An international driving permit (IDP), often (incorrectly) referred to as an international driving license, is a translation of a domestic driver license that allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country or jurisdiction that recognizes the document other than the country of issuance.

International Driving Permits are governed by three international conventions: the 1926 Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. When a country is a party to more than one convention, the newest one terminate and replace previous ones. Many countries that are a party to one or more of the conventions have granted the authority to one or more "automobile associations" within their country to issue IDPs. 

To obtain in Thailand, you will need to go to one of the Land Transport Offices (LTOs) that can issue an IDP (not all do, e.g., Banglamung LTO does not issue, the nearest office to Pattaya is the Chonburi LTO). 

CAUTION: Do not be fooled by the many internet offers of an International Driving License or Permits as these are scams. The following is from the US Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection:

Individuals or companies not authorized to issue IDPs sell fakes on websites, through unsolicited email, and in person for prices ranging from $60 to $400.

If you buy a fake IDP, not only will you be paying for a worthless document, but you also could face legal problems or travel delays if you’re detained for using it to drive in a foreign country.

Thailand IDP for use in other countries

If you have a valid Thai 5 year driving license and wish to use it when traveling outside of Thailand in countries that accept International Driving Permits (IDPs), you can obtain the Thai issued IDP at some Land Transport Offices, but not all.

The nearest to Pattaya is the LTO in Chonburi - it is not available at the Banglamung LTO as are Thai driving licenses.

A Thai IDP cannot be used to drive in Thailand and is valid for one year from the date of issue or the expiration of your Thai driving license if it expires in less than one year.

Click on the button below for more information and directions to the Chonburi LTO.

Thailand IDP

IDP for use in Thailand

You can obtain an IDP from your country of residence if you are at least 18 years of age and have a valid domestic driving license.