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How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?

International Driving PermitThai Driving LicenseDriving in JapanTemporary LicensePermanent LicenseDLT Office
Feb 11, 2024
a year ago
AliJames *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a Thai driving licence can someone advise on how to get an international driving licence in Thailand please so I can use it to drive in Japan, thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand, it's essential to have a valid Thai driving license. If you possess a 5-year permanent license, you can apply for an IDP at your local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office. However, if you only have a 2-year temporary license, you are not eligible for an IDP. Be aware that what is commonly referred to as an 'international driver's license' is technically an International Driving Permit. It's recommended to verify the rules directly with the DLT as they may change.
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David *********
There is no such thing as an international driver’s license. It sometimes is referred to as such but it is an international driver’s Permit. This all started by the UN convention 1949 so people could legally drive in a foreign country. To get an IDP you have to do so in the country of residence. So this means you have to have a valid drivers license from this country in order for that country to issue an IDP which is based on qualifications from this country. Many expats feel that the can get an IDP from their country of nationality and then retire in another country and think it is OK to drive in another country you are residing in. If you reside in a country then you need a license from that country. The IDP is used in conjunction with your license to allow you to drive in another country for a short period if time while visiting.
a year ago
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Jim ********
@David ********
 Problem is with Thailand, no-one lives here permanently unless they've got permanent residence or citizenship. Non-immigrant visa is exactly what it is:- NON immigrant.
a year ago
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Andy ********
@David ********
 He says he has a 5year Thai license so can easily get a IDP issued against his Thai license at the local DLT.
a year ago
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David *********
@Andy *******
 As I stated you can receive an IDP from country of residence based on your driving licence from that country.
a year ago
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Andy ********
@David ********
 correct. You previous reply inferred he needed to get a Thai license, i was merely pointing out he already had the required 5 year license 👍
a year ago
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Andy ********
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Phil ******
@AliJames ****
 i do not believe you can. Ask DLT as the rules may have changed
a year ago
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AliJames *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 I have a 5 year license so I should be good to go. And a non-o visa. The only pain is getting the residency certificate in time, I leave in a week!
a year ago
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Brian ********
@AliJames ****
I got mine on 20 - 30 minutes here in Kanchanaburi
a year ago
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Graham ******
@AliJames ****
 I got mine in 30 minutes in Sa Kaeo
a year ago
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Phil ******
@AliJames ****
 yeh that's the next step although I don't think you should worry.
a year ago
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Phil ******
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Brandon ************
Do you have a 2 year "temporary" license or a 5 year "permanent" license?

If you have a 2 year license you cannot get an IDP.

If you have a 5 year license then go to your local DLT office.
a year ago
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AliJames *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 5 year
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@AliJames ****
 then you should be fine. Go to your DLT and ask them for an IDP
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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Philip ***********
@Brandon ***********
 if they are "in a good mood" it's possible. I did it a few years ago when I was on my first 2 year permit And it's correct, they cannot do but they changed both 2 year permits in 5 year ( it was even in the first year ) and then got the international Guess this is no "general rule", maybe I was just lucky, but you can always try ..
a year ago
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Dave *********
@Brandon ***********
 Really? What a stupid rule....
a year ago
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John ********
@Dave ********
 be very polite and friendly even bring some fruit for them and then you can ask them for their help
a year ago
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Jim ********
@John *******
 "Bring fruit"? Jesus, some people come out with some stupid comments
a year ago
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Dave *********
@John *******
 Well that just further confirms it's a stupid rule haha
a year ago
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John ********
@Dave ********
 you will need to get used to it because that's how things work for you in Thailand
a year ago
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Dave *********
@John *******
 I don't need to get used to anything. I'll eat my fruit and observe international driving permit standards out on the roads for a while longer. ;)
a year ago
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John ********
@Dave ********
 ok anything that you have to say your going to learn the hard way 🤣😅😂
a year ago
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Dave *********
@John *******
 Tastes good.
a year ago
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Dave *********
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