international driving permit...any good ?

[pumpjack]

i can apply here in UK at the post office for an international driving permit/licence.

cost is £5

i must produce my present legal valid euro licence & passport

 

but....even if i do get it,  surely the thai cops will still want a thai licence and ask me for tea money ? 

[transam]

You will probably find a BiB trying it on but the permit/license is OK for l think 90 days in the country..

 

Many years back they tried it on with me, Mrs.Trans gave the cop some verbal and off we went..

[pumpjack]

i produced my valid euro licence recently in hau hin but they still fine me 500 baht,     so if and when i get the international permit i will start to take video to post on youtube if they demand money

[Peterw42]

IDP are often discussed in license forums with many people incorrectly thinking they are a stand alone license etc, as you say an IDP accompanies your valid home license and is at best a translation document so your home license can be recognized and understood in a foreign country.

Most countries in the world are signatories to the international road traffic treaties and a valid license in one country is a valid license in another country, usually with a time limit of a couple of months, then you are expected to get a local license.

 

The Thai Motor Vehicle act says

 

Section 42-2
In case there’s a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver’s license, an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license issued by such a foreign government,

 

If the driver is an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver’s license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

 

Technically an IDP is not required (if your home license is already in english) but you are at the mercy and understanding of the local police, unless you wish to carry the Thai Motor Vehicle act and the international treaties around in your pocket.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

IF you have a Valid driving license issued by your country accompanied with an International Driving Permit you can drive in Thailand for up to 90 days after which time you need to get a Thai License. 

 

IF the BiB stop you within this 90 day period and claim that you need a Thai License, they are wrong. You are well within your rights to politely stand your ground. Having your passport on you will strengthen this position (Don't handover any documents, just show them).

 

Realistically dealing with the BiB can sometimes be tricky, sometimes you can 'out posture' them and they back down, other times they are so insistent that because they are Police, they cannot have made a mistake. In these events, keep your cool, smile, be firm... If you are ready to push it tell them you will happily go to the station. Language will be an issue for you (unless you have a Thai speaker with you). 

 

More realistically: Driving in Bangkok I can't remember the last time I was stopped and asked for my License (which is a Thai DL btw), outside of Bangkok I was stopped for speeding (about 5 years ago I think), the BiB let me off.

 

Thus: IF driving in a car there is little risk of being stopped, on a bike is a different matter. 

If the BiB are trying it on, they probably know they are trying it on and will likely concede unless they are particularly brazen.