Can i use driver license from my home country in Thailand?
Yes! You may drive rent a car and drive in Thailand with only driver license issued from your home country.
Under the circumstances that your driver license is in English language.
However, If your driver license is in another language rather than English language, than it would need to be accompanied by International Driving Permit.
Why would i need International driving permit?
By law it is required for you to always carry both driver license and international driving permit if your drivers license is non-English language. The International driving permit basically translates your driver license to English.
In event of accident and the driver fails to present the International driving permit, the insurance company may deny all claims and the renter will become financially responsible for the damages as well as you will most likely get a fine at every police check points you encounter in Thailand.
Our tip is to carry International driving permit together with your driver license at all time when driving in Thailand if your driver license is in non-English language!
Do you actually need a Thai drivers license to drive a car in Thailand?
By Thai Law, you are permitted to drive on driver license from your home country for 12 months, after that you must get a Thai driver license.
If you plan to stay for longer period than 12 months at a time or plan to move to Thailand permanently than we would recommend you to get a Thai drivers license.