Convert A International License To Thai License?

[robban]

Is it possible to convert my international license to a thai license even that I will be staying on a tourist visa?

I will probably buy a second hand car with my gf. So just wondering also if I can get a insurance for the car that will cover for me even that the car of course will be in her name?

[Cuban]

The requirement is to get a Thai licence if you are staying in the country for more than 90 days in a row.

The IDP is valid for 90 days from the date of entry into Thailand.

If you leave on day 89 (Friday) and come back the next day (Saturday) with a fresh permission to stay up to three months, again your IDP becomes valid for another 90 days. This is (unless changed) the letter of the law as explained to me by misc. police relative - in normal practice this is not enforced on the street. If you show the IDP that covers the class of vehicle you are driving then all is good.

Most insurances policies cover 'all drivers with relavent licence' as standard. This includes those driving with an IDP.

You can reduce the cost of the policy by reducing cover to named drivers only - shop around companies.

The issue you will have is most Land Transport Offices will not process your application without a Non-Imm long term visa, that said different LTOs enforce the rules by local agreement. Shop around.

One point to note. Even as a tourist you can own a car in your name - you just need to supply proof of address to the immigration office - they issue a letter confirming address (should be free ? - but 200 Baht is the going rate) - that is used to register the car in your name and get the registation document (blue book) with your name on it. You do not need any driving licence to own a car.

HTH.

[robban]

Thx alot for the long and detailed answer !=)

[ScubaBuddha]

3rd time in less than a week this question, or one nearly identical, has been asked. I wish people would use the search function now and then. There's lots more info on this out there.