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Is doing a border bounce in Chiang Rai a good way to reset my 90-day reporting and driving license validity in Thailand?

DTV Visa 90-Day Reporting Border Bounce International Driving License Thai Driving License Immigration Procedures in Thailand Chiang Rai Visa Regulations

Jan 6, 2025

a year ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. I am in Thailand on my DTV visa. I am getting closer to the time of my 90-day reporting. Furthermore, I have international driving license, but it is valid only for 3 months in Thailand after crossing the border. I was planning do the reporting and converting my license to Thai one and do 90 days, but there came an opportunity for a border bounce.

Here is my question: I will be in Chiang Rai soon. Is it a good option to do a border bounce to “reset” 90-days and driving license? If so: do I just need to exit Thailand and do I have to come into Laos? If so, for how long do I need to enter Laos?

1h drive sounds tempting in comparison to 3 days spent in Thai immigration and other offices ;-)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is on a DTV visa in Thailand and approaching their 90-day reporting deadline, while also having an international driving license valid for only 3 months. They are considering a border bounce from Chiang Rai to reset their 90-day visa and driving license validity. Comments suggest that the IDP is valid for 90 days per entry, and some users mention that a 1 or 2 night stay may be required in border areas like Chiang Mai. Others recommend checking with an agency for options regarding same-day border bounces. Additionally, acquiring a Thai driving license requires specific documents and can vary in processing times based on location.

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Greg ********

People in Chiang Mai report a 1 or 2 night stay is required for a border bounce up there but they are talking about Visa Exempt. Agencies can also facilitate a same day bounce for a fee. I woukd enquire with an agency to find the lay of the land regarding border runs

a year ago

Kevin ********

Getting the licence here is worth doing. You need to have the TM30, certificate of residence, medical, and take copies of all and your licence and used passport pages to the Department of Land and Transport to get the licence.

In Phuket it’s a 6 week wait, in Samui you can do same day in under 2 hours as long as you have all the correct papers.

a year ago

Sam ******

@Kevin *******

I did my driver's licence in Samui earlier this year and it took a lot longer than 2 hours. 4 hours of watching videos before you were allowed to take the written test, then come back the next day for the actual driving test.

a year ago

Kevin ********

@Sam *****

then you didn’t have the IDP to start with or had been here longer than 90 days with an IDP

I did mine start to finish in 90 minutes and never watched any videos. Did car and bike at the same time.

a year ago

Toni *******

@Kevin *******

i converted my car idp to thai license in 30mins with 200thb, just waited them to print me one

a year ago

Reply to

Toni *******

Luit *****************

@Kevin *******

I might be interested in this too, but don't they take your original drivers licence?

a year ago

Kevin ********