Can You Drive A Vehicle In Thailand As A Tourist?

Thailand is a large and diverse country. It has many interesting cities, beachside towns and villages that are popular among tourists. If you are on a long Thailand trip and want to go to multiple locations, renting a car and engaging in a road trip can be a wonderful idea. But as a tourist, will you be allowed to drive a vehicle in Thailand? The good news is that yes, you can! There are, however, some rules are guidelines to be followed before a tourist gets behind the wheel. What are they and why are they significant? Let's find out in the article below.

Driving a vehicle as a tourist in Thailand - the requirements

Let us begin by looking at the requirements for driving a vehicle in Thailand as a tourist:

1. Valid driving licence

This is a very obvious requirement. To be able to drive a vehicle, either a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, you need a valid driving licence from the country of your origin. If you are an Indian resident, make sure you carry your valid driving licence with you. Also, you need to have the correct type of driving licence. If you have a licence just for gearless two-wheelers, you cannot drive a four-wheeler in Thailand.

2. International Permit (IP)

An international permit is basically a translation of your Indian driving licence in various languages. This is needed when you wish to drive a car outside India. Many countries, including Thailand, have made it mandatory for you to carry the IP when you look to drive in the country. You can get a driving IP from your local RTO.

3. Age requirement

While you can get a driving licence at the age of 18 in India, you need to be at least 21 years to legally drive a car in Thailand. Ensure you meet the age criteria when you look to drive a vehicle in Thailand as a tourist.

4. Duration of stay

Thai tourist visas are available for a duration of 60 days. However, 3o day extensions are further available. If you have been living in Thailand for more than 60 days, then you will need a local Thai driving licence to drive a vehicle in the country.

Keep these important requirements in mind. Make sure you meet all the requirements before you venture out to drive a car in Thailand.

Handy tips for driving in Thailand as a tourist

1. Be aware of the routes (locals don't speak English)

You need to be aware of the routes when you travel intercity in Thailand. While GPS navigation may help, you may cross through rural areas where you won't have a mobile network connection. In all likelihood, the rural local people won't speak English either, so it is helpful to have a physical map with you at all times.

2. Be careful of rash drivers

There are cases of rash and negligent driving in Thailand as the traffic rules are often flouted. Be very careful of such drivers around you and avoid getting into mishaps.

3. Be aware of the traffic rules

You have to be aware of the traffic rules when you look to drive a car in Thailand. Check for one-way restrictions, parking spaces, toll taxes, etc before you leave for the journey. Being well-informed about the surroundings helps you to have an uneventful journey.

4. Don't get into arguments

It is very important to keep a calm mind and avoid unnecessary arguments and fights on the street. Remember, you are just a tourist in the country and most of the other motorists are the local people, who won't like you messing with them. Also, apart from some people in the popular tourist pockets of the country, most don't speak English. You won't be able to communicate with them either. Hence, stay away from trouble, keep a cool head and enjoy the drive.

Follow these handy tips and you can drive happily and smoothly within Thailand while having an enjoyable and flexible holiday with your loved ones.