Driving in Thailand | Thailand Travel Tips (July 2009)
Thai traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, like the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Drivers rarely blow their horns and normally reasonably courteous, but slow drivers are not generally smiled upon, especially in the large cities such as Bangkok, where the traffic is extremely fast-paced. Driving in Thailand is not for the feint-hearted.
- Driving tips and traffic rules require a rather different approach to understand and appreciate. No average Westerner could be prepared for it. Stop streets are not regarded as such and not stopped at. A Thai driver will slow down and accelerate again immediately. In fact, even if it sounds preposterous, stopping at a stop street is likely to cause and accident.
- Larger vehicles demand right of way and this rule is applied consistently. Motorcycles and bicycles are at the bottom of the food chain. Cars give way to trucks, which will simply blow their horns and continue at unabated pace. It is the responsibility of the smaller vehicle to stay clear and out of the way.
- Traffic at a red stop light set off several seconds before the light actually turns green. It is of the utmost importance to be aware of this habit. Fast moving traffic in the right lane will tailgate you and will continue to do so until you have evacuated that lane. The fast lane is for the brave only.
- When a driver flashes his vehicle’s headlights, it means “get out of the way”. Westerners driving in Thailand should under no circumstances assume it means “go ahead with your manoeuvre”, as it does in most Western countries. A common practise is to cover the roadway with tree branches to warn of a breakdown in the road ahead.
- It is very unsafe to drive around in Thailand’s rural areas at night. Drunk driving is a big problem and lighting is poor. Many cars break down next to the road and bus drivers speed and race each other on the narrow lanes. They pass other vehicles around corners and on blind rises. There are frequent serious accidents. Until fairly recently, it was possible to buy a driver’s licence in Thailand without any training or driving experience. Today, many of the drivers that had obtained their licences this way are still driving on the roads.
- Driving on the large dual carriageway routes between big cities and vacation resorts is much safer and a genuine prospect for most foreign visitors. These roads are usually in good condition; road signs are in both Thai and English and conform to international standards.
- Unleaded petrol and diesel fuel is widely available at many fuel stations and major fuel stations will accept several international credit cards. However, in more remote locations, fuel may have to be paid for in cash. Speed limits in town areas are usually 60km/h and on main roads and expressways, this may be as high as 120km/h. Traffic police regularly enforce speed limits.
- Thailand has a comprehensive GSM mobile telephone network and visitors with international roaming activated will find that most of the country, with the exception of some remote locations, is covered. Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system while driving.
- Drivers are expected to always have their driver’s licences with them (International Driving Permit, in the case of foreigners) as well as a copy of the vehicle’s registration document; all vehicles must have at least third party insurance.
- There are more motorcycles in Thailand than any other form of transport. Only a very basic test must be passed to obtain a motorcycle licence and there are frequent accidents. Motorcycles often ride on the wrong side of the road and in the space between parked cars and the kerb. They may ignore stop signs and turn without indicating. Always check for motorcycles before opening a car door.
- Driving in Thailand yourself is advisable only during the daytime and on highways and expressways.
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