Some possible sad news for all you tour riders, according to a report by the Bangkok Post, the Thai government is “tightening up rules” on foreigners driving into Thailand.

The report stated that the Thai Land Transport Department will ban foreigners from driving motorcycles and motor homes into Thailand.

Those wanting to do so will have to apply for a special permission through Thai tourism operators at least 10 days before their scheduled trip.

This comes after a surge in the influx of foreign cars, especially from China visiting the northern provinces of Thailand, causing severe traffic jams and other inconveniences to local Thais.

Bangkok Post stated that only vehicles with nine seats and pickup trucks with a maximum weight of 3,500kg will be allowed into Thailand.

Those who want to drive or ride into Thailand will have to make arrangements at least 10 days prior to their trip, and transport officials from local provinces will decide on whether or not to grant them permission cards.

These cards will have to be displayed on the windscreen, and will cost 500 baht and is only valid for 30 days. The total permitted period cannot exceed 60 days in one year.

But before you cancel your trip up north, you will be pleased to know that the new rule only applies to vehicles driving in from China, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam, and does not apply to vehicles from Laos, Malaysia and Singapore as Thailand has a pact with these countries on international car usage.

But be sure to check with border control or the Thai embassy before making a trip as you never know when these rules can change.

You can read the full report here.