INTERNATIONAL
DRIVER'S LICENSE
An international driver's license is accepted in
Thailand as long as its valid normally 12 months. A foreign license holds no weight here. If you
decide to stay in Thailand you should obtain a Thai license. You need to have a
current Thai license to obtain Thai International license after
holding for 1 year. Some
Insurance companies will put in fine print in Thai that you must be the holder of a
CURRENT DRIVERS LICENSE which means a THAI DRIVERS' LICENSE not an
international to claim insurance if you have an accident. To obtain an
International license you must take documents to the Vehicle
Registration Division of the Communication Transport Agency (opposite Chatuchak
Park), Poholythin Rd, Bangkok, Tel: (02) 272-3615. Application can also be made
at the Vehicle Registration Office in Chiang Mai located on Chiangmai-Hangdong
Rd. tel (053) 270-411 as well as other registered Centres. Allow one month for issuance & mail delivery from
Bangkok.
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Firstly, you must apply for your Thai driving license in the province that
you live in. For example, if you live in Sukhothai province, do not apply in
Bangkok or Chiangmai. Most registration Offices have English speaking staff. Local province offices cannot issue International
Driving licenses as you need some English expertise to do the translation. We
have just been told you cannot create an international driving license from your
Thai one until you have held it for at least
a year? this may not be the case in your Province though. What you need:
1. Affidavit of residence executed at your Embassy or
Consulate. English translation is OK.
2. Thai Driver's license which has been renewed for the second
year.
3. Work Permit.
4. 2 photos size 1 1/2" X 21/2"
5. Copy of Passport & visa page
6 fee in baht. USA = 505 baht.? may
be subject to change.
Applications must be made in person. Take originals & one
set of copies. Applications made in Chiangmai require 2 sets of copies, a money
order fee & a self addressed return envelope with 2 postage stamps for
registered mail.
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THAI
DRIVER'S LICENSE
1. Original Affidavit of residence executed at your Embassy or
consulate. (under 1 month old) If doing 2 licenses eg. car/motorbike then you
can use a copy for the 2nd license.2. Non-immigrant visa.3. Passport4. Medical report from a doctor or hospital (under 1 month old
& original ). About 20-50 baht cost.5. Your country driver's license to verify what license you
hold (if not you take a test
written multi choice & road test. If no bike or car you can rent). Watch the
motorcycles as they have no brakes but the test is simple- a slalom through 5
poles.6. 2 photos size 1" X 1"7. fee baht 105 baht.The Chiangmai drivers license centre has photo copy machines,
laminating machines & photo stalls etc. tests go upstairs but the Help
counter will direct you. Written tests start at 1pm & a motorcycle hiring fee
is 10 baht. The tests are easy but the written is somewhat ambiguous. You must
get over 15 out of 20 questions but if you fail just go back and do it again.
You also have an eyesight test which is simple. If you have both motorcycle
& car license from your country then do both licenses using copies for the
second license otherwise you have to obtain another letter (original) from your
embassy. The license is current for 1 year and following the year you have 365
days to renew or you will have to do the licenses all over again.What you need: Passport & immigration
copies, copy from Immigration, 4 small 1" photos which
you can normally get out at the Registration Office for 90 baht
& of course the forms & drivers license. You pay 60 baht
for the license and they will receipt it then you go back in the
afternoon next day to pick up. Go upstairs to window 203 then pay
at 202 then collect at 203. { If you
need forms or want us to get in Chiangmai then ask us if not sure ). Renewal will run 105 Baht. 3 Baht for three passport
copies, 90 Baht for four (4) color pictures (two of which you can keep
until next year) Drivers license renewal can take place in one day
providing your are prepared to return in late afternoon to pick it up.
Don't forget to bring your passport!BANGKOK: The Driving License Sub-Division of the Motor Vehicles Registration Office, Tel:
02 279-2959 will tell you where to find the right place. Sukhumvit residents,
go to Soi 99. Exit the expressway at Soi 62, turn right into Sukhumvit Road and
then left (at Diethelm Building) walk down the long side street and it is on the left at the end of the street.BENEFITS
OF HAVING A LICENSE: 1. Its a current driving license if you have an
accident.2. The license has your passport number on it so is
your ID card for renting cars, hotel stays etc.or admission into places
where otherwise you need your passport.3. ID for banking & checking in or out parcels and
clearances.4. Renewals are straight forward.5. You are supposed to possess one if living in
Thailand after 6 months.6. It can save you a hell of a lot of money in the
longrun !!!!!especially if your Inter isn't current & you cannot
read the fine print on your Insurance policy.7/. On passing the test, a Thai driver’s license will be
issued & is valid for 1 year. This may be renewed for a
further 1 year. After 2 renewals it no longer expires.Translate your Thai License:If you have a Thai driver's license, you can have it
officially translated with official stamps, your photo and all into English at the Ministry of land transport for 50 baht. This
document will then serve as second license for you, a valid international
driver's license usable anywhere in the
world. This procedure is much easier than getting a Thai issued
international driver's license which technically would not be valid in
Thailand. When driving outside your home country it is recommended that you
always have with you a second (international) driver's license.
Cost for driving license: 105 baht for a car and 55 baht for motorcycle. Applications for driving licenses for other forms of vehicle may not be granted.
Do both licenses at the same time otherwise you may have to produce a second
Embassy document stating where you live although now the new policy appears to
be Immigration letter rather than the Embassy one, either or. You will probably have to sit for a written test on road rules as well.
Obtaining a Thai driving license
is advantageous if you do not
have an International Driving License and want to drive in the
following countries with a Tourist Visa.: Singapore, Malaysia, Laos
Buying
a car or motorcycle:1/. Need non immigrant visa2/. Passport and copies of main
page and visa page3/. House Reg lease plus now copy
of landlord ID & House registration4/. Form to sign available at
immigration dept.5/. 2 photos.6/. Once you get letter from
immigration saying you wish to buy a vehicle then go ahead.
Make sure you get tabian (reg book)
when buying a car and also have change of ownership form, ID of
seller; house reg of seller & get him/her to sign a power of
authority form. The vehicle must undergo test.
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Remember if coming to Thailand
for longer stays then 1 month go to your nearest Thai Consulate in your home
country. Arrival in Thailand you can obtain 30 days eg. USA. It varies between
countries.
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