How may a tourist or tour operator drive in Thailand?

How may a tourist or tour operator drive in Thailand?

     When driving a vehicle from a foreign country in Thailand, it is necessary to obtain permission from the Department of Land Transport in order to have control and supervision over the use of the vehicle and to prevent problems, such as drivers who drive without a driver's license or who are not familiar with the routes, which may result in accidents and traffic problems, as well as issues of liability in the event of an accident.

The eligible vehicles for which persons may apply for permission to bring across the border for tourism business purposes in Thailand are as follows:

• A passenger car not exceeding 9 seats (including the driver);
• A truck with a total weight of no more than 3,500 kilograms; 
• A motorcycle.

Vehicles that are not eligible and for which persons may not apply for permission to bring across the border for tourism business purposes are as follows:

• Vans;
• Mobile homes;
• Trucks with a total weight of more than 3,500 kilograms; 
• Passenger cars with more than 9 seats.

     With respect to vehicles under the cooperation agreement between the government, local transport, and foreign-registered vehicles from Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, no permission is required.

The steps for applying for a permit 

     The process for applying for a permit for tour operators can be done at any transport office throughout Thailand. The following steps should be followed:

1. Submit the documents at the provincial transport office. Tour operators must submit a complete application with all the necessary documents at least 15 working days before using the vehicles;
2. Transport officials will review the documents, and if they are found to be correct, the officials will issue the permit;
3. The provincial transport office will inform the tour operator of the status of his or her application and will arrange an appointment to receive the permit;
4. Then, the permit will be issued, and the fee will be collected. Representatives of the company who come to conduct the application process must present a Power of Attorney letter.

The supporting documents for permit application

The following are the necessary documents for tour operators wanting to apply for a permit:

1. A national ID card or the company’s Certificate of Registration;
2. Photographs of the tour operator's business license;
3. A Certificate of Supervision;
4. A Power of Attorney letter with a 10-baht stamp (in case the person who holds the tour business license does not personally conduct the permit application).

Regarding the person applying for permission to use the vehicle and the vehicle itself

     1. Photographs of the passport and visa;
     2. Photographs of the driver's license;
     3. Photographs of the vehicle registration;
     4. A Letter of Consent to use the vehicle (in case the driver is not the owner of the vehicle);
     5. Photographs of proof of having passed the vehicle inspection;
     6. Photographs of evidence of insurance coverage in accordance with the B.E. 2535 Motor Vehicle Act for the protection of accident victims;
     7. Photographs of evidence of Type 3 insurance coverage, which has the following minimum requirements:
          - Life and body: 1 million baht per person per occurrence;
          - Property: 1 million baht per occurrence.
     8. Photographs of the vehicle;
     9. Evidence of travel details;
    10. A statement explaining the reasons for the necessity of using a foreign-registered vehicle. (All documents must be translated into English or Thai.)

Source: Department of Land Transport, 1032 Phaholyothin Road, Chomphon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900. 
Tel. +66 2271 8888.
For more information 1
For more information 2