driving in Thailand?

Question

i was advised by my travel rep not to drive in Thailand as he said that no matter what the circumstances, if i had an accident i would be responsible. because had i not been a trourist in the country the accident would never have taken place...
Is this information correct?

Answer 1

I hate to differ from one of the previous answerers but driving in Thailand is completely different to driving in any western country - with perhaps the exception of Italy where (from my limited experience of a driving holiday in northern Italy) they're nearly as crazy as the Thais. Here are a few things I have noticed:-

1) Thais are wonderful, kind people away from the road but put them behind a steering wheel and they suffer a personality change and become extremely selfish. There is no way anybody should be let out of a side road or allowed to change lanes unless they have committed themself to a manuover that will result in their (and possibly your) certain death. Being allowed to change lanes is a kind of reward for bravery..
2) Indicator lights are vital for driving in Thailand. No-one follows any sort of rules of the road but generally they will use their indicator lights to tell other road users which rule(s) they are planning on breaking within the next few seconds.
3) It is essential to keep the exterior of your car clean. The police methodology for 'collecting tips' for real or imaginery infringements of the 'law' (lol) appears to be to look for dirty cars to stop, presumably on the basis that the occupants don't have money to keep it clean and are therefore not 'connected' rich/middle-class people who they might get into trouble for for 'collecting tips' from. I keep my car spotless - a hand valet inside and out only costs about 5 dollars.
4) Red lights don't necessarily mean stop. They can mean go but be a bit careful in case anybody else is coming - like anybody's careful driving in Bangkok. ditto for flashing yellow lights. On the other hand, sometimes they really do mean stop.
5) Driving on the correct side of the road is for some Thai drivers 'optional'. If its too much bother to go to the other side for a journey, some like to take it easy use and use the side of the road that its easiest to get to. Don't be amazed if you see a truck hurtling head-on towards you on a freeway (espacially in rural areas); he's probably going to the local convenience store and its a long way to the next U-turn so he using you side of the road as a short cut.

I strongly advise against any tourist driving in Thailand. I don't drive unless I have to. Generally, I prefer use taxis and making the whole driving thing someone else's problem.

Answer 2

I also live here and own a car and motorbike. What your travel agent has said is basically true, all things being equal or if there is a question of whose fault it is, you will be the one that is judged at fault. But I think the biggest reason not to drive here is that the rules are totally different. In addition to right-hand drive cars, the right of way rules are unlike any western country, plus you need to learn to drive within inches of other vehicles. You can't make a lane change or a turn without checking every mirror in your car (motorbikes trying to squeeze past), you are constantly being "cut-off" by people changing lanes and cars coming at you from the side streets. If you suddenly stop for a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll be rear-ended, pedestrians don't have the right-of-way here, and no one stops to let them cross the street, ever. Even the traffic lights are different, and you will be totally confused until you get used to them. If a bus wants to come into your lane, give him room, because he's just going to keep coming whether you slow down or not. I could keep going on and on about the rules of the road here. It's a total learning experience for the uninitiated, spend some time riding in taxis or with other people to get an idea of what it's like to drive here, then decide if you want to try it. Actually, having done it for many years here, it's kind of fun for me, but definitely not for the faint of heart, it's like a constant obstacle course. Sometimes when I get home after going somewhere on my motorbike, I get a feeling of relief, just happy to be home and in one piece. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am quite surprised at the replies regarding driving in Thailand. I usually get a car and drive around Thailand when I go there for a holiday and never had any problem. I usually avoid driving in Bangkok, the traffic system is chaotic, so i usually drive out of Bangkok or just drive trhrough Bangkok to other destinations. this had always been great for me, I get to places and convenience is there over long distances.

As for tourist being always targetted as in the wrong, I would beg to differ. I had seen few accidents but from what I had seen, both parties usually settle amicably, and I do see many visitors driving around especially Pattaya, Phuket and Chiangmai. So, I am perplexed by the answers so far.

Driving in Thailand is no difference from driving in any western countries, as long as you watch the road and other drivers along with you. Is this not how you drive in the west too?

Further more, there is always insurance cover to be purchased before you start driving to cover the cost in event of accident, as normal in any countries and also same as the Thais. I wonder where is the bias so far.

Answer 4

Unfortunately the info is correct., Asian road rules can be absolutely ridiculous. They drive on the wrong side of the road. They drive drunk to the point of insensibility. They drive with their head lights off at night because they think that the headlight uses more gas. I have actually talked to some one who was blamed for an accident that happened while he was the passenger in a cab.
If you will give me an email I will send you The Rules of The Road. An article by Steve Harrison. It pretty much lets you know how to stay alive on the roads of S.E. Asia and is really funny too.

PS. Tried to email the article through Answers. no can do. Attachments aren't allowed. This is a great article.

here is the web site for the Rules of The Road. Just scroll down till you find it.
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/around_the_sun/

Answer 5

Get an international driving license from UK. Once in Thailand, go to the License Bureau and you'll be able to get your Thai driving license without having to pass any driving test. It is very easy. When I went there 4 years ago with a friend of mine, my friend had no problem at all to get his Thai license within 1 hour. But for me, the address on my international driving license was not correct. They told me that I would have to pass the driving test. At that time I couldn't speak or understand Thai so I failed as all the explanations were in Thai. Everything was sorted out with a THB1000 note...

Answer 6

I have a car and drive here. But of course I live here. Driving can be nerve racking here. They don't drive as a western would expect. Everyone has the right of way except you. People seldom use turn signals and stopping and looking both ways before entering a major road is seldom followed .On the plus side you never see road rage. Spanky is right about the fact that if you live here your need a car, but as a tourist I won't bother, especially if you plan to drive in Bangkok.

Answer 7

I've never heard of anything like that,but then i've never had an accident here (yet)As in most places, you can be suprised by how many "witnesses" come out of the woodwork.Official's can often be a good witness with a small donation.Very often thai breathalysers fail to work after a larger donation
I wouldn't let worrying about RTA's ruin my holiday.If you want to drive,drive.

Answer 8

well, yes and no - I was rear ended but the cop was right there and fined the trucker on the spot - he called my insurance co and everything went as it should have.. there was no question as to him being at fault - I was alone - I am a foreigner, but I do speak Thai...

But why bother??? - It is great to have a car if you want to get to some out of the way places, otherwise, transport is good.. but it is ez to find a car and driver for rent and it takes all the pressure off.. they drive like wackos!! - esp the motorcycles..

Have a great time - get off on your own to the out of the way spots - but take a driver..

Answer 9

your travel rep has given you true advise foreigner and tourists are blamed it the event of accident unless you have thai people in your car you wont have any back up as we are seen to have money we can pay for the damage

Answer 10

I wouldn't hire a motorbike either. Half the foreigners I met there were in plaster or in pain from motorbike accidents, whether tourists or long-term expats.