Asia
Driving in Thailand
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Thailand expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Thailand
Asia · drives on the left
- Drives on the
- Left
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Thailand?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Police checkpoints on Phuket and Koh Samui ask for it, and insurance is void without one.
Which side of the road does Thailand drive on?
Thailand drives on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Thailand?
Rental desks in Thailand generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Thailand and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Thailand refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.