Hello everyone,

I need some information regarding obtaining a Thai driver’s license in Bangkok.

I currently hold a valid national driver’s license from my home country, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP). My national license is bilingual (my native language and English), and the IDP is in three languages (my native language, English, and French).

I understand that, in addition to these, I also need a residence certificate from Immigration, a medical certificate, my passport, and copies of all documents.

I also hold a Non-O visa with a one-year extension.

While searching through the group, I found a lot of contradictory and incomplete information. I’d appreciate clear answers specifically for Bangkok (in my case, the DLT in Chatuchak).

Here are my questions:

1. Do I need to have my national driver’s license translated into English and officially certified?

My assumption is no, since my license already includes English.

2. Do I need to make an appointment at the DLT (Chatuchak), or can I just walk in?

My assumption is no appointment is necessary since I’m applying for a conversion and not taking the full driving test.

3. Can I obtain the required medical certificate from any nearby hospital or clinic (private or government)?

My assumption is yes.

*4. Regarding the residence certificate: is it possible to obtain it on the same day in Bangkok, or do I need to wait 7 (or more) days to receive it by email? I’m willing to pay any applicable fee for same-day service.

I would appreciate direct answers from those with actual experience in Bangkok (not other cities), without unrelated recommendations.

Thank you.

Applying for a Thai drivers license:

Where and who should translate my German drivers license? The embassy writes:

A conversion of a German driver's license into a Thai one can be applied for in Thailand. Detailed information on the application process can be obtained from the Department of Land Transport.

Does this mean the German embassy has no role in this process?

My friend has a US driver's license but did not get an International Driving Permit before coming to Thailand. Can they get one here to drive in Thailand? or get a Thai driver's license without having to take the test? (Non-immigrant visa)

I did my drinving license 2 years ago on a tourist visa (still have tourist) and wanted to get the renewal done for the 5 year one so i can get an IDP. They say with a tourist visa you can only extend for another 2 years, not 5 - therefore they wont give an IDP. Anz idea on how i can get an IDP from thailand with a tourist visa? And if not, any idea which visa would be fast to acquire so i can make an IDP? Thanks

I am busy organisimg an international driving permit(IDP). Do the Thai traffic officers require the hard copy of the IDP or will a digital copy suffice?

Home country driving license from South Africa.

TIA

Google told me that my International Drivers Permit and UK License can cover me for 1 year driving in Thailand.

I have the DTV, so does that 1 year cover renew every time I re-enter Thailand after the 180 days of the DTV?

Where do i get a international drivers licence to ride in Vietnam. I have a thai lience

Bank account update.

Hi last week I posted here asking for personal experiences opening a bank account and I got some helpful advice. I also got the usual doom sayer , keyboard warrior stuff suggesting I had no chance without an agent. Anyway, here is my experience and this relates only to one bank branch in one specific place but it may assist someone. It’s specific to me a UK citizen on O-A 12 month retirement visa.

I went today to Bangkok bank in Karon Beach, Phuket , I was there a total of 55 minutes including waiting time. I signed what seemed like hundreds of forms then left with a savings book and master card for my newly opened bank account.

What was required :

1. My passport showing entry stamp and long term visa

2. Printout of E Visa

3. I was asked for a Thai driving licence but they accepted my UK licence and International driving permit instead.

4. Thai phone number

5. UK UTR ( Tax reference)

I had taken a residence certificate ( some people in this group refer to this as “ a letter from immigration” )this was not required.

I also took TM 30 also not required and I was never asked for a tenancy agreement. ( I don’t have one anyway)

As I say this was my experience in a specific branch. The experience may well differ in different branches of BKK bank and different banks. It may also differ with different nationalities and different visas.

I paid a small fee 699 baht for my Mastercard. There was an option for a different card at 400 baht. After my account was opened I was offered insurance but declined and this was no issue.

One last thing, despite having a Thai sim I could not set up online banking but was told if I got a top up invoice from an AIS store with my phone number on it they would be able to do this for me quite easily on my next visit.

BKK bank in Karon is the first and only bank I went to.

Hope this helps someone

I searched old posts but i couldn’t find a solid post

1. Can i get a thai driving license with dtv ? Whats the high level steps

2. Can i buy a motorcycle with dtv visa, i think yes right & can i cross Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam occasionally and comeback in 30 days time

Can I use my German-to-Philippine converted driver's license in Phuket, Thailand, even if I’m just a tourist? Aren’t they too strict there?

Also, what do you think is the best place in Phuket that is close to the beaches and peaceful place with good internet near to mall or city?

Does anyone know? Could you suggest a place on Phuket Island, please?