Common Mistakes Foreign Drivers Make in Thailand

Common mistakes foreign drivers make in Thailand are often the same mistakes travelers make in many countries they visit: failing to bring proper documentation, misunderstanding driving laws, not adjusting to local habits and culture, and renting the wrong vehicle.

Why Rent in Thailand?

Traveling to a new country can be daunting. Everything is new and sometimes disorienting, from the money to the customs to simple navigation. 

The more challenges you can eliminate, the better time you’ll have. Each little task you make smaller makes it easier for you to actually sink into the place you’re visiting, see it for what it is, and try to really become a part of it.

This is some of the magic of Bangkok car hires. When you have your own car, you can go wherever you want whenever you want, freeing you to focus on the place you came to see. The best family car rental companies can give you the trip of a lifetime, but you need to plan ahead so your transition to driving in Thailand is as seamless as possible.

1. Bringing the Wrong Documents

Different countries have different regulations about what sorts of paperwork drivers must have. Foreign drivers in Thailand must have the following:

• A valid driver’s license issued by their home country
• An International Driving Permit (IDP)
• A valid passport

Keep yourself from making this mistake by ensuring your documents will be valid at the time of your trip, and by allowing plenty of time to apply for and be issued any documents you’re missing.

2. Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road

Depending on where you’re coming from, driving on the left side of the road might be either second nature or wildly confusing. If you’re from the UK, you don’t need to worry about it, but if you’re coming from the US, consider a few habits that will be affected:

• Checking mirrors and blind spots
• Entering roundabouts
• Turning at intersections
• Judging space between cars in lanes

Plan ahead by going easy on yourself the first day; don’t book a driving tour of downtown Bangkok on the day you arrive! After a day of low stakes short drives, you’ll be ready to go longer distances and navigate busier streets.

3. Misunderstanding Road Culture

To the outside viewer used to driving in many Western countries, the roads in Thailand can seem chaotic and unpredictable, but it’s just different.

Many Western Countries:

• Follow strict lane discipline
• Signal far in advance of turning
• Allow for large gaps between vehicles
• Adhere to generally accepted right-of-way rules

In much of Thailand, there is:

• More flexible lane use
• Less communication using signals
• More slow merging by drivers
• More often shorter following distances

These are things that take time to adjust to. You can help yourself by paying attention to other driver behavior and not automatically assuming another driver is being rude or driving recklessly. What they’re doing might be the norm.

4. Being Unprepared for Motorbike Traffic

Speaking of paying attention, a difference some foreign drivers aren’t ready for in Thailand is the number of motorbikes. In major cities, these vehicles are everywhere, and it’s important to keep an eye out for them at all times.

Avoid any mistakes by checking your mirrors often and assuming that a motorbike might come from anywhere. They sometimes travel against traffic, and it’s not uncommon to see them weaving between cars. Don’t just watch for cars. Keep your eyes open for cars, pedestrians, and motorbikes.

5. Renting the Wrong Vehicle

The impulse to choose a rental car based on price can be strong for some tourists, but it’s important to look over your trip and pick your vehicle accordingly. For example, Chiang Mai and some northern regions require you to drive winding mountain roads, Bangkok is filled with dense traffic, and Krabi and some coastal areas are laced with smaller rural roads.

Think about where you’ll be traveling and what you’ll need. Will you have enough space for your luggage and any shopping you might do? Can you save money by renting an electric vehicle and taking advantage of the expanding charging infrastructure in Thailand?

Going the Right Way

Failing to rent from a reliable, experienced, and well-equipped car rental company is one mistake you can be sure to avoid. Drive Car Rental’s twelve locations allow you to pick up and drop off in different places, and our fleet of vehicles ensures you’ll get the right car for you.We can also talk you through full coverage versus basic rental insurance for budget travelers and business visitors alike. Check out our website today to see our full vehicle list and start your trip mistake-free!