Tourist wants to ride motorcycle legally

[usual suspect]

Morning everyone.
My nephew has just arrived in town, & is wishing to rent a motorbike/scooter..But..
He has no international driving permit. He's here for 1 month visa-exempt. Staying in a hotel (no pemantent address).

Now on his UK driving licence he's allowed to ride a moped below 50cc (49cc limit)..Now there ARE 49 cc scooters out there, BUT..How does he stand insurance-wise in case of an accident..Technically his travel insurance covers up to 250cc for big-bike licence-holders, so at 49cc he's within his limits..but is a 49cc scooter still classed as a moped..?
I do not think he can take a bike test here if here visa-exempt..
..The man wants a scooter to buzz around on...Can you folk advise me more..??

[buksida]

Very unlikely any travel insurance will cover motorcycles in Thailand, have a read of this: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41406

It's a risk he'll have to decide on being uninsured and without a license ... and in Hua Hin which is traffic cop central (the BIB won't care what cc it is)!

I'd say if he is very inexperienced on two wheels, and doesn't know the roads around town, forget it.

[HHTel]

On several occasions I've seen a tourist renting a bike with no licence etc. That's the easy part. However, often the first time on a bike and is usually an accident waiting to happen. Many a tourist has rented a bike and worn bandages the following day.
Experienced or not, driving around Thailand is very different to driving 'back home'.

[Motyduke]

He should forget this idea.In thailand, if you don't have a specific license for motorbike (not for 49cc and less) you will not be covered by insurance. In case of serious accident with someone else injured or killed, he can pay all his life for the damages done.

[Ms Tigger]

The govuk and Thai Embassy websites state that you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) showing that you're eligible to ride/drive that particular type of vehicle, or a Thai driving licence. If he ain't got either of those then he's not legal, end of.
Then there's the travel insurance small print which will negate any cover if the appropriate licence is not held.
Of course he could take a risk on it, but why would you!?

[Dannie Boy]

US is I’m sure aware of the rules, so he should advice his nephew to stick with tuk tuks, motorcycle taxis etc and enjoy his holiday, not worry about whether he’s going to fall foul of driving in Thailand!!

[Nereus]

Arh US, it be simple. With your "contacts" around town just be a good uncle and arrange a "companion" for him that has a motorsai!

[usual suspect]

Arh Nereus, That 'companion option' will indeed cost him more than tuk-tuks, but will indeed give the boy a long lasting smile..555..
Thank you for all the answers to my initial Q. I was aware of all the implecations, but DID wonder if there was a way around the problem..?
On the back of Nereus's recommendation I will parade him along Soi 80 tonight..

[Dannie Boy]

Remind him not to forget his PPE