Answered2 years ago
Can a foreigner drive a Saleng in Thailand with a motorcycle license?
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.
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.
Answer summary
The discussion centers around whether a foreigner can legally drive a saleng with a Thai motorcycle license. Participants express varying opinions on legality, insurance coverage, and potential legal ramifications. While some assert that driving a saleng is illegal and not insurable, others claim it's commonly tolerated, particularly in rural areas. Key points raised include the necessity of correct registration, potential fines if stopped, and the insurability of such vehicles. The need for caution and experience when driving a saleng, as well as public attitudes towards enforcement, are also highlighted.
104 repliesnewest first
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Ken ***********
Is a 14yo can do you can too😂
Colin ******
Firstly only one type of saleng is legal in Thailand but the police don't enforce it.
Moshi *****
Any Police Officer who stops you just give him 200baht. you will soon be on your way.
Jay *******
OP@Moshi ****
Thanks, but it's not that, it's the insurance cover (or lack thereof) which concerns me.
Henrik *****
If still in doubt, politely ask the next policeofficer you meet.
Jo **********
@Henrik ****
on this one I agree with you 100%
Grandpappa **********
Not legally but mai pen rai
Jo **********
@Grandpappa *********
they are legal and registeredDavid **********
There is one Thai blogger who drives one. You could ask him. I do not remember his name of YouTube channel.
He does recommend practicing driving in low traffic areas and at low speed until you see how to handle it
He does recommend practicing driving in low traffic areas and at low speed until you see how to handle it
David **********
By the way, I have ridden several times on the trike. A trike that doesn’t look anything like your picture. Shuttle service. And the driver will tell you were to sit so the trike is balanced. It’s much more dangerous than a motorbike
Jo **********
@David *********
what’s the big deal I have two nearly all my neighbors have oneJay *******
OPThanks. This guy?.....
***************************************************
David **********
@Jay ******
That’s him. He is rather down to earth in my opinion. I do not watch regularly but he had one video about the trike.David **********
And they are not in good shape. Most look like they are ready to collapse while driving and some sound like it too
David **********
@Jay ******
I live in an area were plenty of folks have them. 3 to 5 years old's just hanging off the cart. Just watching it makes me nervous.Jay *******
OP@David *********
Yeah. He's quite rural, same as I am (but mine not quite so as his area). There are kids as young as around eight driving the things, with younger passengers on board, around here.
Michael *******
They are illegal and therefore not insurable
Jo **********
@Michael ******
have you ever been Thailand?Michael *******
Since ’78 and living here for past 6 years - your point is 🤔
Jim ********
Seen plenty of falang driving them
Stephen ***********
Probably depends where your rideing it
Very much doubt local countryside plod would know the law on it , probably just laugh and send you on your way . Could be different in a big city
Very much doubt local countryside plod would know the law on it , probably just laugh and send you on your way . Could be different in a big city
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.
Per-Olof ************
My advice is, don't try to be a thai , you will never qualifiy even with thai passport.
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.
John *********
@Robert *********
Wrong.
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.
Pygo ********
I'm visiting again this November, I think I'd feel safer on a saleng than I did on a scooter in Pattaya!
Guido **********
mine is for rent in excellent condition , and of course with new tax and Insurance...in pattaya
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
Tony **********
They are a death trap for the inexperienced .PRACTICE HAND TURNS AND YOU WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN .
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.
Phil ***********
i dont think anyone is 'allowed' to ride one. where i live if you can build it you can drive it ;)
Ricky ********
When I rent cars I am the only driver that is covered.
David *******
@Ricky *******
I just rented a car from Herz and they put my Thai wife on too free of charge.
Nigel **********
The last I heard salangs were illegal so insurance isn’t possible
Jo **********
@Nigel *********
B.S. I filed a claim was paid no license, no registration. Paid in full.
Jorge ****
I've been renewing my vehicles registration for >20 yrs now and have *never* seen one of these at the Dept or Land Transport, or the vehicle inspection shops. I heard that these are not "legal", but then TIT...
Wolfgang *******
It's for all illegal. Or you think anyone have a driver license for the 3 wheels ? It's same like Tuk Tuk
If you drive .. own risk
If you drive .. own risk
John *********
FFS man. You really wonder if you're insured on one of those?! Maybe you're on the wrong country
Richard *****
Go to the. Local license office to get the ‘real’ answer!
Ken ********
I would imagine if, any of these have insurance, it would be the government part, which I believe comes with what we would call a tax disc. Not sure what it covers though, 3rd party of whatever.
Maybe someone will give you the answer
Maybe someone will give you the answer
Jo **********
haha I have two of these. I don’t even have a Thais driver license and have been driving them for 8 years. police don’t care
Pedro *******
@Jo *********
Until yu have an accident..Pygo ********
@Jo *********
the police in Pattaya care if Farangs ride without helmets...helps them build up their salary
Brandon ************
@Jo *********
the question isn't about the police. The police don't care about anything. The question is about legality/insuranceJo **********
@Brandon ***********
but my insurance is from the Netherlands everything is covered with or without license.Jay *******
OP@Jo *********
??? Wording "not efficient or clear".....? I dumbed it down especially, too.Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
the wording of the question is not efficient or clear. Yes you helped clarify- so thank youBrandon ************
@Jo *********
Yeah but this question is about insuring a Thai vehicle in Thailand, not foreign insurance
John ********
@Brandon ***********
until you just posted and made them aware.....Jo **********
@John *******
I am so gassyJo **********
@Brandon ***********
ok ✅ point taken.
Steve **********
I cannot imagine why any foreigner would be in one of these death traps.
It provides no advantage over a car. You’ll still be stuck in traffic, cannot maneuver around anything and now you get the bonus of eating all the diesel smog and sweating your balls off.
Just get a car.
It provides no advantage over a car. You’ll still be stuck in traffic, cannot maneuver around anything and now you get the bonus of eating all the diesel smog and sweating your balls off.
Just get a car.
Jo **********
@Steve *********
have you ever been to Thailand we have two of these most of my neighbors have one. We can easily move things into the farm from surrounding shops.Steve **********
@J*
have I ever been to Thailand? Yeah. Started in 1997. Living here since 2019. Issan, BKK and now Pattaya. What a ridiculous question.
Having one of those in a city is silly. In a farm. Ok. But I still will keep using my truck with AC.
Jo **********
@Steve *********
i know I am just joking with you a bit
Stevan ***********
@Steve *********
I have both
Michael *********
No. It’s a modified vehicle with no insurance.
Frankie *******
Maybe u can drive that in pattayya but not in bangkok
Kevin *******
I am currently renting one for a week because we had similar thoughts before finding out how dangerous they are. I wouldn't reccomended it. They take some strength to drive and are very uncomfortable for passengers, especially any bumps. If you want to test drive one for yourself contact Mr. Thor Rentals. I return it tomorrow.
Mad respect for these little Thai women driving these things. 💪 💪
Mad respect for these little Thai women driving these things. 💪 💪
Simon ********
Where are the airbags ?🤣🤣🤣
Bård ********
@Simon *******
Have helmets and jacket with airbags for pussy drivers 🥳😅Jay *******
OP@Bård *******
Helmets equal "pussy drivers"? You ever walked into a door/lamppost/cupboard/wall? Felt how much it hurt? I've done it and required stitches. We walk at 3 miles per hour. Now throw your head at a wall, post or tarmac at 30mph. 40. 60. More. Let me know how you get on. But I've known folk with impact induced brain damage. That said, it's your life. Your head. Your choice. Your prospective wheelchair. Your funeral.Bård ********
Cris ******
Technically side cars are illegal.
Lye **********
Problem with the authority, probably can be solved with some baht but insurance company would probably not cover you if anything happen.
Maggie *********
Luv it that’s what I need when I move there
Jay *******
OP@Maggie ********
Have also seen plenty of these and there's even versions that have two wheels at the front and one at the rear....
Sue **********
@Jay ******
These are not Salengs and if they are not used/registered officially for public transport like taxis or tuktuks at DLT they don‘t even get plates and then not insured 🤷🏻♀️
Scott *********
@Maggie ********
I drive a Saleng, and have driven the second kind long distance, and unless you are an experienced sidecar driver, I really suggest you test drive the Saleng kind before you buy one. They are very hard work to drive and get harder the more weight you have in the sidecar, NEVER let go with both hands. If you have a heavy load in the sidecar make sure the centre of gravity is far enough forward to keep the front wheel on the ground, if the front gets light it will slide to the left, if the front wheel lifts and you are accelerating, you will immediately turn a very sharp left! When you brake it will want to turn right, when you accelerate it will want to turn left. That said, they are great fun once you get the hang of them.The second kind (two wheel at the back) are a piece of cake to drive and have none of the issues above.
Maggie *********
@Jay ******
still would have that one to luv itJay *******
OP@Sue *********
I didn't say the above post image, to which you are responding, is a saleng. I was simply offering up alternatives to @Maggie ********
. Please pay attention.
Andy ********
I was told that these are not even legal despite there being many 1,000s on the road. When the bike needs a test they have to remove the sidecar and test it as a stand alone bike. probably most aren't even tested
Janin ******
@Andy *******
I ask a policeman, and he said..not legal. But they tolerate them because of the lack of a car for Thai people. But, yes but, if you have an accident, you are not insured…because for the law it’s illegal!Jo **********
@Andy *******
not true there are 100,000 plus of these in the North. Mine is certified with licenseAndy ********
@Jo *********
First thing first. No car or motorcycle has a license that's for the driver or rider. I know there are many of these in Thailand but hoq many legal!!. yours seems to have got tax with the chair attached. Many people have told me (as others on here agree), that they are not actually legal. I don't have one so can't be sure but do note that are not mentioned on Thai driving licences.Jo **********
@Andy *******
don’t disagree with you!
Perry *******
Ridez 4 kicks... you tuber just had one built..
I think one of his videos tslks about that but you can ask him.
I think one of his videos tslks about that but you can ask him.
Jay *******
OP@Perry ******
Nice 1. Thanks for the heads-up.
Bill ********
I have seen farangs driving these saléngs in smaller cities
Not Bkk or Pattaya
Thai drivers license required
Make sure it is Insured before driving
They are fun to drive
Not Bkk or Pattaya
Thai drivers license required
Make sure it is Insured before driving
They are fun to drive
Terry ********
@Bill *******
I have seen a Farang driving one in Pattaya.Sue **********
@Bill *******
Which insurance co would insure salengs? I was told no insurance for them
Crystle ********
the Makro-moto! for the bulk grocery purchases
Peter *******
Potential issue unless both motorbike and side car is registered together, but I've not heard of anyone being fined for it
Tohksic ******
Salengs are technically not even legal country-wide unless the side car add-on is specifically registered (99.9% are not).
David **********
No special license required
Jo **********
@David *********
exactly
Steve *******
You can't work as a songteaw driver, but is there really a law stopping you from driving a pickup truck?
Lewis ********
Worst case scenario the police stop you which is highly unlikely unless it’s a checkpoint, you pay a 500 baht fine and drive away. Kap Khun Krap!
Jay *******
OP@Lewis *******
Yeah, but it's not only the legality, it's the insurance cover I'm concerned about.
Brian ********
@Jay ******
My motorbike insurance specifies no attachments to the bike, so you will probably find that they uninsurableThat being said, it does not appear to stop the locals from riding them. There are hundreds of them here.
David ********
@Brian *******
correct and if you have an accident with them forget about any claim from them you have to cover yourself. They will initially try to get you to cover them but if you ask for there registration paper they will back off and the police will support youBrian ********
@St***
Both my bikes are new so I have class 1 insurance, not just the government minimum. And it is on the policy that attachments are not permitted
Steve ********
@Brian *******
That’s the crux of the matter, if you have extra insurance, that you take out, rather than just the compulsory insurance, which you get when you tax the motorcycle. I am not sure what that says. It’s something I would check.
Carrie ******
@Jay ******
I would worry about that, as others have mentioned I don't think they are a very legal vehicle, so if the insurance knew that it was altered in anyway, such as a saleng is, then you probably wouldn't be covered. I would speak with your insurance company as this could differ, but part of me doubts that 😂
David ********
@Jay ******
your obviously confused. There is a difference between insurance cc and Thai licence. I know what l said you read it again. The post was questioning if they would be insured. The slaing if it has its registration covered correctly then it is roadworthy. This doesn't mean their insurance covers it in an accident for full comprehensive coverJay *******
OP@David *******
I hate to risk being considered a pedant, but you're the one who raised the potential issue (or otherwise) of the motorcycle engine's cubic capacity..... remember (it was only two posts ago)?David ********
@Jay ******
I am talking about the insurance company that you insure with that's the issue if you have an accident . Thai motorbike licence is not relevant to this as it is any motorcycle there is no cc restrictions.Jay *******
OP@David *******
The Honda Dream MC is only 90cc and I understand a Thai licence covers at least up to 125cc (maybe more) so it's not so much the bike as the "sidecar" which is the issue, here.David ********
@Carrie *****
usually your insurance will state motorcycle to a specific cc like 125 cc something like that. This is usually not followed by some people as they want to ride bigger bikes and insurance won't cover them when the police make a reportActivity
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