Someone said you must have had the 1 year Driver License for more than 1 year. 10 years is more than 1. Is it still valid to obtain a 5 year?

I somehow doubt it

Within 1 year of expiry seems to be the collective wisdom, but I've never seen it written officially.

That said, the documents required for getting the 5 year are pretty much the same as the 1 year so I suppose the worst that can happen is you get another 1 year.

My friend showed me his new D.L last night, it's a credit card type, rather than laminated paper...

Has anything else changed?

I'm about to re-new my D.L and have to get the dreaded letter from the embassy - is it still needed?

My license was at least 8 years out of date and they were quite happy to use it instead of starting from scratch. They gave me 5 years on the new one.

It should be noted that my old license had been kept up to date for many years before I stopped using it. Also I went to a very small government office outside of Chiang Rai. Results could vary greatly, one would expect.

My friend showed me his new D.L last night, it's a credit card type, rather than laminated paper...

Has anything else changed?

I'm about to re-new my D.L and have to get the dreaded letter from the embassy - is it still needed?

When I got my 5 year in Pathum Thani they wanted everything that I needed for a 1 year except my UK licence.

So yes (at least in that office) you need the dreaded (and bl00dy expensive) embassy letter Remember if you have a work permit you don't need the letter.

Never needed an embassy letter in Pattaya, Immigration issued a residents letter for 200 baht. Same letter as you get for vehicle purchase.

Cheers for the info Crossy, i'm not in Pats John.. shame really, as it beats paying 2,500!!

Cheers for the info Crossy, i'm not in Pats John.. shame really, as it beats paying 2,500!!

One thing you don't need anymore is a photo. They take your picture at the office when they make your new license.