Destinations / Thailand
Driving in Thailand as a visitor
Usually yes. Thailand expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Thailand expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h on designated motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in THB. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorcycles — strictly checked. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | International licence + passport carried at all times. |
On the road in Thailand
At the pump
Stations (PTT, Bangchak, Shell, Esso) are attendant-served; choose Gasohol 91/95 or E20 for petrol cars and 'Diesel' (B7) for diesels. Cards are widely accepted at branded stations; petrol runs roughly 35-42 THB per litre.
After a crash
Call 1669 for medical emergency and 191 for police (insurance/tourist accident hotline 1554); for any injury or insurance claim a police report is required. Do not move the vehicles until police or the insurer's assessor arrives unless they are blocking a fast lane and you mark positions.
Sources: thailandroutes.com · tdl-service.com · thethaiger.com · siamcenterlawgroup.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Thailand?
Usually yes. Thailand expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Thailand accept?
Thailand recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Thailand ask for one?
Police checkpoints and rental desks expect the printed IDP, not just digital.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.