Ok, i wouldint drive it long untill i get that fix that can result in a HG failure, the 2 main common ones are air in the coolant system can cause it you need to get the radiator bleeded or as you said the thermostat is at fault they can be tested in hot boiling water sauace pan if it opens correctly and shuts correctly in cold water then thats fine, other suggestion would be waterpump but we wont get into that just yet try bleeding first if still accurs replace thermostat..