Can a foreigner drive a Saleng in Thailand with a motorcycle license?

Thai Driving License Saleng Foreigners Driving in Thailand Motorcycle License Rules Insurance for Salengs Legal Status of Sidecars in Thailand Safety Concerns Local Driving Customs

Oct 15, 2024

a day ago

Jay *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Driving a Saleng.

Can anyone advise me whether a foreigner obtaining a regular Thai motorcycle driving licence qualifies the individual to drive a saleng?

Reason I ask is that I know in Thailand it’s the vehicle, rather than the driver, which is insured.

Consequently, I know I can drive a borrowed car with a Thai driving licence (or IDP for the first three months) and I can drive a borrowed motorcycle with a Thai motorcycle licence.

I’m told a foreigner cannot drive a Songthaew (Baht-Bus) and am wondering if the same applies to a saleng (as well as a tuk-tuk).

I have access to cars, motorcycles and a saleng owned by the Thai extended family I am staying with.

Any experienced advice would be gratefully received.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

This discussion revolves around whether a foreigner can drive a Saleng in Thailand with a regular motorcycle driving license. Participants address the legal implications, insurance concerns, and general driving practices for foreigners. While some argue that technically Salengs and their sidecars may not be fully legal and could pose insurance challenges in case of accidents, many have shared experiences of driving them without issues, especially in rural areas. The conversation highlights uncertainties surrounding legality, practical consequences of driving such vehicles, and general observations about the driving culture in Thailand.

Clare ***********

Never been a problem, using a samlor/saleng for more than 20 years. A bit of a pain to have to remove the samlor from the motorbike for yearly insurance/test, putting jack connections on the wiring between the bike and samlor helps. No special insurance required.

19 hours ago

Per-Olof ************

My advice is, don't try to be a thai , you will never qualifiy even with thai passport.

19 hours ago

Robert **********

As a farang you can drive whatever you want. But if you are involved in an accident you will be in the wrong. Insurance will mean diddly squat. Worthless. If you have not driven on the roads here then you need to be extremely careful when you do.

19 hours ago

Jo ****

As the sidecar has to be removed for the MOT and there's no MOT for the sidecar l would also say they are not legal.

20 hours ago

Pygo ********

I'm visiting again this November, I think I'd feel safer on a saleng than I did on a scooter in Pattaya!

20 hours ago

Guido **********

mine is for rent in excellent condition , and of course with new tax and Insurance...in pattaya

20 hours ago

Andy ******

I have driven the wife's uncles Saleng in front of the police and they never said a thing but that was in Issan in a rural village

21 hours ago

Tony **********

They are a death trap for the inexperienced .PRACTICE HAND TURNS AND YOU WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN .

21 hours ago

Andy **********

Where are you in Thailand?? If it's rural nobody cares, just be prepared to pay for any damage if an accident is your fault, to many people commenting thinking it's the same rules as their home country.

21 hours ago

Phil ***********

i dont think anyone is 'allowed' to ride one. where i live if you can build it you can drive it ;)

21 hours ago

Ricky ********

When I rent cars I am the only driver that is covered.

21 hours ago

Nigel **********

The last I heard salangs were illegal so insurance isn’t possible