Tips for driving in Thailand
June 2nd 2011 16:27
Driving through Thailand can prove an effective way to get between bustling cities like Bangkok and Phuket, as well as visiting coastal areas such as Pattaya and Hua Hin, as you will be able to travel to destinations of your own choosing at a pace that suits you.
To make the most of your Thailand holidays, what better way than to go and explore the surrounding areas than by car or bike? There are, however a few things you should bear in mind to ensure that your time on the roads is not only safe but also enjoyable.
In order to get behind the wheel of a car in the country you will need an international driving permit, which you can apply for at the Post Office no more than three months before you are due to travel. You are unlikely to be able to hire a car from a reputable company without one and it is important that you keep this on you at all times when behind the wheel, in case the police ask to see it as they often make random spot-checks.
Your ability to hire a vehicle in Thailand will also depend on your age. While there is no specific limit, some companies will only allow you to rent a car if you are above the age of 23. As well as having an international driving permit, you will also need a passport and a credit card.
Making your way to towns and cities should not prove too difficult a task, as most major road signs are written in both Thai and English, although road distances and speed are measured in kilometres, not miles. But if you venture off the main highways or are visiting smaller, less well-known destinations you may find there are fewer signs so having a map and/or a sat-nav system will help to save you time.
In the same way as the UK, motorists in Thailand drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, you should be aware some drivers - particularly motorcyclists - will go on the opposite side in order to reach a turning.
This is especially the case in the busy city of Phuket, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled and are aware of what's going on around you. Special care on the roads should be taken at night, as the presence of daytime checkpoints and tight schedules mean many drivers of commercial vehicles will go faster once the sun goes down.
Taking to two wheels can be a speedy way of getting around but although you may find motorcycles and scooters available for hire in beach resorts, these are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on public roads. It is also illegal to drive quad-bikes on the road.
While it is the law that safety helmets must be worn while riding, this is a rule that is often ignored by locals and tourists alike. However, you should not fall into making the same mistake. Also like the UK, drivers and front-seat passengers are legally obliged to wear their seatbelts and being caught breaking this law is likely to result in a fine.
Drink-driving in Thailand is illegal, although again this is something that many locals do not always adhere to, but the limits on how much you can have is lower than that back home.
In the UK, the highest amount of alcohol you have in your system before exceeding the law is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. However, in Thailand this is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
Should you be found to have broken the law you may find yourself required to pay an on-the-spot fine. Depending on the offence, these fines can vary between 200 to 2,000 baht (around £4 to £40) and will typically require you to leave your vehicle or your driving license with the police while you go to the nearest station to make the payment.
By keeping the above points in mind, you can make sure that you stay safe when driving around Thailand!
To make the most of your Thailand holidays, what better way than to go and explore the surrounding areas than by car or bike? There are, however a few things you should bear in mind to ensure that your time on the roads is not only safe but also enjoyable.
In order to get behind the wheel of a car in the country you will need an international driving permit, which you can apply for at the Post Office no more than three months before you are due to travel. You are unlikely to be able to hire a car from a reputable company without one and it is important that you keep this on you at all times when behind the wheel, in case the police ask to see it as they often make random spot-checks.
Your ability to hire a vehicle in Thailand will also depend on your age. While there is no specific limit, some companies will only allow you to rent a car if you are above the age of 23. As well as having an international driving permit, you will also need a passport and a credit card.
Making your way to towns and cities should not prove too difficult a task, as most major road signs are written in both Thai and English, although road distances and speed are measured in kilometres, not miles. But if you venture off the main highways or are visiting smaller, less well-known destinations you may find there are fewer signs so having a map and/or a sat-nav system will help to save you time.
In the same way as the UK, motorists in Thailand drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, you should be aware some drivers - particularly motorcyclists - will go on the opposite side in order to reach a turning.
This is especially the case in the busy city of Phuket, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled and are aware of what's going on around you. Special care on the roads should be taken at night, as the presence of daytime checkpoints and tight schedules mean many drivers of commercial vehicles will go faster once the sun goes down.
Taking to two wheels can be a speedy way of getting around but although you may find motorcycles and scooters available for hire in beach resorts, these are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on public roads. It is also illegal to drive quad-bikes on the road.
While it is the law that safety helmets must be worn while riding, this is a rule that is often ignored by locals and tourists alike. However, you should not fall into making the same mistake. Also like the UK, drivers and front-seat passengers are legally obliged to wear their seatbelts and being caught breaking this law is likely to result in a fine.
Drink-driving in Thailand is illegal, although again this is something that many locals do not always adhere to, but the limits on how much you can have is lower than that back home.
In the UK, the highest amount of alcohol you have in your system before exceeding the law is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. However, in Thailand this is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
Should you be found to have broken the law you may find yourself required to pay an on-the-spot fine. Depending on the offence, these fines can vary between 200 to 2,000 baht (around £4 to £40) and will typically require you to leave your vehicle or your driving license with the police while you go to the nearest station to make the payment.
By keeping the above points in mind, you can make sure that you stay safe when driving around Thailand!
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