Report Thailand Tightens Rules for Foreign Drivers: Tests Now Mandatory

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

You're digging a deep hole to stumble into. Don't know who would come for help? Or just put a lid on it?

So far, you have demonstrated you are illiterate statistically, can murder grammar, and don't understand irony. Bye now.

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, YayaManos said:

21 hours ago, Cornish Pasty said:

Thai’s are the worst drivers I have ever seen, and believe me, I have been around!

 

Mark.

I do AGREE!

 

How many of you have witnessed the driving habits across various countries in the Middle East?

 

In comparison, Bangkok is an absolute paradise—especially when held up against the chaos of Jakarta or Manila.

 

One of the more remarkable aspects of driving in Bangkok is the near-total absence of horn use. It’s genuinely refreshing to sit in gridlocked traffic without the constant blaring of impatient drivers. Granted, no one enjoys being stuck in traffic, but the silence certainly makes it more bearable.

 

It’s easy to criticise aspects of life here - especially the state of the roads - but in truth, they're vastly better than in many other nations.

 

That said, we still witness a fair amount of outrageous behaviour on a daily basis. The most common and dangerous examples? Riding without helmets and drink-driving. These two alone account for much of the recklessness on the roads.

 

Unfortunately, much of the worst driving is carried out by a minority who are largely ignored by the police -effectively enabling their behaviour and allowing it to continue unchecked.

 

 

[newbee2022]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

So far, you have demonstrated you are illiterate statistically, can murder grammar, and don't understand irony. Bye now.

Ah give up. You can't win. You're only getting bitter and now starting bickering even. 

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Unfortunately, much of the worst driving is carried out by a minority who are largely ignored by the police -effectively enabling their behaviour and allowing it to continue unchecked.

 

Not here near me, much of the worst driving is carried out by the majority, sad but true.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Cat Boy said:

That's an enforcement issue. 

 

And again, their country, their law enforcement, their citizens abidance to their laws. 

 

Your position as a farang is limited to endless whinged about it on social media, or better yet, not driving at all, and keeping your negative views to yourself. 

 

I think you misunderstand the point of a forum designed for discussion.....

 

Saying “their country, their enforcement, their citizens” doesn’t invalidate our right to observe and form opinions - whether those opinions are critical or complimentary.

 

In fact, many of the concerns raised here, particularly regarding traffic issues, are echoed regularly on Thai-language forums such as Pantip.com.

 

Moreover, for those of us who’ve chosen to integrate into this society and genuinely care about the wellbeing of our neighbours, these observations often come from a place of concern, not condescension.

 

We speak up (most of us) because we care - because seeing people hurt or endangered by avoidable recklessness is deeply troubling.

 

So yes, our opinions are not only valid, but are rooted in empathy for the community we live in.

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, lordgrinz said:

Not here near me, much of the worst driving is carried out by the majority, sad but true.

 

There may be an element of confirmation bias in this...     I see much of the worst driving committed by those in Toyota Fortuna's, Mitsubish Pajero's and Box-delivery trucks - of course this isn't true... it just seems so because thats what stands out to my bias.

 

 

[lordgrinz]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

 

There may be an element of confirmation bias in this...     I see much of the worst driving committed by those in Toyota Fortuna's, Mitsubish Pajero's and Box-delivery trucks - of course this isn't true... it just seems so because thats what stands out to my bias.

 

I've had these conversations with you before, but when 99% of the cars are flying right through Stop signs without even hinting at slowing down, and when I can count 7-10 motorcycles driving in the wrong direction within a 500 meter area, I find hard it to believe anyone stating "minority". I can count so many violations within 1 km of driving near my house, that it boggles the mind, it's just insane.

 

[Lacessit]

43 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Ah give up. You can't win. You're only getting bitter and now starting bickering even. 

One of the best demonstrations of Dunning-Kruger effect I have seen on ASEAN.

[Aussie999]

5 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

 

 

The law states..........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

What's your problem.

[Aussie999]

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Better prove your skills to tackle Thai driving style

What makes you think such BS... I have my licences

[tonypattaya]

22 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Then they should remove as many Thais from the roads as possible. They are the ones who can't drive

One million per cent agree. No Thai has ever taken a "proper" test!

[Jimjim1]

22 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I don't see this as a bad thing - in isolation. It can't hurt for foreigners to take a written exam so they better understand the rules of the Thai roads.

The Thai rules of the road are in many ways similar to the British Highway Code however the Thais have never seen the Thai Highway Code and have therefore made up there own rules most of which are based on me first and how to cut up every other driver on the road.

[newbee2022]

23 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

What makes you think such BS... I have my licences

....well, as any other Thai driver. Don't tell me nonsense.

[Davedub]

In other news; Thailand is concerned about reduced tourist arrivals with so many visitors now chosing Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Phillipines over Thailand.

 

So making Thailand even less accessible by further increasing the bureacratic burden on visitors doesn't sound like a very good idea at all to me.

 

There's also an underlying arrogance to this move; they're essentially saying they don't trust the standard of driving tests from other countries. Having completed both UK and Thai driving tests for both cars and motorcycles, I am of the opinion that UK driver skill level requirements are far higher.

 

I wonder how long it will take for enterprising Thais to start offering an express 'license service' whereby the necessary paperwork can be obtained with a phone call and 2000 Bhat?

 

Hopefully the authorities will realise the daftness of this move before they 'put yet another nail in the coffin' of their golden goose (20% of GDP). But Thailand is as Thailand does; logic doesn't always seem to be the primary motivator.

[Jimjim1]

2 minutes ago, Davedub said:

But Thailand is as Thailand does; logic doesn't always seem to be the primary motivator.

Logic like common sense is non existent in Thailand

[josephbloggs]

10 minutes ago, Davedub said:

In other news; Thailand is concerned about reduced tourist arrivals with so many visitors now chosing Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Phillipines over Thailand.

 

So making Thailand even less accessible by further increasing the bureacratic burden on visitors doesn't sound like a very good idea at all to me.

 

What are you on about? What has this got to do with tourists? How many tourists decide to apply for a full Thai driving license when they are here for a holiday? I would imagine it is precisely none.

What is the process for foreign tourists getting full local driving licenses in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and The Philippines? And again, how many want to do that? I would imagine it is precisely none.

 

Quote

Hopefully the authorities will realise the daftness of this move before they 'put yet another nail in the coffin' of their golden goose (20% of GDP). But Thailand is as Thailand does; logic doesn't always seem to be the primary motivator.

Yay, the old "nail in the coffin" AN favourite! And coupled with another one, the "golden goose" - bonus points!

Again, this is nothing to do with tourists or tourism. Maybe read the article next time before you go off on a rant.

[spidermike007]

I think it's safe to say that in general foreigners are better drivers than Thais. We've had more training, we're more attentive, more respectful, and we don't do the kind of inane risk-taking that many Thais do with their entire families in their car. 

 

The only way to survive here on the road, is to be patient, have eyes in the back of your head, drive with caution, and always, and I mean always watch out of the other guy. Chances are, he does not have much driving skill, nor patience, nor reason, nor common sense. You cannot be too careful on the road here. Especially considering that the toy police offer no traffic safety, prevention, enforcement of the law, or concern toward the prosecution of very reckless drivers. 

 

Those of us with driving skill, and a strong desire for not only survival, but the avoidance of terrible injury, are constantly scanning the road, in front of us, beside us, and behind us. There are an exceptionally high number of reckless fools on these roads, and it is the only way to preserve our lives, and those of our families, and friends, who may be driving with us, and depending on us. 

 

[Blueman1]

41 minutes ago, Jimjim1 said:

The Thai rules of the road are in many ways similar to the British Highway Code however the Thais have never seen the Thai Highway Code and have therefore made up there own rules most of which are based on me first and how to cut up every other driver on the road.

Of Course It's Me, Me, I'm First YOU Can Wait !!

[cjinchiangrai]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

There may be an element of confirmation bias in this...     I see much of the worst driving committed by those in Toyota Fortuna's, Mitsubish Pajero's and Box-delivery trucks - of course this isn't true... it just seems so because thats what stands out to my bias.

Minivans and Grab bikes are the biggest menace. Absolutely no consideration for the safety of others.

[KhaoHom]

5 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Then leave, your complaining is insulting and annoying.

 

Why are you insulted? It's not your country, highly doubtful you have PR. You're just a guest like all of us.

[Kerryd]

I've had a 2 year "temp" license, two five year renewals and am on my third 5 year license and I've ALWAYS had to do the tests.

Even "way back when" when I had a valid foreign license and IDP, when I went to get a Thai license I had to do the tests. I was told that the the "old" practise of giving people with (valid) foreign licenses a Thai one stopped after the coup in 2006 as the military had clamped down on things.

In any event, did the paperwork, passed the tests, got my license.

Went back two years later, did the paperwork, passed the tests, got my 5 year license.
Went back 5 years later - repeat. And again.

I wonder if this will effect the "online renewal" program they just started recently ?

[Cat Boy]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I think you misunderstand the point of a forum designed for discussion.....

 

So yes, our opinions are not only valid, but are rooted in empathy for the community we live in.

In all due respect, you've either not reviewed, or misinterpreted the context within which my comment was made.

The original comment by another person to which my response to was directed, "Then they should remove as many Thais from the roads as possible. They are the ones who can't drive".

That is NOT showing respect, assimilation or empathy for our Thai brethren of which we reside in their country as guests. That's just racist xenophobia, plain and simple.

My comment was NOT intended to invalidate others opinions or comments wherein they suggest positive change, such as improving driver training, or testing prior to licensure, or improving enforcement of existing laws, my comment was here rather, to push back, on those who condemn all Thai as somehow inferior and incapable of driving safely or adhering to laws established, again, that's not assimilation or empathy, quite the opposite, its armchair bitterness, and anger aimed to incite hatred of Thai, and thus inspire similar in reverse. That I cannot abide.

[kiwikeith]

23 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

 

How could you test people on a road where following the rules is impossible?  You'd either be involved in a collision trying, or fail when you drive appropriately for Thai roads.

the practical test in NZ is really strict its on the rd. with an inspector who mounts a mirror on the screen so he can watch your eyes, then he calls out when to turn, what dangers do you see ahead etc. really tough. 

But here you drive around a car park with road markers and red poles .

The hardest thing is driving along the white line which you cant see, I turned my mirror right down so I could see it, heaps fail that one and the parking between the poles.

But very stupid thing to want us to do, as our tests are much more stringent and the give you a learners first then you have to sit a full lone a year later and test on the Rd

I hold heavy traffic license , bus and motor vehicle but here that does not matter.

[Davedub]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

What are you on about? What has this got to do with tourists? How many tourists decide to apply for a full Thai driving license when they are here for a holiday? I would imagine it is precisely none.

 

This is my point entirely - the headline reads "The Department of Land Transport has proposed a rule requiring all foreigners to pass a written test, even if they have a valid international driving permit."

 

I have assumed that by "all foreigners" they are including tourists. So I would say that this has everything to do with tourists.

As you say, I also can't imagine tourists doing a written driving test just so they can hire a motorbike during a two week holiday.

[cjinchiangrai]

42 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

Why are you insulted? It's not your country, highly doubtful you have PR. You're just a guest like all of us.

My family and friends live here. If you think Vietnam is better, feel free to move.

[KhaoHom]

2 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

My family and friends live here. If you think Vietnam is better, feel free yo move.

 

I'll tend to my own affairs thank you

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNcbhvVcHtU

[Bday Prang]

11 minutes ago, Davedub said:

 

This is my point entirely - the headline reads "The Department of Land Transport has proposed a rule requiring all foreigners to pass a written test, even if they have a valid international driving permit."

 

I have assumed that by "all foreigners" they are including tourists. So I would say that this has everything to do with tourists.

As you say, I also can't imagine tourists doing a written driving test just so they can hire a motorbike during a two week holiday.

 You can assume all you want , but nowhere does it suggest that a Thai licence is required to drive either a car or motorcycle on a Thai road as a tourist here for a short break. That is what ones licence from ones home country coupled with an IDP is for. The OP is purely regarding people who are applying for a  Thai licence, As far as foreigners are concerned it would only apply to those staying here long term.

         

[Cabradelmar]

I don't know what international standards they refer to here... But I've never (ever) had to take a test for a DL renewal (just the initial application for endorsement). I guess I'll see what comes of this when I renew in 2029. But if it's a English tested written by a Thai is likely going to be a really horrible test.

[josephbloggs]

28 minutes ago, Cabradelmar said:

I don't know what international standards they refer to here... But I've never (ever) had to take a test for a DL renewal (just the initial application for endorsement). I guess I'll see what comes of this when I renew in 2029. But if it's a English tested written by a Thai is likely going to be a really horrible test.

I'be had to do the written one once as I had let my license expire for more than a year. But back then it was 20 questions with a pass mark of - I think - 80%. Now it is 50 questions with a pass mark of 90%.

"Written by a Thai" is pretty insulting as many Thais have excellent written English. But in this case you're right.

You can have a go yourself: https://thaidrivingtest.com/

[josephbloggs]

12 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

I'be had to do the written one once as I had let me license expire for more than a year. But back then it was 20 questions with a pass mark of - I think - 80%. Now it is 50 questions with a pass mark of 90%.

"Written by a Thai" is pretty insulting as many Thais have excellent written English. But in this case you're right.

You can have a go yourself: https://thaidrivingtest.com/

Failed.