Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?

@Greg *******

medical insurance will pay, car insurance wont

@Richard *******

not needed IDP has that already, at least the CAA we have from Canada does.

We have not had to have anything translated or notarized for any transactions, including IDP , VISAS, EXTENSIONS, car purchase or motorbike.

@Sam ********

not necessarily that has not been my experience and I've been living here well over 4 years if you intend to stay longer than 3 months it is wise to get a Thai license and it not just for the police as Ron mentioned should you have an accident you could have a difficult time with you insurance company. at the end of the day it's the individual choice but knowing the law and under standing it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run the choice is yours.

Ron That's your source?

"Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence."

@Sammy ******

I may be wrong, but in all fairness I don't think he is trying to prove anyone wrong. Rather find an official source in order to provide accurate information for this and future inquiries.

These pages are often filled with people giving incorrect advice and using arguments such as "I've been coming to Thailand for years and have never had a problem", etc as proof of a particular rule or law.

When covid restrictions first started so many people argued that the test HAD to be taken within 72 hours when in fact it was results within 72 hours. When questioned they would simply reply "why would you risk it, it is so easy to get the test in that timeframe". Those people failed to consider that just because it was easy in their country it was not in other countries, or even other regions of the same country. Where I'm from in the US I called every single place I could find within a 5 hour driving radius and not a single company, hospital, or clinic guaranteed results any quicker than 3 to 5 business days at the time. It also cost about $200 dollars at the time for results no quicker than the free one I could take just down the road. A significant cost if traveling with a family. All their incorrect advice resulted in was a lot of unnecessary stress and time wasted trying to meet a false requirement. So I appreciate Mr. Hays and others requests for official sources on often contended subjects.

I do agree though, one should absolutely look at the fine print of their insurance, especially regarding motorbikes considering it is rarely if ever covered unless you have a motorbike license in your home country.

@Ron *********

I'm glad to see someone knows the law 👍

@Ron *********

that's what I heard too.

Ron Sangster. Not quite correct. There's no time limitation on IDP, and IDP is not actually required if countries have reciprocal agreement under 1949 Geneva Convention, and home licence is printed in English. What the legislation states is "temporary visitor" and with the exception of permanent residents, realistically we're all temporary here!

Google, multiple articles

@Ron *********

Source?

@Trina *******