The requirement was part of a larger discussion on motorbike rental procedures during a meeting at Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 13), presided over by Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat and attended by Phuket City Police and a committee of officials from all over the island that oversee vehicle rental regulations.
To rent a vehicle, foreigners in Phuket must provide an International Driving License (Thai licence also accepted) to a rental shop. Renters must also fill out a rental form which will be sent to city officials.
Rental shops are also forbidden from parking their vehicles in public areas.
The Land Transport Office will be responsible for adjusting and overseeing the new laws regarding rental procedures.
V/G Chokdee said at the meeting that the changes have come because "A number of road accidents, including fatal accidents, that happen in Phuket involve tourists operating vehicles without licences so rental procedures must be tightened-up according to the law to prevent such incidents."