"I want to drive but I don't want to buy a car!" But...I've got myself two Thailand driving license last year with a one year validity for driving a car and motorbike. Few days ago, I went to the head office of Land Transport to renew the said driving licenses. I have got a 5-years validity license.
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| The list of requirements |
I have been residing for more than six years in Bangkok, and once, years ago a colleague suggested to buy a car but my reply "not in my plan". I had entertained the thought of buying a motorbike but never a car. As I am a practical spender who is more on saving cost or minimizing expenses rather than paying for convenience, owning a car is not necessary and would only be spending unwisely hard-earned money since Bangkok offers different kind of transportation for the public from free buses, air-conditioned ones, three types of trains, boats, motor taxis and taxis. One can choose from the fastest but cost more to the slow ones but cheapest.
Based on the Agreement of ASEAN countries namely Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines signed on 9th of July 1985 in Kuala Lumpur, domestic driving licenses issued by respective countries are recognized when in another agreeing country. This makes it easier for example to apply for a Thailand driving license for a Filipino owning a driving license issued in the Philippines.
Applying for a Thai Driving License is easy, fast and you can do it by yourself, just the same way I did. If you are a citizen of the countries mentioned above and have driving license issued from your country and not expired, you apply for a driving license that would not take a half-day. Make sure you've prepared all the requirements stated in the list as shown in the photo before going to the Department of Land Transport Office. Those residing in Bangkok can apply in the main office which is in Chatuchak area or the nearest DLT branch office nearest you.
If your driving license in the Philippines is good for car and motorbike, you would be issued one ID for each and the documents to be submitted would be two sets. With the medical certificate, have it photocopied and it will be good for the second set of documents. After signing the application form, you would be asked to pass the Physical test that are in three types: 1) color blindness test; 2)reflex test and 3)Depth Perception test. There is no need to take the Theory and Practical test provide you have a valid driving license issued by your country. For the new applicants, temporary license would be issued for one year and 5-years upon renewal. The fees for two licenses for one year validity cost about three hundred fifty five baht (355 Thb) and nine hundred sixty baht (960 Thb) for the 5 years validity. Foreigner applicants have special lane or counter so the processing is fast. IDs are printed right away after taking the applicant's photo.
I don't own a vehicle but I applied for the driving license as it can be useful in some instances when identification is required. I don't bring my passport with me, and the driving license ID is usually accepted in the absence of passport. Having a driving license issued by Thailand adds personality factor while in Thailand.
