INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT

I understand that, whilst a UK IDP is valid for twelve months, Thailand only accepts an IDP for the first 90 days of a visitor’s stay.

To continue driving here, One is expected to take and pass a test so as to be granted a Thai driving licence, is my further understanding..

But if, after 89 days for example, a visitor leaves the kingdom and returns shortly thereafter to Thailand, would a fresh 90 day IDP validity period be afforded to him/her/zer (so as to avoid offending any “non-binary” readers)?

Conversely is, say, only one 90 day recognition of an IDP countenanced in a given period (12 months, for instance)?

Could someone please let me know how easy it is to get a Residence Certificate from the Krabi Immigration Office if on visa exemption?

My son is arriving into Thailand next week and is planning to stay on Koh Lanta for the high season. He'll be coming in on visa exemption (he's a UK resident), so he's planning to do 60 days with 30 day extension followed by a border run/flight to Malaysia to get another 60+30 days. He'll leave Thailand after that.

He's looking for Residence Certificate so he can get a Thai driving licence for motorbikes and legally ride a motorbike/scooter whilst there. He has a UK licence for cars and IDP, but no motorbike licence. The AirBnB he's staying at have already said that they will register and give him a TM30 upon arrival.

Unfortunately, I've read so many things over the past week or so, that I'm totally confused!

Can he get a Residence Certificate with just a TM30 on a visa exemption at Krabi or does he need to file a 90-day report (TM48 I think?), which he won't be able to do, seeing as he'll have to leave before 90 days are up. From what I've read, it seems that getting a Residence Certificate can be hard in Bangkok, but can be easier in other provinces/at other Immigration Offices. I haven't been able to find any info on the Krabi IO, hence the question.

Would it be easier if he used an agent to help with the whole process? Can they help to expedite things? If yes, any recommendations on who to use?

The easiest thing to do would be to pass his motorbike test in the UK but he doesn't have time to do this before travelling. He has done a CBT course in UK, but I understand that has no value in Thailand when it comes to riding motorbikes.

The alternatives include renting a car, buying a bicycle - but these aren't really long term options for him. He doesn't want to ride illegally without a motorbike licence (even if loads of other people seem to), as this could end up turning ugly if he ended up in an accident!!

Just trying to help him do things the right way, so any help is much appreciated. Thanks

I've been today to Sa Kaeo Immigration (Aranyaprathet) for my Residence Certificate in preparation for my Thai driver's licence application. I went armed with :

1. Passport plus signed copies of the data page, my Non-O Visa page (valid until 24-Jan-2024 and my current entry stamp (stay until 20-Feb, note - this is a 90 day entry stamp not an extension so I haven'c done a 90 day report)

1. Printed signed copy of my online TM30 report

1. Copy of the family Tabian Baan signed by my father-in-law

1. Copy of my father-inlaw's Thai ID card signed by him.

After a little confusion to start with where I was given a blank TM30 and told to get my father-in-law to complete it and pay 800B, I soon realised the staff member on the front desk didn't recognise the new printed PDF asa valid TM30 online receipt. I was then given the Residence form to complete which I did then, after a 20 minute wait, one of the back office staff called me with my Residence Certificate and, no charge.

[I should add that I needed to have printed copies of every page in my passport with entry/exit stamps which I hadn't prepared for but, as I have a new passport, the copies my Non-O page (including the opposite page) and my current entry stamp page included all of these]

As this went better than I thought (I was expecting at least to be told come back in one hour or after lunch), I then found a Clinic nearby that was open and able to do my Medical Certificate (Fit to Drive). In the reception area the female Doctor asked what medication I was taking while my blood pressure was checked. After about 5 minutes wait the printed form with my information entered was given to me to sign and I paid 100B and was on my way.

I now have everything needed for my Thai Driving Licence which I will apply for tomorrow or Monday along with my signed copies of my home driving licence and my valid International Driving Permit. It is my intention to watch the online video, take the online test and print the Certificate just in case my licence application requires this in Sa Kaeo province (or to watch it at the Dept. of Land and Transportation).

Please note this was my experience in Sa Kaeo province, your experience will possibly be different depending on the local interpretation of the requirements.

Admin. Please delete if not allowed as not strictly visa advice.

We regularly visit the in laws in Thailand and I understand that I can "convert" my U.K. driving licence to a Thai licence. Any idea how I go about it ? what's required ? how long does the licence last ?

Many thanks