Over the past 2 years or so, Thailand’s popularity among Malaysians as a travel destination has seemingly reached an all-time high. In fact, Malaysian tourists made up the largest number of foreign travellers in Thailand last year with a whopping 4,626,422 visitors.
It ain’t slowing down anytime soon too, as the Land of Smiles recorded 1.39 million Malaysian visitors from 1 January to 16 April 2024.
Malaysian shares how Thai police accepted her MyJPJ digital license
However, ever since the introduction of digital driving license by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) via the MyJPJ app in February 2023, many Malaysians are confused about the procedures for driving to Thailand from Malaysia; something that is very popular nowadays given the many land border checkpoints between our 2 nations.
As we shared in August last year, 2 Malaysian travellers found themselves in trouble with the Thai authorities after the nation’s police refused to accept the MyJPJ digital license and insisted that they produce a physical driving license, which they didn’t have after renewing via the app.
While MOT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has since clarified that the digital license is only applicable in Malaysia and not overseas, as we can’t enforce other countries to adhere to our regulations, a recent viral video on TikTok further complicates the matter.
Shared by @farahhasunah on the platform, a video with over 588,000 views as of the time of writing showed how Thai police ACCEPTED her and a few of her friends riding motorcycles showing their MyJPJ digital licenses instead of a physical license during a roadblock in Hat Yai.
In the caption, @farahhasunah wrote,
“Went to Thailand a few times, this is the 1st time getting stopped at a roadblock. Hahaha. Thank God I have a motorcycle license. Hehehe.
“But I was freaking out because licenses are now online.”
Watch the video here:
@farahhasunah Dah beberapa kali datang thailand, ini first time kena tahan dekat roadblock. Hahahha… Nasib baik memang ada lesen motor. Hehehe.. tapi mengelabah jugaklah sebab lesen sekarang kan online. #hatyai #thailand #thailandtiktok #hatyaithailand?? ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ใบมิ้นท์มิสแกรนด์ชุมพร2024 – Baimint_mg
Your results may vary, so better to bring a physical license if you’re planning to drive in Thailand
Well, despite the Thai police officer accepting the MyJPJ digital license for @farahhasunah and her friends, do note that it’s up to the discretion of the officer and your results may vary.
There have been no official statements by the Thai authorities announcing that they accept digital licenses, hence it’s best if you bring a physical license with you when driving in the Land of Smiles. You can get a physical copy by going to your nearest Road Transport Department (JPJ) branch.
For illustration purposes
For reference, Malaysians do not need an international driving license to drive in other ASEAN countries such as Thailand. In fact, all citizens of an ASEAN country can go to another ASEAN country and use their country’s own driving license to drive.
Accordingly, if a Thai police officer refused to recognise the digital license and issued a summon to you for driving in the country without a valid license, you may face a fine of up to THB1,000 or RM129.
For illustration purposes
Consider yourselves warned! So, have you had any experience driving in Thailand and running into trouble with the authorities before? Share your experiences with us in the comments.
