Can You Obtain A Thai License With an International Permit if You Held A Thai License Before?

[jonros60]

I allowed my Thai driving license obtained in Bangkok to expire more than 12 months ago. I went to the Phuket DLT where we now live and in filing papers including my Hong Kong International Driving Permit, (perhaps foolishly) I disclosed my expired license.

After a rigorous 20 minute search on a smart phone, the head officer conceded that Hong Kong was still a contracting party to the International Convention on Road Traffic 1949 but then insisted that because I had previously held a Thai driving license (having already completed the reaction and colour blindness test, filed the Certificate of Residence and Medical Certificate) I was still required to sit the written exam/test and complete the driving test - which incidentally is/was a complete volte face from the previous visit (the week before), when I was informed all I had to do was produce an original IDP (the original had not yet arrived from Hong Kong) having left papers including the expired Thai license with her.

I had filed a Certificate of Residence (Phuket) because in the meantime I had resigned from my position in Bangkok (thereby terminating the Non Immigrant B Visa & Work permit) and am now on a 30 day (within time) Tourist Visa/Extension.

Three questions arise and if anyone can help I would be grateful for advice: (1) is the DLT correct in saying that they are entitled to ignore the IDP having previously held a Thai driving license? and (2) If the DLT in Phuket has informed me correctly, is the answer different given that I now hold a Tourist Visa/extension as opposed to my previous Non Imm. B status? and finally (3) Given I have a Phuket Certificate of Residence, is there any reason why I cannot use that document when applying to the Bangkok DLT, where I am heading tomorrow.

Any help appreciated

JR

[Phatcharanan]

Q 1. Not sure

Q 2. On a Tourist Visa you will only gain a 2 year license.

Q 3. Bangkok DLT will not accept a Phuket residency certificate (FACT)

[stevenl]

In addition: Q1: yes, they're correct, at least, this seems to be SOP.

[jonros60]

Thanks to the respondents. In fact Bangkok DLT did accept the Phuket Certificate Of Residence but pointed out (when they checked the computer) apologetically that I was required to do the test. In contrast to their Phuket colleagues, the Bangkok people were friendly and helpful.

[Phatcharanan]

Thanks to the respondents. In fact Bangkok DLT did accept the Phuket Certificate Of Residence but pointed out (when they checked the computer) apologetically that I was required to do the test. In contrast to their Phuket colleagues, the Bangkok people were friendly and helpful.

Actually, I find that very hard to believe.

I was at Bangkok Area 1 a few days ago and my Certificate of Residency gave my address as Nong Khaem.

Bangkok DLT sent me away to Area 2 as that is the office that covers my area.

You have evidence?

[Gonsalviz]

Q 1. Not sure

Q 2. On a Tourist Visa you will only gain a 2 year license.

Q 3. Bangkok DLT will not accept a Phuket residency certificate (FACT)

Never heard of a 2 year license. Only 1 and 5.

[stevenl]

Q 1. Not sure

Q 2. On a Tourist Visa you will only gain a 2 year license.

Q 3. Bangkok DLT will not accept a Phuket residency certificate (FACT)

Never heard of a 2 year license. Only 1 and 5.

1 year is not being issued any more since 4 months or so. 2 us the new 1.

[Sophon]

Thanks to the respondents. In fact Bangkok DLT did accept the Phuket Certificate Of Residence but pointed out (when they checked the computer) apologetically that I was required to do the test. In contrast to their Phuket colleagues, the Bangkok people were friendly and helpful.

Actually, I find that very hard to believe.

I was at Bangkok Area 1 a few days ago and my Certificate of Residency gave my address as Nong Khaem.

Bangkok DLT sent me away to Area 2 as that is the office that covers my area.

You have evidence?

In Bangkok you are supposed to use the DLT that covers the area you reside in, but you also have the option to go to the main office at Chatuchak no matter where in Bangkok you live. Perhaps the main office at Chatuchak has jurisdiction over not only Bangkok but the whole of Thailand?

Sophon

[stevenl]

Thanks to the respondents. In fact Bangkok DLT did accept the Phuket Certificate Of Residence but pointed out (when they checked the computer) apologetically that I was required to do the test. In contrast to their Phuket colleagues, the Bangkok people were friendly and helpful.

I think you were lucky there, but Sophon may be right as well.

I have always found the Phuket DLT people very friendly and helpful.