 Diving
in Bangkok
Safty
Tips
 Thai
Roads
Thailand has a good network of well maintained roads and highways
between all main centers. Most of the north-south route is dual
carriage way. Road signage follows international convention and
is in both Thai and English. Night driving is not recommended
on the open road due to heavy truck traffic, who tend to have
a poor respect for cars. Motor bikes can on occasion be a hazard,
particularly as they are often ridden into oncoming traffic. Driving
on the more major routes outside Bangkok and around resort areas
is both a safe and an enjoyable experience. A self drive holiday
offers the opportunity to experience wonderful Thai culture and
the opportunity for travelers to stop as long as they like at
the many points of interest in the Kingdom.
Bangkok has a poor reputation for traffic conditions and this
is justified except on the expressways. The city is very overcrowded
with traffic and this makes driving difficult for drivers unfamiliar
with the city. Whilst Thai drivers are exceedingly courteous and
considerate to other road users (horns are used very rarely),
traffic directions, and entry and exit locations often change
during the day. These changes are seldom advised by signs, and
none are in English, hence unfamiliar drivers can end up a considerable
distance from their desired location due to enforced traffic flows.
An increasingly extensive network of expressways within Bangkok
now makes entry and exit of the city a simple task. Accordingly,
one way rentals from or to Bangkok International Airport is not
a difficult undertaking.
Fuel
Availability and Prices
All Budget cars in Thailand use unleaded petrol, which is sold
by the liter. Budget's vans use diesel. Both fuels are freely
available throughout Thailand and prices generally range between
Baht 15 to Baht 18 per liter for them. Fuel stations are plentiful
and most of the larger ones accept major international credit
cards. In more remote locations cash will be required.
Road Rules
In Thailand you are required to drive on the left hand side of
the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h
(35 mph) and varies between 90 and 120 km/h (52-60 mph) on expressways
and country roads. Police regularly check motorists speed. Wearing
of seat belts is compulsory and drink driving laws apply. All
insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.
Mobile
Phones
Renters should be advised that Thailand has nationwide GSM mobile
telephone coverage. Provided international roaming has been obtained
in their home country, renters personal telephones will work in
all but the most remote parts of Thailand.
Drivers License
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The
license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence
(with an English translation) or an international drivers permit.
Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when
driving.
Additional Drivers
No charge is made for additional drivers, however, they must be
nominated and have their names entered on the rental agreement
at the time of rental.
Age
Budget Car and Truck Rental of Thailand require drivers to be
at least 21 years of age, and there are no age surcharges or maximum
age limitations.
Taxes
All self drive rental transactions in Thailand are subject to
Value Added Tax (VAT) on the total sum billed. VAT is included
in the net rates. Currently VAT is seven percent.
- Information from Budget
Thailand
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| STOP |
NO PASSING
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STOP (POLICE) CHECK |
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| SLIPPERY
ROAD |
STEEP
HILL |
FALLING ROCKS (LAND SLIDE) |
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Planning ahead can be the key to a great driving experience.
We encourage you to review the wealth of tips and guidance we
provide. If you can, print any pages you find relevant and take
them with you on your trip.
Emergency Road Service
As in most countries, for Emergency Road Service Renters requiring
assistance on the road will find an emergency phone number printed
on their rental agreement and on the windscreen sticker.
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