Companies providing vehicle rental services in Phuket have received a strict instruction from the authorities: they must carefully check the validity of tourists' driver's licenses. Russian driver's licenses without an international license will no longer be considered valid. For Russians, especially those who have moved to Phuket, this significantly complicates the ability to move around on the island, as the use of bikes and scooters without the appropriate license will become impossible.
National Tourist Police Commander Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakam visited vehicle rental companies in December. The visit was part of a program to strengthen controls in Phuket's fast-growing car rental industry. Interestingly, his visit came a day after Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin and acting Royal Thai Police Commissioner Gen. Kitirat Panphet arrived on the island. This indicates that the authorities are serious about strictly enforcing the law regarding driver's licenses for tourists in Phuket.
The police press office specified that the purpose of the visits was to remind car and motorcycle rental companies that they can be fined if their customers are found driving without a valid license. Many rental shops have already started posting stickers with information about the penalties for driving without a license or allowing another person to drive a car or bike without a valid license.
These stickers also explain which driver's licenses are recognized in Thailand. In addition to a Thai driver's license issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Thailand. A driver's license issued in the US, UK, Russia or Australia without an IDP is not considered valid in Thailand.
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