Driving tips in Thailand
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Driving Tips in Thailand
Overview
Thailand boasts a well-developed network of roads and highways connecting major cities. Road signs adhere to international standards and are displayed in both Thai and English. However, nighttime driving can be challenging due to drunk drivers and unpredictable motorcycle traffic.
Road Rules
- Traffic: Drive on the left-hand side.
- License Requirements: Drivers must be at least 18, with a valid Thai driving license or an international driving permit. National licenses from other countries are valid for up to two months. Car rentals require drivers to be at least 25.
- Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
- Drunk Driving: Strict laws are in place; insurance is void if the legal alcohol limit (0.5 mg/ml) is surpassed. Enforcement can be lax, posing risks at night.
- Speed Traps: Police occasionally set up speed traps with on-the-spot fines, typically below official rates, without issuing tickets.
Speed Limits
- Urban Areas: 45-60 kph (28-37 mph)
- Highways: 90-110 kph (56-68 mph)
Road Network
Thailand has approximately 64,600 km (40,141 miles) of paved roads and many unpaved roads, particularly in the north. Major highways extend from Bangkok to other cities, with dual carriageways along most north-south routes. Roads to smaller towns are generally wide and single-lane, with two-lane sections at interchanges.
Parking
In city centers, parking is usually available on the street for a fee or in covered facilities at hotels and shopping centers. Outside city centers, parking is often free but spaces can be scarce. Avoid blocking government buildings to prevent towing.
Costs and Fuel
Service stations are plentiful, with most larger stations accepting major international credit cards. In remote areas, cash is needed for hand-pump stations. Fuel options include Unleaded 91, 95, high-octane 98, diesel, and LPG at some locations. Prices: Unleaded 95 around 18 baht per liter; diesel about 15 baht.
Typical Driving Distances and Times
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 686 km (426 miles) - 9 hours
- Bangkok to Hat Yai: 993 km (617 miles) - 12 hours
- Hat Yai to Phuket: 474 km (294 miles) - 7 hours
Safety Tips
- Emergency numbers are provided on rental agreements and windscreen stickers.
- Avoid nighttime driving due to hidden potholes, unlit vehicles, and stray animals.
- Drive cautiously in urban areas (50 kph) as local drivers often ignore traffic rules.
- In accidents, settlements are often handled on the spot, with the expectation that the wealthier motorist, often a foreigner, will cover costs.
Driving in Bangkok
Avoid downtown traffic due to congestion and complex road systems. Drivers often disregard traffic rules, making it challenging. Stay away from road edges on highways to avoid wrong-way motorcycles, and give a wide berth to buses, trucks, and songthaew minibuses, which can stop suddenly.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Driving tips in Thailand.
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