Driving in Thailand: Advice for tourists

With excellent infrastructure, getting around Thailand is a breeze. Flights between regional airports are frequent and good value, while a train service connects Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north and to Surat Thani in the south (for connections to the islands). A nationwide bus service fills in most of the gaps, and for most tourists, there is no need to drive yourself if you don’t want to. Hiring a car or minibus with your own driver can be an economical way to reach some more out-of-the-way destinations. 

All of that said, hiring a car (or motorbike if you are an experienced rider) and driving yourself can give you more freedom. There are, though, several important things to be aware of if you intend to take to the roads in Thailand.

Thailand road safety

We don’t want to scare competent drivers, but it would be wrong of us not to point out the dangers on Thailand’s roads. In 2017, Thailand’s roads were considered the second most dangerous in the world after Libya. In 2018, WHO reported that Thailand’s road collision-related death rate was 32.7 people out of every 100,000. This compares to 2.8 in Singapore and 2.9 in the UK. Although figures have improved in recent years, Thailand still has a poor road safety record, with motorbikes accounting for the highest percentage of incidents.

Thailand road safety advice

Insurance

Whether you intend to drive or not, it is essential to get the right travel insurance for your Thailand trip.

Ensure that your vehicle rental includes basic third-party insurance (legally required), and ideally opt for comprehensive coverage, especially for motorbikes. The video below is aimed at Irish tourists, but covers some good tips for all travellers:

What licence do I need to rent a vehicle in Thailand?

Whether you’re driving a car or a motorbike, foreign visitors must carry the right documentation. If you would like to drive in Thailand, you are required by law to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your normal driving licence. 

There are three types of IDP. For Thailand, you need the 1968 version. This permit lasts for three years or until your UK driving licence expires (whichever comes first). The Post Office no longer issues IDPs. Instead, you can apply here:
https://www.paypoint.com/instore-services/international-driving-permits

When you hire a vehicle in Thailand or if stopped at a police checkpoint, be prepared to show your IDP along with your national driving license and passport. Also, be aware that if you don’t have an IDP and you drive and are involved in a road accident, it may invalidate your travel insurance.

The advice provided in this article is intended for tourists. If you’re staying long-term in Thailand (i.e. not on a tourist visa), you can apply via the Department of Land Transport (DLT) for an international driving licence or a Thai driving licence:
https://www.dlt.go.th/en/international-driving-licence
https://www.dlt.go.th/en/new-license

General advice for Thailand’s roads

Like the UK and Ireland, Thailand drives on the left. Despite this similarity, driving in Thailand presents unique challenges.

In major cities and tourist areas, road signs are typically in both Thai and English. While the main roads in much of the country are well-maintained, unexpected hazards are common. This includes stray dogs lying in the road, sand, loose gravel, and poorly lit roads at night. Rural areas may have potholes, and roads can become dangerously slick during and after tropical downpours. Always drive with caution and be prepared for unpredictable conditions.

As a rule, Thai people are polite and patient. But that doesn’t always apply to the roads. The Thai driving test is less stringent than the UK or Ireland, and tailgating, poor lane discipline and failure to stop at lights are common. Don’t assume you have the right of way. Be cautious at intersections and expect the unexpected.

While horns are used more for polite warnings than aggression, indicators are often used at the last moment, if at all. Unlike the UK or Ireland, when a driver flashes their lights, it will usually mean they intend to drive on and are not letting you through.

Where possible, try to avoid driving at night. Poor lighting, speeding trucks, drunk drivers, and stray animals make night driving riskier.

• Seatbelt laws: It’s a legal requirement for car drivers and their passengers (front and rear seats) to wear a seatbelt.
• Helmet laws: Helmets are mandatory for both motorcycle drivers and passengers.
• Documents: Always keep your license, IDP and passport with you in case of a police checkpoint.

Hiring a car in Thailand

The minimum age to rent a car in Thailand typically starts at 21, though this can vary by company. You’ll need to present your valid driver’s license and, if asked, an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

There are numerous local car rental agencies, offering varying levels of service, as well as well-known international providers such as:

• Avis
• Budget
• Sixt

No matter which company you choose, always inspect the vehicle before driving. Check the tyres, lights, brakes, and fluid levels to ensure everything is in good condition. 

Hiring a motorbike in Thailand

Motorcycle accidents are the number one danger for overseas tourists in Thailand. If you have not ridden a motorbike before, Thailand is not the place to learn.  However, if you are an experienced rider, motorbikes can be a great way to get around quieter areas of the country and for popular routes like the Mae Hong Son Loop.

Before renting a motorbike in Thailand, you need to have a motorcycle endorsement on your UK/Irish licence and carry an IDP.  Without this, any accident could invalidate your insurance.

When renting a motorbike, do not hand over your passport as a security deposit. The renter can take a photocopy, but you should always keep the original. If the rental shop insists you must leave your passport, walk away and look for another shop.

Inspect the bike for damage before renting, and take photos or video of the bike as a precaution in case of any dispute later on. You should also check brakes, lights, tyres, and mirrors.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for riders and passengers. Although the law is routinely ignored by locals (and tourists), you risk being stopped and fined if you don’t wear a helmet. But you risk far more if you come off your bike. Wear a helmet. 

Drive defensively and always assume other drivers don’t see you. Stay out of blind spots. 

Wear some sort of protection. Even if it’s long trousers and a pair of trainers instead of shorts and flip-flops, this can make a difference if you have a minor accident.  

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