I think 30 years old for a classic. But, check on the LTA website or send them a mail. They will respond quickly. Also, if you register the vehicle in Singapore road tax and insurance must be paid in Singapore, even if the vehicle is out of the country, unless you apply to the LTA to 'lay-up' the vehicle.
This 27% Tax, do I have to pay it in any case, or only if the car comes via Container?
And where/when is the money returned, when I leave SG with this "VEP"?
Is a separate Insurance needed for Thailand?
I know, many questions, but it seems I found an expert..:thumbup:
The ~27% must be paid if the vehicle arrives by sea or air. Usually the shipping agent in Singapore will take a local cheque or International Money Order. Then they will arrange to have someone meet you at the Singapore-Malay road border when you are leaving Singapore. When you have 'stamped out' of Singapore they will return the tax bond immediately. On the three times I have done this they gave me back the original cheque.
Thai Insurance cover can be purchased at the Thai-Malay border crossing, or you can purchase the insurance at any reputable agent in Thailand. There is a basic insurance that covers third party damage (only offers very low compensation) and Thai road tax, and a more expensive option that doesn't include road tax but offers higher third party compensation. Better to buy both as the cheaper on costs only 600 baht and covers road tax - equivalent to two fines if you get stopped without it - and the more expensive one will cover the costs of most accidents: it will always be your fault!
You could bring the car directly to Bangkok, but apparently the procedures at the docks in Klong Toey are very difficult to handle. Maybe Laem Chabang is a better option. Somewhere on the GT Rider forum there is a shipping agent mentioned who is able to handle this for you. Try these threads:
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/threads/27561-Importing-Bikes-Dramas-Part-1-Part-2-Part-3!!!?highlight=klong+toey
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/threads/26231-custom-clearance-in-BKK?highlight=klong+toey
NOTE: I first brought a foriegn-registered bike her in 2002 (from Singapore), then another in 2006 and the final one in 2008 (both from US, via Singapore). Over the years the red tape has gradually increased - not at the road border, once the vehicle is in-county. I would not bring another foriegn-registered vehicle here for long-term use, as I think the rules will get tighter and eventually there will be a lower limit on how long the vehicle can stay here and a limit to how many times the vehicle can be brought back in. In Phuket the Police are impoundinging bikes with expired Temporary Permits (over stays) and demanding huge payments to get them back - equivalent to 3 times the value declared on the Temporary Permit. And, if you ride with an expired Temporary Permit, road tax and insurance are void - if you have an accident, write a blank cheque and lose your vehicle. Just some points to consider before you start the process.
Cheers, Scooter