driving license witheld pending fine payment

[Johnf54]

6 weeks ago I was stopped in bkk on the most minor motoring infringement. the guy wanted money but I only had large notes. Anyway he ticketed me and kept hold of my license. I was leaving the country that night but duly paid the ticket at a post office in hua hin on my return. Over 3 weeks ago. Prior to sending the money my gf called them to ask which police station my license was being held in custody lol anyway she was told pay the fine and it will be returned. Needless to say no licence!! I am expecting a tug by the police here and lo and behold no licence and possible fine? I keep the copy of payment and ticket in the car as evidence , if indeed this will help! Has any other reader had this problem and if so, how did they resolve? Any assistance would be appreciated

[huahin4ever]

I didn't know you could pay anywhere else but at the particular police station where the license is being withheld? I had to show up in person at the station in BKK to get mine back 2-3 years ago, and mine was a minor traffic offence too. Anyway with regards to postal services here, you probably might go to the local road authorities and get a new license.

[JamesWest]

is it normal for Thai police to take and hold your license when you get a ticket?

[huahin4ever]

Yes it is!

[Bristolian]

They will even take your licence, if they see you, after they have clamped your wheels, for parking illegally.

Where I work in BKK there is no parking on either side of the road but.....of course the motorcycle delivery guys and messengers take no notice and park their bikes anyway. Depending on where the police can attach the notice they return to the comfort of their A/C traffic light control box. I have seen so many who did not see the notice and tried to move off in a hurry....you can imagine the consequences! Somehow the police always arrive in time to pick them up and gain their licences. Some come back to thir bikes quickly having paid the tea money. The unfortunate few spend fruitless hours at the local police station retrieving their licences.

[VincentD]

I think that after two weeks the fine is compounded by 100 baht per day until the fine is paid in person at the police station. So if you're overdue you won't get it back until you fork out the difference. Do also note that applying for a new licence won't work as the old one is already in the system. All this info courtesy of the company driver who had to redeem his whilst in my company. ..

[B6PTW]

Hi
I was stopped on Rama 4 near millennium autos in March, the policeman attempted to take my license when I argued about his price, but I retrieved it from his hand and told him I would pay it at Hua Hin police station. Up until then he had not written a ticket but after taking back my license he did write a new one not the old torn one he had in his his hand.
I paid the fine in Hua hin the next day for 200 baht less than he was asking for.
Regards.