Pulled over - No International Drivers Permit - Chiang Mai - Thailand

Stopped by police, given ticket, then I walked to police station to try to get out of paying the fine..

[@muppet64]

All persons riding a motor cycle in Thailand require an IDP that verifies they have passed a motor cycle test in their respective country. I visit Thailand regularly and always bring a IDP that show the classes of vehicle I can ride/drive. I too was stopped in Thailand last visit by the very friendly Police and was asked for my documents. I showed my passport, IDP and original licence photographed on my phone and was let on my way without a fine. The only other way around it is to take your motor cycle test in Thailand. And one last thing people - ALWAYS wear a helmet (I know you were wearing one, I saw it) Too many idiots from around the world jump on a bike and end up in hospital from lack of riding experience. Thailand has an appalling road safety record. Be safe.

[@WOWTHATSJAPAN2]

Good advice!

[@evgenyvorobyev9073]

Why they gave you a ticket if you got your Philippines driver's licence? Drivers holding a valid driving licence of the 10 ASEAN member countries can use their national driver's license in the nine other countries without the need to obtain an IDP. These countries are Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

[@tomsaway123]

Good question. I didn’t know that. Thanks

[@kashyap1991]

How much fine did u paid ?

[@tomsaway123]

@@kashyap1991 500 baht

[@kashyap1991]

@@tomsaway123 Ok

[@MrIgorradisic]

@@tomsaway123 valid for 3 days :)

[@johnmellyn2700]

The last two times I’ve gotten the IDP at AAA here in the USA they told me they no longer stamp the motorcycle endorsement , (2023, 2024 ) I asked them if they would please stamp it because I don’t want any issues in Thailand , which thankfully they did ,( I honestly don’t know if the Thai police would accept it if they had refused to stamp it )….so this winter coming up I’m going to go to a different AAA branch ,…I hope they don’t refuse to stamp the motorcycle part ( Ive had my motorcycle license here in the U.S for over 40 years )as I’m going to just get my Thai drivers license ( in my mind I have to believe if they don’t stamp it it’s as good as useless )

[@ViratxDoodle]

Do you happen to have the photo of the signed receipt that they gave you?

[@tomsaway123]

@@ViratxDoodle no

[@whiteoioi3624]

They let you film this?

[@tomsaway123]

I know what you mean.. it was just hanging around my neck. I acted like it wasn’t turned on.

[@ancient.journey]

You had Philippines licence?

[@tomsaway123]

Yes. It’s what I handed to him.

[@ancient.journey]

@@tomsaway123 "People who are residents in Thailand (on a non-immigrant visa) are required to obtain a Thai driving license in order to legally drive a car or a motorbike."?

[@prashpp]

once paid fine, how long we can use the bike without IDP? is it 3 days?

[@tomsaway123]

@@prashpp yes. He said 3 days

[@Sandro557m]

@prashpp They sometimes accept the receipt after 4 days aswell. Just show it to the police when you get pulled over again. But there are also policemen who don't accept the recepit and want money without issuing a new receipt. Some search your bike and others just friendly send you to the next police station or let you go. It's always different.

[@prashpp]

@@Sandro557m oh, thank you! We just visited Phuket n unfortunately it was all rainy. Monsoon season, hence we didn't rent a bike.

[@baconoverflow4384]

Okay, so... Thai Road Traffic Act, B.E. 2522 (1979). Section 42: Anyone wishing to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver’s license. Foreign drivers can drive with a valid driver’s license from their home country if it is accompanied by an IDP or in accordance with treaties between Thailand and the foreign government. (Source: ChatGPT translation of the Thai Road Traffic Act) "What about the traffic act? You don't care?" What's up with the hostility and rudeness? The ticket has already been issued, and it's unlikely that the staff working the tills can just cancel it, and just because you're showing him some random website where it says you don't need one doesn't mean it's true. Thai's need an IDP to drive in most US states too, by the way... What would happen if you drove in the states without the right license? You'd get a hefty fine, potential court, and definitely impoundment. As a foreigner living here I love this country to bits, but really dislike the sense of superiority some people from the west come here with... The police here aren't always right, but in this case they were just doing their job truthfully and honestly, and treated you way better than most US cops treat us back home. Something to reflect on...

[@tomsaway123]

I handed him my Philippines drivers license.. He should not have given me a ticket. I'm back in Chiang Mai now. This time I went to the police station first before renting a motorbike. They said it's legal to drive with a Philippines license. I should have not gotten a ticket.

[@leoagaw]

@@tomsaway123 Correct. It was a scam. Asean licenses are accepted in Thailand without any issues.