Thai drivers license

[campyman]

I would like to get a thai drivers license to legally drive a car and motorcycle in thailand. After taking the time to get photos, letter from a doctor, letter from the US Embassy and copies of my passport, visa page and current California drivers license, I proceeded to Sukumwit 62 to the Thai DMV (whatever they call it). After reviewing my paperwork, I was instructed to take the motorcycle written and riding test and pay 160 baht. To my surprise, I was then told that I cannot get a thai drivers license because I have a Tourist Visa and that I need a non-Immigrants visa.

My question what type of non-Immigrants visa should I get, what do I need to do to get it and where should I go to get this. I am looking for the least complicated way of going about this. I have friends that own thai companies that could help me if needed, but I wouldn't want to go that route unless it was necessary.

[george]

You need any type of Non-Immigrant Visa, maybe you should ask for a company letter from the company you know, and travel abroad to get a NON-B,try a double entry. Penang or Kota Bahru would be the easiest.

[campyman]

I found a page regarding obtaining a thai drivers license at http://www.thaivisa.com/320.0.html

[Rinrada]

Pattaya expats club has a lot of info re..

www.pattayaexpatsclub.com

[campyman]

You need any type of Non-Immigrant Visa, maybe you should ask for a company letter from the company you know, and travel abroad to get a NON-B,try a double entry. Penang or Kota Bahru would be the easiest.

George,

I got a letter from a company reqesting a NON-B, multiple entry.  I was wondering why you didn't recommend going to the Thai consulate in Ventiane, Laos?  Do you think asking for a multiple entry visa would cause me problems?  It's not that I particulary need a multiple entry, but just copied the letter that's on the site here.

[george]

It's very hard to get a multiple entry in Asia, and Vientiane will propably give you a single or maybe double if you have good paperwork.

If you bring all company papers to Penang or KL you might get it.

Easiest places to obtain Multiples is US, Europe or small Thai consulates in Australia.

[campyman]

My main goal here is just to get a driver's license with the least hassles.  I'll change the paperwork to request just a single entry visa.  With just a single entry visa request, will I need additional company paperwork besides the letter of request for the NON-B?  Do you think this request would be a problem at the Laos embassy or would you still prefer to go to a Malaysian embassy?

[george]

Can someone here please update us with the latest ffresh info from Vientiane and/or the other Thai consulates in Asia?? Thanks!

The regulations says that you must provide the following documents:

- Copy of passport and two recent photographs;

- Copy of academic degree(s) or curriculum vitae;

- Original letter from the 'inviting company/employer' indicating the reason for employment, position, and salary;

- Copy of the inviting company’s registration document, certified by authorized director(s);

- Copy of list of shareholders of the inviting company (if any);

- Copy of inviting company’s latest income tax statement (Por Ngor Dor 50 and 30);

- Copy of inviting company’s registration for Value-Added Tax (VAT) (Por Phor 20);

- Copy of inviting company’s latest balance sheet;

- List of all foreign employees employed by the inviting company (specified by name, nationality and position);

- When the inviting company is export-oriented, latest bill of lading or bank statement(s) indicating export transactions.

Those wanting a visa simply to come to Thailand on business [not for employment] must provide:

- Copy of passport and two recent photographs;

- Letter from applicant’s company indicating reason for visit;

- If self-employed, financial statement of the applicant;

- Letter of invitation from the inviting company in Thailand, indicating reason for visit;

- Copy of the inviting company’s registration document, certified by authorized director(s);

- Copy of list of shareholders of inviting company (if any);

- Copy of inviting company’s latest balance sheet.

[arthurwait]

I lost on what info is being sought here now.

I think you can only get a driving licience and legally own transport here if you have a years Non-imm and work permit or a retirement visa. I maybe wrong.

You can't get a non-b and work permit without a job or business.

Why not just get an international driving licience if you don't have a visa ?

Am i correct in thinking you can't own a car or bike without a work permit or retirement visa anyway ?

[arthurwait]

I would like to get a thai drivers license to legally drive a car and motorcycle in thailand. After taking the time to get photos, letter from a doctor, letter from the US Embassy and copies of my passport, visa page and current California drivers license, I proceeded to Sukumwit 62 to the Thai DMV (whatever they call it). After reviewing my paperwork, I was instructed to take the motorcycle written and riding test and pay 160 baht. To my surprise, I was then told that I cannot get a thai drivers license because I have a Tourist Visa and that I need a non-Immigrants visa.

My question what type of non-Immigrants visa should I get, what do I need to do to get it and where should I go to get this. I am looking for the least complicated way of going about this. I have friends that own thai companies that could help me if needed, but I wouldn't want to go that route unless it was necessary.

I maybe being naive , but I don't think this would be much help.

I think you have to have a years non-imm and a work permit to get a driving licience. Around 3 months application time for visa and the same again for a work permit(if you're lucky). They would either have to employ you ( you would have to justify why they would employ you instead of a Thai, qualifications experience etc.) or you invest in the company. Supposedly minimum 2 million baht investment if asked to show it and pay tax on minimum 65000baht earnings every month. Around 6000B minimum per month.

I maybe remembering wrong, but I don't think you can apply for a driving licence until you have had a non-imm visa for at least a year.

[beechguy]

Why are you resurrecting a 9 year old thread? There are far more current ones and we have this in the pinned topics section of the Thailand Motor Forum. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/27462-applying-for-1-5-year-thai-driving-licences/

[sbk]

Thanks Beechguy

Indeed this thread is 9 years old so naturally the information is out of date. Please use the pinned thread that beechguy has posted

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