How to Get a Driver’s License in Thailand (Car & Motorbike – New or Conversion Guide) Navigating Thailand’s driver’s license process can feel like a bureaucratic maze—but it’s simpler than you think. Whether you’re applying for a new license or converting a foreign one, here’s the no-BS guide to getting legal on Thai roads. Who Needs a Thai License? • Tourists: Can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) if it includes motorcycle coverage. • Expats/Residents: Required if staying >90 days. Even with an IDP, long-term residents risk fines without a Thai license. Two Paths to a Thai License 1. Converting a Foreign License (Fastest Option) Eligibility: Your home license must be valid and from a country Thailand recognizes (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia). Steps: 1. Get Certified Translations (if license isn’t in English): • Translation must be done by a certified translator or your embassy. 2. Medical Certificate (~100–200 THB): • Basic health check at any clinic (they mostly just check your pulse). 3. Residency Proof: • Non-immigrant visa holders: Certificate from Immigration or your embassy. • Work permit holders: WP suffices. 4. Visit the DLT (Department of Land Transport): • Documents: Passport, visa, foreign license + translation, medical cert, residency proof. • Process: • Watch a 1-hour safety video (yes, really). • Pass a depth perception/color blindness test (hint: it’s just identifying flashing lights). • Pay ~500 THB per license (car + bike = separate licenses). • Done: You’ll get a 2-year temporary license (upgrade to 5-year later). Pro Tip: Some DLT offices (like Bangkok’s Chatuchak) are more expat-friendly. Arrive early to avoid crowds. 2. Applying as a New Driver (No Prior License) Steps: 1. Get a Learner’s Permit: • Pass a written test (50 multiple-choice Qs; 45/50 to pass). • Study the official DLT app (or grab the booklet at the DLT). 2. Practical Test: • Car: Parallel parking, reversing, basic driving. • Motorbike: Ride a slalom course without putting your foot down (laughably easy on a scooter). 3. Get Your License: • First license is 2-year temporary; renew for 5 years later. Note: Some driving schools (e.g., A1 Driving School in Bangkok) offer test prep for ~3,000 THB—worth it if you’re nervous. Key Details • Cost: ~500 THB per license (car + bike = separate fees). • Validity: • Temporary: 2 years (first-time applicants/conversions). • Permanent: 5 years (renew after 2 years). • Renewals: Just need a medical cert + residency proof. No tests! Motorbike-Specific Rules • License Class: • "A" = Motorbikes (required for anything >50cc). • No license? Police fines start at 500 THB (or worse if you crash). • Big Bikes (250cc+): Same license, but rental shops may ask for proof of experience. Avoid These Mistakes 1. Assuming an IDP is Enough: It’s not if you live here. 2. Skipping the Medical Cert: Clinics near DLTs charge ~100 THB—just get it. 3. Forgetting Residency Proof: Immigration certificates can take a day to process. Plan ahead! Final Advice Thai licenses are easy to get but strict on paperwork. Double-check your documents, and don’t stress the tests—they’re designed to be passed.

An Expat’s Guide to Exploring Right (and Riding Smart) Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re new to Chiang Mai and not exploring by motorbike, you’re missing half the fun. The city’s charm isn’t just in its temples—it’s in the winding mountain roads, hidden waterfalls, and roadside khao soi stalls you’ll only find on two wheels. But before you rev up, here’s the real talk (no AI fluff) from someone who’s learned the hard way. Why a Motorbike? • Freedom: Tuk-tuks get stuck in traffic. You won’t. • Cost: Rentals start at 150 THB/day for a scooter (pro tip: automatic bikes are easiest for beginners). There are larger motorbikes for rent for the more experienced riders. • Access: The best spots—think hill tribe villages, hot springs, and empty mountain lookouts—aren’t reachable on the standard tours. Safety: Don’t Be That Expat 1. Licenses Matter: Yes, police check. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement is legally required. No IDP? That’s a 500–1,000 THB fine (or worse). 2. Gear Up: • Helmet = non-negotiable. Buy a decent one (not the plastic toy some rental shops offer). • Rain jacket (trust me, afternoon storms sneak up fast). 3. Road Survival 101: • Left-side driving. Sounds obvious until you instinctively swerve right. • Assume no one sees you—because they usually don’t. Watch for trucks, dogs, and potholes (especially post-rainy season). Best Rides for Newbies 1. Doi Suthep Loop (Half-Day) • Route: Old City → Huay Kaew Road → Doi Suthep Temple → Pha Lat Temple (quieter, just as stunning). • Why?: Easy 30-minute climb with epic city views. Stop at Mon Tha Than Waterfall on the way down. • Local Tip: Arrive at Doi Suthep by 7 AM to beat the crowds (and heat). 2. Mae Sa Valley (Full Day) • Route: Northwest to Mae Rim → Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden → Mae Sa Waterfall. • Detour Worth Taking: Mon Cham for coffee with mountain views. • Watch For: Tour buses—they hog the narrow roads. 3. Samoeng Loop (Full Day) • Route: 100km through mountains, strawberry farms, and tiny villages. • Grab Lunch: Riverside cafes near Samoeng town. • Warning: The last stretch back to Chiang Mai has gnarly curves. Go slow. For the Bold (Read: Experienced Riders) 1. Pai Highway (1095): The infamous 762 curves. Thrilling? Yes. For beginners? Don't think so. Pack motion sickness pills. 2. Doi Inthanon:  Thailand’s highest peak. The ride up is misty and magical—just avoid weekends (Thai tourists + fog = chaos). Where to Rent (Without Getting Scammed) Skip the sketchy alley shops. These spots are expat-vetted: • Mr. Mechanic: Well-maintained bikes, honest staff. They’ll show you how to check oil/brakes. • Tony’s Big Bikes: Need a 250cc+ for mountain trips? They’ve got you. • Zippy Bike: Automatic scooters with fair pricing (and they document pre-existing scratches with you). Rental Red Flags: • No proper contract. • Demand for your passport (leave a deposit instead). Pro Tips They Won’t Tell You • Parking: Free at temples/markets, but never block a sidewalk (towing is real). • Fuel: Tiny roadside bottles (40 THB) work, but stations are everywhere. • Rainy Season (July–Oct): Roads turn into slip ‘n slides. If you must ride, go slow and avoid dirt paths. Final Thought Chiang Mai’s magic isn’t just in the Old City—it’s in the unplanned detours. That hidden hot spring? The hill tribe market selling grilled bananas? You’ll only find them if you’re willing to get lost a little - Just keep the rubber side down.

The Link to IGNITE 2025 The Link to EuRA Message from the CEO - Adam McWhirter   In 2017, I attended an event in Chicago where I experienced my first IGNITE. That same year, I delivered my first TEDx talk in Shanghai. I was captivated by the IGNITE format—fast-paced and exhilarating, allowing for ten unique speakers to share their stories in just one hour. Inspired by this experience, I decided to bring IGNITE to China.   The IGNITE Format: - 5 minutes - 20 slides - 15 seconds per slide on a timer   If you have something to say, you've got 5 minutes.   In Shanghai, I began hosting global mobility events using the IGNITE format. You can check out the link here to one of the events we held at WeWork. I loved the format and was building momentum in Shanghai. I then introduced IGNITE to the Rotary Club of Shanghai. Instead of our usual 20-minute guest speaker at our dinner meetings, we replaced it once a month with 3 to 4 IGNITE presentations. When I moved back to Chongqing in 2020, I again turned to IGNITE to foster community by hosting regular bar evenings. Over the years, I have hosted at least 30 IGNITE sessions, coached nearly 100 people through the process, and frequently took the IGNITE stage myself.   Then came the opportunity at EuRA—the big stage, the most anticipated session of the conference. Everything culminated in the IGNITE session. The preparation began months in advance, involving coaching, writing, editing, and refining our presentations.   This IGNITE experience felt different; it was on a much larger scale than anything I had done before, and it involved industry peers from around the globe. I also felt an added pressure, knowing it was not my first time on stage.    That said, the final product from all the IGNITERS was extraordinary. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of us and our achievements—the memories from this experience will stay with me forever.    I invite you to watch all the IGNITERS, as we each had a unique story to tell. EuRA 2025 - The IGNITE Sessions - Irene Bunt – 3:00 - Elizabeth Hotze, CRP, GMS – 8:30 - Adam McWhirter – 14:00 - Lucy Foster – 19:30 - Christina Miller, GMS – 25:00 - Rossana Veglia - 30:30 - Jo Webb – 36:00 The next up for me, IGNITE Bangkok - August 21st  Message me if you happen to be in town.