do you need a licence to drive moped in thailand?

You do need a licence and you do need insurance - if you do not have either you will get a large fine or worse if you have an accident you will go to Thai Prison .

Over 600 tourists died on Thai roads last year - please use other transport like bus or coach - they are so cheap in thailand and using a bike is dangerous.

My Thai GF is a good moped rider but get hit by some idiot in a big 4 x 4 - she now has very bad scars on her legs and arms - thank god she was not killed.

Only very experienced bike riders should drive in Thailand - it is just to dangerous.

Please take the advice of the people on this forum and just have a wonderful relaxed holiday in The Land of Smiles

It's good to have some kind of license in case the police pull you over, which is very common for even the most minor infractions. Although it's recommended that you obtain an International Driver's Permit, you should be fine showing your license from where you live and most of the time discretely slipping the officer some "tea money" can work in lieu of a license and also get you off the hook for any violations you may (or may not) have committed, never argue with the police here whether you're right or not. If you do rent a motorbike, the above advice about making a copy or your passport is great advice, also be sure to inspect the bike carefully for any damage and point it out to the rental shop and have them make a note of it, you may very well be blamed for any previous damage. Helmets are required by law, as is having your headlight on during the day and staying to the side of the road except when passing. Renting a motorbike is a great way to get around, thousands of tourists do it everyday in the beach areas without incident, but way too many end up spending their vacations in the hospital or worse because of motorbike accidents. Be careful and have fun.

You are supposed to have a license! Can you rent a bike without any license - maybe! There is potential liability involved in using a bike if you are in an accident. The penalty may be that you get a big fine, the bike can be confiscated or just a pass from the police. How lucky do you feel?

If you are in an accident, and since you are the RICH foreigner, you may have to pay for all the damages until insurance companies can sort things out. (If you have insurance.) Your passport may be confiscated until you pay up!

Motorbikes can be dangerous for tourists and there are lots of fatalities every year. Especially when drinking is involved. Google check will give you some specs. on motorbike accidents in Thailand.

Good luck.

You need a license and the motor cycle you are using needs an insurance!

And for two wheelers, there is no INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE available. So you must obtain from the Thai authorities.

If you are a tourist in Thailand, you've to obtain a Resident certificate from your embassy in Thailand and can obtain a temporary (1 year valid) driving license.

Yes you need a license, if you are getting pulled over by the Thia police (for what ever infraction), not having a license is just another thing for them to add on.

I got pulled over (driving without a helmet), he asked for my license & passport; I didn't have either on me...500 baht on the spot fine. As for insurance, the insurance company will issue the owner of the bike a square sticker and it gets placed somewhere on the bike, it shows the expiration date (written in Thai).

Was the lady that told you you don't need a license the one renting out the bike? If so, she just wants to rent, any fines you incur are up to you.

Yes, you need a license and yes, you will pay a fine if stopped. The police may also compound the moped if your contribution to the Policemen's Welfare Fund is not sufficient.

Yes you do....friends just returned VERY injured from drivinb a moped.

It's a pretty crazy thing to do in busy areas there...

Yes you do.

The police will fine you - but it's not a big fine.....

yes you do.