I am applying for a Thai driver's license for the first time. I have an American driver's license/motorcycle license and an IDP. Questions:

If I have a work permit, is it true I don't need the residency certificate?

I read I have to get my license certified by the embassy? Is this true even with an IDP?

Having an American motorcycle license and IDP, will I still have to take the written and practical tests? I've heard different answers on this. I'm guessing it depends on the office? I'll be applying on Samui.

Many thanks!

Hello, do you know if you can renew your driving license with a DTV? My 2 years are expiring soon and will need to renew it to be able to drive legally. Thank you for your feedback

I need to open a thai bank account so a local can pay me. Having trouble doing it via Wise for example so I would like to open a bangkok bank or kbank account. Open to any thai bank. I have a signed year lease for a property and can get the resident certificate if needed from either my embassy or from thai immigration

Visited three banks today in Chiang Mai—Bangkok Bank, KBank, and SCB. All of them politely declined to open an account with a DTV visa.

Has any DTV holder bought a new or used car?

(need a valid visa to get the ownership and license plate paperwork done)

I am in udon Thani for next 3 weeks and want to open a bank account. I am on my wife blue book TR14. What documents are required. I have bought my UK marriage certificate wth me but will I require translation of this certificate. I checked on goggle and found some legal services I can get this done if necessary.

*Update*

I eventually managed to open an account with Bangkok Bank. What I had was correct and the only additional thing required was a certificate of residency which I got today from immigration. One other thing you really should get is your own Thai mobile number to use the banking app and get alerts about your account which I also got today. I did have to point out my visa was an e-visa but the lady behind the desk listened and understood unlike in the other branch last week. Looks like I’m here for at least a year yay 🥳

Please could someone who is knowledgeable help me out? I applied on the Thai embassy in London’s website for a non O retirement visa which was granted and it even says retired on the visa print off which I received from the embassy via email. I have just been to the Bank of Bangkok to open a bank account so I can transfer the 800,000 baht to start the two month process off in order to be granted a year’s extension but the lady in the bank is telling me that I only have a tourist visa. I’m confused as there was nothing else I could apply for on the embassy website so now I’m worried that I won’t find a way around it. Thanks in advance for any help. I have heard that Bangkok bank can be difficult to open an account with so if there is another bank that is more leanient I would try there. I’m going to call immigration and see if they can help but I get the worrying feeling that I’m back to the start again of going to be a forever tourist which ideally I don’t want to be as I wish to buy a vehicle and have the full benefits a retirement visa offers.

Can I apply for a thai driving licence on a DTV? I have an IDP but I gather that I can only use that for 90 days at a time and I plan to be here longer than that. I see one of the requirements for the driving licence is a residency cert, I only have a tm30. Is that acceptable? TIA

So after asking all different banks and agents, only two banks are currently ok for DTV holders:

1.Bangkok Bank ( have to buy insurance, probably around 5k-10K)

2. Krungsri bank

Try both of these banks without agents countrywide. Outside of Bangkok tend to be easier. Yes you need to have residency certificate from immigration. Driving license also helpful.

Otherwise, pay agents. Worth it if it's 5-6K. Don't pay more than that. Good luck!

DTV’s and 90 day reporting.

Contrary to what some YouTube videos have claimed you DO need to do a 90 day report on a DTV - if you stay in Thailand for 90 consecutive days - that’s 89 days after you entered the Kingdom.

We are getting in to the time window when some of the earliest recipients may be getting close to their first 90 days within Thailand.

Remember you can file a report two weeks prior and up to one week after due date. For this first report it will have to be in person at your local immigration office.

In theory you shouldn’t need to do a second report because you are only allowed 180 days in the country per entry but if you file early then your next report will be 90 days after that filing date.

For the second report, should you need one, then count your days carefully. If a second is due, but you leave a day or so after anyway then some believe they’ll get away with not reporting. You will when you leave, but come your next need to file a report you may well be slapped with a 2,000 baht fine for failing to report prior.