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Phuket enforces strict controls on foreign tourist rental cars!
Phuket will implement strict measures to control rental cars for foreign tourists on January 23, 2026 to improve road safety.
Phuket enforces strict controls on foreign tourist rental cars!
There are new developments in Phuket that affect all road users. On January 23, 2026, strict measures to control rental cars for foreign tourists were introduced by the local government. This initiative aims to ensure safety on the roads of the popular holiday island. Governor Nirath Pongsitthavorn has called on all relevant authorities, including the police and traffic department, to cooperate to effectively implement the new regulations. So reported prd.go.th that there will now be checkpoints where the driving behavior of foreigners will be checked.
A central criterion in the control is the verification of driving licenses. Only valid national driving licenses or international driving permits (International Driving Permit) are accepted. This regulation underlines the importance that all drivers drive in accordance with legal requirements. “There’s something going on” – a valid driver’s license is essential, especially for buyers, as other documents are not taken into account.
Landlord Actions and Regulation Enforcement
Rental vehicle providers also have to adapt to the new regulations. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with legal regulations when renting. Violations will result in severe penalties, with no exceptions being made. This is seen by the authorities as a clear step towards better road safety. Now more than ever, “having a good hand” in rentals means sticking to the established rules.
The principles of implementation are clear: the laws should be enforced 100%, without any discretion. This equal treatment of all road users is an important signal to improve the traffic situation in Phuket and thus increase safety for everyone. As already mentioned, the government's efforts aim to guarantee the safety of all road users on the roads.
This is welcome news for tourists and locals alike, as a safer traffic situation ultimately makes driving in Phuket's beautiful countryside more enjoyable. Car rental companies are also called upon to take their responsibilities seriously so that the new measures bear fruit. Because safety comes first, and in Phuket they make sure that everyone has a safe time on the roads.