Thailand's driving licence points system explained

How it works

Each licence holder starts with 12 points. A police officer who tickets you records the offence and the points come off your total. You can check your balance on the police e-ticket website or in the Khub Dee app.

Points lost by offence

These are the headline cases. The full list is longer, so check the current schedule with the police.

Why the system exists

Fines alone did little to change habits, because a driver could pay and carry on. The points system adds a consequence that builds up: a driver who keeps offending loses the licence for a while, not just money. The offences that cost points are the ones behind most road deaths in Thailand, such as speeding, riding without a helmet and drinking, which is why the same behaviours appear in our fines guide.

For a foreign resident the practical lesson is the same whether or not points apply to your licence: a ticket is recorded, fines are enforced, and a serious offence such as drink driving can end with a court suspending your licence.

Suspension and getting points back

• Zero points within a year: the licence is suspended for 90 days.
• Repeat offences: reports describe longer suspensions for the same offence three times in three years and revocation on a fourth.
• Restoration: points are restored after one year, and a course with the Department of Land Transport can return some earlier.

Does it apply to foreign licences?

If you convert to a Thai licence, assume the points apply to you. Fines apply to everyone either way, as explained in our rules and fines guide.

Frequently asked questions