You usually get your IDL in our own country. There's no test, it's just a standard form you fill out, get visa-like pictures made, pay a fee, and it's all done in 15 minutes. You fold the IDL like a brochure. You carry your IDL with your driver's license. You present your IDL together with your foreign driver's license. You must present both. The policeman will usually read only the IDL because he is familiar with the IDL format and knows where to look for what information.
You can get an IDL in Thailand if you have a Thai driver's license, but not with a foreign driver's license. There are various stories on this. Some people say you must have your Thai driver's license for a year before you can get your IDL. Others say it's do-able otherwise. Local province offices normally cannot issue international driving licenses, and those are usually obtained in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. For an international driver's license, you must take documents to the Vehicle Registration Division of the Department of Land Transport. In Bangkok, the office is located opposite Chatuchak Park, by the Mo Chit bus station, at 1032 Poholyothin Rd, Tel: (02) 272-3615. Application can also be made at the Vehicle Registration Office in Chiang Mai located on Chiangmai-Hangdong Rd. tel (053) 270-411 as well as other registered Centres. Allow one month for issuance & mail delivery from Bangkok.
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