Police 'fines'

[KelpieKiss]

[Governor]

In many places, though I'm not sure in Hua Hin, the officer will retain your bike, chaining it up, until you have paid the fine and/or complied with the law.

You are supposed to carry your passport with you at all times though it isn't always practical so a copy of all the relevant pages will usually suffice.

[barrys]

I had my passport ID page copied onto a laminated card (credit card size), with the visa details copied onto the other side.

Very easy to carry in your wallet and so far accepted wherever I've had need to present it.
_________________
Barry Stone
Mermaid Cruises
Tel. 032-632223 (office)
084-8007400 (mobile)

www.huahincruises.com

[Big Boy]

Norseman wrote:

[Norseman]

I think it's because your farang name in your Thai driver license has been translated to the nearest possible phonetic spelling and they don't want to spell it wrong in their booking system.
Had to bring my good old readable license before Budget would rent me a pickup.
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I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[margaretcarnes]

Come on Norseman! With respect, none of us REALLy learn to drive until we've passed the test and are out on our own (and stuck at a junction waiting for someone to tell us when its ok to go!)
I still remember that first solo flight vividly, and its over 40 years ago now, when we had the little red books even

[Norseman]

I second that completely Margaret, but a farang test is a bit tougher than the Thai test which in my view is not a test at all.
_________________
I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[Terry]

I have contributed a fair amount to the BIB pension fund in my time - however - there are a few basic things that I think should be said.

1) Yes - Thai driving standards are amongst the worst on the planet, but it is still a legal requirement to posess a driving licence.
2) The fact that the Thai driving test is a joke when compared to those elswhere in say Europe, U.S. and Oz is still no reason why, as a foreigner, you have no need to comply with the local Law.
3) In your native land in Europe, U.S. or Oz - how would you feel about - say - a Thai person not posessing a licence (and hence being not insured) having an accident and causing you or a loved one personal injury.

What I'm saying is simply - why stoop to the same level of indifference to the law.

We know the BIB are as corrupt as hell, but that plus the ineffectiveness of any driving tuition amongst the locals does not mean that we as foreigners should believe we can do just as we please.

It's simple - if you are living here - get a licence it's easy.
You will find that you may well end up paying less in fines!
_________________
Terry Theobald
Hua Hin Fishing Lodge
Tel:- 081-927-1271 (Eng / Thai)
089-837-4079 (Eng)

Come on over - you might get hooked.

www.huahinfishing.com
www.huahinfishingtours.com

[Takiap]

Sorry guys but the farang is not always blamed. A mate of mine, Kevin Hall, had a minor accident with a Thai from Bangkok while living in Takiap. Kevin called the BIB and when they showed up they spoke to both parties before telling the Thai to pay a few thousand baht to Kevin. As all of us who live here should know, it all depends on the officer at the time.

On a different note, I don't have a bike licence but want to get one. I'm here on a multi O visa so can I still get one? If so, could someone please put in simple steps what I need to do?

Cheers and I'll leave feedback once I've gone through it.
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Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact

[Chas]

I will post here and in the forum I started on this topic too.. .I am still trying to get my Thai driving licence renewed!

I got the doctor's certificate and copied my passport. No prob.

Then, last week the spouse and I started trying for the police document/ proof of residence. We actually live in Cha Am but the Hua Hin police station is closer and we were in town so we popped in.

No problem said the nice policeman at the desk with a smile ( this IS the land of smiles) and the amount you must give me to do it is 1000 baht. He was right up front about it too. No dancing around. He gave us a choice of doing it the easy way or the hard way. My spouse said we wanted to do it the RIGHT way and after a long, friendly conversation, we walked out without the paper.

Next stop, the "correct" police station in Cha am and I will probably get stuck paying the 1000 baht bribe. I plan to take a day next week to see how far I can get with it.

The whole thing is that we did NOT need any proof of residence when I got the original license a year ago. Why is the renewal more difficult than getting the original license?

On an interesting side note: when processing the license last year, at the very end after all the testing was done, they were going to give me a motorcycle license. However, I do not know how to drive a motorcycle and I was amazed at how close I came to getting a license to do so anyway!

[chelsea]

[Big Boy]

Terry wrote:

[margaretcarnes]

Not sure I fully agree with Big Boys thoughts that the UK test is increasingly hard to pass, therefore causing more people to drive without a licence?
Its certainly different now, with the written test (maybe that causes a lot of problems!) But I think a lot of people simply can't afford the lessons and test these days. You could argue that if people can afford a car they can also afford to pass the test, but try telling that to the many who need a licence in order to apply for the jobs for which it is essential.
Then there are the ones who don't give a youknow for others and nick cars for joy riding, or just carry on driving anyway when banned.
6 dead down South just last Friday due to a maniac who had already had DD convictions.
Making the test 'harder' isn't an answer. Enforcing the law is, wherever you live.

[Name Taken]

[Big Boy]