Business visa licenced to drive?

[kev78]

My girlfriend and I are both on business visas without work permits. We both have a full UK driving licence. Are we allowed to drive here? Do we need thai driving licences to be fully covered in case of an accident?

Thanks.

[buksida]

Yes, visa is irrelevant, you need a Thai or International driving license here.

[kev78]

Hmmm..just reading up on this and as we are from the UK and not tourists we don't need one:

http://thailand.angloinfo.com/transport ... -licences/

[benmo]

That's the theory but when stopped at road block I doubt it will be recognised as a valid license

[buksida]

Believe what you like but you will get fined by the police in Hua Hin if you dont have a Thai license.

[Bristolian]

You should check both the AA and RAC websites. Both issue IDPs for UK drives and both state that an IDP is required for Thailand.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ov ... untry.html
http://www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abr ... n-idp.aspx
If you drive with only a UK driving licence you may well invalidate your insurance in the case of an accident

[migrant]

In the US a IDP is only $15 and 20 minutes to get, so best to be safe. Not sure since it soulnds like you are here, if you can get one issued here.

[aragon]

On previous visits to HH I have rented a car from Avis using variously a UK, a UAE, an Omani and a Qatari driving license and never once has Avis ever baulked at any of them..........just goes to show how much they know

[Bristolian]

On previous visits to HH I have rented a car from Avis using variously a UK, a UAE, an Omani and a Qatari driving license and never once has Avis ever baulked at any of them..........just goes to show how much they know

It is the responsibility of the person hiring to ensure that they comply with requirements of the insurance company. The hiring company, surprise, surprise, take no responsibility whatsoever. I narrowly avoided this pitfall before I came to live here. I was only using a UK licence and the car was damaged (my fault). Fortunately I was able to send a photocopy of an IDP that was 3 years out of date which, thankfully the insurance company accepted it. If they had not, the repair bill was mine because I only had a UK licence.

[crazy88]

When I first moved to Thailand 19 years ago I never carried any kind of licence and was always waved on with a smile telling them I had left it at the hotel. Moved to Hua Hin and 200 Bt fine every time which gradually increased to 400 then 800 so I took the test and got a Thai Licence. Also had a couple of accidents resulting in insurance claims. Just said my wife was driving. No problem even though she did not have a licence. Think those days are long gone.

Crazy 88

[Bristolian]

I think that I mentioned on another thread that you can apply to the AA (Automobile Association) in the Uk whilst in Thailand. Unfortunately it's not an online service. You need to download the application form, send it together with a photocopy of your UK licence, cash and SAE with Thai address. I got mine back within 14 days. Not sure if you can do the same today.

[kev78]

Thank you so much for all the info!! I'll get the idp sorted then get a thai licence when the business visa is extended.

Lots of confusing info online regarding it and how it differs if using a tourist visa or non imm