police crackdown

[flare]

Or for people like me living (at the time) in an area with a high vehicle theft rate and shaky security in my
parking lot, who had a bike (just a Wave, but only a couple weeks old) stolen and got 90% of the purchase price (I believe it's 80% max these days) of a new one in compensation due to my first-class insurance policy.

Lifetime, though, the insurance companies have certainly made more off me than I ever took back from them. Still, in a serious accident, things like 'bail insurance' could certainly come in handy, and I prefer to ride and drive with it rather than without it (especially these days with a pretty expensive motorcycle that's covered for 80% of its new value).

Edited February 9, 2016 by CharlieH

[dvg]

My current license was issued August-2006, and doesn't expire until September-2017, maybe they don't do it anymore but clearly they did back then.

Interesting, first time I hear that. Is that already the same credit card license as we have today (if, what color?) or a previous format?

It's got blue bands top-and-bottom, shows my photo & all the usual information, and is credit-card sized.

I wouldn't know if the format has changed since then, until I go for my next license, in a couple-of-years' time.

I had a 10 year driverslicense before and had to renew it last year.They did give me a new one for 5 years ,

telling me 10 years "no more have"

[PostmanPat]

Dont talk wet. I am quite comfortably off here but wouldnt even contemplate not having first class insurance. The first class insurance on my Mazda 2 cost 12,000 baht. Just over a year ago I was unfortunately involved in an accident with a big bike that wasnt my fault but the biker didnt have insurance. My insurance company gave me the authorisation same day, within two hours of the accident to get my car fixed which involved rebuilding the whole of one side of the car. The cost of the repair was 95,000 baht and I didnt pay a single baht and my car was back on the road in a few weeks.

Do some research before you talk such tosh, Madmac !!!

[CharlieH]

Inflammatory post removed, also bickering and responses.

7) You will respect fellow members and post in a civil manner. No personal attacks, hateful or insulting towards other members, (flaming) Stalking of members on either the forum or via PM will not be allowed.

8) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[louse1953]

You were caught driving illegally in Thailand,so your bribe was a fine.Get a songtaew or walk.

[louse1953]

Funny how you can rent a car with Avis just with your foreign licence, but it's illegal according to most of the posters here!!!

Nothing funny about that at all,they are in it for your money.It's up to you to be responcible for your own actions.Just have an accident and see if Avis and their insurance are your best friend.

[Oishii]

"Dont listen to the girl who sold you your policy. You need to be a legal driver.:

I have a drivers license. It has always been legal to drive here on my US license. No police have ever said in the 15 years that I have been here that I need an international license. I have insurance on the bike so please stick to the facts.

When did they change and crack down on only Thai license or International license?

Absolute <deleted>.

The law states:

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence

[louse1953]

No, the rental places do not ask for an IDP, but they may mention it nowadays as I expect they have had a lot of complaints!

Same in Pattaya,obviously making stops for this mostly impacts tourists and Thais without a licence. At least here we all know where the police station is as I prefer paying an official fine there than buying off a corrupt policeman. They made a killing. As you say, previously a home licence was sufficient in the past providing it was written in English. Hardly the welcoming image the tourist adverts portray....

DWI also making them big amounts!

I think it is time the police were not allowed to collect fines on the spot......

All the money goes back to Soi 9,then it's divided up.You don't think the the street boys are running their own book,without HQ's consent do you.

[elgenon]

In order to stop police asking for fines on the spot they need to be paid better.

[louse1953]

Thanks. I was confused because I thought I had read you could get it from your embassy.

If your an American the US Consulate in Chiang Mai for 1500 baht and they do not care what visa your on. If British off to Bangkok.

Free at some Immi offices,or a small donation,certainly not the embassy gouge.

[jacko45k]

No, the rental places do not ask for an IDP, but they may mention it nowadays as I expect they have had a lot of complaints!

Same in Pattaya,obviously making stops for this mostly impacts tourists and Thais without a licence. At least here we all know where the police station is as I prefer paying an official fine there than buying off a corrupt policeman. They made a killing. As you say, previously a home licence was sufficient in the past providing it was written in English. Hardly the welcoming image the tourist adverts portray....

DWI also making them big amounts!

I think it is time the police were not allowed to collect fines on the spot......

All the money goes back to Soi 9,then it's divided up.You don't think the the street boys are running their own book,without HQ's consent do you.

I really don't know, but since there is no paperwork issued and yet some money is handed over I suspect some of it doesn't make it over there!

[hml367]

Absolute <deleted>.

The law states:

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence

Not doubting you, Oishii..... but please tell me where you found this "law". I have been searching for a long time.

[Oishii]

Absolute <deleted>.

The law states:

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence

Not doubting you, Oishii..... but please tell me where you found this "law". I have been searching for a long time.

Google is your best friend.

I found it here: http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport/driving-licences/

There are lots of web sites that give the same information.

[hml367]

Thank you, Oishii..... Yes, I have seen many of the web sites... As I said, I am not doubting you, I just wanted to see any reference to which particular law. I think too many people misunderstand the rules when taking up residence, what an international driving permit is for, and who actually adheres to the UN Treaties which created and uphold the International Driving Permits.

Thanks again.

[CMKiwi]

Well it took a while but I finally got stopped at one of these random checkpoints. I wasnt worried as I now have the Thai drivers licence. 2 Brit guys were in the process of a bit of a shakedown, but the policeman was more than happy when he saw my licence...he even showed it to the 2 Brits and said "this is what you need".

No I could be wrong here but this didnt really look like a legit checkpoint. The 2 Brit guys were asking what proof do they get if they were to pay on the spot (The police were not going to write them an infringement notice).

Having come across that a few times, I just smiled and went on my merry way. I dont mind these type of checkpoints as long as the infringement notice is written up and a receipt given for monies paid....otherwise my helmetcam will be recording bigtime.

Legit checkpoints tend to have a better signage and more official looking police in attendance.

This particular one looked quite the opposite. It was situated just off the Superhighway around the corner from Tesco Lotus heading towards JJ Market. Its one of their favorite spots but this time it was on the opposite side of the road as if you were going to the Superhighway.

The only way to 'beat' these characters is to ensure you have all your ducks in a row i.e Valid Thai licence, wear a helmet, have a valid tax disc, Green book or copy of such and Insurance. Although normally once they see you have a Thai Licence they dont worry about checking the rest.

[Oishii]

Thank you, Oishii..... Yes, I have seen many of the web sites... As I said, I am not doubting you, I just wanted to see any reference to which particular law. I think too many people misunderstand the rules when taking up residence, what an international driving permit is for, and who actually adheres to the UN Treaties which created and uphold the International Driving Permits.

Thanks again.

IDP's are issued to be valid for 12 months, but Thailand says that if you are on a tourist visa, they will only accept it for up to 60 days, if a Non Imm, then 90 days. It's the insurance companies here that will not accept it past the 60 day period.

Those who believe that their country is special and their NDL is valid here for life, will one day get a shock, which could cost them dearly.

Have a great day and enjoy your driving.

[freedomnow]

Well it took a while but I finally got stopped at one of these random checkpoints. I wasnt worried as I now have the Thai drivers licence. 2 Brit guys were in the process of a bit of a shakedown, but the policeman was more than happy when he saw my licence...he even showed it to the 2 Brits and said "this is what you need".

No I could be wrong here but this didnt really look like a legit checkpoint. The 2 Brit guys were asking what proof do they get if they were to pay on the spot (The police were not going to write them an infringement notice).

Having come across that a few times, I just smiled and went on my merry way. I dont mind these type of checkpoints as long as the infringement notice is written up and a receipt given for monies paid....otherwise my helmetcam will be recording bigtime.

Legit checkpoints tend to have a better signage and more official looking police in attendance.

This particular one looked quite the opposite. It was situated just off the Superhighway around the corner from Tesco Lotus heading towards JJ Market. Its one of their favorite spots but this time it was on the opposite side of the road as if you were going to the Superhighway.

The only way to 'beat' these characters is to ensure you have all your ducks in a row i.e Valid Thai licence, wear a helmet, have a valid tax disc, Green book or copy of such and Insurance. Although normally once they see you have a Thai Licence they dont worry about checking the rest.

For some reason they no longer seem to ask for green book or a copy of it anymore.

They also photograph no helmets at traffic light control points around 4pm now. I got my wrist slapped twice at the same spot within days as there is a month delay in the penalty by post.