IDL and 5 years ELITE VISA

[skyiceice]

Hello,

 

I have the IDL ( international drive licence ) 

 

Is enough for driving in Thailand for 5 years ( ELITE VISA )  or i need the THAI license ? 

 

I want to buy the car in Thailand (  i can have problems with just the original DL and IDL ? )

 

Anyone have expeirience with what happen if the police stop you after the 90 days entry stamp ?

 

 

Thanks

[jackdd]

You will probably never have problems with the police about it. I was never asked for my passport at checkpoints on the street, and even if they would check it probably they are not aware of the 90 day limit of the IDP.

But imagine what happens when you have an accident and you make a claim with your insurance, you can be sure they will ask about it, and then refuse to pay because you didn't have a DL. So you should get a Thai DL.

[mark5335]

You're supposed to get a Thai DL if you plan on driving here for longer than 3 months. Thai Elite have a service to assist you in obtaining your Thai DL. From my experience in buying cars in Thailand, the dealer doesn't ask for a copy of your DL. If the Police stop you at a checkpoint it depends upon the particular policeman and his mood at the time, most likely he would wave you through, but be prepared for paying an on the spot cash fine also.

[johng]

I seem to  remember reading that the elite visa will not enable you to obtain a 5 year "full" Thai licence only the 2 year "temporary" one.

[mark5335]

1 hour ago, johng said:

I seem to  remember reading that the elite visa will not enable you to obtain a 5 year "full" Thai licence only the 2 year "temporary" one.

In that case I guess that once Thai Elite have assisted in getting the initial 2 year DL, the client is then on his own for the subsequent (5 yr) renewals.

[johng]

No

10 minutes ago, mark5335 said:

In that case I guess that once Thai Elite have assisted in getting the initial 2 year DL, the client is then on his own for the subsequent (5 yr) renewals.

No I believe the Department of Land Transportation will only issue a "temporary" drivers licence to holders of Thai Elite visas.

So 2 years then back again for another 2 years and so on.

[johng]

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916509-renewal-of-5-yrs-driving-license-with-elite-visa-review/?do=findComment&comment=12287916

 

[skyiceice]

4 hours ago, mark5335 said:

You're supposed to get a Thai DL if you plan on driving here for longer than 3 months. Thai Elite have a service to assist you in obtaining your Thai DL. From my experience in buying cars in Thailand, the dealer doesn't ask for a copy of your DL. If the Police stop you at a checkpoint it depends upon the particular policeman and his mood at the time, most likely he would wave you through, but be prepared for paying an on the spot cash fine also.

How much is the fine ?

[DipStick]

14 minutes ago, skyiceice said:

How much is the fine ?

I guess the fair response is another question " how long is a piece of string".  Meaning the fine will probably be how much you can be gouged for