Can i drive in thailand with a U.S. driver's license or do i need an international permit?

Question

Can i drive in thailand with a U.S. driver's license or do i need an international permit?

Answer 1

Technically yes you do but generally in Thailand they're more interested in your cash and business then whether you have a international permit. I rented a car in Phuket and I asked them whether you needed one - they just said as long as you have some form of a drivers license and a passport then it's all good.

But bear in mind with the big rental car companies such as Avis, Hertz etc they would probably require an international license but local companies probably wouldn't.

Hope this helps.  

Answer 2

I'm not sure if you can but I highly recommend you to not to.

I came from Thailand and used to drive in Bangkok for many years.  I live in US for over then years now and I went back a couple times last two years.  For me, I cannot imagine myself driving there.  It's a very different system.  If you think you can read the unspoken rule there, you can drive.  If not, I highly recommend to hire car service, which is not that expensive.

Answer 3

Your have no problem driving here on your US license id your just here for vacation, don't waste your money on a international license.  Beware driving here is a new experience, don't expect drivers here to obey the traffic laws or the right of way as in the US and motorcycles are like flies here on the road.  They will try to pass on your left or right as your turning be very careful.  Also, always carry a few hundred baht notes with you, your need to pay the man when he stops you for some stupid excuse.  He needs his tea money.

Answer 4

This link might help you http://www.thaivisa.com/320.0.html

Answer 5

Not every rental company cares if you have a license, but when you get in an accident you might want to have the proper documentation.  In the US I think you can still get an international drivers license from the triple A office (AAA.)

You do know that in Thailand they drive on the "other side of the road" from what you are  used to in the U.S.   If you are not used to that type of driving in an emergency you could make the wrong turn and have a serious accident.  

Thailand has lots of good reliable transportation you really don't need to drive yourself, even getting a driver and car is not that expensive compared to the US.  Bus and train travel is good and in Bangkok meter taxi cabs are cheap and there is the Skytrain for getting around town.

If you are involved in an accident in Thailand, your fault or not, the police may confiscate your passport and hold it until you pay for damages.  Insurance may take care of things but the other person involved in the accident will complain that you will fly home and not pay the damage.   Don't drive in Bangkok - it is not necessary!

Safe driving.

Answer 6

You are required to have both an international license and a valid license from your country. AAA in America is only $10.

I would not advise driving in Thailand if you have never driven or lived here.

The rules are different and if you happened to cause and accident with a Thai, you will learn a very costly lesson.

They often want you to settle for damages right on the spot or the police will get involved, then it is even worse.

Driving in Thailand without experience is a risk, driving here is a free for all, with no turn signals, drivers inventing their own lanes and no such thing as driver courtesy.

Answer 7

Usually a national drivers license is enough. Anyway the international one is only valid for up to 3 months  

Answer 8

you can check with AAA, but I think you need to have international driver's  license permit. if the country you travel official language is not English.I went to Austrilia and New Zealand last year, I went to AAA apply for International driver's permit but the agent told me no need for me those countries Englist are official Language. That's what I got infom form the AAA office.