Thailand is a beautiful country, famous for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. As a tourist, one of the best ways to explore Thailand is by renting a car and driving around the country. However, before you hit the road, there are a few things you need to know about driving in Thailand as a foreign tourist, including how to apply for an International Driving License in Thailand.

Driving in Thailand as a foreign tourist

Driving in Thailand can be a bit challenging for foreigners, particularly if you are not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. However, if you are confident behind the wheel and follow the local driving rules, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring Thailand’s scenic routes and hidden gems.

Here are some tips to help you drive safely in Thailand as a foreign tourist:

Get familiar with the local driving rules: Thailand has its own set of driving rules and regulations, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with them before you hit the road. For example, in Thailand, it’s mandatory to wear seat belts, and helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists.
Stay alert and cautious: Thailand’s roads can be busy and chaotic, particularly in big cities. As a foreign driver, you need to stay alert and cautious at all times, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and watch out for pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Be patient: Traffic in Thailand can be unpredictable, and you may encounter delays and congestion. As a foreign driver, it’s essential to be patient, remain calm, and avoid aggressive driving.
Follow the speed limits: In Thailand, speed limits are indicated in kilometers per hour (km/h). It’s crucial to follow the posted speed limits, which can vary depending on the type of road and location.
Avoid driving at night: Driving at night in Thailand can be challenging, particularly in rural areas, where roads may be poorly lit and have inadequate signage. It’s best to avoid driving at night, particularly if you are not familiar with the area.
Get insurance: It’s essential to get comprehensive insurance before renting a car in Thailand. This will cover you in case of accidents, theft, or damage to the rental car.
How to apply for an International Driving License in Thailand

If you plan to drive in Thailand as a foreign tourist, you need to apply for an International Driving License Thailand (IDL) in your home country before you travel. An IDL is a translation of your driver’s license in several languages, making it easier for authorities to understand your license’s details.

To apply for an IDL in Thailand, you need to follow these steps:

Obtain a copy of your valid driver’s license from your home country.
Complete an IDL application form, which you can obtain from the Automobile Association of Thailand (AAT) or the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office in Thailand.
Provide two passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport.
Pay the IDL fee, which varies depending on the issuing country.
Wait for your IDL to be processed, which can take a few days.
Once you receive your IDL, it’s valid for one year from the date of issue.
For hassle free and easy process you can apply International Driving License Thailand Online

The process will take about 10 to 15 minutes only while applying ITCA IDP online.

The details required to apply for an ITCA International Driving Permit Thailand are :

Name
Email & Phone Number
Current residence
Place of birth
National driver’s license number,
National driver’s license issued date & expiry date
Driving License Picture & Your Head Shot Photo For Your IDP
In conclusion, driving in Thailand can be an exciting and rewarding experience for foreign tourists. However, it’s crucial to follow the local driving rules, stay alert and cautious, and get comprehensive insurance. To drive legally in Thailand, you need to obtain an International Driving License in your home country before you travel. By following these tips, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring Thailand’s scenic routes and hidden gems on your own schedule.