I could have sworn I read a thread here recently (last few weeks?) about a recent change in procedure (or uniform enforcement of a previously unenforced procedure) that to get a Thai drivers license based on an overseas license without taking the tests that you now absolutely must, with no exception, have a current international drivers permit/endorsement.

An expat friend of mine said he recently got a Thai driver license at the Cholburi office with no international endorsement.

Is it still a matter of which way the wind is blowing? I'm SURE I read something about it being an absolute change in policy, but cannot find it anywhere now.

It's always been an official requirement to have an IDP if you want to avoid the test.

BUT

Some offices will forego the test if you have a work permit (Chatuchak do), actually, andyfletch (RIP mate) got a licence at Chatchak with his old pink UK paper licence and a smile from our co-secretary (no WP).

The test is reportedly easy anyway, if you can drive and have a modicum of common sense you'll sail through

If you have an english driving licience and an international drving licience can you get a thai licence on a tourist visa?

Any idea?

If you have an english driving licience and an international drving licience can you get a thai licence on a tourist visa?

Unfortunately not, you need a non-immigrant visa of some sort

I never had an international license but I did have a current US California license. I had no problems. The only test I had to take was to pass a color vision chart. If you don't have a current license from your home country/state you will have to take the driving test.

I never had an international license but I did have a current US California license. I had no problems. The only test I had to take was to pass a color vision chart. If you don't have a current license from your home country/state you will have to take the driving test.

Depends where you go and whether you have a WP.

"Official" rules are :- No IDP = Have to do the test.

But as with everything else here TiT.

If you have an english driving licience and an international drving licience can you get a thai licence on a tourist visa?

Unfortunately not, you need a non-immigrant visa of some sort

My above-mentioned friend got his on a 30-day visa-waiver stamp...

My above-mentioned friend got his on a 30-day visa-waiver stamp...

One can only reiterate, TiT, all things are possible