The system of permission for requesting to use foreign vehicles in Thailand 

     Currently, the trend of importing vehicles from foreign countries for business use in Thailand is increasing. Therefore, the Department of Land Transport has established several criteria for requesting permission to use vehicles in order to screen the vehicles and drivers before importing them into Thailand. To facilitate and expedite licensing, the process of checking important documents, such as the vehicle registration, insurance, and the license of the driver, is included.

     To support online applications for permission, the Department of Land Transport has developed the Foreign Vehicle Permit System (FVP) information system (URL: https://fvp.dlt.go.th/). This system will screen vehicles and drivers before the vehicles are brought into Thailand, including checking documents, such as the vehicle registration, insurance, and the licenses of the drivers, in order to ensure the safety of tourists.

     In addition, a mobile application called "DLT FVP" has been developed to provide information and news related to driving foreign registered vehicles in Thailand. The application provides tools to help users comply with the laws and to travel safely.  In addition, it includes maps of important places, such as hospitals, police stations, tourist attractions, shopping malls, gas stations, restaurants, government offices, the authorized vehicle use areas, and emergency phone numbers.

     The FVP system may be used only by tour operators, who may request permission to use a vehicle for a maximum of 30 days (not to exceed 60 days per calendar year).

Fees

1. The fee for requesting a tourist permit is 500 baht per vehicle;
2. The application fee is 5 baht;
3. The fee for the usage mark for vehicles is 500 baht per plate (for cars and trucks) and 200 baht (for motorcycles).

     It should be noted that the usage mark for vehicles will have a QR code for inspection purposes, and it will be allowed only for use in the provincial areas that have passed through the customs checkpoints.

The documents required for the permit application are as follows: 

• A photograph of the driver’s passport: 
• A photograph of the vehicle registration certificate; 
• A photograph of the driver's license; 
• A photograph of the certification of passing the vehicle inspection; 
• A photograph of the vehicle insurance certificate; 
• Proof of travel details.

     Tourists must strictly adhere to the conditions for using vehicles in Thailand, which consists of being in possession of a valid Thai or international driver's license and undergoing training on traffic laws and safe driving on Thai roads.

     If drivers violate the regulations for using vehicles as specified, or if business operators fail to oversee compliance with these conditions, their offenses will be recorded, which will result in their inability to apply for vehicle permits to enter the country for a period of one year.

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

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