DRIVING IN THAILAND

INTRODUCTION

Numerous people will love to visit Thailand. Reasons abound paradisiacal beaches, parties, culture, safety, and tourist infrastructure. As if that were not enough, the local population is very receptive to tourists, and the climate is always happy. Festivals, the magic of Buddhist temples, and traditions enchant and bring an exotic air to the environment. All at well-priced precincts, which only increase the desire to explore the country from north to south, through its islands, waterfalls, and forests – some inhabited by elephants! Check out our roadmap with essential tips from Thailand:

When setting up your account, how many days to stay in Thailand will depend on your travel style and what you want to do. Some have only one week in the country, which is hardly enough to know the capital of Bangkok and some beach. Other travelers reserve at least twenty days, the recommended minimum for exploring all regions.

The Kingdom of Thailand is a “land of smiles.” Indeed, it is impossible to be in a bad mood even during periods of rain. Pleasant exotic landscapes, friendly people, clean beaches, covered with fine white sand, ancient temples, and original culture – that’s why it’s worth visiting Thailand. Among other things, the prices of goods and services in Thailand are also low. Among all Eastern destinations, this option is perhaps the most budget-friendly.

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Not surprisingly, Thailand has been sought after by travelers from around the world, and some even visit Thailand for their holidays, work remotely, or develop startups. Thailand’s international airports are welcoming to new arrivals; the flow of tourists does not stop almost all year. You will need your own transport for what period and where you would not arrive.

Bangkok is the frenetic capital of Thailand! It does not comment on the sin of “skipping” this fate. Instead, set aside at least three full days to explore it. Bangkok is a big, modern city full of attractions!

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Wake up early on the first day and visit the city’s main temples. The Wat Pho (Temple of the Lying Buddha) and the Grand Palace are a must-see! In the afternoon, it’s worth checking out Wat Traimit, a sanctuary famous for housing the largest solid gold statue in the world! One of Bangkok’s symbols, Wat Arun is a grand temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River that guarantees great pictures during sunset.

The night is one of the best times to explore Bangkok. Without the heat of the day and the unmistakable color illumination, take the opportunity to board a tuk-tuk and see some points of the city! A great pick is Chinatown, the quaint Chinese neighborhood where you can find stalls, jewelry stores, and restaurants with bird’s nest soup and shark fin, sharing space with tourists and locals.

HOW TO GET AROUND THAILAND

Getting around the cities of Thailand is relatively easy. The country is served by several low-cost airlines, an extensive rail network, comfortable travel buses and public boats between the islands. In the capital, Bangkok, the traveler has a subway from the airport. In addition to taxis, colorful and very cheap.

Like tuk-tuks, taxi drivers may want to combine a closed price, which is often disadvantageous to the customer. In such cases, the convenience of the Grab application, a local version of Uber, is worthwhile. A recurring problem in Bangkok is traffic. To avoid getting stuck in congestion, give preference to subway systems ( MRT / BTS ). It is also possible to count on small boats that cross the canals of the city, although they have a limited operation and difficult for tourists to understand.

Trains are the local people’s favorite means of transport for crossing long distances. Thai trains have different classes, with different travel times and prices. Some itineraries are very popular (e.g., Bangkok – Chiang Mai), and reservations are required in advance if you wish to secure a b. Others, such as the short stretch between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, have constant departures, and you can shop directly at the station. In all cases, you can buy train tickets in Thailand at agencies or even online.

Several low-cost airlines operate in Thailand, offering domestic and neighboring flights at very attractive prices. It is generally not necessary to buy tickets far in advance except for holidays such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival).

Travel buses are also available, some even “VIP” or “first-class” with reclining seats, meals, and onboard service. But be aware: Many operators, especially those operating at agencies near Khaosan Road, may have a dubious quality standard, with colorful, noisy buses, unprepared drivers, and little safety concern. Ideally, book buses from official companies leaving the bus terminals.

Driving in any foreign place takes a little time and energy to get used to, once you get out of the capital of Thailand, Bangkok and other big cities—where there is high tailgaters, traffic, and trying to find your way around might be daunting —you’ll realize tropical Thailand in Southeast Asia is a comforting place to sit behind the wheel, you will meet new people and visit more beautiful places. Highways in Thailand are well maintained and serve most of the country, and road guides are not too difficult to understand.

Despite the considerable volume of traffic, the traffic runs slowly but smoothly. Many a traffic light switch (5min cycle) or a somewhat strange driving style of the locals can make you think a bit, but annoying, getting upset, or scolding is completely inappropriate here. The traffic is running, or it is not running. 4-lane streets are often used in 6-lane, traffic lights, or U-turns on motorways are normal, and even oncoming motorcycles on the highway should not get you upset. The maximum permissible speed is 120 on motorways and can be overtaken where there is space. With oncoming overtaking in your own lane, you should not lose your head, but drive a little further to the left and leave some space. After the first driving impressions, you quickly notice that the road markings play only a minor or no role.

Traffic signs and pedestrian crossings are available – but nice to have. In any case, the law of the strongest still seems to apply anyway. There are also some markings that are not available in Europe. For example, blue-painted lanes are reserved for cyclists, and green areas at the traffic lights are only taboo for moped drivers and for cars.

CAR RENTAL

Renting a car in Thailand is not challenging. There are many rental points easily accessible on the internet. You can rent a car even at the airport upon arrival. But, because the influx of tourists is large, the car you need the class may not be. It is better to book a car in advance. Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world. In order to avoid disappointment, try to make your car booking ahead.

Some major rental car companies that operate in Thailand have offices in the airport and common tourist locations. There are also local car rental agencies. The cost varies depending on the area in Thailand, as well as the style and size of the car. Always specify you’d like an automatic car if you are not comfortable driving a stick shift.

All drivers must have third-party insurance at a minimum, and It is advisable to have comprehensive insurance. Try to validate that your personal car insurance will be enough to cover for any damage or that could happen if driving in another country.

There have been frequent cases of tourists renting motorcycles or jet skis, and when they return to the leaser, the owner claims damage to the vehicles and charges large amounts for compensation. This type of problem can easily be avoided by renting your cars only from companies that seem respectable and solid. In case of disagreement, the Embassy recommends always evaluating the possibility of negotiation. Unresolved conflict may lead to the leaser’s complaint to the police, and the foreign tourist may be disadvantaged. Whenever possible, you should avoid leaving your passport as a guarantee when renting vehicles.

You should check whether the fee charged for car rentals includes accident insurance. With regard to car rental,

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

You should definitely not drive a car unless you already have a lot of experience in Thai road traffic, because here the factors traffic density, the quite remarkable driving style of the Thais add up for the non-Thai, drive on the wrong side, lack of local knowledge and the inability to do so Decipher traffic signs. Maybe a little too much?

To minimum age requirement for driving in Thailand is 18 years. If your intention is to rent a car, the age requirement is 21. Although the age requirement varies by companies. You also need to have a driver’s license for a minimum of a year and go with your passport. Your country driver’s license will be just fine if it has an English photo. But because of the risk of not getting covered by insurance, you might need the International Driving Permit. This is to be gotten from the local automobile association. If your stay in Thailand will last more than six months, it is better to have an IDP or Thailand driver’s license to get covered by insurance. You should carry your passport and driver’s license always whenever you want to drive. If these documents are not present and you are stopped by the police, you would have to pay some fine. in order to drive confidently on Thailand roads, you need these documents;

Driver’s license(required)

Passport (required)

International Driving Permit(recommended)

· DRIVER’S LICENSE

The responsibility of vehicle owners includes the organization and financing of measures related to the prevention of road traffic injuries, implementation of measures for the development, operation, and maintenance of vehicles.

All drivers must have a Thai or home license, and if the license is not written in Thai or English, they must have an English translation or an International License (IDL). A valid passport must always be in hand. After three months in the country must obtain the local qualification.

Foreign driver’s licenses or international licenses are not accepted for driving in the country, not even for passing tourists (other than licenses issued by some countries neighboring Thailand). Car rental companies in Thailand sometimes rent a car for a foreigner who only has a driver’s license from their home country, accompanied by an English translation, or an international license.

However, in the event of an accident, the fact that the driver was not carrying a valid driver’s license may result in invalidation of the vehicle’s insurance policy, and the driver may then have to pay high expenses and even be indicted for damages — illegal driving.

To obtain a Thai driver’s license, the applicant must be a resident of the country and must present an international license recognized by Thailand (*), accompanied by the following documents:

VIABILITY, DRIVING LICENSE

Thailand signed the 1949 Road Traffic Convention. It also signed the 1968 Convention, which has not yet been ratified, so the international license currently issued in Italy is not officially recognized. A Thai document is required to drive in Thailand.

In addition to the international driving license, certified copies (from the Thai Embassy or Immigration Police) of the passport and the page of the passport itself in which there is the entry stamp in Thailand must be presented. The person concerned must go to the Department of Land Transport. Tel: +66 (0) 2 2723636 +66 (0) 2 2723618, Fax: +66 (0) 2 6717030.

Residents can apply for and obtain a temporary Thai license (valid for one year, renewable) at the Department of Land Transport, 1032 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, Tel: 02 2723636 02 2723618 Fax: 02 6717030, presenting the following documents:

Copy of your country driving license, with translation into Thai or English, legalized by the Embassy of your country. Or present the International driving license.
Certified copy of passport
Certified copy of work permit
Certificate of residence, issued by your country Embassy
2 passport photo
Medical certificate

Recently there is a kind of point system in Thailand, as is already known from Flensburg. You get the point stamp on the driver’s license that has to be renewed annually in the event of traffic offenses.

Certificate of Residence obtained at the Consular Office of the Embassy;
Recognized country driver’s license, signed by the Embassy Consular Sector.
Contact the Thailand Embassy for more information.

BASIC TRAFFIC RULES AND DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Driving in Thailand is different from other countries in the world. In Thailand, the driver’s seat is on the right, and you drive using the left side of the road.

Driving: Drive on the left side and overtake on the right side. Most Thai drivers are relatively polite. It’s hard enough to hear a car honking. Road signs follow international conventions and are in both Thai and English. Night driving is not recommended due to heavy truck traffic, which tends to be disrespectful to cars. Motorcycles can be a danger as they often travel in the opposite direction to traffic. Driving on major routes outside of Bangkok and around the resorts is quite safe and enjoyable.

Most roads and highways in Thailand are in good condition and have two or three lanes on either side. Some of the roads are quite dangerous, especially the Hat Rin Thong Sala Road on Ko Pha-Ngan. Drive with caution as accidents in this area are quite common (the number one cause of foreign deaths in Thailand). Road maintenance is quite problematic. Little has been done about road marking and maintenance, causing drivers to perform dangerous maneuvers to avoid collision with road works and workers.

Way: Be aware that the largest vehicle has the right of way on Thai roads. So be prepared to give way to a truck if it is behind you.

Parking: Parking in big cities like Bangko is difficult. It is advisable for you to find a place to park your car before you get to the city center and use public transportation to take you to your destination.

Many malls, shops, hotel, and restaurants offer space to park, most of the time, and this service are rendered free but not usually expensive if it comes with some fee. Drivers are required to leave their car in neutral so that they can be pushed when the driver is not available. Never park on rails or curbs that are painted red and white.

Fines: Police often establish checkpoints to enforce traffic rules as they rarely pursue offenders. These points focus on verifying vehicle registration and insurance, seat belt use. If you are stopped by the police, you may get a fine of about B400, but if you are lucky, it will only be B200. It is advisable to make the payment and do not argue or lose patience as it may cost you more.

Fuel: 24-hour service stations are found on major highways and in major cities, with rural stations closing at night. Prices are about 12 baht per liter, and most stations require cash to be paid.

Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km / h (35 mph) and ranges from 90 to 120 km / h (52-60 km / h) on expressways and rural roads.

Toll Information: Most highways have no toll, as these are only applied on expressways or highways.

Insurance: Third-party insurance is required. If you drive a motorcycle, you must have a valid health insurance policy. All insurance is invalid if the driver exceeds the legal alcohol limit. In Thailand, the car is insured, but the driver is not. For this reason, insurance companies have little interest in improving drivers’ skills and attitudes.

Speed limits: The speed limit is usually 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour) on Urban roads, 90 kph (56 mph) on the rural road, and 120 kph (75 mph) On the highway.

Seat belts: Everyone on the board is required to wear their seat belts. Failing to comply with this rule, there is a fine attached.

Children and car seats: Modern taxis or cars have car seats that are properly fitted. Unfortunately, most of the older car models do not have the correct setup or rear seat belt for attachment of car seats.

Aggressive driving: Driving Thailand is different from driving in another part of the world. You need to study the driving etiquette before getting to the driver seat. Cutting people off and Tailgating is very common and acceptable here.

Alcohol: In Thailand and China, drunk drivers are threatened with the death penalty. Yes, in Australia, the names of drunk drivers are printed in the local newspaper under the heading “He is drunk and in prison.” In Malaysia, if a drunk driver is married, he and his wife go to prison. In Turkey, drunk drivers have driven 20 km from the city and forced to walk on foot under surveillance.

Under the new Chinese law, drunk drivers who caused the death of one or more people will be automatically deprived of their driving license, paid a fine, and may face the death penalty. The death penalty for traffic offenses, including fatalities, has also been applied to drunk drivers in Thailand and Malaysia.

Thai authorities have considered sending drivers caught drunk while driving to work in the morgue. It should be part of a punishment imposed in the form of mandatory community service, Mashable reports. The idea is to make such drivers aware of the effects of drunk driving. Currently, violators are forced, for example, to deal with the felling of trees or cleaning streets. Some are referred to the hospital to look after the victims in an accident.

According to the official, the number of drunk drivers who are detained during any festive events continues to increase. The proposal for work in the morgue is currently under consideration by the government.

Thailand ranks first, highest in Asia, and second in the world in terms of road deaths. More than five percent of fatalities are traffic accidents. In this case, driving under the influence of alcohol causes 26% of road accidents with victims.

Cell phones: With the exception of using hands-free, the use of phones while driving is prohibited according to the Thailand law. There is a lot of damages to be caused by using the phone while driving. Drivers won’t have enough time to concentrate on the road and won’t be able to handle steering properly.

Petrol (gas) stations: Attendant will fill your tank, clean your windscreen if needed and make you pay. Credit or debit cards will be accepted, but gas stations in rural areas and small gas stations in cities only accept cash.

Toll roads: It is common to pay some toll fees on some expressways. These roads help you connect more quickly between different parts of the country. The fee is relatively small to the benefits derived.

Flashing lights: When drivers flash their lights in Thailand as it is in many other countries, it indicates they are moving at their own comfortable speed, but you can overtake bunk/seak if you like to get to your destination quickly.

Honking: You won’t hear frequent honking in Thailand despite the high level of traffic in some areas other than some friendly beeps to call the attention of drivers to themselves. But it is common to horn while passing in from of religious places and shrines.

In case of an emergency: Despite the rules guiding the use of roads in Thailand, road accident is not an uncommon thing. In case you withness any, dial 191 if to help the victim, or it is you but a slight accident. The national police call center is always available. You can dial 1554 to call the police and even an ambulance.

ROAD CHALLENGES

For foreigners, driving in Thailand can be very different from driving at home. Motorcyclists often drive the wrong side of the road, and cars do not always follow the Thai traffic rules. Beginners in the country should be very careful to avoid accidents.

Road use in Thailand is usually more different to what most foreigners are used to. Local roads are usually filled with unpredictable motorists and traffic patterns, especially in bigger cities where the population of road users is more than rural areas. Drivers in Thailand are always vigilant of their surroundings to prevent the crash.

Speed Change Caution: Make gear change slowly. It helps to keep to maintain a save use of the road. Sudden speed change can put the lives of other road users in danger.

Be alert for motorcycles and bicycles: While trying to change your lane on the road, be careful and keep an eye on other coming vehicles and motorcycles.

Dogs on the road: Stray dogs sometimes wander into the road (or sleep on the street), keep your eyes peeled to avoid the killing of animals.

Avoid night driving: If possible, avoid driving in the dark, especially in the countryside, as more trucks and vehicles carrying heavy goods typically travel at night, and it’s generally harder to see the obstacles in the road.

Two-way and one-way road changes: Be on the lookout for roads that become one-way roads during certain hours of the day.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT IN THAILAND?

Typically, the incident report should be completed at the local police department. Ask the other drivers involved in the incident all their details: ID, driver’s license, car registration information (Lem Tabian). As well as insurance documents and remove the vehicle registration number. Provide the same information about yourself: your ID/ Passport, your driver’s license, your vehicle’s Lem Tabian, your insurance, and your vehicle’s registration number.

Call your insurance company and get medical help. Typically, insurance agents want to be present at the scene to collect all the information needed to process a claim.

There is no standard accident report form, but insurance companies usually provide a form when purchasing insurance. Some insurance companies have their own deadlines, during which documents should be submitted after an accident.

Note. Beware of people asking for financial compensation when they get into an accident. This is not a legal requirement, but it can be a quick and easy way to complete everything. However, there is a risk that the insurance company will process the claim later, despite your unofficial payment.

In case of an accident in Thailand, be sure to contact a lawyer in Europe, and we will help resolve any disputes with the insurance company.

If an accident occurs, try to remain calm. An argument with another driver usually aggravates the situation, and any clashes lead to police fines.

The emergency number in Thailand – Tel: 191

SLIGHT CRASHES

Use the advice of our attorneys at Lawyer in Europe LLC as a guide:

Vehicles should be left where they were after the accident so that police and employees of insurance companies can establish the facts. If the movement of the vehicle is necessary, do so with the other driver’s agreement and photographs of the scene. Signed testimonials may also be helpful. It is best to wait for the police and / or insurance company to arrive before moving your car.

Call or ask someone to call an ambulance (if necessary).

Please let the police know.

Call 191 or contact the police

THE SPEED AND ITS REGULATIONS

Speed is one of the concepts that can have the greatest involvement in circulation due to the consequences that can be derived from it. However, and contrary to what it should be, it is one of those that least take into account and respects drivers.

Drivers need to think of speed as using the road in Thailand is different from other countries. Speed is a term that becomes relative at the moment that a series of factors come into conjunction, such as the driver’s own skills, class and state of the vehicle, route and road status, volume of traffic, and atmospheric or environmental conditions.

Although the Law on traffic, motor vehicle traffic, and road safety includes when, where and under what circumstances the speed should be moderated, each driver will have to determine what is the appropriate speed at each moment, and that sometimes, depending on the circumstances, despite the existence of a specific speed limitation, respecting this, it will be inappropriate for those certain conditions.

Every driver must respect the established speed limits and also take into account their own psychological and physical conditions, the characteristics and condition of the road, the vehicle and its load, the meteorological, environmental and traffic conditions, and, in general, how many circumstances concur in each moment, in order to adapt the speed of your vehicle to them, so that you can always stop it within the limits of your field of vision and before any obstacle that may arise.

SPEED ADAPTATION TO TRAFFIC CIRCUMSTANCES

The driver should move the vehicle at moderate speed and, if necessary, the vehicle should be stopped, when circumstances require, especially in the following cases:

When there are pedestrians or animals in the part of the road that is being used, or it can rationally foresee its emergence in it, especially if it involves children, the elderly, the blind, or other manifestly disabled people
When approaching circulating cycles
When approaching markets, schools or places where the presence of children is predictable
When approaching a bus in a stop situation, mainly if it is a school bus
Out of town, when approaching vehicles immobilized on the road and cycles that run through it or through its shoulder.
At the crossing with another vehicle, when the circumstances of one or both do not allow it to be carried out safely
In the case of glare to avoid the reach of vehicles or pedestrians traveling in the same direction
Speed adaptation to road circumstances

SPEED REDUCTION

Except in case of imminent danger, every driver, to significantly reduce the speed of his vehicle, must make sure that he can do so without risk to other drivers and will be obliged to warn him in advance as provided in the right signal. Without being able to do it abruptly so that it does not produce a risk of collision with the vehicles that circulate behind yours.

The intention of slowing down the vehicle considerably, even if this fact is imposed by traffic circumstances, should be warned, whenever possible, by repeated use of the stoplights or moving the arm from bottom to top with fast and short movements.

COMPETITIONS

It is forbidden to enter speed competitions on public roads or for public use, unless, exceptionally, they have been limited by the competent authority.

The celebration of sports events whose purpose is to compete in space or time for the roads or terrains object of the legislation on traffic, motor vehicle circulation and road safety, as well as the realization of cycling gears or other events, will require prior authorization that issued in accordance with the standards indicated in Annex II of the General Traffic Regulations, which will regulate these activities.

RULES OF OVERTAKING

In Thailand, driving is on the left, and overtaking is done on the right. Before starting an overtaking that requires lateral displacement, the driver who intends to overtake must give sufficient notice in advance with the mandatory signs and verify that in the lane he intends to use for overtaking there is sufficient free space so that the maneuver does not put danger or hinder those who circulate in the opposite direction, taking into account the own speed and that of the other affected users. Otherwise, you must refrain from doing so.

No driver should overtake several vehicles if he does not have the total certainty that, when another one is presented in the opposite direction, he can turn to the right side without causing damage or put any of the advanced vehicles in danger.

Inroads with the double direction of movement and three lanes separated by discontinuous longitudinal marks, the overtaking can only be carried out when the drivers who travel in the opposite direction have not occupied the central lane to carry out an overtaking in turn.

You should also make sure that the driver of the vehicle that precedes you in the same lane has not indicated your purpose of moving to the same side; in that case, you must respect the preference that assists you. However, if after a reasonable time the driver of said vehicle

If you do not exercise your priority right, you can start the overtaking maneuver by previously warning it with an acoustic or optical signal.

It is forbidden, in any case, to overtake vehicles that are already overtaking another if the driver of the third vehicle, in order to carry out said maneuver, has to invade the part of the road reserved for traffic in the opposite direction.

You must also ensure that no driver who follows you on the same lane has started the maneuver to overtake your vehicle and that you have enough space to reintegrate into your lane when the overtaking is over.

SPEED LIMIT IN THAILAND

Drive on the left, overtaking on the right. The legal minimum age for driving cars is 18 years. The legal minimum age to ride a motorcycle up to 110cc is 15 years, 18 to ride a motorcycle over 110cc. It is mandatory for the driver to have a driving license valid in Thailand and a copy of the vehicle registration document. Each vehicle must have shown the mark of payment of the tax, which must be paid every year. Every vehicle must have civil liability insurance. The use of seat belts on the front seats of a car is mandatory.

SPEED LIMITS

60 km/ h in inhabited centers, unless otherwise indicated.

90 km/ h in the 2-carriageway roads outside the inhabited centers

120 km/ h on the motorways

Vehicles with red registration plates are not allowed to move from sunset to sunrise.