Driving in Thailand is on the left-hand side of the road. Some driving norms in Thailand can somewhat be seen as particular depending where you come from. For instance, tailgating is quite common and accepted by the locales, and people often cut each other off or cut into lines of cars.

• Speed Limit

  The speed limits for Thailand are 90 km/h on open roads, 50km/h in towns and 120km/h in motorways unless signs say otherwise.

• Traffic Signs

  There are mainly three types of road signs in Thailand, including regulatory signs, warning signs, and informational signs. 

  Thailand regulatory signs have different shapes, most of them featuring red border and white background. Note that the Stop Sign is written in Thai language instead of English or by pictogram, but a typical Octagon is applied to imply its meaning like most of the countries.

  Stop(Thai Language)

  Give Way(Thai Language)

  Slow Down(Thai Language)

  No Overtaking

  Give Way to Oncoming Vehicles Used to Traffic Bottleneck Points

  Thailand warning signs mostly feature a yellow background with black pictogram.

  Hump

  Divided Road Begins

  Divided Road Ends

  Pedestrian Crossing

  Wild Animals Crossing

  No Overtake Zone

  Thailand information signs are blue with rectangular or square shapes.

  Dead End

  Clinic

  End of Motorway

• Seatbelt Laws

  A new law has come into effect from the 5th of April 2017, stating that passengers in the rear seat of a car are now required to wear seatbelts in addition to the driver and front seat passenger. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 500 Thai Baht.

• Booster Seat Laws

  The Thailand law states that children should be restrained in an age-appropriate system. Children under 12 years old should not sit in the front of a vehicle. 

• Parking

  Because of the heavy traffic, parking in some Thai cities can be difficult to find. Parking rules and rates are usually marked on signs with English translations in tourist areas.

  
  

  · Permitted Parking

  
  

  - White rectangle on the road indicates a designated car parking space. Many shops, malls, restaurants, sights and hotels offer to park and if payment is needed, it will not be expensive.

  
  

  - Yellow and white markings indicate a short-term parking space only, for usually no more than five minutes. These markings also indicate a bus stop. It is therefore not advised to park there.

  
  

  · No Parking

  
  

  - Red and white markings indicate a no parking zone, which means cars may not park here.

  (Image from shutterstock.com)

  
  

  - Multiple white diagonal lines indicate parking spaces for motorcycles only and no cars can park here.

  

• Fuel Prices

  The average price for Thailand gasoline price between July and November 2017 was 34.36 Thai Baht, and diesel was 26.79 on 4th Dec.2017.

• Toll

  Only the big Bangkok-area expressways demand electronic payment, while cash can be used in other places. The usual charge is between 40 and 50 Thai baht. If you do not have an electronic sensor (automatic deduction), do not go to the easy pass lane with blue marks on the ground.

  
  

  Failing to pay the toll in time may lead to the car rental company paying on your behalf by debiting your credit card, charging a total amount of the toll fee and its management fee from your credit card. Please be aware that this management fee can be costly.  

• DUI Laws

  Drivers who have had their licenses for over five years are allowed to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of up to 0.05% when behind the wheel, while divers under 20 years are only allowed to have maximal BAC of 0.02%. A hefty fine of 60,000 THB and/or a 6-month prison sentence will be applied in case of DUI.

  
  

  Foreigners driving after an excessive consumption of alcohol may also risk being deported, depending on the severity of the case.

• Traffic Fines

  Speeding fines in Thailand are between 200 THB to 400 THB. Parking in the wrong place or exceeding the time allowed will result in a parking ticket. Finally, parking in a non-parking area may result in a fine of 200 Thai Baht. 

  
  

  Some of the fines can be paid on the spot. In case you have not paid a fine, your car hire company will collect the fine’s charge as well as an added administration fee directly from your credit card. 

  
  

  Should you have questions in terms of traffic fines collection, you are always welcome to contact QEEQ for assistance. 

As a tourist or visitor driving or renting a car in Thailand, it is necessary to have a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. Many car hire companies require a full driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years with no major endorsements. 

If your domestic driving licence is not in English (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc), an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English or Thai is required when you drive in Thailand. Please note that an International Driving Permit (often referred to as an International Driving Licence) does not replace the requirement for a regular driving licence. And you must carry your current overseas driver’s licence, IDP or translation with you all the time when driving in Thailand.

Minimum age in Thailand is 21 years(age may vary by car category). If you're 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee. If you're 65 or older, you may have to pay a senior driver fee.