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What are the recent police regulations regarding foreigners driving motorbikes in Pattaya?
PattayaMotorbike RegulationsForeigners Driving LawsThai Driving LicenseInternational Driving Permit (IDP)Traffic FinesSafety Regulations
Jan 18, 2023
3 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys, not sure if this has been mentioned recently but the police in pattaya are having a clampdown on foreigners driving motorbikes. Please wear helmets and make sure you have your driving license and international driving license. You’ll receive a 500 baht fine if you don’t have your international license, probably more if you don’t have you normal driving license. The main areas are the turn off for jontiem near the flyover and also the opposite direction. Also pattaya beach road near the police station.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent reports indicate that police in Pattaya are intensifying enforcement on foreigners riding motorbikes. Key points include the necessity of wearing helmets and having a valid driving license, including an International Driving Permit (IDP). Fines can reach 500 baht for not possessing an IDP and potentially higher if one does not have a standard driving license. The main areas where enforcement is taking place include the road to Jomtien and Pattaya Beach Road near the police station. Discussions within the community indicate varying perceptions of the laws, particularly regarding the necessity of an IDP and the treatment of locals versus foreigners.
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Terary **********
That's not news. BAHAHAHA.
You could get a license and helmet, or just avoid those areas.
You could get a license and helmet, or just avoid those areas.
John ********
Been stopped 3 times no problem have all the proper paperwork
Neil ************
The usual.
Frank ********
Every tourist on a motorcycle is their first target... not so much Thais...
Paul *******
@dee dee everytime I see an idiot driver in Bangkok or Chonburi it's a local unfortunately.
Dar *****
@Frank *******
honestly as I drive around Chonburi and Bangkok every time I see some one being arrogant or doing something stupid it’s invariably a farrang who seem to think they can drive like villager and it’s ok. Yes the Thais drive quickly and do stupid things but somehow just somehow they seem more awareFrank ********
@Dee ****
yeah some Thais are artists while driving their motorcycle, but we're talking about the police preferable catch are farangs driving with or without helmets, Both are stopped for checks on documentation (insurance, driving license,etc) whilst most Thais are hardly checked !! A farang/tourist pays 1000 THB, and Thais for the same 300 THB.Reply to
Frank ********
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Otto *********
@Frank *******
not really. If they would concentrate on foreigners only, they would not make enough money. The rates may be slightly different, but they also prey on Thai drivers.Reply to
Otto *********
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James ***********
Oh thanks for that
Jeffrey *******
Great - get all the idiots off motorcycles.
Steve **********
@Jeffrey ******
you hear the big bikes before you see them . Make bet with yourself its a farang without a mask or helmet.You win !
Jeffrey *******
@Steve *********
I wouldn't play the lottery with those guesses. But thank you for your reply.Reply to
Jeffrey *******
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Bill ***********
I always get an IDP in Canada. Over 8 winters I've had to produce it around 20 times at Thai checkpoints. Only once did the cop actually riff through it and check my photograph. Even he didn't stop to see if I had the motorcycle endorsement stamp, which I do have and better have or health insurance will be voided for any accident. Most guys immediately lost interest when they saw the grey cover of the permit and waved us on. One point is that the western date makes as little sense to them as Thai dates make to me. They don't even try to suss that out. Sometimes, I think I should have just used the same one for 8 years and saved a few bucks. Another point is attitude. We didn't get 500 meters from the bike rental in Chiang Mai and got stopped. The permit was buried under the seat and as I searched I could tell he was bracing himself for a story. "Oh dear, must have left it at the hotel" or some such thing. When I finally produced it he broke out in the greatest smile, like I'd just won a lottery. Just another reason I love Thailand.
Bob **********
Been going on for years
Otto *********
You can apply for the license all by yourself. It isn't difficult.
Ruth *******
@Otto ********
maybe you can answer the question I posed to Steve. Do you need to have a motorcycle license from your home country to get a license for riding a motor bike in Thailand or is a general driver’s license sufficient?Kim *********
@Ruth ******
the only foreign license accepted in Thailand is an international license obtained in your home country. valid to drive in Thailand for 3 months per visit - otherwise a Thai license.Ruth *******
@Kim ********
Also, it's not an "international driver's license". That's a misnomer. It's an "international driver's permit" (aka "IDP") and it augments one's license from their home country. My question was whether one needed a motorcycle endorsement (also casually referred to as a license in casual speech, but actually something that augments one's driver's license) from their home country in order to drive in motor bike in Thailand. This is unrelated to the need for an IDP which is, of course, necessary if using a foreign license. This would be necessary if Thailand has separate licensing for motor bikes. THAT was my question.Meanwhile, my question was not about driving in Thailand. It was about obtaining a license. While driving in Thailand requires one to have an IDP, TECHNICALLY, according to the Thai embassy, one does not need an IDP to obtain a Thai license IF the home country's license is in English OR if one obtains a translation from their embassy. However, I don't know why someone would go to Thailand and not drive until they could obtain a license when bringing an IDP is so simple...I suppose it's possible.
Kim *********
@Ruth ******
in my country which is Denmark it clearly says International Drivers LicenseRuth *******
@Kim ********
I know. That was not my question, but thank you.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Sal *****
@Ruth ******
Re: taking a course on a Harley... some jurisdictions don't require separate MC license/endorsement to operate very small displacement MCs (eg. scooters) so if this applies where you live and there's anywhere nearby that rents scooters (if a tourist area and the law is as I stated then somewhere likely will rent them) then just watch some youtube vids and rent a scooter and practice in quiet areas to start.Ruth *******
@Sal ****
I’m actually hopefully coming in April or thereabouts. I’m coming as soon as my house sells. I did just find a place where I can take the endorsement class that is not on a Harley. In fact, within reason, I can request the size of bike, even a scooter (although I think that’s a bad idea). I just need to travel a bit. Now, I need to figure out what size to use.
Sal *****
@Ruth ******
Ok, I just suggested a scooter as the ones in Thailand (eg. step-through 100-150cc autos/semi-autos) really are a great fit for 90% of the use-case riding done there. But, if planning on touring around: we did so for a week in the north 2 up on a Kawasaki KLX250 and it was perfect. More than enough power, long susp. smoothed the rough roads and no issues with rough dirt tracks. May be a bit tall (standover) for you though, depending on your size, though can be lowered a bit to fit. Safe travels!Ruth *******
@Sal ****
thanksReply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Otto *********
@Ruth ******
No, you do NOT need a foreign Motorcycle Licence, but then you will have to sit for the test and have a test ride with the officer looking. But that is also quite simple and nothing to be scared about, if you have a little experience upfront. If you have a foreign licence, than the test and test ride are not needed.
Zed ********
@Ruth ******
I can answer it. You need a motorcycle license from your home country to convert to a motorcycle license in Thailand - or, you can take the Thai riding test, which isnt hard.Ruth *******
@Zed *******
Thank you very much. I've been planning to take a motorcycle course here before moving to Thailand, just because it's the prudent thing before getting on a motor bike. I'm just concerned because the courses (and thus the test) are on Harleys. Thank you for your help.Otto *********
@Ruth ******
Harleys start at price of 1 mio Baht in Thialand. Get used to smaller bikes, if you just want to go around your home town or provice. 150 cc machines are fine.Ruth *******
@Otto ********
I think you misunderstood the point of my comment. I have no interest whatsoever in a Harley.Otto *********
@Ruth ******
I know, but driving a Harley is different from a scooter aroun here, that's why I mentioned it.Reply to
Otto *********
Reply
Bill ***********
@Ruth ******
Your health insurance coverage could be denied if you had an accident and didn't have a motorcycle license for your home country. Or maybe not, but I don't like that bet.Reply to
Bill ***********
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Steve **********
@Otto ********
Simple forms, current foreign license and sit for a video.....done.Ruth *******
@Steve *********
do you need a motorcycle license to have a license for a scooter?Steve **********
Ruth *******
@Steve *********
I’m asking if you need a motorcycle license from one’s national of origin to get a Thai license to drive a motor bike (happy now?).Paul ********
@Ruth ******
No money talks??Steve **********
@Ruth ******
you need a current D/L from your country to apply, or take a test.75% of motorbikes are * 125 to 150 cc ( scooter ) but between 10k and 20k die each year on one.
Happier ?
Ruth *******
@Steve *********
sigh. One more attempt to clarify…must the license from the home country include a motor bike (or as the licensing is here, “motorcycle”) specification on it? In the U.S., to drive a motorcycle, one needs a motorcycle license. In order to get a license to drive a motor bike in Thailand, without taking a test, does one need THAT license from one’s home country?Steve **********
@Ruth ******
try google !Ruth *******
@Steve *********
so, you can’t answer with your experience after being a prick going back and forth with non-answers? What, you just like wasting people’s time nit-picking? “Google” only says one needs a license. It’s ok. You’re not the only person on this group, but you seemed to like to offer your “expertise”. I guess not. I guess you’re one of those. Maybe someone else can answer the question.Rodney **********
@Ruth ******
he told you. License from your home country or take a test. Read what people say you and don't be so rudeReply to
Rodney **********
Reply
Steve **********
Dont see police for 3 years, now tourists back, its 'Tea Time'
Mike ********
It's interesting that the police here don't like to enforce traffic laws but they love to set up checkpoints.
Steve **********
@Mike *******
Thai way...mai pen rai.Brick *******
@Mike *******
got to keep the poor foreign scum at bay. Appears to be many in Thailand.Reply to
Brick *******
Reply
Terry ********
Just went through that intersection. No police in sight.
Dar *****
Just respect and adhere to the law as you would in your own country
Didrik *********
@Dee ****
Just like the thais are respecting the law 😂 And 90% of the ones the police are stopping, are farangs. Ever wondered why?Malasee *******
@Didrik ********
it’s like that in Cancun…Dar *****
@Didrik ********
do you disregard the laws in your country and of course police there never profile ? I live here and can say I don’t see them picking only on foreigners or charging them any difference in fines in the tourist places it’s obviously a battle that’s being fought to change mindset for me when you should no better there is no excuse !!Rodney **********
@Dee ****
stop virtue signally. The cops are also breaking the law.Dar *****
@Rodney *********
I wouldn’t know but I see tourists without the right insurance licenses and protective gear everyday both locals and foreign being stoppedDidrik *********
@Dee ****
I have lived there before and been there many times sine 1989 and I have seen plenty. They do stop mostly foreigners, because thats where the money is.Reply to
Didrik *********
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Robert ************
@Didrik ********
Nope. Pretty damn obvious why. $$$$$Reply to
Robert ************
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David ***********
@Dee ****
CorrectReply to
David ***********
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Paul ********
3th road soi Exzie
เจสัน ******
And cue the "Go Fund Me" sob stories when it all goes wrong, no helmet, no license, no insurance.
John *********
Also dolphin roundabout pattaya
Arnold *****
do they stop Asians?
Paul *******
@Arnold ****
Big? There are more farang residing in Thailand than people of Indian descent. You hardly ever see any Indians outside of downtown Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khao Lak and other tourist areas.Brandon ************
@Arnold ****
Less about who you are than how you look. Thais usually drive motorcycles fully covered with a jacket and long pants. Foreigners are usually wearing shorts or short sleeve shirt. If you are a foreigner dressed with long pants and a jacket with a helmet covering your face, they won't stop you a lot of the time.Arnold *****
@Brandon ***********
thank you, same style in Vietnam tooReply to
Arnold *****
Reply
David ***********
@Arnold ****
out of about 100 I saw stopped, only 1 was Thai. No helmet.David ***********
Safety too. So many tourists have accidents & not covered by insurance
David ***********
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Ari **********
@David **********
, so then they more worried about foreigners safety than Thais. How much you pay fine in your own country?Reply to
Ari **********
Reply
Alan *******
@Arnold ****
If no helmet or sometimes just at random they will. When the Thais get stopped they often get searched and their bike searched as well looking for guns, drugs, whateverAxMdob *******
@Arnold ****
I never see them stop Indians without helmet, is it because they have many shop in pattaya....Marc ********
@Frnc *******
I have seen them a couple of times.Arnold *****
@Frnc *******
there’s a big population of indian immigrants in ThailandAxMdob *******
@Arnold ****
they lo e thailand for sure!Reply to
AxMdob *******
Reply
David ***********
Same in Chiang Mai today just north of Maya. I heard one guy say "the bike shop said it would be ok". Sorry. 500thb.
David ***********
First time I have walked up that way.
Brandon ************
@David **********
They clear out before it gets too hot. I stayed in that area for a month, after 2 days they recognize you and wave you through if they know you are legal, but they catch a lot of people.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
@David **********
They're there every dayReply to
Brandon ************
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Andy ******
Allways good to know thanks
Paul *******
There is no such thing as a valid international licence.
Duncan *******
@Paul ******
Correct, it's an IDP.Reply to
Duncan *******
Reply
Allan *********
There is no legal requirement for an IDP (at least not if you have a UK licence written in English). Obviously, you need a valid licence for the class of vehicle you intend to use but it's always amused me how people that have never been on a motorbike in their lives and have no licence as such, all of a sudden think they are entitled and able to ride a mototbike simply because they are in Thailand.
Paul *******
Lao, Malaysian, Singaporean and Cambodian driver licenses are valid on their own in Thailand. Burmese licenses are valid in border areas. Others should be accompanied by an IDP but in practice this is rarely requested or enforced. A Chinese driver's license needs to be accompanied by an official translation as China doesn't issue IDPs, but does recognize them for driving in border areas of Yunnan. Elsewhere, a Chinese license is required.
John **********
@Allan ********
there's a legal requirement for an IDP in Thailand. Also it's only good for the first 3 months after arrival, then you require a Thai license.Paul *******
@John *********
Crap.Paul *******
@Paul ******
Crap. The Royal Thai Embassy in London is not an authority for Thai driving laws. The authority is the international convention of driving signed up to by most countries in the world, including Thailand. The convention allows tourist to drive on their national licence in Thailand. If their national licence is not in English, then an English translation is required (obviously, an IDP meets this requirement but an IDP is not required if the licence is in English).John **********
@Paul ******
Thailand have signed up to recognise an IDP which is what I think you are referring to. I can find nothing official that says you can use a UK license but plenty that says you need an IDP including the AAA, the UK Thai embassy, the US Thai embassy and so onPaul *******
@John *********
John, 1. Thai Embassies are not issuers of Thai traffic law. Information on traffic rules published on their sites are just unsubstantiated information. 2. It is international conventions on driving in foreign countries that the Thai (and many other Governments) signed up to. I understand that there are 2 of these conventions (the second updated the first). Nowhere in either convention does it even mention IDP's, let alone specify that they are required.John **********
@Paul ******
perhaps you could share the convention you are referring to as the only ones I can find are regards an IDP ******************************************************
Reply to
John **********
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Henry *********
@John *********
An IDP is just a translation of your national licence. I don't believe it includes a Thai translation! That said, the police don't care and are looking for a reason to fine people.John **********
@Henry ********
I understand what an IDP is. Regardless of whether it contains Thai or not it's still a requirement of driving in Thailand. A foreign license on its own is not acceptable in ThailandJo **********
@John *********
not trueJohn **********
@Jo *********
substantiateJo **********
@John *********
i have been stopped 3 times each time I used my foreign license no issue at allJohn **********
@Jo *********
that just means you got away with it. It doesn't substantiate anythingJo **********
@John *********
I have many friends same situation the police simply don’t care about a IDP it’s just a piece of paper made by some automobile club that has no authorityJohn **********
@Jo *********
of course it has authority, or are you suggesting international conventions are pointless? What a mess we'd be in.Jo **********
@John *********
travelled a lot to about 40 countries over 20 years. I never had a IDP and no one every asked. always showed my license. No one cares about itJohn **********
@Jo *********
so that's definitively the legal position then. 🤣🤣🤣Robert **********
@Henry ********
IDP doesn’t have Thai. Law is that you need a license in English OR an IDP but police may demand anything they want.Reply to
Robert **********
Reply
Mark ********
@Allan ********
not if you're a tourist with a valid UK licence with a valid motorcycle endorsement. If you're an expat (i.e. nonimmigrant visa) you need a Thai DLGarrett ***********
@Mark *******
Great, so that applies to everyone because except for permanent residency, Thailand doesn't issue immigrant visas, only Non-immigrant visas (identifying they're NOT an immigrant, only residing temporarily).Mark ********
@Garrett **********
it's an English translation so subject to some interpretation... Bear in mind other legislation requires residents to have a Thai licence so I'm not convinced your interpretation is correctReply to
Mark ********
Reply
Mark ********
Yes I can
Stephen ********
I’ve got a licence for a tank is this any good
Paul *******
@Stephen *******
Probably much safer to drive here in Thailand.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
フリーダム *********
I only have my license from back home and Thai driver's license
Arnold *****
@An *****
if you a vietnamese I think is fineフリーダム *********
@Arnold ****
sorry I'm not VietnameseReply to
フリーダム *********
Reply
Brandon ************
@An *****
Thai drivers license is fineGraham ******
@Brandon ***********
as long as it's a motorbike licence ;)フリーダム *********
@Brandon ***********
thanks manReply to
フリーダム *********
Reply
Garrett ***********
Wow, you need a drivers license to drive. Wow.
Stuart ******
@Garrett **********
actually, you don'tReply to
Stuart ******
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Brandon ************
There's no such thing as an international driving license. But you can get an international driving permit from your home country which is usually what the police want to see.
James ********
Glyn **********
@Greg ********
I'll check it out when I'm at my bike. The key word here is international...Paul *******
Paul De Graaf Yes. IDP. It is a permit and definitely not a licence. It does not matter how long you have been calling it a licence, that is still incorrect. It remains a permit and will never be a licence.\
Jeff *********
@Brandon ***********
yes there is. AAA in America issues themBrandon ************
@Jeff ********
AAA issues the international driving PERMIT. The only people who issue international drivers license are websites meant to separate you from your money and then send you a fake license that has no legal power.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
Paul De Graaf If you google "International drivers license" you just get sent to a ton of scam websites. People pay for these things and think they are real. There's a very important difference between "international drivers license" and "international drivers permit"
Just like when people here say "Visa on arrival" when they mean "visa exempt." They are very different and the terminology is critical.
Just like when people here say "Visa on arrival" when they mean "visa exempt." They are very different and the terminology is critical.
Michael *********
@Brandon ***********
your talking rubbish mate.Brandon ************
@Michael ********
You just proved what I said. The photo you posted clearly says "International driving PERMIT"There is no such thing as international drivers license. The only people who sell those are scam websites because they do not exist.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Glyn **********
@Brandon ***********
I have one from Canada and it says international licence. It interprets my licence into many other languages..Glyn **********
Surrender you win!
Paul *******
@Glyn *********
I think it will turn out to be a permit. Have another look at it. If you still think that it is a licence, please post a photo.Glyn **********
@Paul ******
the key word in international permit or licence? Same same...Brandon ************
@Glyn *********
except it's not. Is visa on arrival the same as visa exempt? Absolutely notBrandon ************
@Janin *****
look at the document, it literally says the name on it. You can call it whatever you want, it doesn't change what it is.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Reply to
Greg *********
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Janin ******
@Brandon ***********
, wrong! I have a international driving license.Germán *******************
@Janin *****
************************************************************
*****************************************************************
Germán *******************
@Janin *****
please... There is a IDP because is a convention of 1968 that many countries signed... Is temporal but exist... "The convention has been ratified by 83 countries/jurisdictions. Examples of countries/jurisdictions that have not ratified the Convention include Ireland, Canada, the United States, Cyprus, Iceland, Malta, China and Malaysia.The main regulations about driving licences are in Annex 6 (domestic driving permit) and Annex 7 (International Driving Permit). The currently active version of those is in force in each contracting party since no later than 29 March 2011 (Article 43). According to the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP must have an expiration date of no more than three years from its issue date or until the expiration date of national driving permit, whichever is earlier, and it is valid for a period of one year upon the arrival in the foreign country." I have mine you do it in traffic where you have the permit...
Germán *******************
@Janin *****
sorry I think I mixed information in general of all the comments, you can ignore me because I don't think I read fine first timeGermán *******************
@Janin *****
what? You said didn't exist and is not true... In EU we don't need but is very common to use it if we go to nonEU countries inside Europe or the Mediterranean... You can use it here without need to be the Thai License... And yes always you need to have the original of your country... But exist and you can and if you travel must use it...Janin ******
@Germán ******************
, I said you were wrong, I didn’t say it doesn’t exist, you said it doesn’t! because I have one!James *********
@Janin *****
can we see a picture of it? Of course with your personal information crossed off.Janin ******
@James ********
, tomorrow as I am not home today.Reply to
Janin ******
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Greg *********
@Brandon ***********
Also issued in Canada (CAA) and accepted by Thai police for traffic violations. Ask me how I know 😌.Reply to
Greg *********
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Mark ********
@Janin *****
Technically, he's not wrong. It's possible that you have a document (presumably a Photo ID style card) called an "International Driving Licence", but this isn't actually a legal document. It might be accepted by the police at a checkpoint, but that doesn't make it legalJanin ******
@Mark *******
, I have a official international drivers license from Belgium. Nothing scam, nothing illegal document !Brandon ************
@Janin *****
if you say so. Doesn't change the fact that they don't exist.Moadi ******
@Brandon ***********
all this is about the use of word " license" instead of "permit"?Mark ********
@Moadi *****
there's a technical legal difference in terminology, but one document is valid and the other is invalidJohn ***********
@Moadi *****
yup, lolReply to
John ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Janin *****
international drivers licenses do not exist. If you have one you paid for a scam.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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