Many foreigners are very surprised when they first come to Thailand, as they see many vehicles that run on LPG gas, rather than gasoline. You would not see vehicles in Europe, for example, that run on LPG, and one of the main reasons why drivers switch to LPG is the lower cost.
LPG Conversions
It is not practical to convert diesel engines to LPG; however, gasoline-powered vehicles can be converted. The conversion involves the installation of a separate LPG tank, and specific injectors are fitted to force LPG into the cylinders, causing ignition. A car must be started on gasoline and after a few minutes, the system automatically switches to LPG, which is up to 7 times cheaper than running a car on gasoline.
Safety
When you renew your annual road tax in Thailand, a mechanic will inspect the LPG system, and every few years, you need LPG facility license renewal (ต่ออายุสถานที่ใช้ก๊าซ LPG) in order to be permitted to install and inspect LPG systems. There is no long-term damage to an engine if it can run on both gasoline and LPG, provided the system is approved by the authorities.
Nationwide Availability
There are LPG stations all over Thailand and the product is sold by weight (per kg) and over the years, the number of drivers that switch to LPG is rising exponentially. This might be due to the rising cost of oil, which seems to be global. Let’s face it, we all have to budget our lifestyle, and if you can save a fortune by switching fuel, it makes total sense to do so. While there might not be that many LPG stations in some remote areas, there is always coverage, and you can get a GPS link online. Despite the advances of AI and robotics, the experts say that the mechanic’s job is safe.
Performance
Many Thai motorists report that they do not notice any decrease in engine performance when running on LPG; basically, a gasoline power unit can run just as well when LPG is pumped into the cylinders, and if the system is correctly calibrated, the engine performs exactly as it would using gasoline. There are many vehicle workshops that specialise on LPG conversions and it doesn’t take long to recoup the initial investment (roughly $1,000), which leads to lower running costs. Motorists who drive long distances would greatly benefit from converting to LPG and this is the main reason why Thai drivers prefer to run their cars on LPG.
To summarise, Liquid Petroleum Gas is a very popular fuel source here in Thailand, and it is also used for cooking. If you drive a petrol-driven vehicle, check out the cost of the conversion and book your car into a nearby LPG conversion specialist. You will enjoy the lower running costs and the engine will not be impacted.
