Hello,
Thanks in advance for advice. I have been living in thailand for 4 months every year (47yo) on a Multi-Entry TV (obtained through E visa process by providing letter of invitation from thai family and financial statements). we come in Dec and leave in March. We usually do a trip to another Asian country while there to fulfill my requirement to leave every 60 days. I spend rest of year back in USA. I live near Bangkok with Girlfriend in her family house.
2 years ago I got Thai DL for moto/car by jumping through all the hoops. My DLs are expiring mid Dec. I was just doing the initial research on how to renew it (also buying a motorcycle so need to register and deal with DLT for that at same time. was going to let dealer do it but doubt he can handle this renew part as well) and it seems I have to do the whole thing over (clinic, residence, etc). Last time I got the POR from notary at US Embassy. I am reading on forums that they dont do that any longer. So I guess I need to go to immigration at Chaeng Wattana (I will also be in CNX for January so could do there is there is a workaround there that does not exist in BKK)
My question is, has anybody renewed a DL that is on a METV or any TV by going through immigration? I keep seeing that they wont provide POR unless I have 90 day stamp and obviously I dont get 90day stamps on my METV. I can provide house book and stuff and take Thai GF to immigration and her mom (house in her name) but I dont know if that gets me the POF in the end.
I mean, I guess I dont need to DL and can roll around with my International Permit with Cycle endorsement, just thought it created less friction. But when it comes to buying the motorcycle I feel like I might need the POR to register in my name. On the scooter I bought 3 years ago I just put it in my thai GF name (we have been together 10 years so not worried about the response I get for that move 😉 but I want the motorcycle in my name because I read the green book needs to be in my name to ride over to Laos and such at border crossings)
Thank you for your time.
Darren