Horizondave Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 I have both a Thai car and Thai motorbike licence. It runs out on 09 July 2023. I am aware that you can renew it around 3 months before and up to a year after without causing issues. My first question I think I can answer but - it is true that you need to attend a licence centre to renew it, this can not be done by somebody else? Reason I ask is that I really wasn't coming to Thailand this year so would love to know if it can be renewed without attendance. If I do need to attend I may travel for 1 week in August to either Khon Kaen or Pattaya. Khon Kaen because that is where the licence was last renewed against my wife's Housebook, Pattaya because it allows me to enjoy some entertainment during my short stay. Second question - are there any companies that I can use to assist me to get this done quick. i.e. they will help me get the paperwork done which I assume includes an immigration letter confirming address (is a hotel OK because I am just visiting) and go with me to the licence centre (preferably Highway 36). I presume I will still need to do the practical tests (reaction, periphery vision etc.) and watch a video. My concern is if it needs to be a residential address on the immigration letter then do I need to be in Khon Kaen or get a copy of the Housebook. Really, I just want to come to Thailand, day after arrival go to a licence centre and have my licences renewed then spend 4-5 days enjoying my trip. I have renewed these licences twice before. What are my options guys and what would be likely costs involved using an agent if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fygjam Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 (edited) Wouldn't you need a doppelganger to do it for you? As I recall, the photo is photographed directly onto the license (at a licensing centre). Edited March 10 by fygjam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizondave Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 33 minutes ago, fygjam said: Wouldn't you need a doppelganger to do it for you? As I recall, the photo is photographed directly onto the license (at a licensing centre). Part of the reason I believe it is mandatory for personal attendance. Wondered if they could just take the old licence and reprint with a new date, same photo. Probably need to be in Thailand so looking for agent assist info and if staying in a hotel is an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommy dee Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 you have to physically go. no one lese can do for you you could pay someone to hold your hand, but its pointless. make an appointment. go to immigration, pay 100 baht ish and get a letter saying where you live, you dont need the housebook, and bobs your uncle two copies of everything, 1 for bike 1 for car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegrogmonster Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 (edited) Don't these days you have to do some sort of online test. I also think there may be a need to book an appointment date to do the renewal and not just turn up. Just looked and both of my licences expire next month. I was not planning a trip in the near future but don't want to go through the whole licence process for a third time. Edited March 10 by thegrogmonster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizondave Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 2 minutes ago, thegrogmonster said: Don't these days you have to do some sort of online test. I also think there may be a need to book an appointment date to do the renewal and not just turn up. Previously I have just turned up and done the practical tests and video, no need to do the online test again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizondave Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 2 hours ago, tommy dee said: you have to physically go. no one lese can do for you you could pay someone to hold your hand, but its pointless. make an appointment. go to immigration, pay 100 baht ish and get a letter saying where you live, you dont need the housebook, and bobs your uncle two copies of everything, 1 for bike 1 for car I understand that my presence will be required sadly but I was thinking of getting an agent to hurry up the process and help get an immigration letter. I was wondering whether being in a hotel will prevent me getting the appropriate letter and therefore (like with visas) getting an agent may assist with the whole process without dealing with jobsworth immigration officers etc. I will be on a short 5-7 day trip so looking to hurry up the process and ensure I don't get told at the licence centre that I am too late or come back tomorrow. Assuming an agent will get it all sorted when I want it sorted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fygjam Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 7 hours ago, Horizondave said: I will be on a short 5-7 day trip so looking to hurry up the process and ensure I don't get told at the licence centre that I am too late or come back tomorrow. Assuming an agent will get it all sorted when I want it sorted! In days gone by, the TGF of the time used to go to the licensing centre in Rayong, said it was much quicker than the Eastern Verification Center. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forcebwithu Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 It used to be if you can wait until just after the expiration/birthday date, you can squeak out an extra year on the new license since the expiration date will be five years from your next birthday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizondave Posted March 11 Author Share Posted March 11 3 hours ago, forcebwithu said: It used to be if you can wait until just after the expiration/birthday date, you can squeak out an extra year on the new license since the expiration date will be five years from your next birthday. I think you are on the button there. I will be going to Thailand a month after expiry at the earliest so may work out well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJSP Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 Just an aside, I renewed my 5-year licences last April and had an arsey lady tell me I couldn’t get another 5-year as my visa was only a visitor/ on entry so she gave me 2 years 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forcebwithu Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 15 minutes ago, AJSP said: Just an aside, I renewed my 5-year licences last April and had an arsey lady tell me I couldn’t get another 5-year as my visa was only a visitor/ on entry so she gave me 2 years Unfortunately those are the rules. Think in years gone by they were more relaxed about giving out the 5 year license. If they were smart they'd continue to do so as it would significantly reduce their workload. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegrogmonster Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 (edited) So had a look and my licence expires in April 2023 and the wife's licence in June 2023. The plan is now to go to Thailand in March 2024 and get them renewed in Udon Thani. I have been caught out before not having the right visa when renewing the licence. It would be good in Thailand puts Australia on the e-visa program by then. Edited March 11 by thegrogmonster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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