What paperwork and licenses do I need to buy and ride a motorbike in Thailand as an expat?

Whatever you get, just be careful, I ride too and have rode in Thailand but it is getting worse for bikers.

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If you bring a international drivers permit, you can legally drive on it in Thailand for 3 months, if you cross the boarder or fly out and come back in it’s a new 3 month period on your IDP

Regarding a license, get an International Drivers Permit, that will take care of any license issue for the short term. To simplify life I would get a Thai license once in the country.

With your IDP and license from home it is pretty simple to do. Check the Thailand motor office (not sure of the correct name) site. Also do a search on the expat groups, there is good info there as well.

I've purchased a few bikes, from scooters to big bikes in thailand over the past 5 years.

I've always bought new and always paid cash.

All I needed was a passport and an address of where I was staying.

And all this on a tourist exempt.

1) If you want to buy it in your own name, you'll need a Residence Certificate from Immigration. 2) For the first 3 months of your stay you can use an international driver's license. For more than 3 months you'll need a Thai driver's license. Both need to be for driving a motorbike. 3) There are second-hand motorbike shops everywhere. I would buy a new one to be sure it has been maintained. 4) If the bike is standing still when you are not here, then prepare yourself for the battery to be replaced and the tires to be lifted every time you arrive. 5) Annually, the bike needs a repaid license.

I've not bought second hand yet , only from a dealer . All I needed was a resident certificate and a passport.

Honda bigwing sorted everything else .

My understanding is that you can drive in Thailand for up to 3-months on your overseas driving license.. but should obtain a Thai license if you are in country longer than that.. but if you are leaving and re-entering Thailand to extend your stay then technically you may not be in country longer than 90 continuous days.. however if you already hold a long term visa such as a non-o married visa, or a non-oa retirement visa then you should consider applying for a Thai license.. my personal experience suggests it's easier to get a Thai driving license for car / motorcycle the more permanent your visa appears to be.. I've read elsewhere that tourists can apply but I'm of the opinion that the process is easier if you have a Thai spouse and / or are retiring here.. and if you have a yellow book to confirm your residence in the marital home in Thailand then your life will be a lot simpler when dealing with any govt agencies.. including the Land Transport Authority which issues driving licenses.. you should also consider getting an international driving permit (or equivalent) from your home country before travelling.. which will again make your life easier.. not an exhaustive reply by any means and I'm sure others will add to this.. or quote from their personal experience as an expat driving in Thailand.. hope that's helpful