Safety Guidelines for Renting Cars in Phayathai

Thailand has a lot to offer travelers to Southeast Asia. The easiest way to get around and have maximum flexibility is with a Phayathai car rental from Drive Car Rental. Driving in Thailand is much the same as other countries, but it’s always good to review the safety guidelines for renting cars in Phayathai and across Thailand. 

Driving Safe in Thailand

Road rules differ around the world, and Thailand is no exception. Here are five practices to help you in Phayathai:

1. Drive on the left
2. Watch for motorbikes
3. Trust your GPS
4. Drive slowly in rural places
5. Be ready for changing weather

While the basic rules and signage are the same, there are some considerations to take into account depending on which country one comes from. 

1. Thailand Drives on the Left

Just like in the UK, Australia, and Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road in Thailand. This means that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This can take some getting used to for visitors coming from a right-side-of-the-road country such as the US. Always be sure to check the direction of traffic, as some streets, especially in Bangkok, are one-way only. 

Shift sticks keep the same orientation as a left-hand car. For manual transmissions, this means the shifting pattern is the same. Just use your left hand for gear selection. The turn signal and headlight wands are reversed, so make sure to select the proper wand to indicate turning or when starting your car at night. 

2. Motorbikes Are Everywhere

Many Thais cannot afford a full-sized vehicle, so around 87% of Thai households own a motorbike, instead. In heavy traffic, these bikes often zip between cars and can come from anywhere. 

When driving in Phayathai, Bangkok, or elsewhere in Thailand, always watch for motorcyclists. Make lane changes slowly and deliberately while signalling to allow other cars and motorbikes ample time to move out of the way. Be especially careful when making left-hand turns, as motorbikes sometimes cut to the inside to try and get around vehicles. 

3. GPS Is Helpful

Bangkok has always had heavy traffic. To make getting around faster, most streets in the capital city are one-way only. This prevents the delays associated with waiting for others to make a U-turn or having to deal with oncoming traffic in narrow streets. 

Fortunately, GPS systems automatically know which roads are one-way and can route travellers through the most efficient routes. Drive Car Rental offers GPS navigation as an add-on option for visitors who want to take the hassle out of getting around. 

4. Drive Slow in Rural Villages

One of the best things to do when visiting Thailand is to get out into the countryside and see how rural Thais live. Many small rice-farming communities are dotted across Thailand and throughout its mountains. These villages are often very walkable for local residents, and because there are few sidewalks in rural Thailand, many villagers and farm animals may be walking in the road. 

The best practice is to treat these small towns and villages as one would a school zone. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for anyone or anything that may be in the road. Life moves slowly in Thailand, so try and keep a smile even if traffic isn’t moving as fast as you’d like. 

5. Changing Weather

Thailand’s weather is often unpredictable. Winds can change at any moment, and weather often comes from different directions on the same day. During the monsoon season from May to October, rain can appear at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, it usually disappears in thirty minutes or less. 

Heavy rain can affect road conditions quickly. Always be sure to use headlights and windshield wipers as soon as it starts raining. Oil accumulation on the road during a dry period can also cause extra-slick roads when it does finally rain. Keep speeds reduced and allow plenty of space between cars. With any luck, the storm will soon end. 

Save More With Drive Car Rental

Wondering which car rental loyalty program is best? With Drive Car Rental, visitors to Thailand can get early bird discounts of 10% and another 15% when they become a member! Drive Car Rental’s loyalty program has no points to keep track of, just reduced rates and faster service with every rental. 

You can save even more when you choose a long-term rental. Whether it’s a spacious SUV or an efficient electric car, Drive Car Rental offers all our vehicles at steep discounts when renters choose a monthly or annual rental package. Take a look at our site today to see how much you can save and check out our full selection of vehicles!