Tips for Renting a Car & Driving Safely in Thailand

[@RetiredInThailand]

Other things that are different (I live up North in Chiang Mai area, so it might be different down south in Phuket): Stop Lights can be very long and only allow traffic in one direction (and right turns ... the equivilant of left turning across traffic.) ie. North & South traffic do not go at the same time with advanced green lights for those turning against traffic, instead only North bound traffic can go and turning against traffic are free to do so during the whole light. I suspect this is done to accomidate bikes, which can then use the South Bound lane on their side as a North bound lane for turing against traffic without (too much) fear of meeting South moving traffic (cars can still turn left on Red lights so bikes still need to be careful for those cars.) Stop signs: They aren't very many. Most intersections will not have stop signs, you have to use your common sense as to what direction has the right of way, and that's not always obvious, so use a lot of caution ... even if you happen upon an intersection with a stop sign, they are so uncommon that a lot of people will either not notice there is one, or just ignore it and consider it useless. black stripped and red stripped curbs. Not parking at Black stripped curbs and no stopping at red stripped curbs. Check points: cops will set up check points at times, during the day these are usually for two purposes, to check your tags are up to date (cars have them displayed in the front window so they can easily see them and unless yours have expired they usually just glance at you and wave you through, mostly you will see motorbikes stopped on the side of the road since ther tags are not usually easily seen (in a little waterprood tube, so they have to stop and remove them from the tube so they can be verified.) If you are near the Myanmar or Laos border there are sometimes checkpoints for drug smugglers .. if you & your vehicle don't look local, you will just roll down your window as you approach and they will wave you through! And just to reiterate the warning in the video ... MOTORBIKES are everywhere, always exxpect them to be somewhere. Especially at night. Many of these bikes are old and the headlights are sometimes dimmer than fireflies or not even turned on, which makes seeing them next to impossible ... if you pull out in front of a motorbike with no lights and they hit you, them not having lights is no defense, you will be responsible for any injury & damage. The rule of right away on the roads is: Motorbikes are always in the right, then comes cars & trucks, then finally pedestrians! I think there are maybe two places in Chiang Mai, in the heavy tourist areas where there are crosswalks that anyone even bothers to consider as giving pedestrains the right of way, and even then that's not always a given.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you for sharing this super valuable information! Pinned!

[@moderngirl100]

I’m Thai but living in USA for 10 yrs. I gotta watch this video. I hope I could drive in Thailand at this visiting. Your informations are all included everything I wanted to know in general. Thank you.

[@oligoyan]

A few other advices we got: 1) avoid driving at night at all cost; 2) stay away from big trucks and construction vehicles; 3) always have a driving recorder and turn it on all the time in case of accidents.

[@bldontmatter5319]

Driving at night? What's wrong with it

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

@@bldontmatter5319 I would guess poor visibility.

[@RetiredInThailand]

@@bldontmatter5319 they are not as strict in Thailand about having good lighting on your vehicle at night. I'd guess about 20% of the motorbikes will either not have working lights out working so poorly they might as well be off. plus they also aren't as strick with drunk driving (I think recently they may have started taking it more seriously, but even if they do it's going to take a while before actions catch up with the words of the law.) I only drive at night when I have to, and I don't take any chances. at intersections I open my windows (both if necessary) for better visibility (almost every car has heavily tinted windows) and if I see a dim light off in the distance I make extra sure it isn't really a motorbike with very dim lights only a few yards away ... which is very common.)

[@Kris-bk3br]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@fredob43]

One big thing you missed out. Is if they flash you with their lights. Don't assume they are letting you out It means we are coming through regardless. Both Hazzard lights flashing means they are going strait on. Also they seldom indicate they will just turn or stop. After living here for over 25 years it doesn't take too many years to learn how they drive. But every day they will surprise you with new rules they have made up. As a tourist just be careful. Expect everything will come at you even on a one way street. Stay safe.

[@KenshoQuest]

Excellent! Thank you!!

[@bldontmatter5319]

I'm an American going there and it's my first time on Left Hand Drive. This is gonna be interesting.

[@kennethh6482]

I'm considering moving down to Pattaya soon. Your video demonstrates all the essentials and tips for someone like me from Vancouver. Thank you.

[@ResidentGG]

Very useful thank you!

[@steven68]

How about public parking area? Is there any indication on where to park especially road side parking?

[@aureliomega3268]

I am from US and plan to stay 3 weeks this summer in Thailand. No experience driving in the right side at all, but I have seen many people saying that it is easy, get used very fast. Other people do not recommend at all. So... not sure. I like to rent always in all my vacation to have more mobility and go wherever and whenever we want to go, so we really would like to do it. But of course, safety is first. Planning to drive in smaller cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui, but not in Bangkok where traffic is heavier and there is a good public transportation system. What do you recommend? Any comment/input appreciated!

[@acrosstheworld_atw]

The way you planned it, it's not a problem. The roads are very well developed, the road signs are also very good. Google Maps works great, even in the countryside. To rent the car, you still need an international driver's license. Have a safe trip.

[@kookaburrasathome8677]

thx mate 4 the reply grate help.

[@scratchmasterp]

Thank you, Kencho! We are considering driving in Chiang Mai. I appreciate all of your tips. We went to see a couple of Honda Citys/Honda Civics yesterday. But they felt a bit long! We’re probably going to get a shorter model to reduce the size of our target 😂 there are just two of us, so we’re thinking of a small Mazda 3/Suzuki Swift. We’ve driven motorbikes in Chiang Mai for a long time, but your tips are very useful. I feel like driving a car is a whole other ballgame!

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful! For just the two of you, I would also get a smaller vehicle, good luck!

[@abdallaabdalla3338]

Great video, very useful tips!!

[@herywijaya8349]

how to pay parking fee in mall in bangkok? can using cash or have to use digital payment? Thank you

[@jamescc2010]

Be extremely careful driving if you want to. It is not easy and you need to pay attention. If you can, take a driving class or shadow someone to get use to driving on the left side as that would help. I will not recommend a newbie driving on the left from right to drive as it will be very stressful and dangerous. I am Thailand American. Moved back in 1996 to Bangkok, and let me tell you - you have to very careful and learn before driving there. I got a close call with big truck racing me early morning, had to push brake, and almost got into a bad accident with our family due to construction hazard early morning, lane merging to the left. Basically you need to watch big truck especially morning when they are racing to get into cities to pick up stuff with empty container. Stay from them - passing them quick or stay behind. However I did not have a lot of experience driving there at the time. Thai drivers can go really fast in any lane without signaling, not very disciplined therefore creating accidents every year. Small town or rural driving are easier and safer due to less traffic.

[@apocalypseapocalypse3491]

I was told if you are at a red light and turning left, you can still go. Is that true?

[@gabbitseah250]

How's the parking like in Phucket?

[@jelitanlee]

Can you switch lanes on solid white lines? Or only broken lines?

[@engchoontan8483]

A few years ago, i rented some cars and i spotted them testing out mobile-speed-camera.sss. Probably singapore types... Malaysia is road-blocks... most likely, there is no fun any more for cars and bikes and ... ... in ASEAN.

[@imageplayer]

Can you turn on red at traffic light like in US?

[@KenshoQuest]

Only if there is a turn on red signal, otherwise, illegal.

[@gheacp]

Thanks for sharing nice information! I am still confused about toll road payment in Thailand as a tourist because i plan to drive there by my self. Do i need certain card? Where do i get it?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, you can pay with Thai baht ( their currency ) tolls usually run between 50 - 70 baht.

[@gheacp]

@@KenshoQuest thanks for the answer

[@benjaminrivera1566]

Thank you for your quick reply. Does the rental company offer GPS, or would your phone work with Google GPS?

[@KenshoQuest]

We normally use Google maps on our phone to navigate.

[@Reddylion]

Nice , what are best car rentals .

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, to ensure you get the proper insurance I recommend renting from a reputable international carrier such as Budget rental car or Avis.

[@Reddylion]

@@KenshoQuest 👍

[@Xeriosgaming]

you don't actually get pull over for doing 20 over the speed limit just a 500 baht, 15 usd fine sent to ur home adress.

[@kookaburrasathome8677]

hi mate sounds like you know your way around in thai. ? iam in aust and comeing over in late june & heading to cha_am phetchaburi rougfly howfar away isit from airport . or can i get a train there. thx from melb aust

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, To get to Cha'am area the easiest and smoothese is to take a taxi from the airport. It will take between 3 - 6 hours by taxi. This is due to the possibility of traffic, which can be horrendous, especially if there is a holiday. If no traffic then 3 hrs. You can also hire a private driver in advance. Otherwise, the new station in Hua Hin is supposed to have faster times. I am assuming it will stop in Cha'am. So it should get to Chaam in about 3 hrs. But you will first need to get to the train station. Here is a link to the timetables, they have an english option: www.dticket.railway.co.th/DTicketPublicWeb/home/Home Good luck!

[@sandeepsambhangi]

We (I, wife and a 2 years old son) are planning to rent a car from Phuket airport for our upcoming trip to Phuket. We booked our accommodation in “Bang Tao Beach”. Need few recommendations from you. Thanks.

[@KenshoQuest]

What type of recommendations are you looking for?

[@sandeepsambhangi]

@@KenshoQuest I mean does the cars have Apple car play ? So that I could syncup fro navigation? Rather than paying extra for a Satellite Nag System?

[@ivysdadd]

How did this go? Does maps work?

[@sandeepsambhangi]

@@ivysdadd It was lovely. Google Maps work like magic. Loved driving in Phuket.

[@ivysdadd]

@@sandeepsambhangi thanks for your reply. It means a lot and is helpful. All the best 😀🇹🇭👋🥳

[@VIpoison911]

Renting a car there looks so scary with all the motorcycles, 3-wheeled vehicles and tons of unfamiliar road markings. I have anxiety already so I think that driving there is not for me. Great information to know. Thank You!

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful. Good luck!

[@sanneuang-keo7797]

My first time driving in Thailand was in Koh Samui, my girlfriend keeps saying speed up! Hahaha i was like what the hell! Thank you for the tip

[@ivysdadd]

We are doing exactly the same. I think 1-2 days driving in Samui and then 3-4 days driving outside of Chiang Mai. I think I’m a good driver and in the UK we drive on the left hand side… but I’m scared 😂

[@kairitrix]

If theres a cctv in the roads? Like non contact traffic apprehension in thailand?

[@KenshoQuest]

I have seen cameras but I cannot confirm if they are CCTV.

[@pole040]

5:49 you can't do that! you can't be in a first lane and take the 3rd exit..

[@tonynguyen5362]

I was planning to rent a car in Phuket, does the rental car come with liability insurance? other types of insurance can I purchase at the rental car office?

[@KenshoQuest]

Ours did come with liability insurance but it was limited. You might want to check the budget thailand website for more information about additional coverage, but in general, other than the smaller limit ( depending on the incident) there are options.

[@nirvanathelittle3934]

Mate do they provide baby seats as well?

[@KenshoQuest]

We brought our own baby car seat with us to Thailand, but the rental company could have provided one if we had needed it.

[@hnublisyaj]

How do you get a international permit?

[@KenshoQuest]

If you are from the U.S., the easiest method is to go to AAA, you might also be able to do it online via their website. I do not know if you are from a different country.

[@xrp2d2]

Been driving in Thailand 10 years

[@kevinchan1275]

what's the legit website to apply for international permit for thailand?

[@KenshoQuest]

We applied for international driver's permits while in the USA at AAA www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

[@kevinchan1275]

@@KenshoQuest Ok thanks. 👍

[@arif.mahmud622]

Needs international driving license?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, especially at all international rental car agencies. However, some places will require only your home countries license as well as your passport.

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

I've seen videos where driving are on the wrong side of the road and are driving towards you on the shoulder of the road.

[@RetiredInThailand]

yes, that happens a lot. the u-turns can be a few kilometers away and if the street you want to turn on to isn't too far away many people will ride their motorbikes, even cars and trucks the wedding easy on the shoulder to the street rather than drive several kilometers to do it the legal way ... the police usually don't really care.

[@paulborphukan9624]

If you can’t drive in India forget driving anywhere else. Love from India though!!!

[@silvermeasuringspoons6462]

Another extremely important thing you missed. Don't use Horns, seriously just don't use it. Beeping horn seems offensive and you never know when you gonna encounter crazy people with guns.

[@ryusake4133]

If you cant drive in Thailand, never drive in the Philippines. Lol

[@KenshoQuest]

that's what I've heard!

[@RetiredInThailand]

Thailand is literally ranked 'worse' than the Philippines, and I would agree that the Philippines is by far worse than Thailand. of course I've only really experienced Manila traffic, but at least in Thailand if the road has 3 lanes of traffic marked you're not going to be driving in 5 lanes of vehicles. plus far less horn blowing in Thailand ... to be fair, the horn blowing in Manila was more 'short friendly blurts' to warn other drivers you were changing lanes or getting too close rather than long blaring blasts of angry drives stuck in heavy traffic, but there was lots of it ... you hardly ever get that impatient horn blowing you sometimes run into in the west in either Thailand or Manila ... Thais seem to blow their horns less, and only in situations where it's really needed (at least that's my experience in Chiang Mai, and around northern Thailand, I haven't done a lot of driving in the south.)

[@TheBudfather]

Manila City 😂

[@silvermeasuringspoons6462]

Don't use your horn in Thailand, seriously just don't use it. Beeping horn seems offensive and you never know when you gonna encounter crazy people with guns.

[@TGLapin]

Sorry - I have to say - your understanding of roundabouts is actually dangerous. In your video you took the ouside lane but you exited on the 2nd exit rather than the 1st exit. That is completely wrong! If you are taking the 2nd exit you MUST to take the inside lane. It is the right of the inside lane to take the first or 2nd exit - and so you continuing on as you did is unpredictable and will definetly cause a crash. Saying this for learning reasons not to be mean. Thanks :)

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@benjaminrivera1566]

Did you experience corruption, such as being stopped by the police asking for bribery?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, fortunately, we never have. However, it certainly does happen, though more common if you are riding a motorbike because it is much easier to tell if you are a foreigner riding a bike vs a car.

[@2uksteve]

@@KenshoQuest Yes it certainly *does* happen - and Thai cops (including the white-helmeted traffic varety) are known to supplement their 'salary' if/when there's an opportunity. Not to mention the incentive for local jurisdictions to meet penalty income targets (perhaps not unlike some small town PDs in the US?)..... Years ago I was waved into a checkpoint on a major freeway in Chiang Rai (northern Thailand). In those days, there was a basic annual minimal "government insurance" with a sticker showing the expiry date. Unwittingly I had overlooked it because I also had what was known as "first class" i.e. private comprehensive insurance which was up to date. I sat down at a table in a small marquee where a lieutenant very politely asked me (in quite good English) if I could read Thai. I said no and he 'explained' that government insurance was a] required and b] mine had expired - so I had to pay a fine on the spot. He filled out a form and invited me to sign both the original and a copy to keep as a receipt. 'Only' 500 baht but....... Next day I showed my copy to a Thai friend - who immediately told me that it didn't say anything at all about expired insurance (for which the official fine was 200 baht) but instead stated (*falsely*) that I hadn't been wearing a seatbelt - hence the higher 500 baht penalty. As an experienced Brit driver (UK police are *very* strict on seatbelt use) it never occurs to me to not wear a seatbelt - least of all on a fast freeway. My 17 years of living and driving in Thailand (mostly in and around Chiang Mai) leads me to endorse all that you've included in your excellent video primer. I would only add that some farang (foreign) tourists on motorbikes are just as much a problem as their Thai 'local' counterparts - and sometimes worse.

[@terrysmith381]

The truth & corruption will not be on your side if you are involved in any accident !!! Do not rent & drive in Thailand full stop !!! The government made a statement New Year's holiday " If you are going to DRINK & DRIVE, DRIVE SLOWLY !!!!!

[@xrp2d2]

Most crashes are from motorcycles

[@blue_shadow28]

Come and drive in India you will be always alert

[@KenshoQuest]

haha. We will pass on that! We've been on many long taxi rides in India ;)

[@SCS10000]

The headline ... DON'T DO