Skip to main content

Many consider Thailand a paradise, especially for food lovers along with its wonderful beaches, scenery, and nightlife. A lot of travelers to Thailand have a fantasy of traveling around Thailand on a moped or scooter but is it only a fantasy? So, is it safe to drive in Thailand?

No, it is not safe to drive in Thailand whether it is a car, scooter, or moped. There are a number of reasons with the first one being that Thailand was one of the worse road safety records in the world. The next is that Thai drivers who are used to driving on Thai roads generally don’t follow the general rules of the road. And if there is an accident between a Thai and a non-Thai, the non-Thai in nearly all cases will get the blame.

In this post, we will go through whether it is safe to drive in Thailand. Let’s get started!

Read More On Thailand

Can Tourists Drive In Thailand?

Yes, tourists can drive in Thailand. To drive in Thailand whether it is a car or moped, you are required by law to hold an international driving license or a valid driver’s license in English from your country. Along with your passport.

moped traffic

Are Cars In Thailand Right-Hand Drive?

No, cars in Thailand drive on the left-hand side of the road, the same as in the UK or Malaysia.

Do I Need Insurance To Drive In Thailand?

It is advised to have insurance if driving in Thailand. If you are driving a car drivers must have third-party insurance at a minimum. When renting a moped whether you are qualified to dive one or not, insurance is not included.

You will need to check your travel insurance to see if you are covered to drive a moped in Thailand.

If you are involved in an accident, you may end up having to pay a bribe and pay all the costs involved, both yours and 3rd parties.

Is It Safe To Drive In Thailand?

Generally, it is not safe to drive in Thailand whether it is a car or a moped. The reasons are as follows.

  • Thailand was one of the worse road safety records in the world.
  • Rules of the road are a bit more of a guideline than followed.
  • Non-Thais in nearly all cases will get the blame for accidents.

Thailand Was One Of The Worse Road Safety Records In The World

Simply the record of having one of the worse road safety records in the world speaks for itself. This is due to multiple reasons from the quality of the road transport system to the way the rules of the road are applied.

Bangkok Thailand

Rules Of The Road Are A Bit More Of A Guideline Than Followed

The Thais in general don’t follow the rules of the road it is more of a nice guideline. So don’t expect drivers to stop at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. Along with that many Thai drivers are unaware that you are not aware of the rules of the road that are applied differently.

Non-Thais In Nearly All Cases Will Get The Blame For Accidents

Unfortunately, if there is an accident between a Thai and a non-Thai, the non-Thai in nearly all cases will be blamed. It is just the way it is.

MBK Mall in Bangkok

What To Do If You Have A Car Accident In Thailand?

Firstly regardless of how bad the accident is, the tourist will get the blame. If your moped gets damaged you will have to pay for the repairs of the scooter.

Now if you damage anything other than your scooter-like property. You will have to negotiate with the owners. If the police get involved, more than likely you will get the blame.

First, you need to get all personal information from the other driver involves their name, address, and national id number. Then take photos of the damage, the scene, and anything else that might be important.

Remember to stay calm and don’t pay any money upfront. A lot of drivers in Thailand will demand cash up front to pay for their damage. And if you have insurance then call your insurance company.

Wrapping Up

Finally, it is not safe to drive in Thailand whether it is a car, scooter, or moped. There are a number of reasons with the first one being that Thailand was one of the worse road safety records in the world. The next is that Thai drivers who are used to driving on Thai roads generally don’t follow the general rules of the road. And if there is an accident between a Thai and a non-Thai, the non-Thai in nearly all cases will get the blame.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on if is it safe to drive in Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

Did you enjoy this post? Then don’t forget to pin it!

is it safe to drive in Thailand
error: Content is protected !!