Thai Roads
Thailand has a good network of well maintained roads and highways
between all main centers. Much 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 cars in Thailand use unleaded petrol, which is sold by the liter.
Vans use diesel. Both fuels are freely available throughout Thailand
and prices generally range between Baht 11 to Baht 14 per litre.
Most of the larger gas stations accept major international credit
cards, but stations in more remote locations will require cash.
24 hour service stations are found on main routes and at the major
towns, but rural stations will close in the evening.
Road Rules
Thais 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 100 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.
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.
Age
Thailand require drivers to be at least 21 years of age.
Taxes
All self drive rental transactions in Thailand are subject to a
ten percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on the total sum billed. VAT is
included in the rate.
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