Hi

 

I am planning to rent a car for a few days to drive from Bangkok to Khao Yai in a couple of weeks.

 

I tried Hertz but they said I need an international drivers license which I don't have (there isn't time for me to apply for one either).

 

I've been told that some Bangkok car rental companies accept a UK drivers license.

Does anyone know any good car rental companies that do?

 

Thanks.

 

You cannot drive in Thailand without an IDP. It's a Permit, not a licence.

No permit, no insurance, no driving for you.

 

Quote

Section 42
Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver’s license. The driver must carry the driver’s license and a photocopy of the registration book and show them to competent officers upon request. This does not apply for those who are learning to drive a motor vehicle according to the provision of Section 57.

If the driver is an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver’s license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

Section 42-2
In case there’s a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver’s license, an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.

 

You might find a 'private' renter who is prepared to take their chances. 

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/international-driving-permit

OP, it may be just as easy to get a Thai license, The big DLTs in Bangkok it can be done in a couple of hours by showing your UK license, no driving test.

I have rented with,  https://www.thairentacar.com/index.php/en/ , many times over the years always just using a pink coloured Uk licence.

 

Last time the hassle was more the requirement for a credit card holding deposit not a debit card, but after seeing my work permit waived the deposit altogether even after I offered cash.

 

They will also deliver to your hotel location etc, once had an accident and they brought a replacement car to me the next day 50kms out in the boonies in Issan with absolute minimum fuss re insurance.

Edited November 26, 20196 yr by sapson

Thanks for this valuable feedback.