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#1
11-08-2005, 01:42
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driving in los, did it before but just curious now...
I been to LOS twice already, for the past two years in a row. I have always rode a motorbike in Patong, Phuket, never really faced any problems with the police. I also rode in Chang Mai. I got pulled over by a cop that was doing road checks. Now my question is, all I have is a USA driver/motorcycle license here. Does that constitute an international driver's license? Or do I even need one? Maybe I just ran into a nice cop and didn't give me any problems. Should I apply for an international driver's license, just to avoid problems? How strict are they?
I plan on renting a bike while I am in Phuket and Samui. I am hestitant to renting one ever since last year when two of my friends crashed their scooters.. Thanks, 
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#3
11-08-2005, 01:53
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how much work is it to get one? I mean I will be riding the motorbike like maybe for a week.
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#4
11-08-2005, 01:54
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I was stopped 2 or more times a day for three days. First day I had no license. Guy said don't you have license in your country. After that I carried my Canadian license and they were fine.
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#5
11-08-2005, 02:08
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An International Drivers Licence in the UK costs £10 ($18 US) so its not a lot to keep on the right side of the MIB.
Do a Google seach to find your nearest distributor
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If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat? Last edited by dawsey : 11-08-2005 at 02:10.
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#6
11-08-2005, 02:18
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As Burg says, as far as nothing happens (accident), police will probably say nothing if you show your national driving license... but in case of problem on the road, you would get into troubles without the right international driving license.
Easy to get in Europe, we just have to go to the municipality with the national driving license and, 5 days later, you receive the international one for 16 € (20 $) It is valid 3 years. Be carful about some advertising that want to make you believe you can get a 10 years international driving license : this is absolutely not valid in Thailand. (Check issues on www.phuketgazette.com )
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Domi
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#7
11-08-2005, 03:15
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One night in MTB I ran into an expat who had just had a motorcycle accident and the thai was killed. Sorry I don't remember his name. Anyone know him and how he's making out? This would have been mid june.
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#9
11-08-2005, 05:04
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Belgian authorities like so much to make things difficult 
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#10
11-08-2005, 07:05
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All I have is a UK licence. I go through the roadside checks virtually every day...often several times in one day. Also had an accident a few weeks ago. I had to pay for repairs to the other guys (a Thai) bike.
I'm sure as long as they can see the word LICENCE and there's a picture of you on it you won't have a problem.
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#12
11-08-2005, 07:20
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Burg, I'm just in the process of renewing my old paper licence to the EU (UK) one, the photocard licence. Are you saying that you still need an international licence to keep within Thai law ? I could do with knowing, though whether I'm brave enough to drive in LOS is another matter ...
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#13
11-08-2005, 07:36
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You can't drive in LOS without an international driving license, Baz. It will be up to you, but in case of control, don't be surprised if you get into troubles with the police. A EU drinving license has no value in Thailand. It's not difficult and not expensive to get one in your country, so probably better to avoid any problem.
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Domi
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#15
11-08-2005, 07:59
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Mai pen rai... shit, no "Z"... 0 point
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#16
11-08-2005, 14:32
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In Belgium it was the same, you had to buy it in the TW office, this is the Belgian ANWB. You also got it in 10 minutes. But not all drivers are a member of TW, so you nearly had to beg if not a member. Now it is officialised and you get it from the municipality. Everybody has the same possibilities, a big advantage I think. Sometimes what you think as stupid or difficult is a correct and justified way of handling. Domi, of all the BM's here you are the only one allways bashing his own country. Do you realy think it is so bad. Try living in another country and see how much better it is.
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#17
11-08-2005, 23:58
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Hi Captain, I don't want to start a debate here, it's not the place to do it, but I don't think I am "always bashing my own country"... why always? Don't remember that... but I am in many administrative papers now and yes, sometimes things are not made to be simple and easy. It is probably worst in other countries, I don't say Belgium is not a nice country to live, but sometimes a little thing needs a lot of time and papers. I have many examples but, once more, this is not the place for a debate I just don't understand your "anger" so much, mate. 
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Domi
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#18
12-08-2005, 01:09
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Try living in another country and see how bad your home country is performing on many aspects.
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#19
12-08-2005, 01:50
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Try living in another country and see how good your home country is performing on many aspects. I've seen quite a few countries, and each one has good points and bad ones. Just to rephrase your message, do you think if a country is the opposite of what you mention above,will that be better? I am not so sure. So you prefer no regulations (everything free and everybody does what he wants? Or what?), I agree, I pay a huge amount of taxes, i.e. 57%, I don't like it but it pays for free education for children, infrastructure, health, social security and so on. Ok, politicians made some stupied decissions in my country, but in what country not? What do you suggest we should do with the elderly who can no more live alone and are helpless? Throw them on the street? Or do you have a more "drastic" solution? Please tell me. What I know about my country is that you are entitled to your own opinion, and they won't put you in jail for that, and you even will not be harrased. So I have my opinion and you may differ, and I will respect that. However, there is one advice of you that I will neglect: staying home.
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#20
12-08-2005, 01:58
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OK Domi, fair enough, not allways, sometimes. But I have seen a few of your messages that sounded rather negative, maybe you can check the messages you posted in the past months. Sorry, but at the end it sounded that everything was wrong in our country. The problem is that we are not chauvinistic like in most other countries. And yes, administration can be a pain in the *ss, but it excists in other countries too. Just look in the MB to other BM's trying to bring a Thai GF to their country, they too have the same problems.
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#21
12-08-2005, 02:06
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Get a picture taken, go to your local office which issues them, pay your money, isnt difficult. Why place yourself in a position to be abused by the local authorities when on holidays.
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#22
12-08-2005, 02:35
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I agree, many young Western people don't have the time or spirit any more to take care of old mummie. They have money enough though, just like mummie or daddie. The eldery care (NL: ouderenzorg) should be freed from any government interverence. If you are richer you will go to a much nicer home with two nurses 24 hours on your bed (Thailand ;-) ), the Government only has to take care of the helpless who really need help. No government intervention is not an option, too much is bad, for everyone. Quote:
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#23
12-08-2005, 02:52
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license
I have spent alot of time in Patong and I always have a motorbike. I get pulled up alot (almost daily at the moment) for license checks. I usually come to Thailand with at least 4 licenses as the motorbike hirer wants one, plus you still have to produce one if asked. I have never had my license questioned and have used the following: Queensland, New Zealand, International, Cook Islands. All had photos except my old NZ one but even this was ok.
On another note, this morning we had a big storm here which soaked my helmet. Due to this I went out to buy my brekky, unfortunately without my helmet on. I after turning right onto ratutit from sainamyen rd a policeman appeared from nowhere asking me to stop. Not sure what the **** I was thinking but i decided I would out run him (not clever) to avoid the 300 baht fine. After a chase in which I escaped by hiding behind Patong language school I thought all was ok. However he called for another officer and they ended up spotting me in hiding.... som nam naa! Ended up costing 1000 baht! Yes I know it was pretty stupid but hey sometimes you just do shit without thinking. The officers at the station when I went to pay had a good laugh at the fact I had tried to do a runner as well, they were pretty good about it actually.  I will put that one down to experience! Cheers!
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#24
12-08-2005, 03:24
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Burg,
At least we Belgians are better off: we don't have to drink Heineken  Tax rate for me is 56%, My employer also pays taxes (social security) for me, VAT 21%. Now children taking care of their parents in Thailand is true. But I read a few years ago that in Singapore the situation is changing: the younger don't have time anymore (or don't want to make time) to take care of the children. So it seems there is a tendency over there tho shift to the Westernn European patern of building retirement homes. Maybe in a few years Thailand will have the same development. I think I will have a good Trappist beer now
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