Internatioal driving licence

Post by **Brian** » March 19, 2007, 11:51 pm

I wanted to rent a car when I arrive in Udon.

Do I need an International Liecence or how important is it ?

Brian.

Post by **Paul** » March 19, 2007, 11:58 pm

No you don't need an international driving licence to rent a car. It may help you if you are involved in an accident and is worth buying for the extremely low cost anyway. Most agencies and the police of they stop you for any reason will accept a driving licence from your home country. I believe (but not 100% sure) that there is a time limit as to how long you can drive on a non-thai licence (its about 3 months I think)

Post by **Doc** » March 20, 2007, 2:20 am

My personal opinon - which is the result of having traveled around the world numerous times - an International Driver's License is basically bu** shi*t - and makes money for only the people that are authorized to issue them - which in the States is not a governmental body - but instead the American Automobile Association - a for profit corporation...

Post by **Paul** » March 20, 2007, 2:41 am

Its the same in the UK - issued by the AA (a private organisation)
But.... for the sake of less than 300 baht it has to be worthwhile getting one if you know you are going to drive. You know how it works here and if there was the misfortune to be an accident - you want as much as you can in your favour, so less than 300 baht has got to be worth it.
For me its kind of like the middle path between a western licence and a thai licence

Post by **Seaserpent** » March 20, 2007, 4:55 am

You may find this link helpful...

http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html

Post by **Roadman** » March 20, 2007, 4:32 pm

Same here in Kiwiland. Issued by the Automobile Association and only cost $15.

Money well spent for the value of them especially in corrupt countries like Thailand. When ever I get pulled over by the ass hole cops on the flyover out of Bangkok looking to milk money for some bullcrap traffic offence I give them that in stead of my passport. It is the passport they usually ask for as they know they have you by the balls if they have that. Twice coming out of Bangkok I have been threathened with having to go to some police station and get my "passport" if I do not front up with the very high first requests of Baht 1000. I am happy to drive away and leave them with the international drivers licence, but thai girl has always been able to get the thieves down to Baht 500.

Post by **mally** » March 21, 2007, 9:36 am

On the Thai Consulate Site in the UK it clearly states that you DO need an International driving licence AND a driving licence from your own country to drive legally in Thailand, it also states that you can drive for a maximum of 6 months on the International licence, after which you have to take a Thai driving test.
That's what the Consulate says, what the Policeman says probably depends on how skint he is when he stops you. I've never had an international licence and never had problems driving in Thailand, but now I know the law I think I'll get one, they're pretty cheap and could save a lot of hassle if you drop on the wrong cop.

Post by **BKKSTAN** » March 21, 2007, 9:58 am

The biggest problem is if you have an accident!Without a valid Thai or International licence,the insurance will no cover you!If you have an accident in Thailand,right or wrong,you will most likely have to pay.You will find that Thais will not witness against Thais and the police are no help,they are either indifferent or involved inthe fleecing of you!My advice is to get an international licence,no matter what the consulate or the Thai laws states!IMO,it is ridiculous to take the risk when you can be covered so easily!But,UP TO YOU