Thailand - Koh Pha Ngan -Renting a bike

Hi People,

I will be travelling to Koh Pha-Ngan in the end of November, looking for your suggestions regarding renting a moped or a bike, depending on the weather condition.

I have few queries.

1) How safe it is ? any issues with the cops ?

2) I'm not looking to submit my original passport, I don't mind submitting the printed copies of it, will that be okay?

3) Is it really worth to explore the island with bike, as we we will staying 4 nights in this beautiful island or tuk-tuk will suffice ?

4) Also, what about, international driving license and the permit ?
Shall I get the(international driving license) from my country ?

Any other things which we should remember and keep in mind apart from taking the complete video before renting a ride?

Thanks

Really looking for your help here

1) How safe it is ? any issues with the cops ?
The police all over Thailand are being pressured to enforce the law more - last year a new series of higher fines were introduced - which means fines that used to be 100 baht are now 1000.
Police actions or enforcement can vary from one police station to the next some are just plain corrupt - but the higher fines mean they can ask for more money

2) I'm not looking to submit my original passport, I don't mind submitting the printed copies of it, will that be okay?
NEVER hand over your passport – it is property of your home country so using it as a deposit is illegal. You have to wonder why anyone would want it unless they are going extort money from you. It’s because they aren’t insured - They should be happy with a deposit or maybe a copy of your passport. Photograph the machine before you drive off to sort out any “erroneous” claims by the renter.

3) Is it really worth to explore the island with bike, as we we will staying 4 nights in this beautiful island or tuk-tuk will suffice ?
I have driven a car all over the island – most of the road are surprisingly good – obviously hilly and winding but trying to hail tuk-tuks just slows you down and may limit where you go.

4) Also, what about, international driving license and the permit ? Shall I get the(international driving license) from my country ?
This is your main problem. Renting M/Cs is very casual in Thailand and on the islands in particular – you can’t just drive off a steal it. It is very likely any on will rent you a bike without actually checking your documents – the problems start if you have an accident, damage the bike, someone else’s property or end up in hospital.

TO RENT any motorcycle in Thailand now you must have a FULL motorcycle licence from your home country accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (IDP). – you need to get this before you leave your home country.

The permit shows what vehicles you are licenced to drive.
Thailand does not recognise “moped” – you licence has to cover you for full-sized motorcycles – a car licence is not sufficient not is any “moped” licence.

Most rental M/Cs in Thailand are in fact 100 cc to 250 cc in capacity.
This can affect your travel insurance. Many companies won’t cover you for riding motorcycles at all – others have a 125cc limit – so be careful what you rent.

In the event of a crash both police and insurance will check your documentation for cover (the rental cover is LESS than 3rd party) so you may find you have no cover, have to pay fines and huge hospital bills even for other people involved.

There are still hundreds of people who happily rent motorcycles in Thailand often blissfully unaware of what’s at stake, but if something does go wrong, it can be a life changing/threatening event.

Thanks a lot, this is really informative,
So, Even I was planning to get this license permit from here, as I do have driving license of my home country.

Also,
I have a doubt.

1) Do I need to get a separate travel insurance which covers this? (from a 3rd party), as I'm not really aware of this.

We will be driving (2 wheeler) in Koh-PhaNgan only but its better to get this license thing done asap. so even if we change our mind in Bangkok( as we will be staying here for 2-3 days), it will be helpful.

Any particular renting company, you can suggest in Koh-PhaNgan ?

1) Do I need to get a separate travel insurance which covers this? (from a 3rd party), as I'm not really aware of this.
You need to check with your travel insurance provider what cover they include regarding motorcycling – some include nothing, others will impose an engine size limit.
M/C rentals offer virtually no insurance at all…. You will pay for any damage to the machine – if it is properly road taxed, that will include emergency hospital treatment after an accident – beyond that you are one you own (and your travel insurance company) – you may be liable to damage to others too.

We will be driving (2 wheeler) in Koh-PhaNgan only but its better to get this license thing done asap. so even if we change our mind in Bangkok( as we will be staying here for 2-3 days), it will be helpful.
Your IDP needs to be Vienna convention compliant. It may be 1 year or up to 3 years. It is only valid for so long as your home driving licence is valid. (It is in fact just an internationally recognised translation of your home licence)

I’ve not rented on KPN – I lived on Samui and owned M/Cs in Thailand for 20 years.

Thank you, this makes sense.
Gladly, I have applied for it.
So, I'm covered, regarding the travel insurance, I will check it out.
Thanks for your genuine help.

Appreciate the insight on exploring the island. Sounds like a bike might be the better option for getting around.

Yes, that's the plan

Make sure your insurance will cover your medical expenses if you are injured riding a bike!

Read the small print. There are tourists injured in Thailand begging for help on "GoFundMe" websites.

Read the small print!

Good luck.