Is the new Thai international driving license valid for 3 years and accepted in 84 countries now available?

Did you know this?

This could be really useful for anyone driving in Thailand – or planning to use a Thai license abroad. I just came across this info, and I wanted to check if it’s still accurate. Maybe someone here can confirm?

Here’s what I read:

Starting May 1, the Department of Land Transport in Thailand announced a new update:

A new type of international driving license will be available. And this one is special—it’s valid for 3 years and recognized in 84 countries under the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Up until now, Thai international driving permits were only valid for 1 year and recognized in 101 countries, mostly under the older 1949 Geneva Convention.

This change means that:

• Thailand is stepping in line with the Vienna standard

• Thai licenses will now be accepted in countries that follow the 1968 agreement (like much of Europe)

• And Thailand may also start accepting international permits from those same Vienna countries in return

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Can anyone confirm if this is already in effect?

And has anyone already applied for the new 3-year version?

This could be a big deal for a lot of us – especially those who travel frequently or want to drive abroad without renewing every year!