RENT A CAR PATTAYA

01/07/2014

A lot of tourists who for the first time decided to take advantage of car rental in Pattaya, set the main issue - how to drive a car with the right wheel and what rules of the road in the "land of smiles". We will try to answer them deployed. 

 

Let's start with left-hand traffic. At first it seems complicated, because of habit: the wheel on the other side and the cars go in the opposite direction. But don’t be afraid, adaptation in practice takes only a few hours. Main thing what you have to looking for is opposite traffic direction and a high-speed line at the right side.

 

It is noteworthy that in Thailand very calm drivers and often not in a hurry and no matter what do not pay attention. Therefore, if you are at the high-speed line and car in front of you goes at the speed of 60 km/h, to honk and to blink is absolutely not necessary – it’s not the fact that the driver will give you the way, and not because he wants to hurt you, but because without looking at the rearview mirror. Much easier to overtake him calmly and continue on the positive route. And you will not be nervous and will not make emergency situations on the road. But, the drivers on the road in Thailand never let anyone "pruned" and constantly give way at intersections, not trying to run into conflict. Even in case of an accident the drivers here are smiling and friendly. 

So, we proceed to the traffic regulations in Thailand. Many of them meet international standard, and some logically installed in reverse form. We describe the basic rules that you need to know for a peaceful and safe movement on the territory of Thailand.

 

1. Disturbance left. That is, at the intersection / turn on unregulated intersections or if you rebuild in the next number, you always miss a car moving to your left. Just like in Europe, only in reverse.

 

2. At certain intersections when turning left sign is blue or green color with the inscription «Turn Left Pass Through». This means that you can make a turn (just to the left) at a stoplight, previously missing vehicles moving on a green traffic signal. If there is a red sign that says «Turn Left Waiting Light», then turn prohibited. If the sign is on a similar crossroads absent, the maneuver can also be committed.

 

3. At the T-junction, you can move into the left lane at a red light, provided that the left lane highlighted by a white solid.

 

4. When driving on the "ring", the priority of the driver who drove into the circular motion first.

 

5. Basic speed limit: city - 60 km/h, the route through the city - 80 km/h and on the highway - 120 km/h. In all other cases installed additional signs regulating speed limits.

 

6. Dividing line solid yellow, can be crossed.

 

7. Prohibited stay at intersections marked with yellow markings "crossed the square."

 

8. Parking prohibited near sidewalks, marked in red. If the pavement is highlighted in yellow - this means parking is allowed for taxis and public transport, in this case you can only stay temporarily.

 

All traffic rules can be found here.

 

• Just wanted to tell you about other important points arise on the roads of Thailand, and they should be aware of:

 

• If you drive straight unregulated intersection, turn on the car alarm, so all traffic participants understand what you are going to make the maneuver.

 

• Roads are often encountered with cars headlights off and parking lights, even at night, so you have to be careful on long night or evening trips.

 

• A large number of motorcycles, on top cause panic, but we recommend you do not pay any attention to the bottom. The main thing for you is follow the rules of the road. They take care of themselves, as in 90% of cases they violate traffic rules and create emergency situations on the road by their self.

 

If you first time want to travel in Thailand by a car, we recommend use the service of car rental in Pattaya, and start with a small economy class cars: Toyota Vios or Honda City. On one of them you will quickly get used to left-hand traffic and will move to a more dimensional car.

 

About the fines for traffic violations in the Kingdom of Thailand, you can read in our article "Basic fines for traffic violations".