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Can a US passport holder on a 60-day tourist visa obtain a Thai driver's license?

Thai driver's license US passport holder 60-day tourist visa TM30 form Immigration International Driving Permit Visa regulations Residency certificate

May 6, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

So this question has probably been asked a thousand times. I'm going to ask one more. I'm here as a US passport holder on a 60-day tourist visa. Can I get a Thai driver's license. I have been pulled over twice with my international license but I'd rather just get a Thai license sense on planning on staying till the end of September and flying in and out to extend my visa. I know the US embassy will not get me a proof of residency. I am staying at a service hotel month-to-month. And I asked them if they would give me a TM30 showing that I'm staying here long-term and I said no problem. Thank you everyone and as always I know I'm going to get a bunch of rude responses and that's cool. Cuz you are  going to have tough skin to be in Thailand.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US passport holder on a 60-day tourist visa is seeking information on whether they can obtain a Thai driver's license. They mention their struggles with an international driving permit and their current living situation in a service hotel, as well as challenges in obtaining a residency certificate. Comments from community members offer insights on necessary documents, including the TM30 form and medical certificates, and share personal experiences related to the licensing process in Thailand.

Christian **********

Are you certain you cannot get a certificate of residence from the US consulate or embassy? I've gotten them numerous times from the consulate in Chiang Mai on visa exempt.

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Albert *********

my experience

own brand new hrv my name on the blue book.. no1 insurance, for the year, if you have thai drivers licence, only can insure you for 3 months international diving permit...by the way I'm from England.... have only " tourist " visa maxed it out for nearly 6months... live in nong khai rent condo with thai partner joint names on lease,landlord governor officer filled the appropriate form with immigration...

off I go to transport dept with papers etc etc all good I thinks! given papers that needed to be signed by immigration, of I go

nooo nooo we can't sign you are only on " tourist visa" also stamp tourist visa in my passport... cnts

so all turned out to be a load off jolly bollocks...!!!!

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Julane *******

The international is connected to your USA motorbike license right? I've got an international license on my USA car license and I'm legitimately able to drive here. In Pattaya.

My husband got his car and motorbike license easily on his own. He posted about his experience...if you still want to do that. It's only valid for 2 years and then needs to be renewed.

Since you're in Pattaya join this group if you care to read his detailed post:

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91/?mibextid=Nif5oz

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Sue **********

Having a Thai license won’t stop you being pulled. So an International Driving permit is good for what you need.

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Bob **********

You should have a TM30 no matter how long you stay but bring that to jomtien immigration and tell them you need a residence certificate for a driver’s license if you want car and bike the want two of everything but I believe you can make a copy you also need a medical certificate you can go to any clinic

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Us *****

Bro, how can you manage driving on the wrong/left side of the road?

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Paul *******

Haha, all good!

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Paul *******

If you can't make the switch and get used to it within one hour of starting, then you shouldn't be driving, period. I can even drive LHD vehicles on the left and RHD vehicles on the right in my sleep. If you're an experienced driver, it's like riding a bicycle. There's nothing to it.

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Us *****

lol, I have driven in England before, just making a joke

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Us *****

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John **********

for many of us the left is the right side of the road 😉

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John *********

Just use your international licence mate. Same shit different shovel. It's legal.

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David *********

there have been cases in which people stopped with IDP that are here over 30 days get fined. Letter vs spirit of the law but best to get a real one.

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David *********

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Bob *******

the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car so that helps

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Bob *******

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Samuel ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Pattaya

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Dave ******

Call these guys they will help you with all the paperwork, totally legit.

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p.s. You got a cool last name, Lol

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Stuart *********

I believe in Pattaya they’ll issue a residence certificate at immigration - which you need for the license.

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Stuart *********

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Stuart *********

What part of Thailand are you in?

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Stuart *********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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