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Is it worth converting my Indonesian motorcycle license to a Thai license now, or should I wait until I renew my Thai car license?

Thailand driving licenses Indonesian motorcycle license Thai motorcycle license conversion ASEAN driving license regulations insurance considerations for driving in Thailand

Nov 5, 2024

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Opinions? 

I have Thai car drivers license and Indonesian Motorcycle License. 

I understand there’s a ASEAN agreement about driving licenses. Would it be a waste of energy and money to convert my Indo motorcycle license to a Thai license, and just do it when i need to renew my Thai car driver license instead? (In about two years) 

The Indonesian motorcycle License is valid for 5 years and needs legal translation and embassy stamp for conversion to Thai. 

Any risks about insurance etc im not considering regarding using the Indonesian motorcycle license in Thailand ? 

I typically only drive motorcycle on short vacations to the islands. For the rest i use car.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering whether to convert their Indonesian motorcycle license to a Thai license now or wait until their Thai car license renewal in two years. They have a Thai car license, understand there are ASEAN agreements regarding driving licenses, and are concerned about the legality and insurance coverage while using the Indonesian license in Thailand, especially as they ride motorcycles mainly during short vacations.

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Dca *****

any Thai insurance considerations would be best answered with a direct question to the Thai insurance company as they would be the one deciding to pay out or not pay in the event of any claims, and that would vary according to the specific coverages that have been bought or not and details of the Thai insurance policy....

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks. My main concern is making sure I can legally drive motorbike. Your comment about dual language appears to clarify that part.

I may go ahead and convert it anyway to be on the safe side.

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Dca *****

Yes, ASEAN Driving Licenses with English language are just fine in Thailand

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Dca *****

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Kool *******

Keep in mind that after being in Thailand for more than 90 days you must have a Thai driver's license

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

As per my post I do have a Thai Car Driver license.

My question is if its worth converting my Indonesian Motorcycle cycle license to Thai, as technically its valid in a Thailand as well per this ASEAN agreement.

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Dca *****

An ASEAN Driving License will only be valid according to this Agreement if there is dual English language on the Driving License.

is your Indonesian Driving License in Bahasa Indonesia only or both Bahasa Indonesia and English? if dual language, then just use the Indonesia Driving License.

Otherwise convert to a Thai Motorcycle Driving Licence....

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

its dual language on the license

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Tore *********

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Marcel ***

you cannot convert your Indonesian license, if you don't have the international permit from Indonesia too. I tried it and ended up making a new license at Honda

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

agent reaffirmed if I have it translated to English via Indo embassy I can convert it

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Marcel ***

my agent told me I need to apply for a International permit in Indonesia

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

interesting. I will double check. I was in contact with a agent and they told me it was possible if translated.

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Tore *********

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Ian **********

I'm in the same boat as you. My Thai wife decided I didn't need a motorcycle licence when I renewed my car licence. I only rent bikes when I'm on an island holiday so now I'm not fully covered 😡

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah I don’t like the insurance risk.

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Tore *********

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Dca *****

Have you inquired to add motorcycle class of vehicles to your current Thai Driver License??

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Jeffrey **********

That's not how it's done here motorcycle license is a complete separate license

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeffrey *********

interesting, that kinda makes it more worth doing the conversion now.

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Tore *********

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Tore *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah, that needs the translation and the Indo embassy stamp. With both new medical certificate and CoR

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Tore *********

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