Lancashirelad

Hello all.

I post on behalf of a friend who isn't a member here.

In 1990 he bought a new sports car in Australia and immediately legally imported it to England (his home land) where it was registered and used as a second (summer) car.

About 6 years ago he shipped it to Thailand. Unfortunately he didn't do his homework first or ask me.
When it came time to get it released from the docks he was asked for his residency permit. He didn't have one. A large amount of tea money saw the car released from the docks and delivered to his house in Jomtien where it has sat in the garage unregistered and unused ever since.

He then employed the services of a local Thai lawyer who could, for - you guessed it -  a large amount of tea money, make the problem go away.Unfortunately the only thing that went away was the lawyer!

There is apparently no official record of the car ever having been imported.

He is getting older and beginning to lose interest in driving in Thailand, but he loves the car.
I would like to assist him to get the car registered  and insured. Number plates and blue(?) book.
He does have a permanent address in Thailand owning a house. (via company).
He has a retirement visa (permission to stay).
He does not have a close relationship with any Thai.

He has even considered shipping the car back to England and then back again, this time importing it legitimately, but how can you export something that has never been imported? I doubt such a drastic measure is necessary.

What options are available?
Do you have any knowlegeable, factual suggestions?