Drinking, driving, and licenses

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DragonMaster
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Drinking, driving, and licenses

Post by DragonMaster »

I am posting this information as a service, so don’t shoot the messenger as the saying goes. Much of the details are not well known and can get you in a lot of trouble. Many of you on here won’t be affected if you don’t drive, but it’s still good to know.

Drinking & driving in Thailand

Stiff penalties are being handed to drunk drivers, and you can expect less lenience from the police if you are caught driving drunk. You could be looking at a hefty fine of 60,000 baht, 6 months in prison, or both.

The legal limit for blood alcohol content while driving with a full (5 year) Thai driving license in Thailand is 0.05 (50 milligrams). The legal limit while driving on a 1 to 2 year Thai driving license or international driving permit is 0.02 (20 milligrams). This legal limit equates to grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. 1 beer, or a glass of wine can put you over the limit if you drive immediately after having a drink.

Drivers licenses
If you are here as a tourist and wish to drive a car or a motorbike, you must have an International Driving Permit in addition to your foreign drivers license. Make sure you have both in your possession while driving. If you want to rent a motorbike, the IDP must show that endorsement as well, or you are subject to a ticket and fine up to 1,000 baht. Some people believe that as long as your license is in English, you don’t need an International Permit in Thailand. That is not true and you can and probably will be fined the maximum.

There are a number of places that advertise an International Driving License which can be purchased here in Thailand. They are not legal, so don’t waste your money. IDP’s must be purchased in your home country by an authorized agency before you come to Thailand.

Helmets
When riding a motorbike here, helmets are required by law. Failure to wear one can cost you 400 baht.
Dodger
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Re: Drinking, driving, and licenses

Post by Dodger »

I'd like to see the quadruple the penalties.

Half the drivers over here are drunk and at the same time the most aggressive drivers on Earth with those "Me First" driving attitudes. They swerve around and cross lane lines illegally routinely like Mr. Magoo even when they're sober. Add a few shots of Thai moonshine and it's gonna make the 9 O'clock news every time.

If they were able to stop the drunks in Thailand from being able to drive all together they would immediately cut the carbon emissions in half.

Thinking Green!
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