Expiration (not) of Thai native's Thai driving license.

[5davidhen1]

Hi,

My Thai girlfriend is in possession of a Thai DL (not her first one) which she acquired about 23 years ago.

She is adamant that it is "for life." She points to a word in Thai language on the license which, allegedly confirms this.

I'm aware that Thai safety rules can be somewhat lax, but surely a license cannot run forever, at least not without some safeguards, can it?

My UK license needs renewing post age 70 every 3 years --- I'm on my second renewal. Admittedly, I only need to affirm that I am still medically fit and competent to drive at each renewal, but at least it is a check of a sort, albeit a "weak one." 

  

[Njoku]

Im not really sure but ive read that even lapsed you just front up to the transport branch do the simple test which is every 5 ys then your issued with a new current licence, so yes and no, they dont flunk anyone (school, licences etc) in this country so its for life I guess.

[pgrahmm]

My wife's TDL is also valid for life.....

It's never been questioned when renting a vehicle during international travel.....

[Briggsy]

Whole-life driving licences were no longer issued after 2003.