The Thai Highway Code - Translated

[chiang mai]

Finally found a copy of the highway code and set out below a rough translation:

It is important that all vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road. However we recognise there will be times when this is not practical or even possible hence on such occasions it is permissible to drive on the right – drivers should use their own discretion and good judgment in such cases.

The road immediately in front of your vehicle is your space and must be defended at all times and at any cost. Any other vehicle attempting to enter your space must be discouraged and if this happens speed up and try to ensure the interloper does not encroach. There are some bad people out there who simply have no sense of precedence.

When turning to the left or right it is important to signal your intention at some point in the process. Because people often change their minds about which way to turn the process of signalling is often best left until after the turn has been made just to ensure that you do not signal in error and confuse other road users.

When approaching a hazard in front of you it is best to attempt to steer around it rather than to incur costly wear and tear on the braking system. It may even be beneficial to increase your speed in such circumstances since the increased velocity of your vehicle may make the hazard go away.

It is important to position your vehicle on the road correctly and the white lines can be useful in this respect. When ever possible ensure that your vehicle straddles the white line and your hood ornament can be useful in helping you to position your vehicle correctly. On multi lane roads it is usually best to occupy the far right or so called fast lane since this will ensure that motorists behind you don’t break the law by speeding.

Black and white striped paths have been painted across many roads in city and town centres. These highly decorative road markings are for the entertainment of Foreign tourists who seem to enjoy walking on them – they require no special action on the part of the motorist.

Traffic lights are designed for your safety and have been installed to ensure a constant flow of traffic in all directions, at the same time. For the avoidance of doubt the green light means it is safe to proceed, the amber light means the red light is coming but it is still safe to proceed. The red light means that the green light will come next and it can surely only be a few seconds away so it must be safe to proceed.

When changing lanes it is advisable to execute the manoeuvre quickly so as not to inconvenience other road users. Newer cars are fitted with rear facing mirrors both inside and outside the vehicle and these are useful for checking makeup, hair you’re your general appearance – if you do not recall ever seeing these mirrors you may wish to go and examine your vehicle now. We do not consider it safe for drivers to use those mirrors whilst executing a dangerous manoeuvre such as lane change.

Motorists should exercise due care and attention at all times and avoid unnecessary distractions, particularly from other occupants of the vehicle. We recognise that there will be times however such as when your answer your mobile, have to speak with the wife/girlfriend next to you, play with the kids to keep them occupied, drink a beer, eat, have a brief nap, change the DVD etc when this will not be fully possible. At such times we ask you to be extra vigilant.

It is not possible to document all aspects of safe driving in this note because there are so many laws. Your local police have however been specially trained to understand all of the laws and they will advise you if they observe you breaking any of them

[kmart]

Thanks, I enjoyed that.

Coming to work this morning, I had to swerve around an erratically-driven Honda Jazz. The lady driver was laughing in the middle of an animated phone call, with a kid flapping around on her lap at the same time. Unbelievable.

[leisurely]

You are so right about not being able to remember all the laws and the BIB being able to help you out.

I have been helped to remember that when a green filter light is on, you mustn't use it. Seemingly it is against the law to turn right when directed to.

A 'U" turn is not allowed at the discretion of the police.

Valid car insurance is not valid if the police say so.

All the above met with fines that undoubtedly were put into the pot to maintain the roads

[lingling]

It is not possible to document all aspects of safe driving in this note because there are so many laws. Your local police have however been specially trained to understand all of the laws and they will advise you if they observe you breaking any of them

Funny

But joke aside - is the real one published anywhere on the web (in thai and/or engrish)?

[PhilHarries]

This must be the extended rewritten 2006 edition.

Previously there were only two rules for driving in Thailand.

Rule #1 : There are no rules for driving in Thailand.

Rule #2 : In case of situation of doubt refer to rule #1.

[wolf359]

Your title worried me for a minute, I thought that there really was a Thai Highway Code !!!

[chiang mai]

It is not possible to document all aspects of safe driving in this note because there are so many laws. Your local police have however been specially trained to understand all of the laws and they will advise you if they observe you breaking any of them

Funny

But joke aside - is the real one published anywhere on the web (in thai and/or engrish)?

I have looked and asked the question but the closest thing to it is a book, in Thai, put out by the government, for Thai's.

[visarunner]

That explains a lot.

Enjoyed every minute reading it.

Will come in my folder "Best of LOS"

[suegha]

Very funny and oh so true! Is Thailand the maddest place to drive?

[Artisan]

Very funny and oh so true! Is Thailand the maddest place to drive?

Far from it Suegha...you should try Portugal!!!

[Plus]

I have definitely seen official Thai website with signs and rules, there are links somewhere in this forum, Motoring section.

Why would you want to confuse yourself with those laws? This one is clear enough.

[Farma]

[but joke aside - is the real one published anywhere on the web (in thai and/or engrish)?

I posted a link to bkkriders with the information (in english) in this forum. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...78595&st=15

[suegha]

Very funny and oh so true! Is Thailand the maddest place to drive?

Far from it Suegha...you should try Portugal!!!

There's somewhere worse!?!

[Tywais]

Very funny and oh so true! Is Thailand the maddest place to drive?

Far from it Suegha...you should try Portugal!!!

There's somewhere worse!?!

Yeah, try Bombay. Their method of making a decision is to blow their horn.

[Farma]

Cairo drivers are so talented too

[suegha]

Very funny and oh so true! Is Thailand the maddest place to drive?

Far from it Suegha...you should try Portugal!!!

There's somewhere worse!?!

Actually, I have just remembered, I was in Turkey once and that was mayhem!!!

[brahmburgers]

allow me to add a few more:

When making a turn, always take the shortest route. Never mind if you're cutting in behind vehicles which are supposedly waiting to enter the busy road (but never at a stand-still) - The arc has not yet been introduced to Thailand.

If you happen to run a car or motorbike or bicyle off the road - they probably deserved it if they're smaller vehicle than yours.

Never waste your energy giving a friendly wave to an approaching driver who pull over on a narrow road to let you pass. Your business and time are probably more important than theirs anyway. Indeed, drivers who pull over to allow others to pass safely are probably wimps anyway.