Thai highway code in English

[bluesofa]

Is there somewhere I can find an English version of the Thai highway code – online preferably? That's if there is such a thing?

Every now and then I come across a situation that would be nice to see clarified. Yes, I know generally most locals aren't interested in being clear about these sort of things, but there again I'm quite pendantic.

For example, the continuous (yellow) line near to the edge of the road on most minor roads. It can vary in width anything from 30cm to two meters. What does it signify, and what's the area on the left-hand side of that line supposed to be used for?

I've had various answers ranging from “for motorbikes only”, to “parking”, to “footpath”. Assuming of course, there is a correct answer...

[Porkster]

To be honest, there isn't one

And if there is it's the little book they give you at the DLT office when you take your test

The best advice I can give is stick to our UK Highway Code and you can't go wrong.

At least Thailand has the sense to drive on the correct side of the road therefore the steering wheel is in the RIGHT side of the car [emoji120][emoji120][emoji120]

This should be of some great help to you

http://freebeerforyorky.com/driving.html

Edited June 19, 2014 by Porkster

[cooked]

Farangs that try to drive as they did in the UK will constantly be confronted with frustration. You don't have rights on the roads here (like expecting other road users to act reasonably for instance), it is all a matter of give and take. I realised that I was getting the hang of things when I swore at the actions of a Farang driving towards a green light at the correct speed and whizzed over the crossing without hesitation. I think a Thai would maybe have had him off his bike, I always look before turning right or whatever. This 'I know the law and am going to drive as though everyone else does (or should)' attitude will get you killed, not that I am accusing you of wanting to do that. I have been driving over 100Km a day on country roads (chickens, cows, buffaloes, children, drunks), express way, town traffic, for two years and, touch wood, haven't had a accident yet. Driving according to the regulations or common sense will only bring you grief.

[VocalNeal]

This should be of some great help to you

http://freebeerforyorky.com/driving.html

It is for upcountry. Just so we know. Speed limit in Bangkok is 80 kph not the 50 shown for towns and villages not that the traffic in Bangkok travels at more than 50 or on expressways at less than 80 but...

[Kwasaki]

Go to a DLT and watch the movie.

[Tywais]

Thailand Traffic Act B.E. 2522 - http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0140_5.pdf

[Porkster]

Thailand Traffic Act B.E. 2522 - http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0140_5.pdf

Nice [emoji106]

Just what the OP was looking for I reckon...

And just what I gave up searching for a while ago...

Thank you Tywais [emoji120]

[Tywais]

Thailand Traffic Act B.E. 2522 - http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0140_5.pdf

Nice [emoji106]

Just what the OP was looking for I reckon...

And just what I gave up searching for a while ago...

Thank you Tywais [emoji120]

Happy to help. Since the new policies I saved that document after finding it as the question is now an FAQ.

[cooked]

This is one of the funniest documents I have read for years. I knew that you can overtake on the right, but that you weren't allowed to drive on the pavements was news to me.

Virtually all of it is never applied in every day driving, but I'm glad I read it

[bluesofa]

Go to a DLT and watch the movie.

Not quite sure if that was a serious suggestion? as a) it's all in ThaI and do you know if it specificially covers my original quoestion regarding the lines?

I notice that I was in error when I wrote yellow, as those lines along the side of the road are in fact white (that was the reason I put (yellow) in brackets, as at the time I wasn't certain).

I'm just about to begin reading the Land Traffic Act pdf that was refered to in a post earlier. Hope that has a reference to the white line along the side of the road and their relevance.

[Porkster]

Ok,

The solid white line on the side of the road is the edge of the road... I see it as an aid or target for most drivers in this country because they just can't seem to grasp that peripheral vision and focus on the furthest part of the road ahead, as one should.

[bluesofa]

Ok,

The solid white line on the side of the road is the edge of the road... I see it as an aid or target for most drivers in this country because they just can't seem to grasp that peripheral vision and focus on the furthest part of the road ahead, as one should.

Thank you Porkster for that. A clear answer, and I completely understand your caustic comment, but...

Not wishing to sound ungrateful, but being pedantic about it, if that's the edge of the road how come it's sometimes nearly two meters from the "edge" of the tarmac/concrete?

Does that mean the non-road part is then for parking, footpath, or whatever you decide it's for on that particular day?

[Porkster]

Caustic?... Haha! Not at all blue, I'm a straight shooter and pedantic like yourself.

But anyway,

The way I see it and I'm not stating this as fact, it's just my opinion.

The solid white line at the left side of "minor roads" aka Single Lane roads, marks the edge of the road as far as I understand,

I just see the extra bit of Tarmac/Asphalt to the left of of the line as being the finishing point because they have to stop laying Tarmac at some point.

The reason for it being anywhere from 20cm - 2M is beyond me and I'd also like an answer on that one.

Maybe the DLT has a mindset that if they provide a piece of road wide enough for motorbikes and cyclists to safety ride in they won't cause a hindrance to cars and trucks etc...

It is nice to sometimes see motorbikes using that "extra" bit to avoid getting hit or blown off their bike by speeding trucks and cars...

I personally don't ride my Fino on the highway... Too scared! Anything more than the local 7/11 and it's the trusty protective SUV for me.

I hope "my opinion" helped blue.

[Kwasaki]

As for the movie thats what learner drivers look look at.

Personally and seriously I think it is more of a learning kerb, (excuse the pun) and necessary to learn from the driving experience here.

Defensive driving and observation is the best way to go, if think all road users try and live by rules here, goodluck with that.

[Porkster]

I'd just like to add that having a copy of Tywais's PDF in your glovebox would go a long way when you know you were driving "to the rules" and Mr Not knowing how to drive was obviously in the wrong when he hit you (usually by being on the wrong side of the road),

I'm going to have a beer or 2 with my local policeman "friend" (one of the few decent guys out there, well... He has been so far) and I'll ask him whether he thinks it's worth it or not to wave it around at the scene saying "you're wrong I'm not!"

Wish me luck! LoL

[Kwasaki]

With respect I doubt whether your policeman friend knows all the road laws anyway.

The English document to me has many things that just don't happen e.g.

Just pointing out 1 thing, it's written large vehicle slow down and pull to the left to allow car to pass, on the road you will find if 2 lorries are coming towards you in the opposite dirrection and he flashes his lights, it means his coming through and you had better get out the way.

As for waving an English copy of the document in the event of an accident, seems you didn't read the disclaimer at the end of it.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Kwasaki

[Porkster]

With respect I doubt whether your policeman friend knows all the road laws anyway.

Actually he knew more than I expected...

But I'd like to see any copper in the world recite absolutely EVERY traffic law in the book, let alone every other law they're supposed to remember...

If I was a cop here I would also have the attitude of "F that! I don't get paid enough to think .!." [emoji13]

But we were having a larf at some and he also agrees that the "turning on your hazard lights when going straight on at crossroads" is pointless and especially dangerous when one of the signal lights is out...

We shook hands on that one

The English document to me has many things that just don't happen...

[\quote]

Both the English AND Thai version have a great deal of things that just don't happen...

That's my whole point here!

KNOWING that there really are proper Laws and that you're in the right and proving it!

In a court if law if you have to...

As for waving an English copy of the document in the event of an accident, seems you didn't read the disclaimer at the end of it.

I'm one step ahead if you there smarty pants [emoji6]

I asked Tywais (yesterday via PM) if he could send me a link to or a copy of the Thai version?

And the kind gentleman did just that,

Once again Tywais, thank you Sir [emoji120]

Oh my Buddha!

After printing it off there's like 3 times the amount of pages to the Thai version than the translated one!!

I can only guess the translator thought we don't need to know the nitty gritty stuff because we're rich! Ahem

So my best advice is to buy a dashcam or 2 and keep a copy of both traffic laws (and they ARE traffic laws) in your glove box [emoji106]

Or find a lawyer you can trust...

Bahahahaha!

[Mike 1949]

Hi everyone I've finally made the move to Thailand and well there is no highway code it's everyman for them selves, they do have a highway code as such but nobody abides by it. The mot system is a joke half the vehicles shouldn't be on the roads. I could spend most of day just watching how they drive and be amazed at how they don't have an accident, three and four on a scooter, carrying infants as well, they don't seem to have any sense of life with regards to their children. Ah well I've had my say back to the mayhem of the roads and try to stay alive.