Chinese nationals have a found a shortcut around the long wait in the mainland for a driver’s licence: Get it in Thailand.
Up to 10 Chinese tourists a day are visiting the Chiang Mai branch of the Land Transport Department to apply for a driver's permit, more than 100 in all this year so far.
The process involves classroom training, an examination and a driver's test but takes only half a day to complete. The same process back home can take half a year. It's also cheaper -- 205 baht in Thailand versus the equivalent of 15,000 baht in the People's Republic.
Once the foreigners have the Thai permit, they can apply for a Chinese or international driver's licence once they return home.
Many Chinese tourists rent motorcycles in Chiang Mai or reach the northern province by driving their own vehicles from southern China.
Visitors who are unfamiliar with Thai traffic rules pose a risk of causing traffic accidents. Training at the transport branch also teaches them Thai laws. Also, Chinese can not use their domestic licences as they are not recognised here.