Tourists in Phuket have decided to make life very difficult: it will no longer be possible to move around the island as before
Vehicle rental companies in Phuket have received a strict instruction from the authorities: they must carefully check the validity of tourists’ driving licences. A Russian driver’s licence without an international licence will no longer be considered valid. For Russians, especially those who have moved to Phuket, this makes it much more difficult to get around on the island, as it will no longer be possible to use bikes and scooters without a licence.
Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, Commander of the National Tourist Police, visited vehicle rental companies on 20 April. The visit was part of a programme to strengthen controls in Phuket’s fast-growing car rental industry. Interestingly, his visit came a day after Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin and the acting commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, General Kitirat Panphet, arrived on the island. This indicates that the authorities are serious about strictly enforcing the law regarding driving licences for tourists in Phuket.
The police press office specified that the purpose of the visits was to remind car and motorbike rental companies that they could be fined if their customers are found driving without a valid licence. Many rental shops have already started posting stickers with information about the penalties for driving without a licence or allowing another person to drive a car or bike without a valid licence.
These stickers also explain which driving licences are recognised in Thailand. In addition to a Thai driving licence issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Thailand. A driving licence issued in the US, UK, Russia or Australia without an IDP is not considered valid in Thailand.
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