@David ********

Hire scooters will invariably have 3rd party only insurance which is compulsory, and which is very limited in terms of cover (to other parties). It won't cover damage to the vehicle under any circumstance. Big bikes usually have comprehensive policies (1st class) for obvious reasons

That's simply not correct. The fact that you believe something to be true based on the fact that a number of other people have stated the same thing previously (e.g. on Thai Visa) does not by any means make something true, not least where something ignores the underlying principles of insurance and road traffic legislation. I have posted the legislation, which is silent on the issue (and regardless of how old it is, it would appear to be the current legislation in place). Equally, I have just checked my comprehensive insurance policy, which makes no mention of any of the points that you make. The 90 day thing is a misunderstanding, as it is about residency, not about timing. Tourists cannot stay in Thailand longer than 90 days

@Robert *******

It is without question better to have an IDP wherever possible. For some countries, you cannot drive without one according to specific legal requirements (e.g. India). However, very technically, a UK licence is valid here for a number of reasons (including the standardisation of licences which has taken place globally since 1948, where the concept of a photocard DL was obviously science fiction). The point of an IDP is to provide a standardised version of a licence in an internationally recognised language which these days includes English. Very few countries issue their DLs now without at least an English translation and will invariably use the international symbols and categories for the various types of licence.

@Rob *********

Where does it say that in the Road Traffic Act I just posted? Likewise, I just checked my policy regarding the requirement to have a licence, and the only reference is to driving without any qualification to drive (i.e. you don't even have a valid licence for your home country). This is in accordance with international standards regarding insurance law.

@John ******

Many people get IDL photo ID cards which can work at check-points, but are not legally valid if it comes to it. They are often also issued for e.g. 5 year periods, when IDPs are issued according to very specific requirements including the specification that they cannot be issued for a period of validity more than a year.

@Michael ******

As a technicality, there is no such thing as an "International Driving Licence" so it's best to avoid using the terminology. Also, the information about voiding your policy if you don't have one is wrong both as a matter of general law and as a matter of insurance law. It is not even voidable. If you drive e.g. a motorcycle without a licence from any country, and have an accident, the insurance company may be able to refuse to pay out depending on the circumstances, or may still be liable for any damages, but would be entitled to pursue you in full for the payment made. The policy would only be void if e.g. you gave false information on the insurance policy which was legally significant (e.g. failed to mention that your 1.5L Toyota Corolla now has a 3.0L turbo-charged engine)

@Robert *******

Very technically, a UK licence is valid even without an IDP

@Rob *********

That's simply not correct

An IDL is not a valid document as it is not issued in accordance with any International Treaty. From what country was your 'IDL' issued (I suspect a private company, and not a national motoring organisation)? How long is its validity (I suspect over a year, which automatically invalidates it as IDPs can only be valid for up to a year)? You don't know what you are talking about, yet try to belittle me with your ad hominem 'newbies' comment. The internet in a nutshell. For the record, I am professionally legally qualified and I have lived in Thailand nearly a decade.