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!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24 Bangkok - Phayathai BTS Bangkok - Sathorn Bangkok - Singha Complex Nonthaburi - MRT Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi - Central Westgate Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Pattaya Downtown Central Chonburi Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP) Krabi Airport (KBV) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Khao Lak - PTT Station Hat Yai Airport (HDY) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket - Bang Rong Pier Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) Udon Thani Airport (UTH)

Car Hire Bangkok Airport: Book Your Car Rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located in the International Arrival Hall, between gates 7 and 8. Suvarnabhumi Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4376 or +66 (0) 84 700 4380 for assistance),
Samut Prakan ,
タイ 10540

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4376 +66 (0) 84 700 4380

Opening Hours

Daily 24 hours

Car Rental Donmuang Airport: Make a Reservation at Donmuang Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Domestic Terminal (Building 2), 3rd Floor, Exit 11 (near the Information Counter). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378 +66 (0) 2 044 7277

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Bangkok – Donmuang Office

自宅住所

73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 2 044 7277 +66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

Daily 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

BKK Car Rental: Bangkok Srinakarin Car Hire Office

自宅住所

727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10250

電話

+66 (0) 2 821 5992 +66 (0) 847 004 375

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bangkok – On Nut BTS Station

自宅住所

Pick up instruction: Meet & Greet at Lotus Parking BTS On Nut Station (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10110

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: in front of Ratchayothin Hills A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Bangkok ,
タイ 10900

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00

BKK – Phayathai Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai The Unicorn Building, Phaya Thai Road. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10400

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Sathorn Car Rental Service

自宅住所

Pickup guidelines: Meet & Greet at Sathorn Thani Tower, North Sathon Rd. You are welcome to wait at the nearby Starbucks. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10500

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Singha Complex

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Singha Complex, New Phetchaburi Rd. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10310

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Nonthaburi – MRT Muang Thong Thani

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bangchak Gas Station Chaeng Watthana 38 (1 station away from M1 station) A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11120

電話

+66(0)84 700 4378 

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 h.

Nonthaburi – Car rental with Delivery service

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at the Bang Yai Market Station, MRT Purple Line, Exit 4. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11140

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

daily 09:00-16:00 h.

Buri Ram Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Burirum ,
タイ 31150

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Chiang Mai: Rent Cars at Chiang Mai Airport

自宅住所

Arrival Hall Fl.,1 International Terminal between Gate 8-9, Chiang Mai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance),
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50200

電話

+66 (0) 5 327 1293 +66 (0) 84 700 4384 

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Chiang Mai Office – Delivery service

自宅住所

Our office located in Bangchak gas station (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance) 218 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, Pa Daed Subdistrict,. Mueang Chiangmai,
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50300

電話

66 (0) 84 700 4384

Opening Hours

Open daily 08:00-17:00

Car Rental Chiang Rai Airport

自宅住所

Meet&Greet: Arrival Hall, Exit 2 Chaing Rai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4381 for assistance),
Chiang Rai ,
タイ 57100

電話

+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pattaya Downtown

自宅住所

The office is located at 212/14-15 Moo 5, Pattaya-North Road, (Opposite Terminal 21 shopping mall). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
North Pattaya ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 3 841 6125 +66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Central Chonburi (Delivery / Pick up service)

自宅住所

Delivery and pick-up service,
Chonburi ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Chumphon Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Chumphon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 854 739 885 or +66 (0) 813 677 956 for assistance,
Chumphon ,
タイ 86160

電話

+66 (0) 854 739 885 +66 (0) 813 677 956

Opening Hours

Daily: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Car Hire Services: Car Rental U-Tapao Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: U-Tapao Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Rayang ,
タイ 21130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 17:30 H.

Car Hire Krabi Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Arrival Hall, Krabi Airport. (Please Call +66 (0) 8 4700 4383 for assistance),
Krabi ,
タイ 81130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Car Hire Services: Car Rental Khon Kaen Airport

自宅住所

Counter is located on 1st Floor Arrival Hall. Please call +66 (0) 94 980 1666 for assistance,
Khon Kaen ,
タイ 40000

電話

+66 (0)94 980 1666

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-19.00 H.

Car Hire in Phuket: Find a Car Rental, Phuket Airport Thailand | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st Floor of International Terminal Arrival Hall Phuket Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4387 or +66 (0) 8 4700 4389 for assistance),
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)

Car Rental Phuket Patong Thailand | Drive Car Rental & Hire

自宅住所

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Patong Counter located at Lobby Area 1st Floor (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4386 for assistance),
Patong ,
タイ 83150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4386

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Car Hire Khao Lak – PTT Station Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at PTT station (PTT Khuk Khak) A representative will meet you. Please call +66 (0) 948189944 for assistance,
Phang Nga ,
タイ 23150

電話

+66 (0) 948189944

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Hat Yai Car Rental: Car Hire Services at Hat Yai Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Hat Yai Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall Exit 7-8, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 94 429 6688 for assistance),
Hat Yai ,
タイ 90115

電話

+66 (0) 94 429 6688

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Hua Hin Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Hua Hin Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point. Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance ,
Hua Hin ,
タイ 77110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 10.30 - 16.00

Lampang Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

490 Highway Lampang-Ngao Road, Tambon Phra Bat, Amphoe Mueang,
Lampang ,
タイ 52000

電話

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

Daily 8:30 - 18:00

Loei Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Loei Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 944 573 222 for assistance,
Loei ,
タイ 42000

電話

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

Nakhon Phanom Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Phanom Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Nakhon Phanom ,
タイ 48000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Arrival Hall, A representative will meet you. Flight number mandatory Please call +66 (0) 94 684 5252 for assistance,
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
タイ 80120

電話

+66 (0) 94 684 5252

Opening Hours

Daily: 8.00-18.00 H.

Phitsanulok Car Rental (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Please visit the "M Transport" counter situated in the arrivals terminal building. For any assistance, feel free to call +6681-348-5445.,
Phitsanulok ,
タイ 65000

電話

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

Phrae Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance,
Phrae ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Phuket – Bang Rong Pier

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bang Rong Pier. A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4389 for assistance,
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Ranong Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance,
Ranong ,
タイ 85000

電話

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Roi Et Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Roi Et ,
タイ 45000

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Sakon Nakhon ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point 89/7 Moo4, Jarodviteetong rd. Thani, Mueang ,
Sukhothai ,
タイ 64000

電話

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
タイ 84320

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

電話

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

電話

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Car Rental Ubon Ratchathani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 94 848 4455

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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