We visited Thailand in November 2025. We stayed for three weeks and we hired a car for the whole time, covering several thousand kilometres.
When you first arrive in Thailand, you’ll get the impression that the traffic is completely chaotic, and at times, a little scary! There are scooters everywhere, and both cars and scooters will pass you on both sides, often well in excess of the speed limit.
The key, whether you are planning to cross a road, change lanes, or pull out of a junction is to be clear about your intentions, position your vehicle in such a way that it’s obvious to everyone what you are going to do, and use your indicators. You’ll soon learn that everyone else does the same, and you can “read” a road well ahead of, and behind you, so that you know where each car or scooter is heading. Hesitate, and the gap will be filled or closed off!
International Driving Permit
To drive in Thailand on a foreign driving licence, you need an international driving permit, which you should apply for in your home country before travelling.
In common with most countries, you need your actual drivers licence and your IDP with you when driving – you will be fined by police for driving without carrying them.
Quick Tips
1/ Many main roads are dual carriageways, but they all have places you can U-Turn at regular intervals, so don’t stress if you miss a turning.
2/ There are places where there are speed cameras – they tend to be strung on cables over the road, with one for each lane.
3/ When stopping at traffic lights, leave space to one side of your car, so scooters can squeeze by to reach the head of the queue.
4/ Traffic lights often give you a countdown showing how long before they are due to change.
5/ Make sure you stop at traffic lights on orange, as many start moving before their side goes green.
6/ Always indicate when changing lanes, and always check both mirrors, as scooters could be on either side of you. Cars tend to drive in the second lane, to avoid parked cars kerbside and give the inside space to the scooters.
7/ Cars in Thailand are right hand drive, and they drive on the left.
8/ Look out for dogs on the road in rural areas, they often sleep on the tarmac.
9/ Potholes abound on rural roads, so stay alert and avoid puddles which can often hide a deep hole.
10/ Wearing seat belts is required by law.
We hired our car from Braun Rent a Car in Phuket, close to the airport, and they collected us from there and dropped us back.
