I've been driving here for three years. What happens when I go back home?

[cooked]

.. and what happened to you when you went back after a year or two here? I used to get really annoyed at people not following the law to the letter back home. Up to a point I am now thinking that the Thai way is better as long as you don't encounter a drunk, or a self centred idiot.. but the same applies anywhere.

Recalling my first white knuckle drive into town in an old truck, I would really like to know what some of you guys experienced.

[villagefarang]

I find driving in the US a little boring but being worried about the cops seems to add some stress. I usually go back every year of so and have never had a problem switching sides of the road and rules of the road.

[BSJ]

Go back! To he11 with that idea.

[arthurwait]

Driving in Thailand.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLQJvPMl-Tg

and then back in the UK.....

[HeijoshinCool]

My first days back, the wipers came on when I only wanted to turn a corner, and not just a few daydreamers in crosswalks turned white before my eyes.

[villagefarang]

I have that wiper problem here in Thailand. We have two vehicles and the turn signals/flashers and wipers are on opposite sides, so I have to remember which car I am driving.

[WarpSpeed]

But the wipers and such don't change just because it's right drive, the model of car is the issue everything else is the same just on the wrong side, those parts are interchangeable.. Cooked you're so right, back 2 years now and longing for the freedom of Thailand riving again. What irks me most is that the drivers here feel entitled to be rude, inconsiderate, ignorant and out right break the law but SHOULD know better so by my following the laws I get really irritated with the ignorance and especially with the inconsideration as IMO they should know better and that's what I expect. There I just accepted it and went with the flow, did my own thing without too much worry regarding breaking laws etc., that's not to say I broke them at every occasion or even intentionally I just didn't stress over it so much like you have to here and get irritated when it's all around you and no one is getting pulled over when you know the first time you did it, you would and it would cost you big time.

[Daffy D]

If you watch those "Car Crash TV" series and any of the YouTube car cam clips you will see that these days there is not much difference in driving standards.

Having got used to Thailand driving you will fit right in

[robblok]

I have been home during the time that I drove here. I have the wiper problem too but once i was back behind the wheel in the Netherlands i adjusted to the rules and speeds even though I thought some were crazy.

[tom21]

i found the biggest problem when I go home is the speed. they drive faster at home and it takes a couple of days to get back to normal

[eaustev]

biggest issue for me is having to remember that people at zebra crossings actually have right of way and will expect you to stop for them. Have to keep reminding myself of this whenever home.

[WarpSpeed]

^That was never a problem for me. Always give them the right of way regardless, if nothing else it's the considerate thing to do, I don't need a law to tell me that.

[mikebell]

I've been driving here 9 years and love the concept of no rules; no manners; no restrictions. When I'm driving alone I rant and roar at the ineptitude of other drivers around me. My wife thinks I'm perfect till I get behind a wheel. When we holiday in UK she is amazed at how sedately I drive; how well-mannered I am.

The difference may have something to do with policing?

[cooked]

I've been driving here 9 years and love the concept of no rules; no manners; no restrictions. When I'm driving alone I rant and roar at the ineptitude of other drivers around me. My wife thinks I'm perfect till I get behind a wheel. When we holiday in UK she is amazed at how sedately I drive; how well-mannered I am.

The difference may have something to do with policing?

Our granddaughter has learnt quite a few words while I have been driving.

[Chonburiram]

After a few years driving in Thailand it could be a good advice to do a few hours with a professional driving instructor for "readjustment".

Tell him the problem and he will inform you about law changes and "correct" your driving.

Personally, i do not drive back in the old country.

Why spoil your holyday with concentrating on over- regulated road traffic?

[WarpSpeed]

I agree with the "over regulated" portion at least..