What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?

I dont believe Thailand has such things!

Don't listen to the Don't need one crap, you have an accident technically in this country you are unlicensed, I was pulled over today when they block the whole road, I handed over my Australian licence my IDP and my passport, he said where is my thai licence, I said your holding my IDP, he apologised and off I went, probably looking for a pay day or he couldn't read English, but yeah definitely have a licence that's legal to drive here, to cover any serious issue's

I'm pretty sure you have to obtain your international licence in your own country, might be wrong.

Looking at the comment “ I know I’m in good hands here..” I think

@Paulo *********

might be posting just to get key board warriors fighting…… I normally avoid these things here, but my limited knowledge is that there is no such thing as an international driving licence. ( no matter how the name on the document translates) There is an IDP ( International Drivers Permit) this is simply a translation of your home country licence. I’m from Uk so I would obtain one (1968 for Thailand) for about £6 from the Post Office before I come here. It’s valid for 12 months from issue. ( now actually 3 years in UK) Every country that is a signatory to the International Convention on Road Traffic can issue an IDP to any person that holds a driving licence in their country. ( yes I’m aware in Thailand it has to be a 5 year DL) The year on the IDP ( 1968 for UK DL holder to drive in Thailand ) relates the the respective different International Convention on Road Traffic treaties. ( there are several). There may also be limits on how long you can use an IDP in certain countries after entry 3, 6 or even 12 months, even though it’s valid for 12 or 36 months, so it’s important to have your passport or a recent copy showing entry stamp with you when you drive. I’ll say now I know nothing about Thai law. My post is based on 10 years experience as a UK cop and 20 years experience as a UK criminal defence ( that includes Road Traffic Law) solicitor.

All of this don't bother, you don't need one nonsense makes me laugh. The new one is good for 3 years from the UK and it still costs just £5.50 from mayor Post Offices. For that price why take the riak?

Can I upgrade my 2 year thai license ahead of the 2 years to get a 5 year one ?

You can't get an international driving permit here , you need to bring it from your home country. Getting a thai licence here is easy but font fall for the ---- we can do your test for uou scams

How many uk people living in thailand that have turned 70 y/o realise that they have to renew their uk driving license at age 70 ?,.It can be done 90 days in advance of your 70th birthday,.has anyone done this renewal in thailand ?

You cannot. The online services are worthless here. They know that they are scams.

I got mine online in Australia before I left. Easy process.

@Paulo *********

if you want it for a thai license then that has to be valid for 5 years to get it and you get it in Thailand.

If you ask for your home national license you get that in your home country.

I have never needed one. I used to print those out from the internet. They seem pointless. Police ask for ANY driver's license, car rental places ask for ANY drivers license, no body asks for the International Drivers Permit (notice its not a license). It's a document that says you have a license from someplace.

Why bother. You don’t need one despite the paranoia to have one on this forum. Hertz and Avis are quite ok without one. And if they and all of their lawyers don’t need it then whats the problem? I had a small accident once on a Texas license. Cops and insurance only wanted my Texas license. No problem. But if you are paranoid and like wasting money then go ahead. The only people who get these useless bits or paper are the ones who rarely travel. Or are paranoid. So that’s my ten cents. It’s ok not to listen.

why not get one from your home country before you leave if just visiting a few months since they are valid 1 year and cheaper in home country

This is probably what you are looking for… bring your permanent (5 year) license, passport as well as confirmation of residence from immigration or pink card to the land office. Arrive early as it takes a while.

As long as you have the 5-year Thai licence you can get one from your local DLT office

First, there's no such thing as an international drivers license. It's called an international drivers permit. Anyone trying to sell an international drivers license is a scammer.

If you're asking about getting an IDP issued by Thailand, you must already be on the "permanent" 5 year Thai drivers license and cannot be on the 2 year temporary drivers license. You would then go to your local DLT office and apply.

If you're asking about an IDP issued from your home country, check with the relevant agency that issues them in your home country. For example AAA issues them in the USA and they have a specific mailing address for sending in applications from overseas to issue and send back to you.

Easy to obtain the Thai license, but for the international one you need to have the five years one and not the temporary one. You need to apply at your home country, I guess.

Do you mean a Thai international driving permit based on a Thai driving license or one for your home country license? If the latter you can only get from your home country.