Since two Weeks the Police control Driving License from Farangs, because the most Farangs do not know that they need to have a Thai Driving License, the International from Europe is not valid. Also a lot of Tourists do not have any License at all.

Also started the Police to control Tourist because of the Alcohol consumption and Driving.

It's true, when im watching the Tourists driving crazy fast and drinking so much, it's dangerous for all the people here.

 

Here the Info https://www.expatden.com/thailand/thai-driving-license/#Motorcycle_License

 

https://thethaiger.com/other-services/drivers-license/guides/how-to-apply-for-a-thai-driving-license/

2 minutes ago, Marcel72Swiss said:

the International from Europe is not valid.

The IDP 1968 version is valid since long (can't tell from memory when that changed).

If they decline it's either stupidity or a rip-off attempt.

Insist on going to police station and do a formal complaint.

I can try to find reference in Thai language. Maybe...

Erm... Where to start. 

 

Thailand is a signatory of the 1968 Vienna convention on Road Traffic act. 

As such the International Driving Permit is recognised in Thailand and when accompanied by their home / national driving licence permits a person to drive legally on Thailands roads. 

 

https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?chapter=11&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&src=TREATY

 

Before this debate gets out of hand - Its an International Driving Permit (which accompanies a driving licence, there is no such thing as an international driving licence regardless of whatever is sold on dodgy  internets sites or Khao Sarn Road).

 

This is often debated: The IDP is a translation of the home country Driving Licence, Thailand accepts the English Translation, as such those home country Licences in English are accepted, there is no requirement for  an IDP .

 

Those who do no have a home country licence are of course riding / driving illegally as the would be anywhere. 

 

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On your other points: I’m not sure why you are singling out tourist for their crazy driving.

There may be inexperienced tourists to ride a bike for the first time and put themselves at risk due to inexperience and being unable to comprehend and predict the utter unpredictability of the other riders and drivers around the, however, many locals (Thai’s) trump them with sheer recklessness and a flagrant disregard for traffic regulations and those around them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the official statement from the DLT (Department of Land Transport).

1968 IDP acknowledged since 1 May 2021.

https://www.dlt.go.th/th/public-news/view.php?_did=2864

 

Google tr:

Quote

Director-General of the Department of Land Transport went on to say that With Thailand becoming a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, from May 1, 2021, 

 

11 minutes ago, Marcel72Swiss said:

Since two Weeks the Police control Driving License from Farangs, because the most Farangs do not know that they need to have a Thai Driving License, the International from Europe is not valid. Also a lot of Tourists do not have any License at all.

Just curious, who informed you that as of two weeks ago the International Driving Permit was no longer valid in Thailand ????

 

Was it a policeman who made things easier for you and allowed you to pay the fine directly to him instead of having to go to the police station, by any chance ??? 

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Was it a policeman who made things easier for you and allowed you to pay the fine directly to him instead of having to go to the police station, by any chance ??? 

Politely decline and ask to pay directly to the police station boss

Do a print of the DLT site and show them.

Yes, since Mai 2021 is the International Driving License valid in Thailand, iam sorry, my research offers me old information about. Thank for this link to Government Page

https://www.dlt.go.th/th/public-news/view.php?_did=2864

Yeah, we should look better to the Thai drivers and take that as an example. 

1. your home country's license is valid for 3 months if ur in Thailand as a tourist, IF it is validated for the vehicle ur driving, no need for a idp if ur license is in english
2. ie you need a motorcycle license s if ur on a motorcycle. 

Thai police, specially Phuket police, are now very aware that many tourists think they can ride a bike on a car driving license, this is not true in their own country either but many are oblivious to it..., so they flash their car driving license or IDP but that's not good enough, they get fined and claim scam ...

The Phuket police now always check this when looking at licenses of tourists on bikes...