Are Thai police still strict about enforcing the need for international driver's licenses for foreigners?

Feb 12, 2024
9 months ago
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are Thai police still strict about having international drivers licenses for foreigners and do they actually honor them if you do have one?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, Thai police remain strict about international drivers licenses. Foreigners are required to carry both their national driver's license and the International Driving Permit (IDP) for the first three months in Thailand. Authorities often check for these documents, and having them is crucial for insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Richard ********
In case of needed... Good luck and enjoy your stay in Thailand
Wayne *********
Sat and watched the police for about 1.5 hours this afternoon. They were booking all including thai. One young thai lady got fined no licence and no helmet.

Those with idp were all ok to go. One Indian couple tried to argue that it was the renters fault because they didn't advise them you actually need a licence, didn't do them any good they paid.
Apple *****
Insurance is the problem...
Steve *******
spend the $35 or $40 dollars and get it - you will need it. like glenn implied - they will rent you a bike or car but if someone hits you you are buying that vehicle, insurance won't cover you.
Steve *******
Phil Jones The gist of my comment was using a worse case scenario for $40 just get your IDL.
Glenn *****
Maybe the police are not strict but the insurance companies are
Phil ******
@Shane ********
IDP's yes you need as well as your country's d/l. Also insurance companies won't honour policies in case s an accident.
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the comments everyone
Wayne *********
I have been enjoying my coffee and watching the police fine lots every day this week in Pattaya
Abdo *********
Depend one day I stopped like 3 times

And I pay like 900 bht
Taz **********
@Abdo ********
do you know if you get fined, & then you get stopped again you just show your first fine & you don’t get fined again

This is the case for ? 24 hours from the first fine

Some say it’s valid for a few days

Many years ago I tested it out, I had 2 girls on my bike but only myself and one girl had helmets on, so I got a ticket

That night I rode past a police checkpoint without a helmet, showed my fine from that morning, so I was told to go
Malcolm *******
The police checks are the least thing to worry about , think what would happen if you were in an accident and someone was hurt or worse 🤔 your insurance would be invalid .
Steve *******
@Malcolm ******
my point exactly.
Steve *******
A lot will depend on the individual Officer, why you were stopped and where you are in Thailand
Peter *******
IDPs yes, they will check
Trevor ******
Yes. Especially if you have a accident
Olivier *********
For sure your insurance company will be in case of injury.
Nongnuch ********
for the first 3 months after entering Thailand, you need to carry your national drivers license in combination with the International Driving Permit. The IDP is just a translation of your national DL, and police is strict in most places and requires you to carry both
Jan ******************
@Nongnuch *******
and after three months you’ll need a thai driverlicene
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks... I paid alot of fines last time i was there for not having one hahaha
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
Good point… I’m getting one regardless but I’m just curious.
Jan ******************
@Shane ********
you should try to convert it into a Thai driver license as I did. Renew every second year.
Martin **********
@Jan *****************
Only first time, two years valid, after, 5 times before renewal.
Jan ******************
@Martin *********
yes if you’re on a long stay visa, unless it’s two by two years.
Jan ******************
@Shane ********
Fine is one ting, but if anything happens you’re on your own regarding yourself and others without any insurance.
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