Expired Thai Driving License Renewal - Visa Exempt

[Bench499d]

I know this topic has been done to death but I can't find anything regarding these particular circumstances.

 

My Thai temporary car driving license (2 year) expired at the end of March 2017.  When I originally obtained it I was on an extension based on marriage and I had my UK driving licence and an IDP, medical certificate, certificate of residency from the embassy etc.

 

I have been in and out of Thailand over the last year, but while I have been away, the D/L has expired.  I will return next month on a visa exempt.  Is it possible for me to renew my Thai D/L in these circumstances?  I would only expect another 2 year license rather than the 5 year.  If it was even possible to do the renewal on a visa exempt, how would I prove residency?  I will be staying at my usual residency but the embassy aren't likely to notarise a residency certificate on a visa exempt are they (and even so I don't want to be paying my embassy's exorbitant fees if I can help it).

 

Does anyone have any solution to this - or should I just get an IDP before I come and drive on my UK licence?

 

Thanks everyone.

[transam]

I think I recall you need a visa of some sort in your PP...

[Peterw42]

A lot would depend on the DLT as they often have different requirements, Most will require either a letter from embassy or a Resident certificate from immigration, again it would depend on the local immigration if they will issue a RC on a visa exempt.

A UK license and IDP should be fine for a short stay.

[Kwasaki]

5 hours ago, Bench499d said:

1....My Thai temporary car driving license (2 year) expired at the end of March 2017.

 

2....I would only expect another 2 year license rather than the 5 year.

 

3...I will be staying at my usual residency but the embassy

 

4...Does anyone have any solution to this - or should I just get an IDP before I come and drive on my UK licence?

1...On 30 day entry l take it you mean and going Pattaya l read it's possible to get a Thai temporary 2 year DL,  at many DLT offices you can't.

 

2...Another 2 year DL possible but not 5 year DL but you never know here do ya.

 

3....As said you'll need proof of address of stay from someone.

 

4....You can drive on a full UK photocard DL up to 90 days,  to avoid confrontation with many traffic police the consensus is it is better to have a IDP as well.

 

 

 

 

[stevenl]

As long as you can get a certificate of address, you will be able to apply for a new temporary license (if renewal within one year after expiry without additional testing).

[Bench499d]

Thanks for the response and advice. I will get an IDP and we'll call up the LTO in Bangkok to see what they say, but they'll probably want to see a visa. 

 

Cheers. 

[stevenl]

9 hours ago, Bench499d said:

Thanks for the response and advice. I will get an IDP and we'll call up the LTO in Bangkok to see what they say, but they'll probably want to see a visa. 

 

Cheers. 

You don't need IDP since you already have a Thai license.

 

First go to immigration for certificate of Residence, after that LTO.