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Do you need to convert your ASEAN driver's license to a Thai driver's license or IDP if you stay in Thailand?

Thai driver's license ASEAN driver's license IDP (International Driving Permit)Visa regulations Residency in Thailand Driving laws in Thailand

Mar 30, 2025

a month ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do you need to convert to thai drivers license or IDP eventually if you hold an ASEAN DL.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Holders of an ASEAN driver's license can generally drive in Thailand due to agreements recognizing licenses from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. However, for long-term stays (over 3 months), it's advisable to convert to a Thai driver's license due to potential insurance requirements and for smoother interactions with local authorities. The process for obtaining a Thai license is typically quick and easy, involving minimal testing. While technically a foreign license may be accepted for shorter stays, having a Thai license is beneficial for residents.

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Boaz *****

Thai driving license can drive within the ASEAN region.

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Paul *******

Earlier this year, I applied for a 10 year Cambodian driver's license, which is useful obviously for Cambodia as well as the rest of Asean and lasts twice as long as a Thai one. I did this because I spend a lot of time in that country and the police in Phnom Penh do hassle foreigners who don't possess a local license, regardless of Asean agreements and supposed recognition of IDPs.

However. I of course also maintain a Thai license as I consider myself a resident here so I renewed my licenses and IDPs all on the same day just over a week ago. Everything went smooth.

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Paul *******

If you're taking up residence in Thailand then technically yes, however, on a DTV, due to its requirements to do 6 or 12 monthly border runs then the interpretation may be different. That stated, I have heard that for periods of over 3 months of residence, a Thai license is needed thus even on a DTV you should get one.

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Matthew *******

ASEAN license is fine. But TH DL.. you could just fly domestic with it without the need for passport

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Paul *******

@Matthew ******

That is mostly correct though technically, if taking up residence in Thailand you should apply for a Thai license.

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Paul *******

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Anna ************

Link to the mentioned agreement for domestic license recognition

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5137.pdf

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Hilary *****

If you are staying in Thailand for a long time, it is a good idea to have a Thai driver's license, as it is more useful than a driver's license.

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Dany ********

since its very easy, fast and cheap to get a thai license i would do it. depending on the dlt/province its a matter of 1 hour to hold your driving licenses in your hand and no tests needed besides the reaction test which is laughably easy 🤣

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Paul *******

Well, you just confirmed that they do the eyesight test that I mentioned.

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Paul *******

Same elsewhere. I got my 2 licenses renewed in an hour and my 3 IDPs took another hour but only because of having to get more photos and photocopies done.

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Paul *******

Usually, they would have all 4 tests at any location but again, 3 out of these are basically eyesight tests.

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Dany ********

like i said from my pracical experience: there isnt in Krabi ;) i got my licenses there and so did many friends. :) it takes less than an hour from the parking lot to holding your driving license in your hand :)

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Paul *******

I can't imagine they wouldn't do an eyesight test in Krabi though as that is literally done everywhere and I've done it in multiple locations around the country over the years. All 4 tests take a combined 5 minutes or less.

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Dany ********

its not beeing done here. fact… 🤣 they probably consider the reaction test that includes seeing the traffic lights as such test ;) i have a red-green weakness and cannot even pass this test where you have to see the number with all the colored dots ;)

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Dany ********

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Paul *******

Yes, there are 4 tests, 3 of which test your eyesight (depth perception, color blindness and so forth) and the reaction test.

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Dany ********

not in Krabi. they have a test on the corridor 🤣 just a reaction test where you see a traffic light and have to break. super easy and takes 20 seconds. while everyone on the corridor is watching 😅 nothing else is tested and its a very quick process. depends on the DLT i guess ;)

but i was mainly refering to the online test some people say „you need“…

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Dany ********

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Anna ************

Depends what country. Thailand has special agreement with Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Philippines for recognizing each others domestic driving licenses, so for traffic police checking would be ok. But some insurance companies could require local driving license if you stay here on residential visa longer than 3 months.

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Paul *******

@Anna ***********

Correct and also Lao licenses too. As you state after 3 months you do need to apply for a Thai license.

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Greg ********

@Anna ***********

Good to know. I was with my pal the other day and he was asking about getting a local license - he has Singaporean DL. I may have given him wrong info lol

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Anna ************

Singapore domestic is recognized by officers for 100% - I have it and I had several checks before I converted them to local DL (it gaves a lot benefits when you stay here for long term) without any issues besides officers’ confusion with my very Russian name and look🤣

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Greg ********

@Anna ***********

I will let him know. He is Burmese but took Singapore citizenship so it will look strange to officers here too lol

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Anna ************

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5137.pdf

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Anna ************

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