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World Driving Permit

🇹🇭 Thailand driving licence translation & IDP

1949 Geneva IDP· Issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 20 Jun 2026

Short answer

Thailand issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, honoured by the 100-plus countries party to it — including the United States, Japan and Australia. Carry your 1949 IDP with your original Thailand licence. Because Thailand licences are printed in Thai script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.

Driving abroad with a Thailand licence

Thailand is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so Thailand drivers obtain their International Driving Permit at home before travelling. The IDP is an official translation of your licence into multiple languages; it is valid only alongside the original card and only while that card remains valid. A separate certified translation companion is useful at police stops and rental desks where staff need a quick, readable copy of your licence details.

What Thailand drivers should carry abroad

  • Your original Thailand driving licence (physical card)
  • Passport with any required visa or entry stamp
  • An International Driving Permit issued in Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention
  • A certified translation companion to speed up police and rental-desk checks
  • Proof of insurance valid in your destination

Translate your Thailand licence

A certified, multi-language translation companion for your Thailand licence — ready to carry alongside the original. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Check a specific destination

Get a tailored answer for your Thailand licence, your destination, dates and vehicle.

Popular destinations for Thailand drivers

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Thailand drivers: frequently asked questions

What do I need to drive abroad with a Thailand driving licence?
Thailand issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, honoured by the 100-plus countries party to it — including the United States, Japan and Australia. Carry your 1949 IDP with your original Thailand licence. Because Thailand licences are printed in Thai script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.
Which International Driving Permit does Thailand issue?
Thailand issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your IDP must be obtained in Thailand before you travel from an authorised issuer; it is a recognised translation of your licence and is always carried together with the original.
Does a certified translation replace an IDP for Thailand drivers?
No. A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks read your Thailand licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence alongside it. Because Thailand licences are printed in Thai script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving licence translation for other countries