BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is now allowing Thai citizens to apply for international driving permits through the “Pao Tang” mobile application, offering a fully digital process that eliminates the need to visit a DLT office. The 24-hour service enables users to complete the application, identity verification, payment, issuance, and postal delivery directly from their mobile phones, providing a more accessible option for travelers ahead of the busy Songkran holiday season.
With many planning overseas trips during the Thai New Year, the DLT is reminding travelers that an international driving permit may be required to drive legally in other countries. The permit is valid in nations that are parties to either the 1949 Geneva Convention, such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, or the 1968 Vienna Convention, which includes Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, and Bahrain. Travelers can verify their destination country’s eligibility via the official DLT website.
The application fee for an international permit remains 505 baht, with an added postal delivery charge of 60 baht. A processing fee by Krungthai Bank is currently waived until the end of 2025. The digital application service is part of collaboration between the DLT and Krungthai Bank PCL and has seen rising demand since its introduction in December 2024.
Between December 13, 2024, and February 28, 2025, Bangkok topped the list of provinces with the highest number of applications via the “Pao Tang” app, with 9,878 permits issued. This was followed by Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, and Pathum Thani. Other provinces showing strong uptake include Chiang Mai, Rayong, Phuket, Nakhon Pathom, and Songkhla.
With international travel expected to rise during the holiday period, officials said the service provides a timely solution for those needing permits quickly and efficiently. (NNT)
