The Department of Land Transport (DLT) clarified that the Chinese tourist pictured brandishing a Thai driver’s license in a controversial online post had obtained the document legally. This image, which was featured in an advertisement promising “fast-track” services for official paperwork on a Chinese e-commerce platform, sparked anger across Thailand after it was reposted by a local social media user. The post alleged that the woman had acquired her Thai driver’s license in Chiang Mai without undergoing any theoretical training or practical testing.
DLT officials responded on Sunday, stressing that the woman had rightfully secured her license from a DLT office in Chiang Mai. They confirmed that her image had been used without permission to promote these unauthorized services. The department warned tourists to be cautious of such advertisements, as they are often scams. These fraudulent pages frequently misuse the department’s logo or showcase photos of legitimate license holders to deceive people into divulging personal information or paying exorbitant fees for official services.
The department emphasized that anyone wishing to acquire a driver’s license must follow the standard procedures. This includes document verification, a physical examination, and passing a driving test on their own. The cost for a motorcycle license is 105 baht, while a car license costs 205 baht.
Manop Phutthawong, the chief of the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport office, provided additional details. He confirmed that the woman had visited the office on August 21 to apply for her license. She arrived alone and complied with all necessary steps. Since she already held a valid Chinese driver’s license, the office only needed to verify her documents before issuing her the Thai license.
This proves that not everything on the internet is true. People always jump to conclusions!
But how can we trust the DLT? What if the system is corrupt?
Corrupt or not, the fact remains that she followed the proper steps. We should focus on the real culprits behind the scam sites.
Exactly, Becky. We should put pressure on authorities to crack down on these fraudulent ads instead of victim-blaming.
Why are we even allowing Chinese tourists to get Thai driver’s licenses? It’s asking for trouble.
It’s not about the nationality, it’s about following the law. She did everything by the book.
Still seems sketchy to me. What if she isn’t familiar with Thai traffic rules?
Most foreigners learn the local rules. She had to study them in order to pass the test. No one wants to get into unnecessary trouble while on vacation.
Non-Thais live and drive in Thailand all the time. Shouldn’t we have measures in place to integrate them rather than exclude them?
I can’t believe people got so mad over this. So what if she got a license?
It’s about the perception of fairness. Thais feel they have to go through the hoops while tourists get ‘fast-tracked.’ Perceptions matter.
But she didn’t get fast-tracked at all. She did everything she’s supposed to do!
This just highlights how easily misinformation can spread. Are we really that gullible?
Unfortunately, yes. People don’t verify sources before sharing. We need to be more critical thinkers.
I got my license in Chiang Mai too and it’s a solid process. This uproar is uncalled for.
I think the real issue is the unauthorized use of her picture. That’s not okay.
Absolutely! That’s a huge privacy breach. The companies behind it should be sued.
100% agree. We need stricter laws on data privacy.
And better enforcement of those laws. The digital world is getting out of hand.
These tourists just want to flaunt their wealth. No wonder the Thais are upset.
Bob, that’s a gross generalization. Plenty of tourists respect local culture and laws.
Maybe, but the ones who don’t always grab the headlines.
Why is this even news? Seems like a slow news day if this is the headline.
It’s important to clarify these issues so that misinformation doesn’t cause unnecessary panic.
Why don’t they screen these e-commerce platforms more strictly? Seems like they’re always at the center of such issues.
Regulation in the digital age is a complex issue. Lawmakers often struggle to keep up with technology.
I still think she found a loophole. There’s always a way to grease the system in countries like Thailand.
Mark, that’s quite an accusation without any evidence. Let’s stick to the facts that were confirmed.
Sometimes the facts presented aren’t the whole truth. Just saying.