Visa And Drivers License

[damo]

Hi,

When coming to LOS later this year I have the option of the standard visa on arrival or a O type visa. Whilst I am in LOS I would like to get my Thai D/L as myself, wife and kids are now planning to come and live in Thailand mid 2013 and I would rather overcome some of the formalities on my next vist as opposed to doing it when I come to live.

Q). When applying for a thai D/L do I need at a minimum a non immigrant O type visa or will a VOA be sufficient? I may even apply for a yellow tabien baan if its not too much of a waste of time.

Damo....

[MJo]

The non-immigrant visa is a requirement. Quite a few recent reports here it being listed as requirement by DLT. But being Thailand some DLT's now issue temporary one year DL with VOA so doable without non-imm visa at least in some DLT's.

Even if you get temp DL with VOA now. After a year you can get permanent DL valid for 5 years with non-O visa. Get it right after your birthday and you get effectively 6 years. With VOA you are limited to back to back one year temp DL's.

If your coming here to live next year and qualify for non-O i'd get it just to be sure. Even more so if your going to apply for Yellow book. Now the yellow book comes handy just in these situations, like applying DL or purchasing car etc. Everything where you need to prove your address it will replace the expensive embassy letter that is required in BKK or the address proof from immigration that is used outside BKK. So if your getting one i'd get it first and then get the DL etc sorted with the book as proof of your address. Apart from above the book is not much use. I got one just for the address proof as my embassy had new consul and the requirements for the letter became just too much. It was easier to get the book...

Some members will be here shortly telling you i'm talking rubbish as they themselves or someone they know got this and that without any visas but just browse the forum. There is pinned thread on this and many more with actual reports from members experiences in different DLT offices around the country. Will help you to get an idea what is required in your area.