If you live in Phuket and drive, this is one to watch closely — and to have your say on while you still can. A proposed nationwide change to how foreign nationals get a Thai driving licence has drawn overwhelming opposition, and Phuket's own transport chief says his office was not even told it was coming.
The draft, published on Nov 4 by the Department of Land Transport's Legal Division, is open for public consultation until Dec 4. In our reading of the summary, it would end the current route that lets foreign nationals use a home-country licence or an International Driving Permit to obtain a Thai licence without the usual training and testing. It would also require applicants for a temporary two-year licence to have at least two years left on their visa, unless other conditions set by the department are met, and driving schools would be able to train foreign applicants but no longer run their written or practical tests — those would move to transport offices.
The response so far has been lopsided. By Nov 11 the consultation had recorded 932 responses, with 907 opposed and just 25 in favour — about 97% against. The two-year visa point is the main flashpoint: many retirees, foreign workers and people married to Thai nationals only ever receive one-year extensions at a time, so respondents argue the rule would shut out people who have lived and driven here legally for years. Several pointed out they are the only licensed driver in their Thai family, responsible for school runs, shopping and hospital trips. A smaller number backed the draft, saying standardised training and office-run testing could improve road safety and oversight.
Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office chief Adcha Buachan told reporters his office had not been informed of the draft, declined to give a personal view, and stressed that his team still works under the existing rules until any new regulation is formally approved. He also made a point tourists should note: visitors can still drive in Thailand on a valid, recognised International Driving Permit alongside their home licence — this proposal is about converting a foreign licence into a Thai one, not about tourist driving.
Full story: The Phuket News — PLTO Chief claims 'unaware' as respondents slam foreign driver's licence proposal
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