non-recident owning a tuk tuk (Bangkok)

hey do any of you know if it is possible for a non-thai and non-recident to own a vehicle in thailand i.e. it is registered to this person?

A friend has bought a tuk-tuk for private use but is currently registered with a thai person. The friend wants it officially in his name instead of the thai's name.

Do you know if this is possible and if so how?

Thanks any leads would be grateful
Tommy

...and no it is not one of those where the friend is me :)