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An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Thailand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Thailand

1. Thailand

Thailand lies at the centre of mainland Southeast Asia, extending from the mountainous north through the central plains to the Malay Peninsula. Traffic drives on the left. Driving conditions range from heavily congested streets in Bangkok to long intercity highways and winding roads through northern and western mountain regions. The southwest monsoon is also an important factor: heavy rain can cause flash flooding and landslides, particularly near foothills and in low-lying areas.

Thailand combines ordinary highways with controlled-access motorways and an extensive network of tolled expressways around Bangkok. There is no nationwide vignette; payment systems include Easy Pass and the expanding M-Flow electronic toll system. Speed limits depend on the road and vehicle type, and Bangkok now has a 60 km/h limit on most roads, with specified exceptions. Major direction signs commonly use Thai and English, and foreign visitors generally need a valid International Driving Permit unless their licence is covered by ASEAN recognition arrangements.

Let's explore the traffic rules of Thailand.
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Thailand?

Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Wear it correctly and fasten it securely before setting off.

🔗 tatnews.org • Tourism Authority of Thailand, driving guidelines

Which driving documents can foreign visitors use in Thailand?

The Tourism Authority identifies a Thai licence, a recognised International Driving Permit, or a licence from an ASEAN member country as accepted options. Carry the underlying national licence with an IDP, and make sure the documents cover the vehicle you intend to drive.

🔗 tatnews.org • Tourism Authority of Thailand, driving guidelines

Speed limit

1 Thailand 2 Speed limit 3 Minimum speed 4 Advisory speed 5 Slope 6 Stop sign 7 School area 8 Crossing animals 9 Curve 10 Roadworks 11 Traffic lights 12 Left-hand traffic 13 Driving licence 14 Reversing 15 Uncontrolled crossroad 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Lane splitting 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...