Another perspective on this, once you have done the first expensive day you will be free to go where you like. At the moment the accommodation providers that have survived the last 20 months are so desperate for people, the prices are quite a bit cheaper than pre covid days. If your accommodation is 20% cheaper than normal for a three month stay, this can offset the cost of the first expensive day. There are quite a few people that fit your demographic that stay in the village on Koh Chang where I live, I know this as I have some regulars who stay at my small resort. To be honest the small businesses here really need people of your demographic, I hope you have a great time.

@Tony ******

I am not exactly a spring chicken myself but I don't take any notice of Thai visa, in fact I think I may be banned.

While I agree that the prognosis for the tourist industry is far from great, I still have a little optimism for the end of this year as I have had some provisional bookings. What I was saying is that telling people everywhere is closed is a sure fire way to keep everything closed, as people come back more places will open, obviously restrictions will need to be lifted if the country wants to welcome tourists again.

@Tony ******

yes it is quiet here at the moment but while a lot of places are closed not all places are closed, the way it can get busier is to encourage people to come. Another point worth mentioning is that Thai visa is not a credible source of information it is a forum run by moaning old men and shouldn't be taken seriously.

@Wyn *********

if you pass your Thai motorbike test I have heard that it is really easy then you will be able to ride any bike, at present there is only one licence for a motorbike here regardless of cc.

When back in the UK your Thai licence would be useless and you would have to do a UK test.

@Ross *****

actually the IDP is a permit as in international driving permit, there is no Thai translation in a UK issued IDP.

About the reciprocal agreement, Thais are not allowed to drive in Europe on a Thai driving licence because of this the Thai government decided that Europeans would have to get an IDP to drive in Thailand, it's a bit tit for tat but that is what it is.

I am pretty sure that not all countries are required to have an IDP to drive here as Thais are allowed to drive in there countries without one.

@Nick ***************

his UK licence doesn't cover him for over a 125 so if he has an accident on a 250 he won't be licenced so his insurance won't cover him, I wouldn't worry about the fine as hospital bills can add up and compo for anybody else involved and it starts really adding up.

@David ********

this is the correct information, the only thing I would add is also bring your passport and photocopy the data page, visa, TM card and all your other documents.

@Reiner ********

IDP = international driving permit, the issue is if you haven't got a full motorcycle licence from your home country your IDP won't have motorcycle entitlement on it.

@Wyn *********

no problem, good luck.

@Ross *****

with IDP yes but without an IDP no.

I know that it is a bit ridiculous as an IDP is just a bit of cardboard, but as I said it's really about reciprocal agreements between countries.