DRIVING IN THAILAND
Thailand has a good network of well-maintained roads and highways linking the major towns and cities. Much of the North-South route is dual carriage way, and the road signs follow international conventions, with major towns and cities signposted in English.
Driving during the day is generally safe and enjoyable, BUT you need to be careful when driving after dark. At night, the major highways are busy with trucks and lorries that have little respect for cars, the street lighting is poor or non-existent, and motorbikes can be a hazard as they often drive on the wrong side of the road. Some motorcycles and the occasional car drive at night without lights, so beware.
Driving in Bangkok is not an easy task, but if you have a satellite navigation system or Google Maps, it is possible. The trick is to be patient and do not panic. If you know where you want to go, just get the GPS co-ordinates and enter them into the satellite navigation system.
In Thailand, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 KMH and between 90-110 KMH on expressways and country roads. Wearing seat belts is compulsory, and drink-driving laws apply.
Please note:
• Tailgating is common. If someone tailgates you, pull over and let them pass.
• Overtaking on the inside is acceptable and happens frequently. Get used to it, then try it yourself.
• If a driver flashes his lights at you, it means “get out of the way” or “watch out”.
• Drivers often cut each other off or cut into stationary or slow-moving lines of traffic. Try to stay calm; this is acceptable in Thailand.
• Most motorbike riders have no driving license and no training. They have no road sense whatsoever. They do not use their mirrors, and they often swerve into the road or cut across corners without notice. Just be very wary of all motorbikes, and when overtaking them, leave plenty of room between you and them.
• Be very careful when passing U-turns. Cars sometimes pull out into the fast lane, forcing you to brake hard or take evasive action. When making a U-turn, proceed with caution.