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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
Feb 8, 2024
2 years ago
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTERThai 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
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
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.
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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
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.
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.Reply to
Adam ******
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Grant *******
If you don't need it. Don't bother getting it. Too much stuffing around.
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
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
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 yrsGary **********
@Ronald **********
. Thank you for the information.Reply to
Gary **********
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Ang *****
Yes, as it’s a recognised form of ID. It it worth the hassle - 🤷♀️.
Joe ******
I use my Thai driving licence in the UK to soak up any points I might get 😜
DK *****
Joe Mann Yes. They give me a break when I use an international license in other countries.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTERJoe Mann seriously hope we never have to return to the Uk 🤞🏼👍🏼
Reply to
Linz ************
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Frank **********
I get Thai prices at the zoo and some parks.
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
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?Bernie *************
@Sarah *****
hi Sarah I was under the impression we were talking about the advantages of having a Thai licenseLinz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bernie ************
we were, thank you Bernie, I understand 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼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!Bernie *************
Reply to
Bernie *************
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Guido **********
most important you are insured in case you rent a vehicle
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.
John ***********
@Grzegorz **********
200 baht limit! That's nothing.Grzegorz ***********
@John **********
Maybe, but I usually just get a coffee or some snack, and then dealing with pocket of coins was just not amusing.Reply to
Grzegorz ***********
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Phil ******
@Linz ***********
yes. ID for many servicesDK *****
Discount at national parks. Readily accepted at banks and hotels like locals.
John *********
@DK ****
Is that official policy re national parks?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.
Reply to
DK *****
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Aake **********
@DK ****
nopeLinz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@DK ****
so getting one could prove beneficial, thank youReply to
Linz ************
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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.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sue *********
thank you 👍🏼Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Jan ******************
*****************************************************************************************************************
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.
Eventually (2mos IIRC) you are required to take the test.
Graham ******
@Cody ********
Correct, the IDP is only valid for 90 days after you enterНемања **********
@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?
Graham ******
@Немања *********
Good question, in theory yes but would it?Reply to
Graham ******
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Stacey ****************
Will they issue Thai driver license based off USA & international drivers license?
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.Stacey ****************
@George ************
thanks George. I need to get it done, my AAA one expires in April.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
Reply to
Brian ********
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Ann ************
Reply to
Ann ************
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Flo ******
How to get a bank account? Any cheap options?
Sean *********
@Flo *****
go bank to bank or use an agency. Just check on the upper limit on transfers as some banks are 50,000 maxJan ******************
@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.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.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.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👍🏻👍🏻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.Reply to
Jan ******************
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Flo *****
the cheapest option is do it yourself of courseLinz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Flo *****
we used @Mots *********
not sure what your definition of “cheap” isFor 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
Reply to
Linz ************
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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
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
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.Lennart **********
@Taz *********
can you please tell me where I find my passport number on my thai driving licens,since I cant find it myselfLennart **********
Thanks,im blind
Nick **********
@Lennart *********
The Thai driving licence CAN have your passport number. But it doesn't need to. Could be Thai id number instead.Claudia **********
@Lennart *********
last row front pageTaz **********
@Lennart *********
under your date of birthIn Thai it says
National identification number / ID No. then your passport number
Reply to
Taz **********
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Damo ***********
@Taz *********
good advice.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.Taz **********
@Wylie ******
depends on the hotel, many accept your Thai drivers licence as it has your passport number on itJohn **********
@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 hotelsWylie *******
@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.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.Reply to
Brandon ************
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Carsten ************
You don't need to carry your PP or a copy of it with you anymore. No other benefits (anymore).
Stuart *********
It can be used as ID for internal flights and as a replacement for passport at hotel check-ins etc.
Jan ******************
@Stuart ********
It’s very convenient, but regarding domestic flights; *****************************************************************************************************************
Mark ********
@Jan *****************
The article specifically mentions Thai DLsReply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jan *****************
I've used mine to fly since this "announcement"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.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.Jan ******************
@Brandon ***********
Yes of course, I will do too.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
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