So today I went to Phuket transport office, and exchanged my old Thai Driver's licence (which referenced my pink-ID #) for a new Thai Driver's license (which references my Passport #). Cost was around 50 baht. The entire process took about 2 hours. The office was very crowded. I needed old Thai driver's licence (that has pink-ID # referenced) passport and 2 photocopies of my LTR visa and 2 photocopies of my last entry to Thailand stamp in my passport Yellow book (in lieu of a Certificate of Residence) and 2 photocopies of yellow book appropriate page Pink-ID (together with Yellow book, in lieu of a Certificate of Residence) and 2 photo copies of pink-ID (both sides of "ID") . My 'new Thai driver's licence' still expires, in January-2027 (on same date as the old licence). So in January, "I will be back" (to get a new licence to replace this new one when it expires). Phuket transport office for handling drivers licences is typically a crowded "zoo" and today was no exception. Regardless, I am constantly impressed as to how polite and professional the staff at that office are, as they are incredibly busy and efficient to handle the large numbers of people. Some trivia - Last year, when i went for an International Driver's licence, they did not require all of this - and they accepted my old driver's licence (that referenced my Pink-ID). What surprised me this year, was a couple of the staff at Transport Office remembered me from last year. Major shock on my part, as I thought all falang look alike ... ( lol ... just kidding). Next - possibly early next week, i will return to the Transport Office, and apply for the International driver's licence, based on my new Thai driver's licence. I still don't understand why all this was necessary given last year it was not necessary ... but ? .. .well ... This is Thailand.
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