Driving in Thailand
 

Has anyone rented a car in Thailand? What are the roads and signs like? I would not drive in Bangkok only in the countryside. We are planning a three weeek trip in October/November.

Driving in Thailand requires some local wisdom. Recently an American tourist was driving a rental car which collided with a motorcycle. The motorcycle and rider was going the wrong way and the driver was underage(no license). Still under Thai laws the driver of the car is responsible for the injuries of the motorcyclist. The poor tourist ended up with a big fine and some jail time.<BR><BR>Be extremely careful of the motorcycles in Thailand. They will come at you from all directions and you must keep a constant look out.

Stick to local transport, air, rail, taxis and if you need the freedom of a car, hire a car with a driver. I agree with previous poster and saw this story also.

I have driven in Thailand for over twenty years and it does hone one’s defensive driving skills! However my son who has just driven through the States for three months thought that the standard of driving was better here.<BR><BR>Roads are generally good and are also well signposted in English for major destinations.<BR><BR>Provided you hire a car and not a motorcycle I think that you will be fine, just hire from a reputable firm and make sure that you have insurance.<BR><BR>If possible avoid driving in the country after dusk, there are lots of unlit or poorly lit vehicles about.<BR>

Standard of driving in Thailand 'better' than in the USA?...umhhhh....strange<BR><BR>Sarah(BKK)

yeah, that sounds real strange. But also the story of Hanuman is a fake. Anyway, have driven trought the whole north east and didnt had a problem. The bus drivers are cracy, but ok, they are this way in whole east asia.<BR>Paula

Paula why would you call my post a "fake"? I'm just trying to warn Brenda that it's a different world driving with numerous motor cycles buzzing around your car like flies. The story I read was from a local newspaper, in Thai but for ignorant Paula here's the story(the linkt to) from the English language Bangkok Post: http://scoop.bangkokpost.co.th/bkkpost/2002/apr2002/bp20020421/news/21apr2002_news06.html<BR><BR>

Yes, I can confirm the story about the American retiree who got into trouble... read it in the Bangkok Post... as a matter of fact, previous poster didn't give all the gory details, about how the poor guy was basically held for ransom by corrupt officials. If you check the travel advisories on the Internet from foreign affairs of Canada, US and Australia, they have similar warnings for people thinking of driving in Thailand... foreigners are responsible for any accidents, and sometimes accidents are even "set up" to get some money out of tourists.....

Thanks for the warnings. I do not care to fly from city to city since I like to get a feel for the country I am visiting by driving thru the countryside. It also affords a great amount of freedom and choice as to where we stay. We do not backpack but have suitcases and we prefer not to lug them around looking for a place to stay.<BR>Are there any alternatives to renting a car? Any ideas? Thanks.<BR>

Car+ driver available anywhere, prices vary depending distance and how many hours but it's cheap, if 2 of you are travelling its cheap, often little more than a VIP bus.

Hi Brenda<BR><BR>I had droven a rented car from Budget several times - but only in south of Thailand. Traffic in Phuket/Krabi/Khao Lak is less than in comparable regions in Europe. So I had never a bad feeling. I am renting again in November a car in Phuket and we are heading down to Koh Lanta and other places without fear. Try your luck = Bruno

Hi Bruno:<BR><BR>Thanks for the info. I would like to drive north into the mountains as well as south to the beaches. Did you make your rental arrangements before you got to Thailand or after you arrived there? We do not plan to drive in Bangkok only out in the country. How are the road conditions? Are the roads signs well posted in the country?<BR><BR>Brenda

Hi Brenda<BR><BR>we are doing our car rental arrangements all time before starting our trip. So we do not loose to much time. Road conditions in the south are excellent. About the north I can`t say it - but even in north I would also drive myself. In the south the road signs are well posted. Enjoy your trip and dont worry. Bruno

Brenda,<BR><BR>We rented a car in Thailand. The only funny thing was getting lost in Bangkok + traffic (spent three hours in the city). A lot of the signs are in english so we eventually got to our destination. I think the car made it more enjoyable and much more interesting. It took me 30 minutes to get used to driving on the left side of the road. I think you should go for it.<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR>Anat

Just don't have an accident! It really is not worth the risks involved.

Last poster is dead on. Many people have a good, problem-free vacation in Thailand. However, because of the high degree of corruption in the government and the police there, if you should be unfortunate enough to have any kind of problem, don't expect Western-style help or justice, you are basically on your own. I'm a journalist based in Singapore, and I just read a Reuters story that Al-Qaeda may be looking to set up in Thailand as all the other governments in the region are working to oust them, but Thailand, as always, seems willing to turn the blind eye.... So really, I think the best advice would be for you to assess how confident you are that you are "street-smart" enough to deal with situations that could arise. Do research on the Internet (and check travel advisories on the net from US, Canada, Australia) as there are plenty of stories about situations that could arise. Cheers....

what a crap: is the story of Lawrence saying that there are Al-qaeda in Bangkok.That is simply not true and please do not scare the people.what a shame.

We rented a jeep and motorbike in Phuket. Felt safe w/ hubby driving...and loads of fun!