Presenting IDP at police checkpoints

[poosmate]

I have just been stopped in Hua Hin and asked for my driving licence. I showed them my valid Uk licence (I am here only a few weeks). I also showed a picture of my IDP. The picture the police claim is not acceptable. I explained the permit is only a translation (not Thai) of my foriegn licence.

Although they agreed a picture of a passport would be accepted the permit must be carried and produced when stopped. I cannot see any rule backing up this claim. Can anyone clarify for me.

The permit is a flimsy card and not easily carried.

[laphanphon]

Don't know why you would think a photo, of a photo ID, any ID, PP or IDP would be accepted. PPs and IDPs (if operating) are to be carried. Accepting anything other than, is at the discretion of the officer.

So did they ticket you, if so, with option to produce IDP at station to void out ?
Driving a scooter or car ?

[centermid7]

The permit is a flimsy card and not easily carried.

It might not be as stout as a regular driving license but surely it can last a few weeks tucked right next to the other? Put it into a small plastic bag and it will see you through. Or go have it laminated at any copy shop for about 20 Bt.

[buksida]

I'm surprised they accepted it at all. Last time I landed at one of those checkpoints everyone without a Thai license got fined.

[HHTel]

Don't know why you would think a photo, of a photo ID, any ID, PP or IDP would be accepted. PPs and IDPs (if operating) are to be carried. Accepting anything other than, is at the discretion of the officer.

So did they ticket you, if so, with option to produce IDP at station to void out ?
Driving a scooter or car ?

The police have stated more than once that a photo(copy) of your passport is acceptable and the physical document can be produced, if required, at a later date.

Nothing said about other documents though.

[B6PTW]

Hi all
Stopped many times by Market Village and all i use is the grey card IP. Never a problem, flash it ,polite smile and away.
Regards.

[europtimiste]

Only a Thai or international driving license is accepted. Final point.

[laphanphon]

The police have stated more than once that a photo(copy) of your passport is acceptable and the physical document can be produced, if required, at a later date.

Nothing said about other documents though.

I pretty much don't listen to what people state. It's what the written law states that matter. So I go with that, and never a problem.

On any given day...........what's stated by one person, isn't honored by another.

[HHTel]

This was an official statement by the RTP spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thavornsiri. He's no longer their spokesman (nothing to do with the statement) and is now an RTP advisor.

It was reported and televised at the time and was in response to some officers using the rule to extort money from tourists.

[MDMK]

I keep the IDP permit thingy in the glove box of the car, together with the car papers and photocopy of my passport, and driving license I have on me. I agree it's a shit flimsy (and too big) document to carry around on your person, that's why I keep it in the car.

[poosmate]

Only a Thai or international driving license is accepted. Final point.

Foreign driving licences (reciprocal countries) are accepted in Thailand. What is an International driving licence?. An International driving permit is a translation of a countries licence usually required to translate eligibility into the language of the country visited. The permit is not valid without the supporting valid licence. The permit I have which was specifically requested for use in Thailand does not include Thai language.....why would the police even require it?
The fine is 500 Baht and cannot be voided on production.

[handdrummer]

An international driving license proves that you have a legal license in your home country and have the ability to operate a motor vehicle. It's really another money scam. If you have a home license that should be enough to drive in any country, after all it shows that you're a licensed driver.

[laphanphon]

Home licenses 'MAY' be accepted, at the discretion of the officer. IF he/she/it is fluent enough in English, and feels comfortable and knowledgeable enough to even know what the foreign license looks like, then yes, it may be accepted.

If not, then the IDP is accepted, as all anyone has to do is look on the last page and check if the 'international standard' accepted classification listing, agreed upon by signatories of the convention, is checked off. A B C D E, etc, if applicable.

Would anyone know what all the 'country / national' licenses look like. As national license may be accept. Doesn't say anything about provincial or state license may be considered. Does your home country even have a 'national' license, as I don't think mine does.

Don't know about y'all, but I couldn't tell you if 48 of the USA state licenses where genuine if asked and haven't a clue what the other 150 or so countries out there look like, or their provincial license.

Once again the rules and laws are there, but people want their version of the interpretation to be applied.

Funny how that is.

[europtimiste]

The real problem is that most farang coming here for holidays (couple of weeks or months) are not willing to pay for an international driving license in their country. It's just a question of spending some more money for driving abroad.

[laphanphon]

Of the 2 choices, I'd rather pay for the IDP, than the traffic fines.