Driving In Thailand

What You Need To Know Before Driving In Thailand

Every foreign country worldwide will have different rules and regulations in place for a foreigner who wishes to drive there. There will also be driving rules and traffic laws that tourists should read up about and learn to make their journey safer and easier. 

Thailand is a country where drivers need to drive on the left-hand side because back in the 1900s, a left-hand driving car was gifted from the Royal Family of Britain to the King of Thailand, which led to Thailand driving on the left side. Many tourists who visit here are coming from right-hand side driving countries and may find it difficult at the beginning, so it is recommended to practice on quiet roads before taking off for a motorway. 

Driving Requirements in Thailand

Since driving requirements vary from country to country, it is always recommended that you check out the driving requirements for the specific country you visit. There are two different requirements in Thailand, depending on your current driver’s license. 

If your license is written in English

Tourists who visit Thailand with driving licenses already written in English are permitted to drive in Thailand with their own driver’s license. 

If your license is not in English

An international driver who is visiting Thailand and has a driver’s license that is not presented in English must have an International Driver’s Permit accompanying their license to drive here legally. 

What is an IDP? Do I need one?

An IDP is a common name for an International Driver’s Permit, a legal translation document for a person’s driver’s license. Having an IDP will allow a traveler to drive in any foreign country where it is accepted without needing to get individual licenses every time they go to a new country. 

An IDP is legally accepted in 150 countries and is generally valid for 1 to 3 years, although the validity period can vary from country to country. An International driving permit can also be used as a form of international identification since it contains your name, picture, and essential driver information. It is beneficial when traveling in countries with a language barrier. 

Does an IDP replace my driver’s license?

An IDP on its own is not a replacement for a driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is only a translation document and must accompany a full and valid driver’s license to be allowed legally to drive in a foreign country. 

Licensing in Thailand

Whether you are planning a holiday, an extended trip, or moving to Thailand permanently, you will want to be able to drive while visiting this country. Learning about the different licensing requirements in Thailand is very important if you wish to drive here! 

• You must have a full and valid driving license from your home country
• You must be over the age of 18 
• You must be permitted to drive without having received a driving ban 
• You must have an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. 

How Long Can I Drive In Thailand With My Drivers License

Tourists can drive in Thailand for 12 months with their English written license or foreign license accompanied by an IDP. Although tourists are permitted to drive for 12 months, many insurance companies will not insure a vehicle with a foreign driver’s license registered for it after three months, so you may have to get a Thai driver’s license sooner! 

Can I Exchange My Foreign License?

Yes, foreigners are permitted to exchange their foreign license for a Thai license, and it is necessary if you wish to continue driving in the country after 12 months. Tourists in Thailand on a single or double visa are not permitted to get a Thai license but can use an International Driving Permit instead. Tourists who have a non-immigrant visa or a work permit are allowed to exchange their licenses. 

How to exchange a foreign driving license?

Tourists who wish to exchange a foreign license can gather all required documents to submit to the Department of Land Transport. Drivers will be first issued a temporary driving permit which is valid for two years and can then return to the Department of Land Transport to get a valid license which can be used for five years. 

The following documents must be submitted: 

• Original driver’s license written in English
•  Official translation of the driver’s license if it is not presented in English
• An application form
• Passport
• Proof of residence such as a work permit such as a work permit
• Medical certificate stating you are fit and healthy to drive and must be no older than one month
• Two passport-sized photos 

Applicants will then watch a 1hour video in English which goes through the traffic rules and safety of driving in Thailand. Once that has been completed, you will be required to do a physical test covering four different areas, such as measuring your depth perception, which takes place in the Department of Land Transport. 

The process will take about 3 to 4 hours, and your temporary Thai driving license will be issued. 

Thailands Road Rules

Being aware of and familiar with road rules and traffic laws while driving in another country will make your trip significantly safer and decrease your chances of being in or causing a road accident. There are plenty of rules that need to be adhered to on Thai roads, so continue reading to find out about the driving rules in Thailand. 

Minimum Driving age

The minimum driving age in Thailand to drive a car is 18. Drivers are permitted to ride motorcycles with 110cc or less from the age of 15; for anything over that, you must be 18. 

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

The legal implementation of drunk driving is very strict in Thailand, and drivers are not permitted to drive legally if they are over the permitted alcohol limit. In Thailand, motorists can have no more than 0.05 milligrams per liter of blood. 

Not only is driving while drinking dangerous and leads to road accidents and increased road deaths, but there are also very severe penalties for motorists found over the permitted blood alcohol limit. You can expect to pay fines of up to $5600, driving disqualifications or bans, and possibly imprisonment for up to 10 years. 

Driving Side And Overtaking

Driving is done on the left-hand side in Thailand, which means overtaking is done on the right. Overtaking is usually not permitted unless there is a genuine reason. Overtaking without good reason can lead to fines of up to $28

• Do not hinder other road users by blocking their way or forcing a car to move out of your way to overtake. 
• Overtake on the right unless a driver is signaling to turn right, in which case you may overtake on the left if it is safe to do so. 
• Never overtake on a hill or around a sharp bend where you cannot completely see oncoming traffic. 
• Don’t overtake behind or in front of another car that is already overtaking. 

Horn Use

Beeping a horn is often seen as rude in western countries and is primarily used by drivers to give out to another driver about their driving. In Thailand, however, the use of a horn is primarily a way of giving a signal. For example, if stationed at traffic lights, a driver may use their horn to signal another driver that they can go first. 

Speed Limits Allowed in Thailand

Following the speed limits is one of the most effective ways a driver can ensure they are driving safely and decreases their chances of being in a serious road accident. Speed limits are in place on all roads in Thailand and must be adhered to, and the speed limit is measured in kilometers per hour. 

Although there will be speed signs posted alongside roads that indicate the maximum permitted speed limit on that road, it is a good idea to have a general idea of what speed limits are permitted on the different road types, even if these vary from road to road. 

In Thailand, generally, drivers are permitted to do a maximum speed limit of 50km/h in urban areas and on roads in the main cities. Outside the city, in rural areas and smaller country roads, drivers are typically allowed to do a maximum of 90 km/h. Motorways are also quite common in Thailand and have the fastest permitted speed limit, allowing drivers to do a speed of 120 km/h. 

Seatbelt Laws And Child Car Seats

The seatbelt law in Thailand is not as strict as in some other countries, but it is highly recommended that all passengers wear a seat belt. The driver and passenger are required by law to wear a seat belt in the front seat, but passengers in the back seat can wear one if it is. 

All children under the age must be properly restrained in an adequate car seat system and are not permitted to sit in the front seat until they are above 12. 

Traffic Signs

Being familiar with a country’s traffic signs can make driving so much easier as you will be aware of the upcoming road conditions. Typically road signs are much the same from country to country! In Thailand, there are four different types of road traffic signs in operation:

Mandatory signs display information that is mandatory for drivers to follow. 

Information signs will display information for drivers and pedestrians about things that are upcoming, such as a gas station. 

Prohibitory signs will display information restricting certain driving movements, such as no overtaking allowed. 

Priority signs are in operation to let drivers know who has priority on the roads at that time, such as pedestrian crossings.

Mobile Phone Use

Using a handheld mobile device while operating a motor vehicle is against the law in Thailand. Whether you are actively driving or sitting at a red light, drivers are not permitted to use a mobile. 

However, if you need to have cell phones present for GPS or other reasons, you can do so by having them in a hands-free device. 

Traffic Police And Checkpoints

Traffic police are in operation on Thai roads and can stop drivers who are breaking the rules or are suspected of drunk driving. If police stop you, you must remain calm and polite and have all of your required documents with you, such as your driver’s license and International Driving Permit. 

Toll Roads

like most countries around the world, Thailand has toll roads that require road users to pay a fee to get across them. Tolls are in operation on most of the main motorways which link up the main cities. 

There are multiple systems in place for paying tolls in Thailand. Road users who are only passing through one or two can pay with change at the toll, whereas road users who use multiple tolls may find it easier to use one of the easy payment systems Thailand has in place. 

M pass system is a card that drivers can prepay toll charges on and then use the card to go through tolls while they are driving. 

M flow system is a newly introduced system and is not yet in place on all tolls. Drivers register online and input important information, and then while driving through the tolls, a picture of the car registration is taken. The toll charge is automatically deducted from your bank account, which is linked to your M flow account.

Insurance Requirements

Every motor vehicle that is in operation on Thai roads is required to have car insurance. Motorists must legally have compulsory car insurance called third-party liability insurance, which will cover the third party’s car in the case of a collision.

Drivers are also permitted to purchase additional insurance, which is voluntary if they wish to have their vehicle completely insured. Tourists commonly buy two types of supplemental insurance: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which will cover your car in case of a collision or loss due to theft or damage. 

American Credit Card Insurance

Tourists visiting a foreign country from America and wishing to drive may be eligible to receive additional insurance cover under their credit card provider. Some credit card companies provide both LDW and CDW insurance coverage under additional benefits!

You should check with your credit card company as this does not apply to every company. If it is available, get written confirmation from your credit card company to provide it to the insurance company or rental company in Thailand.

Tourists must be aware that if they do avail of this offer and intend on using it with a rental car, they will be required to pay for it with the same credit card the additional insurance is provided on.

Is It Safe To Drive In Thailand?

Driving in Thailand can be very hazardous, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roads. Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, with many fatalities occurring every year. Tourists who drive in Thailand are urged to do so with extreme caution. 

The road conditions are generally pretty good, with most roads being of an excellent standard. The main issue is that Thailand has a lot of drivers who do not obey the local road rules and traffic laws, making driving in Thailand very hazardous for others. 

Suppose you decide to drive in Thailand anyways. In that case, international drivers are urged to learn and familiarize themselves with the local road rules and traffic laws, drive slow and cautious, and always be alert, aware, and expecting the unexpected.

What About Public Transport?

Transport is available throughout Thailand, and some good systems are in place that link up the main cities. A car will be needed if you want to explore outside cities and in more rural areas. 

Buses, trains, boats, and tuk-tuks (the famous 3-wheel cars seen in most Southeast Asian countries) are all common in Thailand, and using different modes of transport can often help decrease traffic congestion and how long it takes to get around.

Car Rental In Thailand

Bringing your car to Thailand is not an accessible option for many people, but there is much to do and see outside the realms or public transport access. This is why many tourists choose to rent a car in Thailand instead, giving you the freedom and ease to explore Thailand in its all beauty! 

Thailand has plenty of car rental agencies to choose from, which offer various vehicles, depending on your driving needs. It is always a good idea to shop around with different rental car companies online and reserve your car in advance wherever possible.

Where can I rent a car from in Thailand?

Choosing where to rent a car can seem daunting, but it is very easy. Whether you collect your car in a city in Thailand or have it dropped off and collected straight from the airport door, Thailand has many options to suit everyone. 

There are hundreds of car rental companies to choose from, with some well-known companies such as Avis being set up in multiple locations in Thailand, as well as some local car rental companies such as Thai rent a car, North wheels, Bizcar rental, and Sawasdee rent a car. 

What do I need to rent a car in Thailand?

All car rental agencies worldwide require tourists to provide certain legal documents if they wish to obtain a rental car, and the same rules apply in Thailand. Failure to provide these documents will result in car rental companies refusing to rent you a car!

Car rental companies will request the following documents: 

• Drivers license
• International Driving Permit, where required
• Passport
• A debit or credit card for payment 

How much does car rental cost in Thailand?

How much your rental car will cost will fluctuate depending on several factors. The type and size of car you require will be considered, with larger vehicles being more expensive. The driver’s age (young driver’s fee) will also influence the cost, alongside any additional insurance coverage you need or are requested to have. Drivers may also request additional add-ons such as GPS, Wi-Fi, or car seats, which will increase the rental cost. 

Typically car rental in Thailand is very affordable, especially in comparison to the western world. A basic economy car can cost as low as $14 per day and work up to $34/$69 for larger cars or minivans!

Shopping around and comparing prices between a few companies will guarantee a better price. It is also good to check if the company offers discounts for an extended time or for returning customers.

What is a young driver’s fee?

A young driver’s fee is an additional fee added to a rental car costs for drivers aged between 21 – 25. This fee is mainly in place due to younger inexperienced drivers having an increased road insurance risk.

These fees can be quite expensive per day, so it is often a good idea to allow an older driver to be the car’s main driver, where possible. 

Is insurance required for a rental car?

Insurance is required on all cars being driven in Thailand, and all drivers are responsible for having the car insured. Car rental companies may require drivers to purchase additional insurance such as LDW or CDW, mainly if they are novice drivers. Always check out the provided insurance in the rental agreement document.

Driving A Foreign Car In Thailand

Tourists are permitted to import their foreign car to Thailand on either a temporary basis (6 months or less) or permanently if they plan to work or stay in Thailand longer than six months. There are different procedures in place for both types of importation.

How to import my foreign car?

Importing a car to Thailand is a great way to stand out, with many models of cars currently not being sold in Thailand.

Importing temporarily

Tourists who wish to temporarily import their vehicles to Thailand are not required to pay import or duty taxes. However, you will be required to submit a deposit to the Thai government that covers the import or duty taxes, which will be refunded to you upon removal of the car within six months. Tourists who leave their vehicles longer will have this deposit forfeited and need to pay fines.

To import your vehicle temporarily, the following documents need to be submitted:

• Temporary import declaration
• Car registration cert
• Passport for the importer
• Cert of legal entity
• A re-export contact

Importing permanently

If you choose to import a vehicle permanently in Thailand, you must have a non-immigrant visa or a work permit valid for at least one year. Imported cars are also subject to import and duty taxes which are very high in Thailand, often amounting to around 200% of the car’s value. 

You must then secure an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and submit the following documents: 

• A valid non-immigrant visa or a work permit
• An import declaration bill
• A bill of lading
• Sale of car documents
• The delivery order form
• Foreign transaction form for sales above $14,000.
• Insurance premium invoice

5 Top Tips For Driving In Thailand

• Drive with extreme caution. Take roads slow and steady and always be ready, expecting the unexpected at all times.
• Keep an eye out for blind curves and blind spots, as these are common in Thailand and can cause serious road accidents if not noticed.
• Plan ahead. Road congestion is a severe problem in Thailand, so it is a good idea to plan your trip and find the best routes with the least traffic.
• Utilize the motorways. These are typically safer to drive on; they will get you to your destination quicker. Thailand has so much stunning scenery that taking the country roads is appealing to many customers, but they can be more dangerous.
• Use your horn! Thai drivers will expect you to use your horn when signaling or overtaking, and not doing so can cause an accident as Thai drivers will expect it. 

Top Destinations In Thailand

Thailand is a country that has unlimited amounts to do, see and explore. Rich in culture, faith, beaches, food, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder Thailand is one of the most popular Southeast Asian countries for tourists. 

Despite welcoming millions of tourists every year, Thailand is one of the few countries that has managed to still retain what it means to be Thai and not become westernized. With plenty of Thai street food, Buddhist temples in abundance, and natural forests and landscapes to take your breath away, Thailand is on most people’s bucket lists! 

Bangkok

No visit to Thailand would be complete without visiting the capital city Bangkok. A vibrant and culture-filled city, Bangkok is home to so many tourist attractions that make people love Thailand. 

Bangkok is home to the Grand Palace, a former royal residence turned museum, as well as remarkable Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram; or perhaps you’d instead grab some southeast Asian street food and sit on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has plenty to entertain tourists looking for a city break or backpacking through east Asia. 

Khao Yai National Park

This impressive wildlife haven can be accessed by car just a few short hours from Bangkok. Covering more than 2000 sq kilometers, this beautiful park is full of grasslands and forests, with plenty of hiking and walking trails to suit all fitness levels. 

Perhaps one thing that attracts so many people to Khao Yai National Park is the abundance of natural waterfalls in this park. HAEW Narok Waterfall is among one of the most visited waterfalls in the park, sitting at an impressive 150 meters and dropping into a lake. Visitors can take a steep climb to the first level to watch the waterfall, but the second and third levels are not accessible as they are too dangerous. 

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most loved cities by travelers located in the north of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a city that is extremely rich in history and culture and is famous for its beautiful ancient temples and monasteries, which line every street. 

Day trips to jungle-covered mountains are a massive attraction for Chiang Mai. Alongside its abundance of Thai food and famous cooking courses in the city, Chiang Mai is a must-see!

Ayuthaya Kingdom

The kingdom of Ayuthaya was once a siamese kingdom in southeast Asia from 1351 to 1767, so as you can imagine, Ayuthatya is extremely rich in history and is a UNESCO world heritage site. 

Some of the most popular attractions in Ayuthaya are Wat Chaiwatthanaram – which was once a ruin and is now reconstructed into a historical park, Wat Phra Si Sanphet – one of Ayuthaya’s most celebrated temples (known as the king’s temple), as well as Wat Yai Chai Mongkol – a Buddhist temple that has a long and colorful history, which is still being used by Buddhist monks today. 

Ayuthaya is the perfect trip for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Thai culture, people interested in ancient history, and those looking for a spiritual retreat in Thailand. 

Phuket 

Phuket is dubbed Thailand’s more family-friendly location in Thailand and is an island that is located just south of Thailand. Phuket is a rainforest island home to some of Thailand’s most famous beaches, restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. 

Phuket has plenty of family-friendly hotels for families looking for a trip to Thailand, alongside some luxurious hotels and spas for those traveling to Thailand for a wellness retreat. Phuket is an extremely popular island, and it’s easy to see why. 

Thailands climate

Thailand benefits from a tropical climate with three distinct seasons, thanks to the influence of two different monsoon winds.

From March to May, Thailand experiences a scorching season, with daytime temperatures often hitting 40 degrees celsius. Mid-May to November is a rainy season due to the Southwest monsoon, which brings heavy rainfalls and warm temperatures. A cooler and dryer season runs from November until February, influenced by the Northeast monsoon.

Is Thailand Safe To Visit?

Thailand is considered moderately safe for travelers and would be one of the safest southeast Asian countries you can visit. There are some concerns that travelers should be aware of before traveling to Thailand. 

General safety such as pickpocketing has a medium to high risk, so tourists are advised not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables and be cautious on public transport. 

There is also a high risk for natural disasters in Thailand, with earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe flooding all being a possibility in Thailand. 

5 Top Tips For Visiting Thailand

• Be respectful of the religious culture. Thailand is a primarily Buddhist country with a tremendous amount of faith and culture, and as such, there are certain traditions such as not pointing your feet toward a Buddhist temple that are in place.
• Do not drink the water. Ever heard of Bangkok belly? Thai tap water is not clean or safe for consumption, but plenty of clean bottled water is available for very cheap.
• Watch how you dress. Thai people tend to dress more conservatively in Thailand, with having your knees and shoulders covered being the norm.
• Do not speak ill or mockingly of the Thai Royal Family. Thai people are very proud and respectful of the Thai Royal Family and will not appreciate or take lightly tourists who are mocking or speaking ill of them.
• Try the local cuisine. Thai street food is among some of the best and most popular Southeast Asian cuisines. Branch out and try Thai food from street vendors and food markets; it will not disappoint!

Thailand FAQ

What should I do if I lose my IDP in Thailand?

If you lose your IDP while visiting Thailand, you will need to contact us as soon as possible and organize for a replacement to be sent to you. Since you are not permitted to drive without having an IDP, you will need to stop driving until it has been replaced.

Can I drive during the rainy season in Thailand?

Thailand experiences heavy rainfalls during the monsoon season, often making driving hazardous for drivers. Mudslides and landslides are common, as well as severe flooding. Dirt roads can become washed away and generally unsafe for driving. Avoid driving during heavy monsoons and wait for the rain to pass.

Do I need an insurance green card?

No, an insurance green card is primarily used in European countries and is not required for tourists driving in Thailand.

What documents do I need when driving?

All drivers must carry their legal documents while driving in Thailand, as police will request to see these. Failure to provide driving documents will result in fines, driving bans, or even deportation from Thailand. The following documents are required by law to be carried by a driver at all times: Driving license, international driving permit, passport and visa, vehicle registration or car rental documents, and proof of insurance.