Hello All,

 

Today I went to get my new drivers license, not a renewal, in Khon Kaen.

 

It went very well, but I had prepared early so it was a breeze.

 

First thing , a month ago I went to immigration a few days after I came to LOS to retire. I came in on a Non-O, this is important later.

At Immigration, I received a COR for banking and a Drivers license, the writeup for this is in a post I did in November.

 

I was dawdling, as most everything we need is within a short MC ride away, and I could bum a ride from my nephew for bigger things.

My wife mentioned it and I said "the COR is good for a few months", famous last words.

I actually looked a few days later and saw it was indeed expiring on the 10th of December.

This was Friday the 5th and pretty much resigned to getting another COR in January when I apply for the extension.

The sticking point was finding a clinic for the medical certificate, I figured it was a very special item and only large clinics/hospitals here in the sticks would know what I am talking about.

 

My wife said there is a private clinic in the Amphur that is open Sunday, we could check it out. So Sunday morning we saddled up the moped and used the backroads to avoid the law.

This Dr moonlights on weekends in this clinic to help the less fortunate, weekdays he is in Khon Kaen at a government teaching hospital, heck of a nice guy.

Of course they knew what I needed, so they put me in the Queue to see him. My wife has known the Dr. for almost 20 years when he was the surgeon on my FIL for lung cancer.

 

I was asked simple questions, I answered them, checked my BP, it was very high. This has been going on the many years, so I let him prescribe me some calcium channel blockers.

The office people filled out the certificate for me and gave me a months supply of pills for the low, low price of B350, what a bargain.

 

I went home and made an appointment online for KK provincial land transport office #1. I would have made one in Chumpae, but they don't do Falong drivers license right now.

Then I took the DLT e-training course online, this is a series of 5 videos which explain nothing, took a test of 5 easy questions and received a QR code saying I completed the course.

When you make an appointment for the DLT office, it will also give you a QR code.

My appointment was for 8:30 today, luckily Our favorite Aunt was going to KK for a follow-up at the government hospital there, her son was going anyway.

 

We got to the DLT at 8am, there are 3 buildings, drivers license is building 3.

Went to the information desk, a very helpful older lady ensured I had my passport with the correct visa, Non-O, although an OA will be ok too.

I also needed my last countries non expired drivers license, the COR, the medical certificate, and an international drivers license. The list of documents is in the appointment page you see when the appointment is approved.

 

But I needed 2 copies of each, fortunately there are many businesses operated on the sidewalks outside the DLT catering to people like me.

I made the required copies, I think 12 pages for B28.

Went back to the info desk, the lady organized the paperwork in 2 piles, one for car, one for MC. The forms were stapled together, she stamped the first page and said to PRINT, not sign the top of the cover page where she stamped it, then sign the other pages.

Did that, took it to her again, she gave my stacks back, put a laminated number on it and told me to go upstairs to the 2nd floor for a test.

 

Went to a testing room, saw a chair with 2 pedals on the floor, I had to press the right one until a green light came on, then when the red light came on, press the left pedal with the right foot. A scale determines your reaction time. Then the girls ask you what colors are seeing on a piece of paper, that was it. I did see the dreaded two sticks for checking depth perception, but I don't think that is used anymore, I have heard some people have had issues with it for some reason. The girls upstairs spoke very good english.

 

The girls put something in my packet saying I passed, I gave it to Info desk lady, she gave me the packet back and said put it in the pile at the desk marked as "Document Verification"

 

When I say she told me, I mean she told my wife, she made it go super smooth.

 

After 10 minutes, they called me up and asked me to verify the info on the page, I used Google translate to do so, signed 2 pages, car and MC, and went to the cashier. Cashier soaked me for B350, I'm going broke today it looks like.

Then the cashier said to put the paperwork in another pile at the "Picture and License " booth.

 

10 minutes go by, I was called in, the man in the cubicle asked me to remove my glasses, took my picture and said to take a seat in some chairs near to him.

20 more minutes and he hands me 2 licenses. The only gripe, and that is me only, is give me one license with both endorsements like my California license has.

 

Other than that, bring the document with you, bring a few baht, and a Thai speaker will help. Super easy. Now I don't have to dodge Johnny Law in the alleys.

 

Not sure what Thai people have to go through, my wife wants hers, she has a valid California license, but I didn't get an International license for her, but I think they will waive that for Thai people. For her we can go to Chumpae, so it will be quicker.

 

Now to look for a vehicle, My BIL says alot of people are getting repossessed, so the used car dealers have a glut. We will see.

We each had 20 year old cars back in the states, and we aren't looking for new here. We are interested in a medium SUV, although a CRV will be ok. Fortuners are very expensive, but I like the Isuzu and Mitsubishi too. Anyone have experience with this vehicle type? which are good? I was a mechanic in a previous life.

 

I hope this will help someone out in the future.  

 

 

 

TLDR ?? - Summary: Man gets Thai Driving License... 

Hey Kyron, some thoughts follow on the pickup based SUV's you may be considering.  Comment are for previous models, about 10 years old now. 

These SUVs are mostly common rail turbo diesels with coil sprung rear suspensions, so they drive similarly, but slightly better than, the pickups they are based on.  They are heavier that the Car based SUVs and 4WD versions are capable with low range.  In this generation, the Fortuner, Pajero Sport and Everest had constant 4WD or AWD in 4H that could be used on paved roads.  The MUX and Trailblazer (and later model Fortuner) had part time 4WD like the pick ups. 

The Toyota Fortuners are good, but expensive as you say.  The 3L diesel is good, better IMHO than the 2.7L petrol. 

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport also very good.  Just as reliable and better value than the Fortuner.  The 2.5L 4D56 diesel is good but more noisey than the Fortuner.  There was 4 cylinder and a V6 petrol Pajero Sports too.  The V6 has the most power but heavier fuel consumption and small sales numbers, so not common.

Isuzu MUX is good and reliable.  Toyota, Mitsubishi and Isuzu all used Aisin Auto trans which generally last well.  

There is also the Chev Trailblazer and Ford Everest.  The Everest introduced in 2015, drives very nicely compared to the others, especially the 5 cylinder 3.2L version.  However the Getrag auto did not last as well in my experience.  The previous Everest was completley different and based on the Mazda B pickups.  

I don't know the trailblazer well, only that it is similar to the MUX but with different engine and transmission. 

 

Thanks for the reply Jitar.

 

I figure the Ford would have a transmission issue, no surprise.

 

Happy to hear about the Mitsu, they don't have the best reputation in north america, but the engines they had in the Chrysler models were very good.

I don't know what the Trailblazer is based on here, in the states they were crap. So they are basically Isuzu's? I will have to look that up.

 

Looking for 2wd, no real need for anything else here. The CRV's also seem reasonably priced, basically an Accord underneath.

 

I will be on the lookout for the Isuzu and Mitsu, Trailblazer and the CRV. Looked on auction sites today, not much in the KK area, but no big hurry, the MC serves us for now.

 

 

 

 

 

On 12/12/2025 at 10:49 AM, Jitar said:

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

 

I'm currently driving the Mitsu Pajero Sport lent to me by a friend until March 2026. I've used this car in 2023 and 2024. An excellent vehicle, fuel efficient if you don't drive at 130kmh all the time. Reliable and comfortable. Would I buy one? A hard decision when it comes to money. Previously, I had the 3 litre Hilux Vigo 2005 model and loved it. Would I maybe buy a Toyota Fortuner? Yes, if money wasn't an issue and I didn't need versatility. By far, the best value option of a new vehicle, right now, in Thailand, has to be the Toyota Hilux TRAVO. Amazing truck with all the bells and whistles at a reasonable price. It's not much of an upgrade, but really, if it workswell on a proven Hilux platform. Yes please! 

 

 

BTW: in summer 2025, GF and me visited uncle in USA. He lent us his Toyota Tundra CRD Perfomance whilst there. What an awesome beast of a truck.

 

Totota Tundra TRD performance - USA - Model not included 555

On 12/8/2025 at 7:14 AM, richard_smith237 said:

TLDR ?? - Summary: Man gets Thai Driving License... 

 

It was a helpful entry because it provided an easy to follow timeline. and included solid background information.  I am appreciative of the effort made and thank the gentleman for it.

10 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

It was a helpful entry because it provided an easy to follow timeline. and included solid background information.  I am appreciative of the effort made and thank the gentleman for it.

I ignore the trolls and only do it to help others. You are welcome.

What surprises me:

a health certificate difficult to get? Was a quick 5 minute affair at any private clinic in the past.

Of course you have to know their limited opening hours before/after hospital work or on Saturday and Sundays.

Chumphae not doing DL for foreigners? Hope this does not apply to extensions.

(though I am far from due date).

13 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

What surprises me:

a health certificate difficult to get? Was a quick 5 minute affair at any private clinic in the past.

Of course you have to know their limited opening hours before/after hospital work or on Saturday and Sundays.

Chumphae not doing DL for foreigners? Hope this does not apply to extensions.

(though I am far from due date).

The health certificate was pretty easy, the Dr was just very thorough. 

 

The only reason I say Chumpae was not doing Falong DL was the only appointments open for the next month was in KK and the larger provinces, Chumpae and smaller areas were blacked out. It may be fine for renewals, I didn't check as I am not there yet.

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

What surprises me:

a health certificate difficult to get? Was a quick 5 minute affair at any private clinic in the past.

Of course you have to know their limited opening hours before/after hospital work or on Saturday and Sundays.

Chumphae not doing DL for foreigners? Hope this does not apply to extensions.

(though I am far from due date).

Health certificate is still a very simple affair at some medical centers.  Khyron's Dr was being thorough, but some are not.  Recently a friend got a medical certificate for license at a local medical centre in 5 minutes.  Walked in, pay a small fee and simple blood pressure check was all that was necessary.  

On 12/13/2025 at 11:18 PM, Khyron said:

Thanks for the reply Jitar.

 

I figure the Ford would have a transmission issue, no surprise.

 

Happy to hear about the Mitsu, they don't have the best reputation in north america, but the engines they had in the Chrysler models were very good.

I don't know what the Trailblazer is based on here, in the states they were crap. So they are basically Isuzu's? I will have to look that up.

 

Looking for 2wd, no real need for anything else here. The CRV's also seem reasonably priced, basically an Accord underneath.

 

I will be on the lookout for the Isuzu and Mitsu, Trailblazer and the CRV. Looked on auction sites today, not much in the KK area, but no big hurry, the MC serves us for now.

 

 

 

 

 

I've had a crv diesel since 2019. Goes quite well despite the engine size. Overall fuel consumption has been 16 km/l (never reset the A meter, that's over 95K kms. 18-20km/l is easy on the highway. Very comfortable ride. No major issues if its looked after well. You can get it both in 2wd and 4wd versions....price I guess 600 to 800K now, depending on the year. Avoid the 2.4 as its quite heavy on fuel and it has a cvt also. The diesel is 9 speed auto (almost never uses the 9th gear). Check facebook marketplace. 

Huh, never knew the CRV had a diesel, will have to look into it. We had an Accord with the 2.4, did my own work on it for almost 20 years, which wasn't much besides maintenance, very solid engine. The cvt kind of scares me with the CRV being a much heavier vehicle. Thanks for the info.

 

That being said, I will keep an eye out for a scorching deal on the above mentioned vehicles, but am waiting for the baht-dollar to be more in my favor. For now my nephew has agreed to let us use his 2023 hilux for short trips (less than 45 minutes) and he is happy to haul us to KK when we need, which isn't often. When I get more acclimatized, I will venture further.  

22 hours ago, Khyron said:

Huh, never knew the CRV had a diesel, will have to look into it. We had an Accord with the 2.4, did my own work on it for almost 20 years, which wasn't much besides maintenance, very solid engine. The cvt kind of scares me with the CRV being a much heavier vehicle. Thanks for the info.

 

That being said, I will keep an eye out for a scorching deal on the above mentioned vehicles, but am waiting for the baht-dollar to be more in my favor. For now my nephew has agreed to let us use his 2023 hilux for short trips (less than 45 minutes) and he is happy to haul us to KK when we need, which isn't often. When I get more acclimatized, I will venture further.  

The other thing with the crv diesel is its better to use premium diesel. It's euro 5 spec. But you can alternate with regular diesel b7 to save some money. The fuel economy or performance doesn't change much. btw just use PTT or Bangchak (leaf) premium diesel. It is euro 5. If you do many short trips the petrol version may be better. If you want really good comfort get a newish hybrid camry.  2wd diesel from facebook market place. low kms. 

mazda cx-5 also has a diesel version.