Answereda year ago
Is a temporary Thai driving license valid in other Southeast Asian countries?
I have a temporary Thai driving license (valid 2 years)
is it true that it is valid only in Thailand and not in all the other SEA countries like the 5 years license?
is it true that it is valid only in Thailand and not in all the other SEA countries like the 5 years license?
Answer summary
A temporary Thai driving license (valid for 2 years) is not valid for driving in other Southeast Asian countries, unlike a standard 5-year license. It is recognized only within Thailand. However, a Thai smart card driving license can be used to drive in all 10 ASEAN countries under an agreement, provided it is in the smart card format and can be understood in both Thai and English. Users can also drive in ASEAN countries with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country.
32 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Michael ********
I have used the two year one in Singapore no problem
Terary **********
I couldn't speak about the other ASEAN countries... However the 2 year license is valid in USA, for car rental purposes. I didn't try it for accidents or police.
Gary *************
I am not sure about other SEA countries, but I have used it in the USA when renting cars to go see my kids and other relatives with no problem.
Billy *********
Not saying it is correct but
Lucky maybe
3 months ago while on a visa on entry or visa exempt (UK passport,)I had been in Malaysia 4 weeks driving a Malaysian car and was stopped at road block showed my Thai 2 year licence they did not accept it
I told them I'm a tourist showed them my passport stamp in.
.
They went & checked it out and said ok you can drive in Malaysia as a tourist
UK licence needs no IDP if on short visit under 90 days in Malaysia
The roadblock was a 'Tea Money ' road block regular occurrence on that route
Lucky maybe
3 months ago while on a visa on entry or visa exempt (UK passport,)I had been in Malaysia 4 weeks driving a Malaysian car and was stopped at road block showed my Thai 2 year licence they did not accept it
I told them I'm a tourist showed them my passport stamp in.
.
They went & checked it out and said ok you can drive in Malaysia as a tourist
UK licence needs no IDP if on short visit under 90 days in Malaysia
The roadblock was a 'Tea Money ' road block regular occurrence on that route
NeL *****
When you hired the vehicle, did you show a Thai driving license or a UK driving license ?
Billy *********
@NeL ****
vehicle wasn't hired it was a mates car .
Samuel ******
Okay so here's the stupid question. I have a 5-year Thai motorcycle license. Is that valid in other Southeast Asian countries? And if so which ones? I understand motorbike only
Stephan ***********
@Samuel *****
Yes, your license is valid in all ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. These countries are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. And, of course, only for what it's issued... so... just motorcycles.
True ********
@Stephan **********
I didn't think it works in Vietnam?Istvan *********
@Stephan **********
I'm living here and travelling here for years so nothing new to me ;)Stephan ***********
@Istvan ********
Welcome to South East Asia... 😁Istvan *********
@Stephan **********
they just want some tea money. But I had everything 🤣🤣 so not from me 🤣Stephan ***********
@Istvan ********
Correct... it totally depends on the officer you have to deal with... some know about the agreement, others don't. And from the some who knows... well... let's say their memory is not the best sometimes... 😁Istvan *********
@Stephan **********
depends on the police officer. I've been in Vietnam for 2 months and had a few police officers who were happy just with my Thai DL without IDP. Of course I have IDP too!Stephan ***********
@True *******
You are right... I forgot to mention the needed IDP in combination with a Thai license. Although Vietnam "officially" do accept the Thai license / the ASEAN Agreemnet, they don't do in real life.Tony **********
@Samuel *****
you can get a Thai idp off you hold a 5yr license. It will be good for the class of vehicle it is issued against.
Duncan *******
@Tony *********
yes but it only reflects the class on your license.
Marc ********
@Samuel *****
correct
Jan ******************
EDIT, special for ASEAN countries;
"A Thai driving license can be used in place of an international driving permit in 10 ASEAN countries.The smart card driving license can be used to drive in all 10 countries: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.This is part of an agreement among ASEAN member countries. The smart card records information in both Thai and English.Additionally, vehicles registered in Thailand can be used in these 10 ASEAN countries. However, for use in other countries, an English registration plate must be obtained for the vehicle".
The point is that you cannot obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a two-year driver’s license, but you can use an international driving permit from your home country if you have one.
"A Thai driving license can be used in place of an international driving permit in 10 ASEAN countries.The smart card driving license can be used to drive in all 10 countries: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.This is part of an agreement among ASEAN member countries. The smart card records information in both Thai and English.Additionally, vehicles registered in Thailand can be used in these 10 ASEAN countries. However, for use in other countries, an English registration plate must be obtained for the vehicle".
The point is that you cannot obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a two-year driver’s license, but you can use an international driving permit from your home country if you have one.
Tony **********
@Jan *****************
and it's not expired (mine was 1yr).
Sean **********
@Tony *********
yes, you would have to renew the IDP in your home country every year to continue ising with your home country licenseTony **********
@Sean *********
trouble is if you're in Thailand for 14 months and trave to other sea countriesl, your 2yr Thai license is pretty useless but some countries will honor my usa licence even thought the idp is no longer valid
Robin *******
Use your IDP
Ray ********
@Robin ******
IDP alongside your own countries licence.IDP alone is not sufficient and will not cover you.😀
Robin *******
@Ray *******
neither will your home license, you need the too togetherRay ********
@Robin ******
??? Please read my post above, that's exactly what I said.You do indeed need the TWO together.😀❓😀
Chris ************
@Tony *********
exactly 💯Tony **********
@Robin ******
and if you've been here for a while, your idp has probably expired. My usa idp was for 1yr.
Leong ***********
You could use your driving license from your home country.
Ray ********
@Leong **********
only if you also have an IDP. Internal Driving Permit. You must use BOTH if you intend using your home countries driving licence. Also make sure you have full insurance cover for whatever you want to drive/ ride.
Patrick *********
Correct, the 2 year license is considered "Temporary" and not valid in other ASEAN countries.
Colin **********
Yes its true
Activity
21 joined21
people
Related
25What are the requirements to obtain a Thai driving license and can I convert my international driving license?
5.6k41724mo
Can I use my UK driving license to drive in Thailand while on a 12-month extension?
4k31469mo
Can tourists obtain a driving license in Thailand?
4.2k32401y
Can I legally drive in Bangkok with an IDP on a DTV visa?
4.2k42201y
Can you renew a Thai driving license for 5 years with a DTV visa in Bangkok?
4.9k33381y
What is the best drivers license company in Thailand?
622351y
What is the process for obtaining a Thai motorcycle driving license with an international driver's permit?
2.2k221y
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a DTV Visa and a Thai Driving License?
1.7k12101y
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
5.1k44281y
Does my International Drivers Permit and UK License allow me to drive in Thailand for 1 year with a DTV?
2.4k20141y
Can I use my German-to-Philippine converted driver's license in Phuket, Thailand, as a tourist?
2.2k2092y
Do I need to renew my international driving permit after changing my address on my driving license?
1.7k1292y
What paperwork is required to convert an international driver's license to a Thai driver's license?
10.1k51492y
Can I use my Singapore driving license to rent a car in Thailand?
5.2k15112y
How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?
4.3k22273y
Is there any benefit to having a Thai driving license if you don't intend to drive in Thailand?
8.4k73683y
What are the requirements for driving legally in Thailand with an Australian driver's license?
10.7k53913y
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
11.7k981133y
What paperwork and licenses do I need to buy and ride a motorbike in Thailand as an expat?
3.1k21183y
Where can I obtain an International Driving Permit in Chiang Mai?
4.5k21274y
How long can I drive in Thailand with an International Driving Permit before obtaining a Thai driving license, and what is the validity of the Thai license once obtained?
1.6k7174y
How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?
8.1k66866y
Is an International Driving Permit valid in Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Visa?
7k54776y
Do UK holders need an International Driving Permit when entering Thailand on an Elite Visa?
4.1k32378y
Do I need a Thai driving license to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand if I have a UK driving license and an international driving permit?
11.9k97619y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served