Everyone who plans to rent a car or a bike in the Kingdom should be acquainted with the rules for tourists in Thailand. There are not only laws, but also non-obvious traditions that are highly discouraged from breaking. Failure to comply may result in an accident or an unpleasant experience with the police.
Driving license
The Thai Kingdom is included in the list of countries participating in the Vienna Convention. But the rights obtained in the Russian Federation are not listed there. It is necessary to draw up an IDP - an international document. Its translated, certified copy is presented together with Russian driver's license. The cost of obtaining it through our portal is about 1600 rubles.
You can also use local (Thai) documents to manage transport here. Their validity period starts from 1 to 5 years. To purchase it, you will need to provide the transport department of the country of smiles with the following:
- A medical certificate from any hospital located in the territory of the state.
- A copy of the rental agreement or proof of accommodation at the hotel. A receipt from a friend with whom the tourist lives is also suitable.
- You will also have to pass an exam in theory and practical driving.
What happens if driving without a license? Driving features
- Regulations for tourists in Thailand in 2022 prohibit driving without documents. If a foreigner, when riding a bike, can present at least a certificate obtained in the Russian Federation, then he can be fined a maximum of 400 baht or more.
- If you do not enter into a dispute with the authorities and pay for the violation on the spot, you can continue driving after the fine is paid. In case of a conflict, the culprit will be sent to the police station, where they can take away the driver's license, and the bike will be taken to the impound lot.
- Remember that there is left-hand traffic in the country. And if you take into account the mess on the track, this makes many of our compatriots refuse to drive.
- Traffic lights here also have some features. For example, there is no yellow signal. Instead, a flashing red light is used. It is also allowed to turn left if the red light is on and there is no prohibition sign.
Generally accepted norms
It will be useful to know what the police whistle means:
- Once - a request to stop immediately.
- Twice, you can move on.
- If a traffic controller is working, his orders are more important than signs.
Crossroads and roundabouts:
- When driving at an intersection, you can be "cut off" at any time, since here all participants are equivalent.
- It is not necessary to skip the car on your left. It all depends on the situation: you can wait or wedged into the stream first.
- If you had to drive around the ring, you should give priority to vehicles that move on the right side.
Overtaking:
- In Thailand, you can only overtake on the right.
- Pay special attention to parked cars.
- Locals abandon their cars whenever they feel like it. They easily leave the door open, which often leads to a collision.
Parking in the Kingdom is treated with particular rigor. If you break the rules, you can lose the car:
- If there are red-white or yellow-white markings on the curb, parking in this place is prohibited.
- There is a sign in the form of a crossed-out square, which is drawn on the roadway. It is forbidden to stop on it, even if a turn is planned or the driver is stuck in a traffic jam.
- Do not park at public stops, bridges or intersections.
Unspoken traditions
- If you are going to turn left, be sure to look at the curb. It is often ridden by bikers.
- The car ahead flashes its headlights - the driver is preparing to enter the oncoming lane. Very often, our compatriots get into an accident because of this. After all, we have this signal means "miss".
- If the car beeps frequently, it won't slow down no matter what happens. For your own safety, skip it.
- Another interesting point is the presence of an elephant nearby. If you see an animal, don't honk. He may think that this is the call of another elephant and, out of curiosity, will go out into the roadway.
Often, the road conditions for tourists in Thailand take time to adapt. Therefore, it is recommended to study all the nuances in advance. And in order not to risk, you can use the services of experienced drivers.
