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Driving in Thailand? |
Travel Info i was advised by my travel rep not to drive in Thailand as he said that no matter what the circumstances, if i had an accident i would be responsible. because had i not been a trourist in the country the accident would never have taken place... Is this information correct? Travel Tips I hate to differ from one of the previous answerers but driving in Thailand is completely different to driving in any western country - with perhaps the exception of Italy where (from my limited experience of a driving holiday in northern Italy) they're nearly as crazy as the Thais. Here are a few things I have noticed:- 1) Thais are wonderful, kind people away from the road but put them behind a steering wheel and they suffer a personality change and become extremely selfish. There is no way anybody should be let out of a side road or allowed to change lanes unless they have committed themself to a manuover that will result in their (and possibly your) certain death. Being allowed to change lanes is a kind of reward for bravery.. 2) Indicator lights are vital for driving in Thailand. No-one follows any sort of rules of the road but generally they will use their indicator lights to tell other road users which rule(s) they are planning on breaking within the next few seconds. 3) It is essential to keep the exterior of your car clean. The police methodology for 'collecting tips' for real or imaginery infringements of the 'law' (lol) appears to be to look for dirty cars to stop, presumably on the basis that the occupants don't have money to keep it clean and are therefore not 'connected' rich/middle-class people who they might get into trouble for for 'collecting tips' from. I keep my car spotless - a hand valet inside and out only costs about 5 dollars. 4) Red lights don't necessarily mean stop. They can mean go but be a bit careful in case anybody else is coming - like anybody's careful driving in Bangkok. ditto for flashing yellow lights. On the other hand, sometimes they really do mean stop. 5) Driving on the correct side of the road is for some Thai drivers 'optional'. If its too much bother to go to the other side for a journey, some like to take it easy use and use the side of the road that its easiest to get to. Don't be amazed if you see a truck hurtling head-on towards you on a freeway (espacially in rural areas); he's probably going to the local convenience store and its a long way to the next U-turn so he using you side of the road as a short cut. I strongly advise against any tourist driving in Thailand. I don't drive unless I have to. Generally, I prefer use taxis and making the whole driving thing someone else's problem. Others Yes, absolutely. Not worth driving there. You will see for yourself once you get there. Its very inexpensive to hire taxis or a driver. Unfortunately the info is correct., Asian road rules can be absolutely ridiculous. They drive on the wrong side of the road. They drive drunk to the point of insensibility. They drive with their head lights off at night because they think that the headlight uses more gas. I have actually talked to some one who was blamed for an accident that happened while he was the passenger in a cab. If you will give me an email I will send you The Rules of The Road. An article by Steve Harrison. It pretty much lets you know how to stay alive on the roads of S.E. Asia and is really funny too. PS. Tried to email the article through Answers. no can do. Attachments aren't allowed. This is a great article. here is the web site for the Rules of The Road. Just scroll down till you find it. http://www.openwriting.com/archives/arou... I deal with it every day and wear a helmet~! I wouldn't hire a motorbike either. Half the foreigners I met there were in plaster or in pain from motorbike accidents, whether tourists or long-term expats. your travel rep has given you true advise foreigner and tourists are blamed it the event of accident unless you have thai people in your car you wont have any back up as we are seen to have money we can pay for the damage personal experience and i live here |
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