Destinations / Thailand
Driving in Thailand as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Local authorities in Thailand commonly ask foreign drivers to carry an IDP; the printed booklet is typically requested at checkpoints.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Thailand expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Local authorities in Thailand commonly ask foreign drivers to carry an IDP; the printed booklet is typically requested at checkpoints.
Which translation format is used for Thailand?
Thailand uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Thailand ask for a translation?
Police checkpoints and rental desks expect the printed IDP, not just digital.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Thailand?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.