What are the current requirements for obtaining a driving license in Thailand for expats on a Non-Immi-OA visa?

Jun 15, 2019
6 years ago
Manfred ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi,

a friend of mine (who is in Thailand on a Non-Immi-OA expiring March 2020) tried to apply for a driving licence.

He prepared all neccessary papers/health certificates and went to DLT. They of course redirected him to Immigration to have a proof of residence.

At Immigration (Nong Khai) a guy that was new to the staff told him in a pretty rude way: "There's a new regulation. Come back in one year when you have your first extension of stay. Until then you can't have a driving licence".

Does anyone know about this new regulation? My friend asked for a written confirmation of this new regulation but he was just rejected with no information.

So? Anyone for more information?

Thx
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reported a friend's experience with applying for a driving license in Thailand while on a Non-Immi-OA visa. The immigration office stated they could not issue a residence certificate unless the friend had their first extension of stay. Many commenters shared mixed experiences regarding the requirements for obtaining a residence certificate and driving license at various immigration offices, indicating that policies vary significantly across regions. Assistance from local agents or Thai friends was suggested, but some pointed out that the discussion was becoming unrelated to visa advice.
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Tod *********
Different immigration offices have different criteria to issue certificates of residence.

As an example; here in bangkok IF you are not on an extension of stay that does 90 day reporting AND have done at least one 90 day report you cannot get a certificate of residence. This means anyone who doesn't do that has to use their embassy/consulate for a certificate of residence

BUT as was pointed out this has abso-tively, posi-lutely NOTHING to do with thai VISA advice (which not surprisingly is what the group is actually about :P)

Post on a f/b group about the city you live in here in thailand.

Good Luck,
Vincent ***********
Bring your landlord's Tambian baan and house contract + his ID and that of your wife etc... they are supposed to do it.

Unless you own your house with your wife and have your name in a Tambian Baan already. Then you'll need your certified translated passport as your name is written in Thai.

I don't have an embassy here, that's how i did.

Anyway, not visa related... the post will soon be closed. Good luck! :)
Tod *********
well spotted
@Vin****
, it's got NOTHING at all to do with thai VISA advice ;)
Ellie *******
Get residence certificate/letter from your own embassy.

But just wondering what is your real Thai visa question?
Joe ***********
Troy Mee - it is an option in cases such as cited here where the local immigration will not or refuses to assist
Dylan ********
A Thai driving licence? Those exist ? Haha.
Bram ***************
just tell them you need it for something else :-)
Glen *********
This will be closed shortly, as they always say, this is not Thai drivers licence group haha
Paul ********
In Chanthaburi immigration do not give a residency certificate at all end of story and for a driving license at Land Transport they want you to have a Tabien Baan before they will talk to you. This place is proving to be very hard core.
Michael **********
I applied and got mine the first month of my retirement extension. No problems
Adrian *************
The new chief at Nong Khai Immigration Office is starting to 'make his mark' in his new position. You can now ONLY get a Certificate of Residence in Nong Khai if you qualify for a ONE Year Extension of Stay. I have recently experienced this last month
Rich ****
No can have!
Marty *********
Don’t you get the certificate of residence from your Consultant?
Joe ***********
@Tod ********
- don't think so
Tod *********
@Joe **********
he meant his CONSULATE here :P
Joe ***********
@Marty ********
- most people do not utilize a consultant / agent
James ********
I got one on my first tourist visa here maybe 4 years ago.
James ********
I suggest your friend goes back on another day ...take a Thai friend along to assist with getting the residence certificate. Or seek assist from Agents who do offer help in getting Thai drivers licences. Check with local expat/expat clubs & members for their advice.
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