WaveHunter

3 hours ago, FredGallaher said:

Is that why you ask question that are not really seeking answers but promotion responses? 

No need for your unfounded insinuations.  Worded in a pretty inflammatory way, if you ask me!

3 hours ago, FredGallaher said:

Best advice is to hop on a song tow and visit the the DLT office. 

That might be fair advice if the DLT was not an hour away from me, and I was not concerned about a language barrier.  As it turns out, all of my questions have been adequately answered by members of this forum who prefer to be helpful to fellow members.  Thanks anyway for your heartfelt advice.

11 minutes ago, abrahamzvi said:

To start with, is you IDP still valid? If so how come, as IDPs are valid only for 12 months. Further, if you get a Thai DL in Pattaya, you do not have to have it reissued when you move to Chiang Mai.

 

If I were you I would get a Thai DL before you drive to Chiang Mai. What happens if you have an accident on the way? You could be charged for driving without a permit, which means there would be no insurance cover and you would be held liable for all damages. 

IDP still valid; I picked it up while travelling in the States last December.  Thank you for confirming no need for license re-issue once I move to Chiang Mai.  In the States, moving to another state makes that mandatory, so good thing to know.

Totally agree about insurance.  That's the only reason I'm going to the trouble of getting the licence before trip even though I plan to get the M/C license later up in Chiang Mai when I have more time on my hands.

Thanks for your post ????

47 minutes ago, topt said:

Well depends on how far you want to push it if a policeman decided he is not going to accept your IDP. if you are in Nakhon Somewhere Nowhere for example in the middle of a long drive.......

From memory I have read several posters on here and elsewhere stating that even though on a "short" break here with IDP they were still fined. No I don't have links but I doubt it would surprise anybody that it happens.

NB I bolded and underlined in the quote.

May be an issue even under 90 days - see my comment above. However I note you say you have decided to get the car licence so best of luck for that 

Yes, I've heard those stories too.  Even with all proper documentation, a policeman can still mess with you. 

Since I will be driving to Chiang Mai by way of Nakhon, out in the middle of nowhere with a long way to drive ahead of me, it kind of makes me a target for being pulled over to make a little contribution to a policeman's "retirement fund".  That's OK.  Just don't want to have insurance issues in a worst case scenario.

I'm going for the car license in Pattaya next week.  Getting my residency certificate on Monday.  I was told that it only takes an hour to come back and pick it up.  Always disliked visits to Imm but I had a very pleasant encounter with a Imm officer at Jomtien on Friday when I went to renew my VIsa extension. I think going at the right time of day may be the key.  Even though it was a Friday, I went there at 2pm and the place was relatively quiet.  The Imm officer was so relaxed, she even greeted me with a smile, and took the time to answer a bunch of questions I had.  I'll get the medical certificate on Monday also.

I'll have the application for conversion all filled out and ready to go.  Even though it is written entirely in Thai, somebody posted a translation of the form.  Very helpful!  I'm including it along with the blank form at end of this post for anyone else who needs it.

I have a new friend from ThaiVisa who's offered to accompany me to DLP who's "benn there done that" recently so I feel much more confident it will be a trouble-free experience now.  Quite a nice thing for a complete stranger to offer his time like that.  This forum has some mighty nice and caring members IMO. ????

Quick Question:  I'm not sure which DLP office this form below came from but it says that bringing photos is no longer required; that the DLP does that on the spot.  Is that true for all DLP's in Thailand now?

Application_For_Driving_License_Blank.pdf

English Translation.pdf

1 minute ago, jackdd said:

It's in no way a grey area, but the details which you gave are just not precise.

If the last time you entered Thailand is less than a year ago and you have an IDP which is not expired you are good to go. You have a valid license and can't be fined.

If you entered Thailand more than a year ago or your IDP is expired, then you don't have a valid license, so it's the same as if you were driving without a license.

Can you provide a link to what you say about one year or under?  Form my last entry, I've been in-country less than one year so if what you say is true, I could drive up to Chinag Mai "legally" and deal with licensing once I have more time on my hands up in China Mai.

However, I'm getting information that is all over the place.  The consensus seem to be that anything over 90 days places you in jeopardy.

I'll probably opt for getting my car license down here in Pattaya, and then upgrading to motorbike license once in Chiang Mai if I can not be certain about home-country license validity.  But it would be nice to actually know the facts without having to be a lawyer to figure it all out, so I'd love to see the link if you have it.

And thanks for a helpful reply!

24 minutes ago, johng said:

1  No you only have to do reaction and eyesight test

2 Yes

3 All day  get there early before they open at 8 AM

Sounds like you've "been there, done that".  I appreciate your helpful reply, and it will probably be relevant to a lot of other people besides me.  Concise and to-the point.  Appreciate it!

49 minutes ago, FredGallaher said:

Your asking for advice but probably won't listen / read.

You need to ask the DLT. Since you have been here >1 year there could be differences. If you ask the same question here enough times you might find the answer (right or wrong) you are looking for, Being retire the time shouldn't really be an issue.

You are aware that one of the most important features of a forum like this is to ask such questions, and hopefully get relevant and helpful replies from people who have "been there, done that", don't you? 

Often that kind of information is far more helpful than what you'd get trying to speak with a DLP or Imm officer, especially since I do not speak or understand Thai that well. 

And, even though I may have a retirement visa, I value my time, so if I can get an answer in minutes by posting on ThaiVisa, why on earth would I frustrate myself with attempting to interact with DLP?  Only very obtuse person who has nothing better to do with his time would do otherwise.

Having relevant answers posted here on this thread not only will help me but help others who may search for this information as well.

Simply using a forum to be mean-spirited and judgemental of others does NOT make this community a better place or serve anyone else's needs.

Very simple questions regarding car-only drivers license conversion at Pattaya DLT:  

1. Can somebody please confirm...if you already have a home-country license and International Driver Permit, does Pattaya Department of Land Transportation require written / practical test or not? 
2. Can the conversion be done in a single trip? 
3. Typically, how much time should I allow for the whole process if I already have medical and residency certificates, and a filled out application in hand?

10 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

... Penalties for no licence/IDP are pretty small here. You should be more concerned about the validity of your insurance. ...

Thank you to all who provided input here.  Just to be clear, I indeed have a license from my home country and an IDP.  My concern is that I have been in Thailand longer than 90 days so technically I don't know if that makes my license and IDP completely invalid or not.  Judging from the responses it seems to be a "gray area"

I'm now opting to get the car drivers license here in Pattaya just to be safe since my main concern is possible impact on insurance coverage should the worst occur on my trip up to Chiang Mai in a rented car.  Thanks to all who pointed out that insurance should be my main concern...good call!

Once again, ThaiVisa has proved to be an excellent resource for problem solving here in the Magic Kingdom!

5 minutes ago, FredGallaher said:

You need to go to Immigration and ask. Since there are variations between provinces and from time to time, how do you know if your information or that you get on the forum is current. Typing is no substitute for first hand knowledge vs a little shoe leather. Using an agent, if they are good, would help if you don't like going to Immigration. There are new reports here about CM immigration is being helpful. 

That might be sound advice if I was currently in Chiang Mai, but I am in Pattaya, planning to relocate to Chiang Mai, so I’d need lots to “shoe leather” to follow your advice.

Some ThaiVisa members are incredible sources of relevant and up-to-date information.  In fact, some such as @ubonjoe probably know more than many officials at Imm or DLP.  

No need to sell ThaiVisa members short as a source of relevant and timely information.

25 minutes ago, CMBob said:

Smart to double check the rules.  Compliance is actually fairly easy so long as you know how your particular provincial Immigration office applies those rules.

 

You apparently were asking a Jomtien Immigration officer about TM30 rules that apply up here in the boonies (i.e., Chiang Mai).  While that officer might know something about that, I personally wouldn't trust it given the disparity of how the various provinces apply the various rules.  For example only, we've seen lots of posts involving some provinces requiring TM30 updating even for being gone from your registered address more than 24 hours in-country (not true in Chiang Mai) and many reports of the requirement to file TM28 forms (which, so far, isn't ever wanted in Chiang Mai).  Uniform application throughout the provinces probably makes sense overall but, on the other hand, my continued hope is that Chiang Mai stays the course with its current rules regardless of what other provinces do or don't.  

 

That’s what makes the Bureaucracy of Thailand so challenging.  Rules and procedures that vary from one province to another, even from one officer to another within the same province, rules and procedures that change without notice.  It’s all just one big headache to deal with.

Thats what make a forum like ThiaVisa such a wonderful resource.   

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Answer: variable - ranging from

nothing to your insurance not covering you. 

 

Simple solution: get a Thai licence, it covers you for all of Thailand. 

 

If if you want to play cute: If stopped by the police, your overseas license will see them either let you go or fine you (usually 100-200b or up to 500b tea money).

If involved in an accident you are taking your chances with varying potential: no issues to not being covered. 

 

Conclusion: Get a licence, it’s one of the easier things to do here..

Are you saying there is no need to do residency certificate a second time or get a new license based on address change once I move to Chiang Mai?

All I really am looking for is what I might expect if pulled over by police on my trip from Pattaya to Chiang Mai with only a US driver's license and IDP, considering that I have a Non-O visa and have been in Thailand for more than 1 year. 

Am I looking at a small fine, paid for on the spot, or something more serious.  Also, how it might affect insurance coverage on rented car.  Anyone?

I prefer to wait until I move to Chiang Mai to get a license because doing it before the trip probably means I will have to re-do much of the paperwork once I arrive in CM (i.e.: get a new residency certificate, get an address change on license, etc).

Regarding the need to get a Thai driver's license, my understanding is that you are expected to get one if you have a long stay visa (here in Thailand beyond 60 days).  I never bothered because I do not rely on cars or motorbikes for getting around.  

Here's my concern:  I am moving from Pattaya to Chiang Mai shortly.  For my move, I will be renting an SUV car to move all my stuff.  What happens if I get pulled over by police for some reason during the trip from Pattaya to Chiang Mai, and can only produce my US license and International Drivers Permit?  I assume they will see my long-term visa in my passport, and so I could possibly be ticketed for not having a Thai License.

How serious could this be?  I mean is it typically a small fine like 500 baht, paid on the spot and then I'm on my way...or could it be more problematic? 

I am actually planning to get a license once I've moved to Chiang Mai but there are a number of reasons I'd rather not do this before I move unless I absolutely must.

Appreciate any helpful replies.  Thanks

1 minute ago, Captain 776 said:

STOP....Worrying about TM-30, within a few months it will be abolished per an article here about a month ago

Really?  Do you have a link?  I'd be curious to see it.

1 hour ago, Bill97 said:

Knowing that your information is incorrect does not help much? So sorry, guess I have a weak brain from poor vegan diet or Muay Thai head kicks. Not able to assist further.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Being on a Vegan diet should make you sharp as a tack; it must be those kicks to the head LOL ????  That's OK, I appreciate your reply.  Still curious what you meant by "Do you search it out for trolling?.

1 hour ago, CMBob said:

As you say your condo office will file the TM30 for you, you do NOT have to go to Immigration relating to that.  But make sure your condo office gives you a printout of something that shows they did the TM30 for you and keep that with your passport.

Now, when you go for an extension at CM Immigration, they likely will have you take that printout up to the third floor to be replaced with a smaller TM30 Receipt of Notification form that they'll staple in the back of your passport (similar to what they do with the 90-day address Receipt of Notification).  If and when you leave and re-enter Thailand, you or your condo office needs to "update" that TM30 Receipt of Notification.  So far, there's no need to do that if you're only traveling within Thailand.

Your comments about the office across from Promenada relate to years' old posts. Now that Immigration here has moved to its new building, you get everything there (residence certificates are obtained on the second floor). 

Thank you so much for your informative reply.  Actually I just decided to go over to Immigration in Jomtien and speak with an officer there to get some reliable fact-based information

She agrees with what you said about the TM30.  If my condo's Juristic Person actually files the TM30 online and then gives me a print out of receipt, the Imm officer said I only have to staple it to my passport, and that's that; no need to go to Imm office in Chiang Mai.

My concern about whether or not I needed to update my 90 day was answeerd by another poster, and confirmed by the Imm Officer.  Just because Imm just extended my long-stay visa does NOT "reset" the clock on 90 day reporting.  I got mixed up with it being "reset" when you leave and re-enter the country.  So, she gave me a TM47 to fill out right at her desk, and that was taken care of on the spot.  Very nice lady ????  Just mentioning this so that it might be helpful to anyone else searching for the answer.

I already knew about updating TM30 if I leave and re-enter country, and no need if travel is within country, but thanks for mentioning it.  That might be helpful for somebody else who sees your post.

As regards Certificate of Residency, I had a feeling the post I read that on might have been outdated but when they specifically said "not the airport office" and showed a map location across the street from Promenada (not at Promenada), I thought perhaps this was a crazy new rule they came up with.  You have to admit, Chiang Mai Imm has a habit of changing rules and procedures without publishing them.  Anyway, I will assume you are right.

Again, Thanks for taking the time to share your information.  Most appreciated.

1 minute ago, timendres said:

1a) No.

1b) Your 90 reporting schedule is separate from extension. It is not "reset" by your renewal.

Regarding 1a, do you mean I do not have to go to Imm or I do have to go?

2 minutes ago, Bill97 said:

No,no, and no.

You have a wealth of incorrect information. Do you search it out for trolling?


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

"...No,no, and no. ..." and "...You have a wealth of incorrect information..."  doesn't really give me much help.  Can you give me correct information? 

What do you mean by "...Do you search it out for trolling? ..."?

A couple of questions.  I've tried to get answers but information on this forum is overwhelming and it seems things change at the Chiang Mai Immigration Office on a daily basis, so I'm hoping some informed person can answer 3 simple questions I have:

1a) I have been living in Pattaya since March but will move back to Chiang Mai next month.  I know that the Juristic person at my new condo in Chiang Mai will file a TM30 with Immigration.  Do I have to make a trip to Imm office to show receipt that proves the Juristic Person filed, or is there no need for that, and I just do my next 90 day report.

1b)  I am assuming that since I just renewed my non-O retirement extension, that resets the clock for my next 90 day reporting date but I'm not so sure because when I just checked status online it still says that next reporting date is 07 October 2019.  My new extension became effective 01 October 2019, so I assume my next 90 day report will be 31 December.  Is that correct or am I mistaken? My last online reporting date was 09 July 2019

2) There are contradictory remarks online about where to get a Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai.  I have read several posts that say you NOT go to the Airport Imm office as they no longer do these, but that you must go to a satellite office across from Promenada:

"...The Immigration Satellite office is located off the Super Highway across from the Promenada Mall. Do NOT go to the Immigration office near the airport – they no longer process residency certificates.  The exact location is listed on the map as the ‘Number One Garage’. ..."

Is this correct?

For those who are not aware, Facebook Marketplace is a great resource to buy and sell just about anything used, anywhere in Thailand (or the world for that matter).  Unbelievable number of listings for just about anything you can imagine, compared with BahtSold or any other online classified site I've found.  You can filter your search geographically down to just 10km, filter price range, and the search engine (English input) is pretty good at finding exactly what you are looking for.  Most listings seem to be written in Thai, but a translate button provides a decent translation to English.

Just thought I'd share for what it's worth.

QUESTION:  What if I just want to get my US License / Intn'l permit converted to a Thai (car) drivers license?  Is that a one day deal?  Show up with Residency certificate, medical certificate, application, and they process the license and you leave the same day with licence in hand?

I decided I'll wait to get motorcycle license until I move back to Chiang Mai, but I need to rent a car for my move, and if I get pulled over by police for anything during the trip, I don't want to get hassled for not having a license since that is a ticketable offence for anyone in the country past 60 days I believe.

55 minutes ago, Henryford said:

Easy to do everything yourself. You don't need to speak thai. Rent a bike for 2/3 days, sorted. But if you want to throw away 7000, upto you.

I hear others say just to rent a bike for the day and show up with it for your test, but isn't the officers at Land Transportation office going to give you a hard time about driving to your test without a license?  I mean, that just sounds like trouble...or is that just another quirky aspect of Thai bureaucracy?

20 minutes ago, topt said:

May have been mentioned already but you have to be there for your picture to be taken which is the last step and then you just wait for the licence to be printed which may be anything from 5 - 20 minutes in my experience.

So not sure how the agent can save you from that?

Thanks for clarification.  I think I may have misunderstood about that.

1 hour ago, ianezy0 said:

I did both my car and motorbike licence this year in Pattaya.

The car licence was a transfer  from my Australian licence and I have never had a motorbike licence so I had to do the questions and practical. Both were done without an agent and all went smoothly. I had a chat with another guy there who was using an agent. He wished he had done the process himself. 

For me, a little bit of running around for medical paperwork, certificate of residence from immigration, photos etc but no great hassle. I was lucky enough to borrow a bike from a mate, which I used to transport myself to the DLT. If you are not working over here then you have plenty of time. The questions can be found online. I read through them 3 times and managed to get 50/50. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

 

Thanks for your comments.  You and others who have responded have got me thinking maybe I should wait until I return to Chiang Mai next month and just do it all on my own.  I'm much more comfortable with Chiang Mai Immigration Office than the one in Jomtien, and the Land transportation Office is only a few minutes walk from my condo in Chiang Mai. 

Also, thanks for comment about the written test.  Some say that many Farangs fail it because of how weirdly the English translation are, but I see many people have posted sample questions from those tests here on ThaiVisa, so I don't see that as a problem.  Also I have plenty of friends in Chiang Mai who I'm sure would loan me their bike for the practical test.  Anyway thanks; your reply and others on this thread have inspired me to reconsider this whole thing ????

1 hour ago, Xavnel said:

Sorry, I did not read your entire post.

 

Myself, also American with DL but not endorsed for Motorcycle.

I got both Thai License myself,  no Agent (I am in Chiang Mai). The Car License consisted of watching a video and cost 150 baht if I remember correctly. 

For Motorbike License,  I had to take a test and I think was also 150 baht.

You've got me thinking; maybe I'll just hold off and get the car/motorcycle license once I return to Chiang Mai next month.  There, I can deal with the Imm office much better than down here in Pattaya, and the Land Transportation Office over in WatKet is just a few minutes from my condo.  Thanks.