Thai motorway network
Thailand has a good network, roads vary
from tiny tracks to four lane freeways. Most of the roads and highways are well
constructed with traffic sign on both Thai and English languages.
The main motorways tend to be in the
Bangkok area and this is also the worst affected area for traffic congestion.
The traffic in Bangkok is hectic and overcrowded, so for foreigners, driving
there is very difficult. Foreign visitor should also know than traffic
directions and entry/exit locations change during the day. These change are
rarely adwised by sign on Thai, but not on English language.
Highway numbering
| A
single digit indicates one of four highways connecting Bangkok to
outlying regions |
 |
Route 1 |
(Phahonyothin
Road) to Northern Thailand |
 |
Route 2 |
(Mittraphap
Road) to Northeastern Thailand |
 |
Route 3 |
(Sukhumvit
Road) to Eastern Thailand |
 |
Route 4 |
(Phetkasem
Road) to Southern Thailand |
 |
Two
digits |
Indicate a principal highway within a region |
 |
Three
digits |
Indicate a regional secondary highway |
 |
Four
digits |
Indicate an intra-province highway connecting a provincial capital to
its districts |
 |
| Bangkok -
Route 1 |
Motorway 7 Toll Section |
Motorway 6 Free Section |
Route
3 |
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Driving in Thailand
•
The international Driver’s License (IDL) and
a valid passport must be carried at all times. You will need a Thai license
once you have been in Thailand for more than 3 months.
•
Traffic drives on the left side of the road
and overtakes on the right.
•
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 speed.
•
Tolls apply only for expressways and
motorways.
•
Minimum driving age is 18 year.
•
Seat belts are compulsory.
•
When riding motorbikes , Crash helmets are
compulsory
•
Blood-alcohol limits is 0.5mg. (Exceedet this limits all insurance is invalid).
•
Using cell phones without hand-free system is forbidden.
•
Third party policy insurance is mandatory and
you must have valid health insurance if you ride a motorbike. Insurance is
invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit. In Thailand the car is
insured not the driver, therefore insurance companies do not bother to rate the
driver and have little interest in improving the skills and attitudes of drivers.
•
Night driving is not recommended on the open
road due to heavy truck traffic, whose drivers tend to have poor respect for
cars.
•
Police generally set up check points to
enforce traffic regulations and seldom patrol or pursue violators. These check
points focus on punitive measures for improper registration or insurance, lack
of seat belts, or lack of motorcycle helmets. If stopped by the police you will
almost definitely be a fined around B300, B500, if you’re lucky. When you are
stopped you have done something wrong, even if you are unaware. Pay the fine,
never argue or lose your temper or it will cost more. Not Expect a receipt, you
will never know if it's a real fine or a bribe.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
• Police
191
•
Fire 199
•
Medical Assistance 1669
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