Buying A Car In Phuket... On A Tourist Visa

[Flying Clog]

Hello everyone, quick question -

I'm planning on commuting in and out of Phuket on my days off, from SE asia, and planning on doing it on the 30 day tourist visa... does anyone know if it's possible to buy a car in this situation? Just thinking it must be cheaper than renting indefinitely...

Had a chat with some car salesmen, but didn't get much sense out of them. Do I need a work visa? Thai driver's licence? The closest I came to some good information was that it's fine as long as I'm on red plates, which I can only do for 4 months, then must have a work visa to get white plates?

Any info would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Flying Clog

[Jimi007]

There's a thread about this:

Basically you have to prove that you have an address here.

[sanuk21]

If you are a non-thai, you need a non-immigrant visa to register a vehicle in your name in Thailand.

But there are many reports that this is not the case in Phuket.

The only documentation required was copies of passport pages and a Certificate of Residency from Phuket Immigration (which required a form signed by the landlord confirming your address).

You only need a Thai driving licence if you are resident for more than 3 months.

Although in Phuket there are many reports that you can get one anyhow for 12 months at a time on a tourist visa and if you have a non-immigrant visa you can renew for 5 years.

Legally red plates should only be used for one month or 3,000 km and travel is limited to intra provincial and between sunrise and sunset.

sanuk

Edited September 4, 2012 by sanuk21

[NomadJoe]

If you are a non-thai, you need a non-immigrant visa to register a vehicle in your name in Thailand.

Where are you getting this info? Easy to buy a car or bike on a tourist visa, Done it a number of times, and know many people that have done it. But then I am in Phuket.

FYI Flying clog your 30-day stamp you get when arrive at the airport is not a tourist visa, it is a 30 day visa exempt stamp, this is assuming you are from one of the majority of countries that can get this and not from, for example, a middle eastern country that requires a visa, or conversely a place like Korea, or several South American countries that actually get a 90- day visa exempt stamp on arrival. A tourist visa which you typically get at the Thai embassy or consulate before leaving home is for 60 days, extendable by 30 days, and come in single, double, or triple entry.

The only documentation required was copies of passport pages and a Certificate of Residency from Phuket Immigration (which required a form signed by the landlord confirming your address).

Unless it has changed recently (as it often does) your rental contract is enough.

You only need a Thai driving licence if you are resident for more than 3 months.

You need a Thai drivers license if you are a resident of Thailand full stop. You can use your license from home if you are a visitor/tourist (no IDP is needed, but it doesn't hurt) as long as it is in English and has a photo, is current/valid, and is for the class of vehicle you are driving in Thailand. Once you do something that can show you are a resident here, like get a non-immigrant visa, enter into a long term house rental contract, enroll your kids in school or any number of other things, then you have become a resident and you will need a Thai DL. Having said that, many people live here for years using their DL from home with no problem. In fact rental and insurance companies accept them even if you are a resident.

Legally red plates should only be used for one month or 3,000 km and travel is limited to intra provincial and between sunrise and sunset.

FYI everyone ignores the travel limits on red plates with very little hassle by police since white plates are taking up to 4 months to arrive in some cases. There have been reports of some people getting ticketed though. It has been reported in the Thai media that Thai's like to leave the red plates on long after they get the white plates as kind of a status thing and the BIB have said they will crackdown in this.

And to clarify for the OP, the plates have nothing to do with your type of divers license or visa. They have nothing to do with red L plates in the UK, for example. They are only used when a car is new awaiting registration book and permanent plates which will be white with black lettering in the case of a normal passenger car.

From 2004 but I think still valid:

Buying a car as a tourist

"As a tourist in Phuket, can I buy and register a car in my own name? "

Gilbert Converset Saturday, September 18, 2004 1:52:54 PM

“Yes you may. To do this you need to bring to us your passport with a valid visa in it and an “address confirmation paper”, as well as all the normal papers for the transfer of ownership. The address confirmation paper is a document confirming your address in Thailand. It can be obtained from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office.”

Saturday, September 18, 2004 1:52:54 PM

- Teerayuth Prasertphol, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Transportation Office (PPTO).

Buying a car as a tourist

"I went to Phuket Provincial Transportation Office (PPTO) and took along all the documents the chief said I would need when he replied to my previous question about buying a car as a tourist. But the man behind the counter refused to complete the transfer because I was a tourist. How can I now proceed, given that the people working for the department won’t do as their chief has publicly stated?"

Steve, Phuket. Thursday, December 2, 2004 10:49:30 AM

“It is possible that the man you saw didn’t realise a tourist may own a car. You should bring the documents I referred to earlier [Gazette, September 18] – your passport with a valid visa in it, an “address confirmation paper” (a document confirming your address in Thailand, obtainable from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office) and the normal papers for the transfer of ownership – and ask for me at the PPTO.”

Thursday, December 2, 2004 10:49:30 AM

- Teerayuth Prasertphol, Chief Technical Officer of the Phuket Provincial Transportation Office (PPTO).

Edited September 5, 2012 by NomadJoe

[stevenl]

You need proof of address from immigration/Amphur/embassy. If you can get that all is ok.

BTW, I presume you're staying here visa exempt, not on 30 day visa?

[Ping]

You do require an IDP.

[NomadJoe]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

[LivinginKata]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

[Jimi007]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

They accepted my California DL at the Land Transportation Office. On their website it says something about having your home license translated and certified by your Embassy. But they have staff their that can read English and seem to know their driver's licenses. They knew mine was for car only, no motorbike. Their website is here: http://phuketdir.com/pkttransport/

[stevenl]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

Many people think that an IDP is required, but there is no law, nothing, that says so. English language home DL seems to be sufficient.

[petercallen]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

Correct, unless they have changed the laws recently

[stevenl]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

Correct, unless they have changed the laws recently

Please show us here the law that states an IDP is required Peter, thank you.

[petercallen]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

[stevenl]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

[petercallen]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Edited September 9, 2012 by petercallen

[stevenl]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Thanks Peter, so you don't know. You base your opinion 'IDP required' on a booklet from the Australian Automobile Association, and not on Thai law.

[LivinginKata]

Many topics about IDP in the motoring forum.

This one is interesting ---> http://www.thaivisa....ts-in-thailand/

Here is link to Thai Consulate in Hull Uk --> http://www.thaiconsu...-and-visas.aspx

Have a look at "Driving in Thailand" The opening para states ..

An International Driving Licence is required for most foreign persons wishing to drive in Thailand and must be accompanied by the Driving Licence issued to them in their country of nationality or residence. A foreigner is allowed

to drive in Thailand for up to 6 months on an International Driving Licence after which they must obtain a Thai Driving Licence. The holder of a UK driving licence can apply for an International Driving Licence IDP 1949 through the “AA” and you can download an application form from their website www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html. A Thai Driving Licence can be obtained at the Thailand Transportation Department in Bangkok only if you possess a valid International Driving Licence which has been issued in the country of your nationality.

[stevenl]

Many topics about IDP in the motoring forum.

This one is interesting ---> http://www.thaivisa....ts-in-thailand/

Here is link to Thai Consulate in Hull Uk --> http://www.thaiconsu...-and-visas.aspx

Have a look at "Driving in Thailand" The opening para states ..

An International Driving Licence is required for most foreign persons wishing to drive in Thailand and must be accompanied by the Driving Licence issued to them in their country of nationality or residence. A foreigner is allowed

to drive in Thailand for up to 6 months on an International Driving Licence after which they must obtain a Thai Driving Licence. The holder of a UK driving licence can apply for an International Driving Licence IDP 1949 through the “AA” and you can download an application form from their website www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html. A Thai Driving Licence can be obtained at the Thailand Transportation Department in Bangkok only if you possess a valid International Driving Licence which has been issued in the country of your nationality.

Yes, many different opinions on this issue, but nobody is able to point to a Thai law requiring an IDP.

[PattayaPhom]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

Cant show a law but BKK police only accept IDP or Thai licence, not sure about ASEAN members..

[NomadJoe]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Why is that? We are living here and we actually know the situation with boots on the ground. The AAA is going to always err on the side of caution (plus they do make money) and say you need an IDP. They have to deal with questions from people going to over 200 countries. Very unlikely the know detailed info about each country.

[NomadJoe]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

Cant show a law but BKK police only accept IDP or Thai licence, not sure about ASEAN members..

On what are you basing this? I have never heard of the BIB asking for an IDP anywhere in Thailand.

[NomadJoe]

Many topics about IDP in the motoring forum.

This one is interesting ---> http://www.thaivisa....ts-in-thailand/

Here is link to Thai Consulate in Hull Uk --> http://www.thaiconsu...-and-visas.aspx

Have a look at "Driving in Thailand" The opening para states ..

An International Driving Licence is required for most foreign persons wishing to drive in Thailand and must be accompanied by the Driving Licence issued to them in their country of nationality or residence. A foreigner is allowed

to drive in Thailand for up to 6 months on an International Driving Licence after which they must obtain a Thai Driving Licence. The holder of a UK driving licence can apply for an International Driving Licence IDP 1949 through the “AA” and you can download an application form from their website www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html. A Thai Driving Licence can be obtained at the Thailand Transportation Department in Bangkok only if you possess a valid International Driving Licence which has been issued in the country of your nationality.

Yes, many different opinions on this issue, but nobody is able to point to a Thai law requiring an IDP.

Because there isn't one.

[NomadJoe]

You do require an IDP.

I think your baiting me. lol

You don't need an IDP in Thailand. Your home license will suffice if it's in English and has a photo.

I'm not trying to bait you. It's my understanding that an IDP is required to support a home driving licence, except if an ASEAN licence. Are you saying that an IDP is not required ? Please provide supporting information, thank you.

That is most peoples understanding, but that is no longer accurate despite the number of websites out there still claiming otherwise.

I can not prove to you that a law doesn't exist, that's literally impossible. I have written about this in the motoring forum before as I continue to find more information. I was planning to eventually start a new thread and ask it be pinned.. I am not quite done gathering info, quotes from officials, and translations, but I will post what I have so far since I really haven't had time to work on this neurotic obsession of mine for a while.

As a cop in the states we received a fair bit of training on the IDP issue from that perspective so I was curious why after moving to Thailand all the websites, even consulate ones, said an IDP was required for tourists in Thailand when very clearly it isn't under most conditions. After going through countless checkpoints with just my California DL adn hearing the same from eneryone else, then my dad renting a car while visiting me and crashing into a Thai on a motorbike. No IDP, no problem. So it's not required by the police, insurance companies or car/motocycle rental companies, yet these websites still claim it is.

Then a few years ago I read in the paper a quote from a top BIB (which I really wish I could find) that made it all clear. He said that the official position of the BIB is that an English language license with a photo is considered an international license and thus does not require an IDP endorsement. This was probably due to the changes in technology, the fact that most licenses now have photos and are in English. In 1949 (The year of the Geneva Convention) most did not. This also makes sense when you realize that none of the languages an IDP translates your license into are Thai. Most states in America no longer require them just as many other countries now don't. So that is how I believe the "IDP is required in Thailand for tourists" rumor got started. It may have once been the case, but no longer.

So in terms of "supporting evidence", the first important piece to this is the Geneva convention on road traffic act of 1949. This is apparently where organizations like the Austrailian and U.S. AAA get their information simply by looking at who had signed and/or ratified the act and use that to determine whether an IDP is required or not without actually reading the act. This act, which isn't a law but a treaty, (agreement between counties) covers a great many things like road design, road markings'signage, license plate design, (which, btw, Thailand is in violation of because they use Thai script, not Roman letters) drivers license design and, of course, the mutual acceptance of drivers licenses. Ever wonder why DL's are so often pink? It comes from this act.

So in an effort to find my smoking gun, I recently sent an email to the Thai Highway Police in order to see if I could get clarification on the law. I recieved no explaination, only two documents which I have attached to this post. One was an RTP document generally decribing drivers license design which I haven't fully translated yet (my Thei helper has not replied yet), the other was a Thai language version of the 1949 Geneva convention on road traffic act. Online sources I found show Thailand is not a signatory, but become a contracting state to the act in 1962 via accession. Here is a translation of the relevent section of that act. Notice in paragraph 2 the word "may" in bold as well as the bit after "especially...". I added the *'s so people don't have to look them up.

CHAPTER V

DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

Article 24

1. Each Contracting State* shall allow any driver admitted to its territory who fulfills the conditions which are set out in Annex 8** and who holds a valid driving permit issued to him, after he has given proof of his competence, by the competent authority of another Contracting State or subdivision thereof, or by an Association duly empowered by such authority, to drive on its roads without further examination motor vehicles of the category or categories defined in Annexes 9 and 10 for which the permit has been issued.

2. A Contracting State may however require that any driver admitted to its territory shall carry an international driving permit conforming to the model contained in Annex 10, especially in the case of a driver coming from a country where a domestic driving permit is not required or where the domestic permit issued to him does not conform to the model contained in Annex 9***.

* Thailand is a contracting state, as they became a party via accession on 15 Aug, 1962.

** Annex 8 references required age of drivers.

*** Annex 9 describes the size of domestic driving permit (driver’s license) colour, size, English language, photo size, etc.

http://www.austlii.e...ies/1955/2.html

http://www.unece.org...RSS_RT1949.html

Then, in the Land Traffic Act of 1979, Title 3 Section 42 it clearly states that if there is mutual acceptance of licenses through treaty (like the treaty above) then "an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government"

Land Traffic Act of 1979

Title 3: Driver's License

Section 42

Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver's license. The driver must carry the driver's license and a photocopy of the registration book and show them to competent officers upon request. This does not apply for those who are learning to drive a motor vehicle according to the provision of Section 57.

If the driver is an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver's license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

Section 42-2

In case there's a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver's license, an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.

http://www.gt-rider....-bkkriders-com)

---

Not that any other evidence is really necessary, but to address the many claims that "If you're in an accident you can't make a claim without an IDP." or "You can't rent a car without an IDP.".. I submit the following email responses from several car rental companies and insurance companies whom I asked for their policy on this issue. Not a single one came back saying I needed an IDP if a tourist in Thailand. The big companies clearly state it right in their website.

Pure Car Rent:

"Thank you for your email. Intenational drivers license is no need to translate because when it says International it should already in English and it is permited to use internationally.

About insurance coverage, for Pure Car Rent‘s insurance, Thai,

overseas or international driver’s license is acceptable for our

insurance companies. So if you drive Pure Car Rent‘s car with

driver’s license issued by your country, you and the car are covered

by insurance.”

HertzThailand.com:

"Rental Qualification :

Minimum renter age is 21 years.

Must hold a valid Thai driving license or a driving license from a

renter’s country of residence (with an English translation), or an

international driving license."

Budget.co.th:

Drivers License

All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license.

The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of

residence (with an English translation) or an international drivers

permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times

when driving.

AA Insurance Thailand:

"Your 'home' license is legal in Thailand - as long as it is legal in your own country i.e. not suspended !"

Viriyah Insurance:

“We acknowledge receipt of your e-mail and

very sorry for late reply. Regarding to your question, please be

inform that your legal drivers license issued by The United States of

America (date of license valid) is acceptable to use and drive the car

in Thailand and The Viriyah car insurance will be cover while have an

accident (Just in Thailand). Thank you for your kind interested.”

Bupa Insurance:

"For the international IDP is not a problem sir. As I have check with Bangkok. It’s not a problem for Bupa.

No problem with that and the insurance will be covered you for all.

-Prayurapong Pisanaka, Prayurapong Pisanaka, Executive Health & Financial Manager - Head Office

American International Assurance Company, Limited

----

And for those out there that are still doubting, here is a short collection of the seemingly infinite reports of interactions between foriegners driving with no IDP and the Thai police. This reflects the actual reality of the situation on the ground in Thailand and should be the best measuring stick to teh legality of diving on your home license with no IDP. It strikes me as very odd that the police who are so fond of finding any little thing to make some tea money seem to be ignoring this if an IDP is required. Anecdotal, yes, but evidence none the less. (No, I didn't write any of the Wiki Answers)

Lonely Planet entry:

"I've rented cars in Thailand many times. All the rental companies ask for is a driver's license (US state) and credit card -- just like everywhere else. I've been stopped by the police several times and the driver's license was fine."

Thaivisa member bob4you

I've been driving here for 5 years, stopped a couple of dozen times. Hawaii drivers license was accepted (never questioned once) each time.

ThaiVisa member bubba:

I have never had an International Driving License and I have driven in Thailand using both hired cars and my own car for about ten years now. I do have a valid licence from home. My insurance policy has a clause that states that only a "valid drivers license" is required for the class of vehicle insured. After inquiring, I got it in writing that this includes foreign licenses. I have been involved in three minor property damage accidents, two in a hire car and one in my own car. Whilst driving on a foreign license, my car was smashed by an uninsured pickup with my repair bill being 24,000 baht. My insurance company sent their adjuster out, he made out a report, and I was compensated fully. None of the police asked for a Thai or international licence, nor did the insurance companies and my own insurance company explicitly allows for coverage of drivers using a foreign licence, so long as that licence is valid for the class of vehicle driven. I have been stopped at police checkpoints and police invented traffic infractions dozens of times, and sometimes they ask for my licence. No problem. The police just want the money, not a big hassle. I have hired cars in Thailand dozens of times and no Thai or international licence is required by those companies either, including the majors such as Avis and Budget.

Here are the car rental companies in Thailand that I have used and none require an IDP or Thai licence so long as I had a recognisable and valid foreign licence:

Hertz

Avis

Budget

Master Car Rental

North Wheels (Chiang Mai)

ThaiVisa member tropa:

“I went through one of these road blocks on 3rd Road yesterday. I showed them my Australian drivers licence and they waved me through.”

landofsmiles from another forum:

"Your [home] licence is fine. Chances are in a few days you won't even go through any police checks and if you do it will still be ok. I don't have a bike endorsement on mine and I've been through dozens of checks. All they want to see is the word LICENCE and your photo."

ThaiVisa member fiddlehead:

"I always just used my state drivers licence from USA ... used the above for about 3 years ... Never got a fine for it. Except once because it had expired."

ThaiVisa member phuketrex:

"5 years in Thailand. Through 100's of police checks. Never a problem showing my British licence."

Commenter Robb at Pattaya One:

" I’ve been driving here for years only on my home country licence and never had a problem. Seem the police like the fact I have all my other documentation for my bike, nicely color photocopied and in a ziplok bag under the seat, they never question the fact I don’t have an international licence"

ThaiVisa member Deaw:

Cruising down 2nd road in Pattaya on my rented 'cycle, not far from the Central Mall; must've been about 30 cops there, with the orange cones and some barricades, flashing red lights, etc.....pulling over EVERY motorcycle, farang and Thai alike. This was at 5pm.

I got waved over by 2 guys .... helmet on; check. One says "license, please", and I hand him my N.Y. state drivers license. While he is looking it over, I say "I am a tourist here, I don't live in Thailand". Then I point to the "M.C." next to the Operator code and tell them "M.C., that means motorcycle".

The older of the 2 says "OK" and they stand aside and let me pass. Total time wasted; 30 seconds.

Total bribe and/or fine paid, and total number of laws broken; None.

ThaiVisa member collectsskulls:

"I have an international drivers permit but have never been asked for it only my Canadian one"

ThaiVisa member Kwasaki:

"I have never needed an IDP in Thailand having a UK valid driving license"

Wiki Answers

"All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary licence either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an international driving licence."

Wiki Answers

"I drove in Thailand for the first 12 months on a west Australian licence and was often checked but never a problem. Each time I was stopped at a police check point, the policeman seemed more intent on proving that he could read my name.

After that 12 months I got an International liicence whch was a waste of money as I still only showed my Australian licence.

So ,, short answer No you dont need one"

Wiki Answers

"International or US Driver's License and Passport is all you need."

Wiki Answers

"You don't have to have an international driver's license to rent a car, the rental agencies will rent you a car with a valid license from your home country. If you get stopped by the police make sure you show them your passport and the tourist visa stamp"

Wiki Answers

"If you are a farang and possess your home drivers license, that is enough. If a policeman (especially in Udon Thani) stops you, you simply show him your drivers license"

-----

And lastly, on the separate issue of whether or not an IDP is needed in order to convert your home license to a Thai DL, it does seem some LTD's are asking for this but it would appear that this is only so they can verify what class the license is. The Thai DLT has no idea what "Class C, M1" means for example. They did not ask me for an IDP in Phuket, but they did ask me for a computer printout of the California DMV webpage which explains the classes. If you want to convert your home DL into a Thai one (which will allow you to skip the written and driving tests) then bring this printout describing the classes. It seems that for licenses that don't have the pictures of the vehcles on the back like Uk/Eu licenses do, they need an IDP or this printout.

ThaiVisa member saorsa:

“Got mine (Thai DL) at Sukhumvit 62 branch a few days ago and all I needed was medical cert, passport, Uk drivers license and residency letter. Had to do reaction times test, depth perception and colour test.”

AnotherThaiVisa member in ChangMai reported not needing an IDP to convert his license, even taking a photo of the sign in the DLT describing what you need to convert your home license into a Thai one. No IDP is listed.

Of course it doesn't hurt to have an IDP as long as it's not the bogus ones you see advertised online.

I have submitted the question of IDP's to the Phuket Gazette Issues and Answers so we will see if they make a lier out of me.

So bottom line, if a BIB does try one on and attempt to do you for no IDP as a tourist, all you need to do is point to your English license with a photo and repeat "International already." and he will not cite you. He can't. I guarantee it.

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Edited September 9, 2012 by NomadJoe

[petercallen]

When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Why is that? We are living here and we actually know the situation with boots on the ground. The AAA is going to always err on the side of caution (plus they do make money) and say you need an IDP. They have to deal with questions from people going to over 200 countries. Very unlikely the know detailed info about each country.

Read post 19 Joe i live here to, and now have Thai licenses so have no problems

[stevenl]

Quote PC:

"When i originally arrived in Thailand i purchased a IDP from the Royal Automotive club in Australia, when you purchase a IDP they give you a booklet telling you which countries you need a IDP and a current license from your home country to legally drive in and you required both to legally drive in Thailand then 2006

The only time i showed it to the local police they had never seen one before and had no idea what it was. it has several languages on it but not Thai so they could not read it

Unless the laws have changed you do need a IDP to legally drive in Thailand Steven believe it or not, just because it is not policed does not mean its not required Steven and why should i have to prove anything to you"

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Why is that? We are living here and we actually know the situation with boots on the ground. The AAA is going to always err on the side of caution (plus they do make money) and say you need an IDP. They have to deal with questions from people going to over 200 countries. Very unlikely the know detailed info about each country.

Read post 19 Joe i live here to, and now have Thai licenses so have no problems

That is different peter. If you live here you are by law required to have a Thai license, I think after 3? months. But no, IDP is not required, and no, IDP would not give any leeway for these 3? months.

PS: sorry, quote screwed up.

Edited September 10, 2012 by stevenl

[NomadJoe]

Peter, very simple question: show me a Thai law which states an IDP is required. Sorry, but your Australian booklet has no bearing on the Thai law. Nothing to do with policing or not, but you (and others) claim it is the law, but nobody has ever been able to come up with a Thai law supporting this claim.

A IDP is a translation of your home country license into english and 7 other languages Thai is not one of them, the handbook supplied with your IDP if issued in Australia Which is printed by the Australian Automobile Association and lists all countries requirements either not required/ recommended or required, Thailand is listed as required and i think the AAA knows more than you do about the legal requirements to drive in Thailand Steven

Why is that? We are living here and we actually know the situation with boots on the ground. The AAA is going to always err on the side of caution (plus they do make money) and say you need an IDP. They have to deal with questions from people going to over 200 countries. Very unlikely the know detailed info about each country.

Read post 19 Joe i live here to, and now have Thai licenses so have no problems

I know you live here (Didn't I meet you at Don's once?) But the question and answer was directed at the multitude of websites out there, most of them having nothing directly to do with Thailand that are outdated which still state an IDP is required in Thailand.

[petercallen]

I think anyone who comes here to live or for a holiday should check in there own country what is required license wise to legally drive here and what type of license there travel insurance requires so they are covered in case of accident

If you drive without a valid license recognized by your insurance the insurance company will not cover you

You could show the police a library card with you photo on it and the police would probably except it as a license because most do not read english

People are always going to disagree on what type of licenses are required but its better to be safe than sorry as far as insurance is concerned

You need a license to drive a jet ski here although the operators will not tell you this and travel insurance will not cover you if you have a accident without having the necessary license

Get yourself Thai licenses its not hard and can save you having a lot of problems

[stevenl]

People are always going to disagree on what type of licenses are required but its better to be safe than sorry as far as insurance is concerned

Doesn't really matter whether people agree or disagree, the only thing that matters is the law. And again, there is no requirement for an IDP in the law.

You need a license to drive a jet ski here although the operators will not tell you this and travel insurance will not cover you if you have a accident without having the necessary license

Ok, looking forward to 1) information about the Thai law that states license is required and 2) any proof of travel insurance not covering jet ski accidents.

Get yourself Thai licenses its not hard and can save you having a lot of problems

Yes, that works for expats but is not really a workable suggestion for tourists. They only need their home license (valid for the vehicle they're driving and in English).

[petercallen]

People are always going to disagree on what type of licenses are required but its better to be safe than sorry as far as insurance is concerned

Doesn't really matter whether people agree or disagree, the only thing that matters is the law. And again, there is no requirement for an IDP in the law.

You need a license to drive a jet ski here although the operators will not tell you this and travel insurance will not cover you if you have a accident without having the necessary license

Ok, looking forward to 1) information about the Thai law that states license is required and 2) any proof of travel insurance not covering jet ski accidents.

Get yourself Thai licenses its not hard and can save you having a lot of problems

Yes, that works for expats but is not really a workable suggestion for tourists. They only need their home license (valid for the vehicle they're driving and in English).

Travel insurance will not cover you if you drive or ride anything that requires a license to operate and you do not have the necessary license

Earlier in this thread i said what i beleive was required in 2006 and the laws could have changed or did you miss reading that Steven

We must get together one day it would be interesting to see how quick you can think when not sitting behind a computer

Edited September 10, 2012 by petercallen

[stevenl]

Travel insurance will not cover you if you drive or ride anything that requires a license to operate and you do not have the necessary license

Earlier in this thread i said what i beleive was required in 2006 and the laws could have changed or did you miss reading that Steven

We must get together one day it would be interesting to see how quick you can think when not sitting behind a computer

Peter, doesn't matter what you believe is required, let alone what you believed was required in 2006.

You claim for jetski license is required and insurance will be void if using one without license. Please point to anything supporting these 2 claims you made.

Regarding IDP; seems you missed the whole of the post by Nomadjoe, considering the length of the post not easy to miss that one.