Practical Guide to Driving in Thailand
- In an accident, the foreign vehicle is normally wrong. Therefore, avoid an accident at all cost, even if you think you have the right of way. Avoid any contact.
- If you get into an accident, avoid the legal process. It will take years and you may be sitting in jail awaiting the completion of the court verdict. Normally, best to settle on the spot. But in cases involving death, best to pay, leave your vehicle and fly back. Let others to settle and bring back the vehicle later.
- Be courteous at all times, this is a Thai culture. They appreciate this very much. Never show aggression, they can be very aggressive when provoke.
- Beware of Buses and Trucks, they will drive very fast and even directly at you from the opposite direction. You may have to stop and move to the side of the road to allow them to pass. Flashing them will only indicate you allow them the right of passage. Beware!
- If you get lost, always ask for directions. Start with a greeting 'Sawadeekup
' than say 'Pai' than the name of the place you are going. Pai means 'I'm going to....' . Use simple hand language. Very few Thai speaks English. Remember to smile
.
- Always drive to the extreme left side of the road, allow the faster cars to overtake. Don't block them. Other slower Thai cars will do the same. It's a show of road courtesy.
- Beware of dogs, cows, people, tut tut, motorbikes and bicycles, they are everywhere and can just pop up in front of you. Hitting them means you have to pay or go to jail. Police will normally be on the local side. Bring cash! Credit cards not accepted. 
- Most fuel sold in Thailand contains alcohol, if you are driving an older model, alcohol will dissolve your rubber and plastic parts inside your engine. Ask for 'Benzene 91 or 95' which is similar to our fuel, PTT normally has it. If you have no choice or confuse, go for the most expensive fuel. The cheaper the fuel, the more alcohol it contains.
- Some roads can have huge portholes or sand, be vigilant for these. Your low sports super cars may come home with cracked body parts.
- It's flood season, if the road is block, don't force your way through. It would mean you need to take a detour. Ask for advise and directions from the people guarding the blocks.
- Bring enough Thai Baht before the journey
- The Thai 7 Eleven has lots of food, lots of 7E around and most large PTT Petrol Stations have 7E, but food may not be halal. To save time, you can fuel up and have a snack.
- Near Ramada, we are near a large Mosque. There are halal food shops around.