Thai Driving Guide

[2long]

It's not my own work. It was emailed to me and I thought it'd fit just fine on here.

If it's already floating around TV.com, feel free to remove it.

Since arriving in Thailand 13 years ago, I have tried on many occasions to buy a copy of the Thai road rules, but have come to the conclusion that no such publication exists (or if it does, it has been out of print for years). Therefore after carefully observing the driving habits of Thai drivers, I believe I have at last worked out the rules of the road in Thailand . For the benefit of other farangs in Thailand, and the 25 % of local drivers who acquired their driving licences without taking a driving test, I am pleased to share my knowledge below:

>

> Q: What is the most important rule of the road in Thailand?

>

> A: The most important rule is that you must arrive at your destination ahead of the car in front of you. This is the sacrosanct rule of driving in Thailand . All other rules are subservient to this rule.

>

> Q: What side of the road should you drive on in Thailand ?

>

> A: 89.7% of cars drive on the left hand side, 10 % on the right hand side, and 0.3 % drive in reverse (be on the look out for drivers reversing at high speed in the left hand lane of freeways, having just missed their exit). Therefore on the basis of 'majority rules', it is recommended that you drive on the left. However, be aware that only 80% of motorcyclists travel on the left hand side - the other 20% ride in the opposite direction or on the sidewalk. Fortunately, motorcyclists traveling in reverse are rarely seen.

>

> Q: What are the yellow lines on the roads?

>

> A: These are known as lane markers and were used by the Thais to help them drive straight after consuming their Chang Beer and Sang Som. Today their purpose is mainly decorative, although a double yellow line is used to indicate a place that is popular to overtake.

>

> Q: When can I use the emergency lane?

>

> A: You can use the emergency lane for any emergency, e.g. you are late for work, you left the toaster plugged in at home, you are bursting to go to the toilet, you have a toothache or you have just dropped a hot latte in your lap. As it is an emergency, you may drive at twice the speed of the other cars on the road.

>

> Q: Do traffic lights have the same meaning as in other countries?

>

> A: Not quite. Green is the same – that means “Go”, but amber and red are different. Amber means “Go like hel_l” and red means “Stop if there is traffic coming in the other direction or if there is a policeman on the corner”. Otherwise red means the same as green. Note that for buses, red lights do not take effect until five seconds after the light has changed.

>

> Q: What does the sign “One Way Street” mean?

>

> A: This sign indicates a street where the traffic is required to travel in one

> direction. The arrow on the sign indicates the preferred direction of the traffic flow, but is not compulsory. If the traffic is not flowing in the direction in which you wish to travel, then reversing in that direction is the best option.

>

> Q: What does the sign “Stop” mean?

>

> A: This sign is used to indicate a junction where there is a possibility that you may have to stop if you cannot fool the cars on the road that you are entering into thinking that you are not going to stop.

>>

>

>

> Q: Where do you pay the ‘on-the-spot’ fine?

>

> A: As the name suggests, you pay it ‘on-the-spot’ to the BIB who has stopped you.

> When handing over your license place neatly fold amount of your fine under the driving license so that it cannot be seen. Pass it carefully to the BIB. Then, with a David Copperfield movement of his hands, he will make your money disappear. It is not necessary to applaud.

>

Q: But isn’t this a bribe?

>

> A: Oh pleeease, go and wash your mouth out. What do you want? A traffic ticket? Yes, you can request one of those instead, but it will cost you twice the price, a trip to the police station, queuing up for at least 1 hour, forms to fill out, a trip back to the BIB who stopped you, and maybe then you will wish you had paid ‘on-the-spot’.

>

> Q: But what if I haven’t broken any road rules?

>

> A: It is not common practice in Thailand to stop motorists for breaking road rules (because nobody is really sure what they are). The most common reasons for being stopped are: (a) the policeman is hungry and would like you to buy him lunch;

> ( the policeman has run out of petrol and needs some money to get back to the station; © you look like a generous person who would like to make a donation to the police welfare fund; or (d) you are driving an expensive car which means you can afford to make a donation to the police welfare fund.

>

> Q: Does my car require a roadworthy certificate before I can drive it in Thailand ?

>

> A: No, roadworthy certificates are not required in Thailand . However there are certain other statutory requirements that must be fulfilled before your car can be driven in Thailand . Firstly, you must ensure that your windscreen is at least 50% obscured with English football club decals, golf club membership stickers or condo parking permits. Secondly, you must place a tissue box on the back shelf of your car under the rear window. Thirdly, you must hang as many CDs or plastic ornaments from your rear vision mirror as it will support. Finally, you must

> place a Garfield doll with suction caps on one of your windows. Your car will then be ready to drive on Thai roads.

>

> Q: Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving in Thailand ?

>

> A: No problem at all, but it should be noted that if you wish to use the rear-vision mirror to put on your lipstick or trim your eyebrows at the same time as you are using a mobile phone in the other hand, you should ensure that you keep an elbow free to steer the car. Alternatively, you may place a toddler on your lap and have the child steer the car whilst you are carrying out these other essential tasks.

>

> Q: Is it necessary to use indicator lights in Thailand ?

>

> A: These blinking orange lights are commonly used by newly arrived farang drivers to indicate they are about to change lanes. This provides a useful signal to local drivers to close up any gaps to prevent the farang driver from changing lanes. Therefore it is recommended that farang drivers

> adopt the local practice of avoiding all use of indicator lights. However, it is sometimes useful to turn on your left hand indicator if you want to merge right, because this confuses other drivers enabling you to take advantage of an unprotected gap in the traffic.

>

> Q: Why do some local drivers turn on their left hand indicator and then turn right, or turn on their right hand indicator and then turn left?

>

> A: This is one of the unsolved mysteries of driving in Thailand

[Deeral]

All the hallmarks of a bad driver trying to blame on anything but himself.

[dick turpin]

Couple you missed

Q: Do I need to drive with headlights on at night?

A: No, it may cause a glare in your 100 percent tinted windscreen.

Q: When should I use the outside lane of a three-lane highway?

A: Only if you intend to make a U-turn within the next 30kms, you

are an overloaded pick-up, or long-distance coach.

Q: How close should I drive behind the vehicle in front?

A: It is important to maintain the minimum distance, this

will ensure minimal impact when the driver in front brakes

suddenly.

[Deeral]

I note with a certain amount of relief that this post has been treated with the disinterest it deserves

[elkangorito]

RULES OF THE ROAD IN THAILAND.

In order to successfully drive a motor vehicle in Thailand, you must understand the transportation gestalt in an entirely

different way. Definitions which you once thought were above definition will be immediately re-defined.

Please note the following:

THE ROAD:

The road includes not only the paved portion but also what may be called the verge, the curb, the footpath, the front yard, the roadside foodstalls and the Wat. The paved portion of the roadway is generally one lane wide. Not one lane wide in each direction – just one lane.

ROAD MARKINGS:

These colourful white and yellow lines mark the centre of the lanes and are especially useful on dark and rainy nights.

PASSING OR OVERTAKING:

Passing &/or overtaking is the national pastime in Thailand. The observant motorists among you may have encountered the following:

1. The Vertical Triple Manoeuvre - the act of passing three vehicles in one accelerated movement.

2. The Horizontal Triple Manoeuvre - the act of passing a vehicle that in itself, is in the act of passing another vehicle.

3. The Double-Double Manoeuvre - the act of passing a vehicle at precisely the same time that another vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, is also engaged in the act of passing.

TAILGATING:

Tailgating is what you do when not overtaking.

BEING OVERTAKEN:

The act of being overtaken is an insult not to be endured. The greater the 'class' differential between the vehicle being

passed (BMW) and the passing vehicle (utility or a low ranking sedan) the greater the potential loss of prestige and face.

The owner of the more expensive vehicle must always do everything possible to thwart the attempt of the less expensive

vehicle attempting to overtake.

HEADLIGHTS:

Rapidly flashing headlights can mean anything including but not limited to the following:

• OK to pass now.

• Do not pass now.

• Get out of my way.

• Help, I am in trouble.

It takes years or sometimes an entire lifetime to learn this subtle, intriguing and non-verbal communication skill. Generally

however, you have three seconds in which to react.

THE HORN:

When sounded loudly and frequently, the horn sets up an invisible energy barrier, protecting the vehicle and its passengers

from all harm. The faster the vehicle is travelling, the better the horn works.

SEAT BELTS:

Not only are seatbelts not worn, seatbelts are absolutely unnecessary. Driver and passengers are protected by the horn.

HAZARDS:

Motorcycles will appear from nowhere and are to be treated with absolute and complete disregard. On the other hand, animals must be treated with great respect. It is presumed that highly evolved creatures like water buffalos, prize bulls, cows, chickens and ducks know how to sidestep a modern vehicle travelling at 150 Km per hour on a wet road. On the other hand, dogs born in Thailand possess an in-bred instinct to leap in front of a speeding vehicle.

ACCIDENTS:

Accidents are rare in Thailand and are usually the result of a malfunctioning horn. Be aware that most heavy vehicle drivers, if involved in a serious accident, will immediately leave the scene and run to the nearest police station to inform them of the accident. This age old practice is commonly known as “fleeing the scene”

LIGHTS:

Lights on vehicles are not needed...especially at night as they are a drain on the battery. The larger the vehicle (10

wheeled truck, bus, etc.) the less need for lights. Motorcycle riders are presumed to have 20/20 vision in the dark and are

immune to all other traffic on the road. However, if lights are used, at least one headlight must be pointing in the air.

This will ensure that low flying aircraft are detected and will have the added advantage of blinding on-coming drivers.

INSURANCE:

It is recommended that others purchase insurance. This will ensure that any foreigner involved in an accident will be in a

position to take the blame and let the insurance company pay for any damage to both vehicles as well as all hospital bills.

[powderpuff]

>>>>> Q. I have heard of something called rearview mirrors. What are those for? >>>>>>>>>>

>>>>> A. Those are installed by the manufacturer for checking ones do. Works equally well for men & for women.

[Eff1n2ret]

Q:- If I'm stopped at traffic lights which turn to green while I'm on the phone, must I set off immediately?

A:- No, finish your call first. Everybody behind you will probably be doing the same.

[Seanextra]

This is all quiet true i just spent 2 weeks driving around thailand and i can relate to most of this, the only thing that really worried me was the not keeping to the lane bit , like stated in the first post lines on the road dont mean much and when the left land has a few bumps in it everyone will use the right lane and uturns are Very Interesting . Im sure the must arrive first thing is very much a "i need to show you how fast my big 4x4 goes" thing and quiet amusing when you end up passing the same car 4 or 5 times but they will still manage to over take you one more time because they dont want that farang to come first. But all in all i was impressed with how smooth everything flowed along , totally enjoyed the touring and will be looking forward to a few years of it soon. Thailand, magic place hope things sort out with the government a shame to see it get any worse.

[jcon]

LOL @ elkangorito!!!! Excellent, all true...

Incidentally, back in the USA last summer I found myself "tailgating" in the boonies (I wasn't even aware of it, I was just driving as I usually do in Thailand, oops my bad....) and the guy in front of my slammed on his brakes and when we stopped he pulled out a baseball bat...