Car Breaks Down On The Highway

[JimGant]

Recent car trouble, but fortunately I could limp to my mechanic. But what do you do when you're stuck on the side of the road? My AAA number sure doesn't work here -- and I've never ever seen a tow truck. Who do you call? Are there roadside service/towing plans available?

I live in Chiang Mai, if any responses are pertinent to this area.

[Heng]

If you bought your car new, you'll likely have a 24 hour helpline from your dealer. I know Honda (the numbers are 1-401-555-000, 1-800-555-000.... not kidding with the 555 thing, those are the actual numbers) and Toyota (don't recall the #, but it should be on a sticker in the black folder/dayplanner thing they include with their cars) do.... I'd imagine your odds are better if you have a more expensive car, and perhaps a little less with the lower priced cars.

[lingling]

Recent car trouble, but fortunately I could limp to my mechanic. But what do you do when you're stuck on the side of the road? My AAA number sure doesn't work here -- and I've never ever seen a tow truck. Who do you call? Are there roadside service/towing plans available?

I live in Chiang Mai, if any responses are pertinent to this area.

Unlike the US, Thailand is full of helpful people so no need for AAA. Leave your hood open and look helpless...

[Ajarn]

Recent car trouble, but fortunately I could limp to my mechanic. But what do you do when you're stuck on the side of the road? My AAA number sure doesn't work here -- and I've never ever seen a tow truck. Who do you call? Are there roadside service/towing plans available?

I live in Chiang Mai, if any responses are pertinent to this area.

Jim, 191 is the hiway police, I think?

I've seen ads on TV that, in such a situation, they suggest calling the main Tourist Police....1122? Or is that for Pizza?

Yeah, there are tow trucks around in most places in/around Chiang Mai. Nothing fancy, but, even if they don't have one, they can still pull you with a tow-bar

If you have an Isuzu, they have roadside service in Chiang Mai during office hours..053-249-712

[Ajarn]

Recent car trouble, but fortunately I could limp to my mechanic. But what do you do when you're stuck on the side of the road? My AAA number sure doesn't work here -- and I've never ever seen a tow truck. Who do you call? Are there roadside service/towing plans available?

I live in Chiang Mai, if any responses are pertinent to this area.

Unlike the US, Thailand is full of helpful people so no need for AAA. Leave your hood open and look helpless...

Deleted. I just remembered a few occasions that'd slipped my pessimisticaly-inclined mind

Edited October 9, 2004 by Ajarn

[Axel]

Last time I had a problem, it was in the boondocks somewhere between Prachup Khiri Khan and Takuapa. Tried to fix myself, people stopped, inquired. One couple really helpful, warend me that it might be too dangerous after dark on the road. Towed me in to the next garage. Closing, second, same problem. Everybody was preparing for lunar New year that night.

It turned out, my friendly help was a police man off duty, his wife English teacher and her English was good. The off-duty guy told me, he is not allowed to use his walkie talkie when not on duty, but what the heck. Called his local colleague, who arrived with red lights and siren. Guided us to the next village, garage people, pre-warned, where waiting.

Finally everything failed, next hotel? Taxi?

No problem, my help called his colleague back and off we went, family of three with luggage in the police car, red light on. Even the 'local' police fellow had to ask for directions which went wireless to the station and from there by phone to the hotel. NICE RECEPTION and a bit of funny looks next day. Turned out it was an off-the tourist area resort frequented mainly by Scandinavians who go there year by year never saw a VIP escort for a farang

[Ajarn]

Great story, Axel. I've also had similar situations happen to me when in need, no matter my slightly pessimistic comment (that was) above

Edited October 9, 2004 by Ajarn

[MikeWill]

Highway Police: 1193

Tourist Police: 1155

Although, I didn't use these numbers for a while, and can't confirm if they are still current.

[chanchao]

I think it's only a real problem when you're on some toll-road (such as the one to Chonburi/Rayong) which is fenced off and there's no villages close by. On those roads there are signs informing motorists of the helpline number to call.

On ordinary roads, like others have mentioned above, it's usually no problem to at the very least get come passing car or motorbike driver to go inform the village mechanic in the next town.

[edd]

If you want a breakdown service in Thailand try The Royal Thai Automobile Association in Bangkok.

I visited them as a representative from the British AA about 8 years ago before my retirement.

The people were very nice and appeared quite competent.

I am afraid I can not tell you the address to contact them but I am sure you could look it up for your self.

There is also

Car World Club:

An automobile breakdown service for everyone living in Thailand

Bangkok contact 02 7481444 Chonburi Tel: 038 423666 or 038 422149-50.

http://www.geocities.com/kfarang/breakdown.html

I have no contact or preference with either of these companies this is only to help you.

Edd

[JimGant]

Thanks for the inputs. Will do my best not to breakdown.