Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are asking the question what is the Thai driving license process likely to look like in 2026? The direct answer is probably a lot like 2025. That said, I think it's worth pointing out that driving licenses are really difficult to deal with these days.

We have noticed just in the past couple of years a massive increase in just the level of onerousness associated with getting a Thai Driving License. I did a video some time ago where they seem to have been rolling out a new regulation regarding duration of time in Thailand associated with getting a license and then I was sort of panned as "Oh, that wasn't true". Well it turned out not to be something they enacted, but they were putting it out there as if they were going to do it and it looks like they kind of retracted it because there was a huge backlash, especially from foreigners who need driving licenses. Foreigners need to drive in Thailand. That's not an unreasonable thing to want to do here, especially if you live here otherwise, and work here and things, and you have all your proper permits and stuff, what's the problem with getting a license? Especially if you are licensed in another jurisdiction, you know how to drive, what's the problem? 

So that said, the actual process of getting a license, not gotten much easier. If anything, it's gotten harder over the years. We have people come to us; we try to refer them to people to help them get, often in other cities, and then they have to end up coming back because it doesn't work there. We ultimately are able to get folks a driving license or a system in processing through the system but expect difficulty. The biggest problem we have is that the expectations of the public, of the clients, is like oh well this is just a matter of going through the motions. No. Sometimes it's just they are intentionally obstructive and obtuse and it's just difficult to deal with. We all know what the DMV is like in the West. Don't presume it's going to be much better here although, different and problematic in its own ways. 

That being said, we'll certainly be keeping you updated in 2026 regarding driving and other licensure matters pertaining to expats here in the Kingdom of Thailand.