No such thing as an international driving licence
I am surprised that Alf Haupt, a foreign police volunteer and highway patrolman in Pattaya, is perpetuating the widely held belief that there is such a thing as an international driving licence. There is not.
What he is referring to is an international driving permit, which is very different from a licence. These permits allow you to drive in foreign countries that are signatories to the agreement – as long as you are in possession of a valid driving licence from your own country.
In theory, both the international driving permit and your homeland driving licence should be produced for police inspection when required. If the Pattaya police are happy to just inspect the permit, so be it.
However, tourists might find police in other counties less tolerant and thus should not be misled by Mr Haupt’s letter.
David Brown
Rayong
