thailand
Ask question

Is there any benefit to having a Thai driving license if you don't intend to drive in Thailand?

Thai Driving LicenseInternational Driving PermitID requirements in ThailandBenefits of Thai Driving LicenseVisa and residency in ThailandDriving in ThailandExpat life in Thailand
February 8, 2024
8 months ago
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Driving Licence?

Hello all

We have our UK Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit

We have zero intentions of driving in Thailand, is there any benefit in having a Thai driving licence (other than to legally drive a motor vehicle)

Thank You
4,720
views
8
likes
141
all likes
73
replies
4
images
35
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
While there's no requirement to obtain a Thai driving license if you don't plan on driving, having one can still provide several benefits. It can serve as a valid form of identification for domestic flights, hotel check-ins, and various forms of transport, reducing the need to carry your passport everywhere. Some users have mentioned that it might help secure lower prices at certain tourist attractions and provide convenience in banking and insurance matters. However, the process of obtaining a license can be cumbersome and may not be necessary for everyone.
Stephen ********
A thai driving licence is beneficial as when you go to a tourist place and show you pay the same as a thai not falang prices
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham *******
I used an agent, there is a lot of faffing around to get one, 1) make appointment at test center, 2) make appointment at license office 3) take the test which is a colour sight and reaction test 4) get medical certificate 5) get all your papers together, like visa, residence cert 6) take it the license center and wait around. Hence use an agent.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
@Graham ******
 In and out of Cha Am office in about twenty minutes two months ago. Bike licence and car licence and no booking, I just walked in.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Grant *******
If you don't need it. Don't bother getting it. Too much stuffing around.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Gary **********
I have a uk full driving licence

How do you get the Thi licence do you just Show them yours and they sort a licence for Thiland or do you have to take a test etc
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Ronald ***********
@Gary *********
 I only had to take the physical test 3yrs ago with my UK license you should get a seperate motor bike license if you have the group on your UK licensee, they last for 5 yrs
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Gary **********
@Ronald **********
. Thank you for the information.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gary **********
Reply
Ang *****
Yes, as it’s a recognised form of ID. It it worth the hassle - 🤷‍♀️.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Joe ******
I use my Thai driving licence in the UK to soak up any points I might get 😜
8 months ago
Like
Reply
DK *****
Joe Mann Yes. They give me a break when I use an international license in other countries.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Joe Mann seriously hope we never have to return to the Uk 🤞🏼👍🏼
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Frank **********
I get Thai prices at the zoo and some parks.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Bernie *************
I find it useful for the police /army road checks just hold it up and they wave you through, plus you sometimes get a better rate when visiting places of interest you pay thai prices not tourists prices
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Sarah ******
@Bernie ************
 Why would they allow you to pay Thai prices on an International Driving Permit? That doesn't make any sense. On a Thai DL fair enough, but international?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Bernie *************
@Sarah *****
 hi Sarah I was under the impression we were talking about the advantages of having a Thai license
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bernie ************
 we were, thank you Bernie, I understand 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Sarah ******
@Bernie ************
 My bad Bernie.. caught only a part of the conversation! Yes, having a Thai DL might help with discounts to places. The test itself is so easy to do too!
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Bernie *************
@Sarah *****
 👍
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bernie *************
Reply
Guido **********
most important you are insured in case you rent a vehicle
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Grzegorz ***********
With Thai driver license you can get True Money account, which is quite convenient in 7-Eleven ever since they set a 200THB min. charge on card payments.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
John ***********
@Grzegorz **********
 200 baht limit! That's nothing.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Grzegorz ***********
@John **********
 Maybe, but I usually just get a coffee or some snack, and then dealing with pocket of coins was just not amusing.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Grzegorz ***********
Reply
Phil ******
@Linz ***********
 yes. ID for many services
8 months ago
Like
Reply
DK *****
Discount at national parks. Readily accepted at banks and hotels like locals.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
John *********
@DK ****
 Is that official policy re national parks?
7 months ago
Like
Reply
DK *****
In all national parks I visited, they never accepted non-o spouse visa stamp on my passport as a proof of long term residency in my past experience. I spend a long time explaining, but official rules don't apply in these islands and mountains. I think vast majority seems to take the driver's license as some kind of long term residency. When they see a passport, they see a potential competitor to be exploited in my opinion. Some are quite insecure and hostile.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
DK *****
Reply
Aake **********
@DK ****
 nope
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@DK ****
 so getting one could prove beneficial, thank you
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Sue **********
so to sum up your question: No you don‘t need to have a thai dl if you are staying longer than 90 days but never will drive in thailand.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sue *********
 thank you 👍🏼
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Jan ******************
*****************************************************************************************************************
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Cody *********
If I remember correctly the IDP is only valid for a limited time while in the country.

Eventually (2mos IIRC) you are required to take the test.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Cody ********
 Correct, the IDP is only valid for 90 days after you enter
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Немања **********
@Graham *****
 I have a multi entry Non-O visa, every 90 days I leave the country and come back. Does this mean that every time I re-enter the country I can use the IDP?

I mean, does the ability to use the IDP reset for 90 days every time you enter Thailand?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Немања *********
 Good question, in theory yes but would it?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Stacey ****************
Will they issue Thai driver license based off USA & international drivers license?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
George *************
@Stacey ***************
 If by "International Driver's License" you mean International Driver's *Permit* (obtained from AAA in the US) then yes in combination with your USA license you can obtain a Thai driver's license without taking the written or practical driving test. You will still need to pass the physical tests (reaction time, color recognition) though.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Stacey ****************
@George ************
 thanks George. I need to get it done, my AAA one expires in April.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Brian ********
@Stacey ***************
I live in Kanchanaburi and got my bike and car licences last year. In addition to what George says I also had to get a certificate of residence (one for each licence) from immigration, about 20 mins, B500 and a health certificate from the local hospital, also 20 mins and B500.

At DLT I had to watch the road safety video, 1 hour. In all it took about 2 hours in DLT

I have full UK car licence, which is also a provisional bike licence and had an IDP
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Ann ************
@Stacey ***************
 no
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ann ************
Reply
Flo ******
How to get a bank account? Any cheap options?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Sean *********
@Flo *****
 go bank to bank or use an agency. Just check on the upper limit on transfers as some banks are 50,000 max
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Flo *****
 You can do yourself if you’re on a long stay Non O visa, someone has also managed to get it on tourist visa but it’s not easy. Trough and agent normal price 4-5000 thb.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Flo ******
@Jan *****************
 the agent wants 6500 , I feel that’s a bit heavy. I come several times es a year but only on a tourist visa.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Flo *****
 Ok, a bit expensive in my opinion. Cheapest I’ve heard is 4000 in Pattaya and I can give you a couple options here on FB if you stay or pass by there next time. Or else I don’t know any agencies my self and I managed to open before it turned strict as today.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Flo ******
@Jan *****************
 hi Jan, yes please, am I Patty at the moment. Would appreciate your contacts to open an account in the next few days👍🏻👍🏻
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Flo *****
 I use her. She’s very nice and fix everything fast and smooth. I don’t know about price for this exact service, but there’s also one agent named Mots service you can ask and compare prices if you wish. You’ll find page in FB.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Flo *****
 the cheapest option is do it yourself of course
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Flo *****
 we used
@Mots *********
 not sure what your definition of “cheap” is

For us, we paid them so they took care of all the paperwork/ bureaucracy/ waiting, only you can put a value on that and yes, if we decide to convert our UK driving license to a Thai license, we will use Mots to obtain it
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Taz **********
It can be used as ID for many things

Domestic flights

Buses

Trains

Hotel check in

You are also required to carry ID with you in Thailand

This has your photo & your passport number on it

Just note some hotels will not accept it for ID. On check in

I have never had an issue however some ppl have

Saves having to carry your passport with you everywhere & risking losing it or damaging it
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Simon **********
@Taz *********
 I have a pdf of my passport on my phone which I always use to check in to hotels, I don’t like carrying my passport. I have only been refused at check in once, they insisted I have my passport.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Lennart **********
@Taz *********
 can you please tell me where I find my passport number on my thai driving licens,since I cant find it myself
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Lennart **********
Thanks,im blind
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Nick **********
@Lennart *********
 The Thai driving licence CAN have your passport number. But it doesn't need to. Could be Thai id number instead.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Claudia **********
@Lennart *********
 last row front page
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
@Lennart *********
 under your date of birth

In Thai it says

National identification number / ID No. then your passport number
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Taz **********
Reply
Damo ***********
@Taz *********
 good advice.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Wylie *******
@Taz *********
 hotels are legally required to file a tm30 for all foreigners, so it they're doing that then they'll need your passport anyways.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Taz **********
@Wylie ******
 depends on the hotel, many accept your Thai drivers licence as it has your passport number on it
8 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Taz *********
 it does but doesn't have the country so not quite sure how they can do a TM30, I never give my passport to hotels
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Wylie *******
@Taz *********
 correct. I assumed that they needed more info from the passport that isn't on the license to file the TM30 though. Perhaps that is not the case. I do know many hotels don't even ask for any ID and therefore don't file the TM30.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Wylie ******
 the only other thing they need is your nationality. If they ask you that when you hand over your DL you'll know they're going to file.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Carsten ************
You don't need to carry your PP or a copy of it with you anymore. No other benefits (anymore).
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
It can be used as ID for internal flights and as a replacement for passport at hotel check-ins etc.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Stuart ********
 It’s very convenient, but regarding domestic flights;
*****************************************************************************************************************
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark ********
@Jan *****************
 The article specifically mentions Thai DLs
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Mark *******
 As i see, you’ll still get boarding anyway.
7 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jan *****************
 I've used mine to fly since this "announcement"
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Brandon ***********
 The article is three weeks old. If it’s still possible you could also one day risk that they will ask for your passport at the airport.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jan *****************
 of course I always have it. But it's buried safely away in my bag. I'll use my license until I cannot.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Brandon ***********
 Yes of course, I will do too.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?
135 comments
6 days ago
Can I transfer my US driver's license and international driving permit to obtain a Thai driver's license without full training?
40 comments
3 months ago
Do I need to update my Thai driving license after getting a new passport?
12 comments
3 months ago
Do you need a Thai driving license to buy a car in Thailand?
26 comments
5 months ago
Are Thai police still strict about enforcing the need for international driver's licenses for foreigners?
25 comments
7 months ago
How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?
22 comments
7 months ago
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
98 comments
9 months ago
Can I use my Thai driver's license for domestic flights in Thailand while my UK passport is being renewed?
38 comments
a year ago
What should I know about driving permits when living long-term in Thailand and visiting my home country?
43 comments
a year ago
Is a Spanish driving license enough to drive in Thailand, or do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
128 comments
a year ago
Can you use a US driver's license in Thailand without obtaining a Thai driver's license?
56 comments
a year ago
How long can I drive in Thailand with an International Driving Permit before obtaining a Thai driving license, and what is the validity of the Thai license once obtained?
7 comments
a year ago
Do you need residency status to get a driver’s license in Thailand?
25 comments
2 years ago
What extra benefits do you get with a Thai Driver License, including National Park access?
110 comments
2 years ago
Will insurance companies cover drivers with an International Drivers License in Thailand?
65 comments
2 years ago
Is a Thai Driver’s License an acceptable form of ID for domestic air travel?
29 comments
2 years ago
Can I use my Thailand Pass as a driving license in Thailand?
110 comments
2 years ago
Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?
59 comments
3 years ago
Can I use my Thai driving license as ID instead of my passport?
22 comments
3 years ago
Can I drive in Thailand with a full UK driving licence?
107 comments
3 years ago
How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?
66 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?
66 comments
4 years ago
Do UK holders need an International Driving Permit when entering Thailand on an Elite Visa?
32 comments
6 years ago
How can I convert my UK driving licence to a Thai licence, and what are the requirements?
9 comments
6 years ago
Do I need a Thai driving license to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand if I have a UK driving license and an international driving permit?
97 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.