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Answered2 years ago

Is it easier to convert a driver's license to a Thai one in Hua Hin or Bangkok?

Driver's License Conversion Thai Driving License Hua Hin Bangkok Residence Certificate Car Registration

Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

asked Feb 2, 2025

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I all, probably more a « everything else » 

So in a few months I plan on moving to Hua Hin 

I’ll probably need to buy car and I’m completely lost with all info I find online, so simple question :

Is it easier to convert my Driver licence to a Thai one in Hua Hin or in BKK (or other city?)

Do I need a residence certificate or is it only for buying the car ? Since I’m about to leave the place I rent I don’t know if it’s worth it to ask now.

No agent for sketchy scheme I play by the rules

Answer summary

The conversation revolves around the process of converting a foreign driver's license to a Thai one, focusing on the necessary requirements such as a residence certificate, health certificate, and international driving permit (IDP). Participants share insights about the relative ease of conversion in Hua Hin versus Bangkok, with one user recounting a successful experience in Pranburi. They emphasize that a residence certificate is needed for both the license conversion and car registration, and mention that the conversion process includes a simple sight and reaction test.

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Maneerat ************

Maneerat ************

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Si ********

Si ********

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Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

oh wait Certificate residence is TM30? I was thinking it was two separate things

Thanks for this I keep your pictures very clear

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Tony **********

Tony **********

@Bastien *******

it is not a tm30

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Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

@Tony *********

just checked yeah I was wrong thanks !

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John *******

John *******

I converted my Canadian drivers license in Pranburi while I was resident in Hua Hin a few years ago.The usual photocopies of passport pages required, can't remember if I needed a medical cert.which is easy to obtain. Also didn't have to watch any videos, just did a colour blind test.Had my Thai license in about an hour.Also Cha-Am is another option to get license. Hope this helps.

1

Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

sounds easy like that

I miss driving so much I can’t wait to be able to explore more freely

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John *******

John *******

@Bastien *******

Drive very carefully in Thailand.

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Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

100%, might just drive on small road not on highway and definitely not in Bangkok, just I’ll move to a house that might be a little far from the city (not sure yet) so for groceries and everyday things I feel like I can’t do without

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Jan ******************

Jan ******************

Regarding converting I guess it’s quite equal. You’ll need a residence certificate and a health certificate and most probably a IDP together with your national licence to convert anyway.

The simple test regarding sight and reaction is more or less similar at the different DLT’s and they use the same equipment for this. You’ll need to watch this movie in the link and answer some simple questions and you can book appointment through this app.

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Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

@Jan *****************

sounds fair, might need to drive a little just to get used to the RHD cars too

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Stuart *********

Stuart *********

You’ll need a residence certificate for buying (actually to register the car in your name) the car AND for your licence. Be aware that they are only valid for 30 days (or until your existing stamp is for - which we is the sooner).

2

Bastien ********

Bastien ********

OP

@Stuart ********

yeah I prefer to have everything on my name, so I guess what I’ll do is get the certificate as soon as I move to my new home and follow up with driver licence and then buy the car

Not sure I can drive with an international license since I’m on a DTV

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Graham ******

Graham ******

@Bastien *******

you need two residence certificates (tick two boxes on the application), one for the DL and one for registering the car

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Jan ******************

Jan ******************

@Bastien *******

Doesn’t matter what kind of stay you’re on. A IDP is only valid for up to 90 consecutive days in Thailand anyway.

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