this old car really reliable?”, “Can I use it daily?”, “Can this car travel far?”, “Will the fuel consumption high for such an old car?”, “How’s the maintenance? Is it expensive?”… These are the most commonly asked questions when someone has the wish to buy a classic Mini. The Mini Timeline & History could be a good start for those who are new to classic Mini.

This is a Japanese-specification Mini where it comes with a 1275 SPi engine, with built-in air-conditioning. Basically, the car is in stock condition except a Lukey exhaust silencer (some called it muffler, while some called it tip exhaust tip cover). Before the journey begins, I’ve replaced 2 engine mountings, subframe mountings, steering rack, tires, and some other wear and tear items. The radiator is flushed and filled up with new coolant. On top of that, 5-liter of engine oil has been replaced too. Everything is set and the journey is begin! See also: BMW Mini Cooper vs Classic Mini Cooper.

The journey begins at 4,136km according to the odometer. Don’t be surprise because it has been reset to 0 during the last service. The classic Mini fuel tank capacity is 5.5 gallons which is approximately 20 liters. For 1 and a half tank of RON95 petrol, which is 30 liters, I was able to travel 391km. In conclusion, the real-life fuel consumption for a classic Mini with a 1275 SPi engine under the hood is 13.03 km/l (30.65 mpg). My 2005 Mini Cooper R50 is 12.53km/l (29.47mpg). Compared to many modern cars on the street today, I would said the classic Mini with a 90s engine is considered a very economical car. What do you think?

After reading the story, will you consider to buy a Classic Mini then? LOL

October 31, 2017
Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

The driving experience from Krabi to Phang Nga was the best compared to Dannok to Hatyai or Hatyai to Trang. The scenery is so beautiful and you see gorgeous moutains almost everywhere during the way to Phang Nga. There is an Elephant mountain because it looks exactly like an elephant standing there.

The famous Elephant moutain in Phang Nga

The Dairy Hut Farm in Phang Nga. It is a very special place before entering Phang Nga town. (more…)

March 30, 2015
Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

The “Drive to Thailand” journey continues from Hatyai to Trang. Trang is a very small town and I decided to drop by for delicious local food. I notice there is not much of petrol station in Thailand compared to Malaysia. Therefore, it is always recommended to fill up your fuel tank whenever you see a petrol station. In Thailand, there are a few different types of petrol. The RON 95 that is commonly used in Malaysia is considered as expensive petrol in Thailand and not every petrol station sell it. You can only find RON 05 (Benzin 95) in PTT, Esso, Chevron, PTG, Susco, and Pure. However, it is not easy to locate these petrol brands except PTT and Esso. In case you can’t find RON 95, there is an option to go for Gasohol 95. Gasohol 95 and Gasohol 91 is commonly used due to the fuel price in Thailand is expensive.

This is what you need in your car – A reliable GPS system to bring you anywhere (see what is the best GPS system for cars).

I was supposed to travel to Trang through Phatthalung but somehow the GPS brought me to Tamot.

This is one kind of petrol station you will see during your way. Do you dare to pump fuel from this to your Ferrari, Hummer, Lamborghini or even MINI? Well, I have fill up to full tank at Malaysia border and the computer in my car shows that my fuel can still travel for 400 km so I bet that the MINI can arrive in Phuket without the need to pump any petrol.

Turn left to Trang… The weather is 35.5 Celsius (95.9 Fahrenheit) to the highest 37.5 Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit).

Trang 41 km. It is getting closer.

And here is the iconic fountain in Trang + roundabout + a beautiful yellow MINI Cooper.

It’s about 150km from Hatyai to Trang and another 150 km from Trang to Krabi. The car is full but the driver is hungry, it is time to hunt for delicious food in Trang, Thailand.

Now the stomach is filled up. The journey continues from Trang to Krabi, one of the most famous places in Thailand. It took about 2 hours to arrive at Krabi. I decided to spend a night at this famous town and I have checked in Tairada hotel. Tairada hotel is a new hotel in Krabi. It doesn’t ranked good in Tripadvisor because of the location is bad for travelers without a transport but it is perfect for people who travel with cars.

Day 1: Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

Day 2: Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

March 30, 2015
Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

It has always been my dream to drive a car to Thailand. A few days ago, I have decided to start my journey with a ‘05 Mini Cooper R50 from Penang, Malaysia to Phuket, Thailand. In Google map, the total journey is about 655 km and it requires 8 hours and 17 minutes for the entire journey. I care nothing about the 8 hours drive because I know it is going to be different when you are on your steering wheel.

Years ago, I was planning for this trip but during that time I was thinking to drive my 1972 MK3 Mini Austin. However, I gave up this mind and decided to go with my MINI Cooper R50 as it is newer and more reliable. The current mileage is 72,360 km (44,962 miles). Before the journey begins, I replaced four new tires for my car as the journey may continue to Surat Thani -> Hua Hin -> Bangkok -> Nakhon Ratchasima -> Khon Kaen -> Nong Khai -> Vientiane (Laos). I have selected Good Year GT3 175/65 R15 tires for both front wheels and Toyo NanoEnergy3 195/55 R15 tires for both rear wheels. The purpose of this setting is to test and review both Good Year and Toyo tires. Both of these tires are highly rated in many car related blogs and forums.

Brand New Toyo NanoEnergy3 195/55 R15 Tires

As for the engine oil, MINI always recommended Castrol Edge but I have selected BMW Super Power Oil SAE 5W-40 Fully Synthetic oil. This type of engine oil is made in Germany and it has a very good feedback from an experiment. It is more economical compared to the Mobil 1 and Castrol Edge. In fact, I do believe it will be good for any type car engines. We will see how the engine oil changes after 10,000km run.

So, what else to prepare before driving to Thailand? A GPS device (see what is the best GPS system for cars), a reliable car mounting kit, 12v car charger, a spare tire, and a steering lock. It is also recommended to bring some spares along such as hose, plug cable, coil, fuel pump, spark plugs, belts, and a length of wire, radiator cap and fuses.

The journey begins… It took less than 2 hours from Penang to Bukit Kayu Hitam as the distance is only approximately 150km. For those who never drive to Thailand, you will need to know that there are a few things to get ready before entering Sadao, Thailand. First, you will fill up your petrol station because the petrol price in Thailand is much more expensive. There are Petronas, Caltex and BHP at Changlun town. Second, you will need to find an insurance agent in Changlun town. There are a few but it is recommended to go for the reputable one. The Thai Insurance of coverage for MINI Cooper is only RM16 for 9 days and RM25 for 30 days. This is because the engine capacity for a MINI Cooper is only 1598cc. The Car Insurance of Coverage Thai is compulsory. You will be fined 10,000 Thai baht if there is any police road block and you can’t show them the insurance policy. This type of insurance covers body injuries ONLY and does not cover third party vehicle should you meet with an accident in Thailand. For drivers who want to purchase third-party insurance to cover someone else’s car during your trip, you will need to buy it at Hatyai town. Once the car insurance is settled and the fuel tank is full, the journey continues.

At Malaysia border, it is very easy as you can drive through the immigration and hand over your passport to the officers. It is about 1 km from Malaysia border to Thailand border. At Thailand border, you will need to park your car at the car park (on your left) and walk to stamp your passport. Proceed to the “Custom Form” area and hand over your car registration card. The officer will give you a SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM (For motor car and motor cycle temporarily imported or exported). This form stated your registration number, engine number, chassis no and some of your details. Read carefully and I notice that Malaysian drivers will be fine 1,000 Thai baht per day and up to a maximum of 10,000 THB if you don’t leave Thailand within the given date. Under the Guarantee Agreement, I noticed there is a sentence saying “I hereby guarantee myself to pay a sum of 7,500,000.00 baht upon a promise that if I commit a breach of this agreement”. A friend of mine who often drive to Thailand told me that is the amount of money you have to pay in case you lost your vehicle in Thailand. Thai government imposed this law is to avoid someone else from selling the car after they drive to Thailand. OMG! 7,500,000.00 baht is approximately $230,000 USD and that is the price for a brand new Lamborghini Huracan in the United States. My advice? Bring an extra steering to brake lock if you are driving to Thailand.

Once my car entered Thai border, the first town I drive through is Dannok. Dannok is a popular town for many Malaysians. My journey continues until I see a sign board YALA 179 km. I drive for another 60km and pay a visit to the famous Hatyai town. In Malaysia, it might take only 30 minutes for 60km distance but it takes me an hour to drive from Dannok to Hatyai due to the traffic and the road condition.

Day 1: Drive to Thailand: In A MINI Cooper

Day 2: Drive to Thailand: Hatyai to Trang to Krabi

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Krabi to Phang Nga

Day 3: Drive to Thailand: Phang Nga to Phuket

March 30, 2015