Thread: Novice driver in Isaan

For the tourist driver there are a few things that are nice to know before venturing out driving in Thailand.
I have only been driving in Udon and within a 100 km circumference, so my observations are probably more related to provincial driving. I noticed in BKK they have real highways, where you don't get cross-traffic.
I am not a novice driver (30 years of driving in Europe, USA and Oz), but am new to Thailand.

1. There are numerous U-turn "holes" in the highway, and normally people pull over in the right (fast) lane, and then slow down to do a U-turn.
See picture below, showing a u-turn hole in the highway divider.
However, if it is a large truck, they will pull out in the left (slow) lanes because the truck can't "turn on a dime".
It pulls out to the left, but the indicator light shows a right turn.
I was mystified, and thought he hit the indicator lever wrong, but now I understand.
So if you are motoring along happy in the fast lane suddenly a big truck may turn across the highway from the left lane and completely block the highway.
I didn't know that first time and almost hit the damn thing.

2. Scooters are a death defying bunch. Beware of what they do! They will cross the highway, drive in front of you expecting you to see them by some 6th sense.
Pedestrians too cross the "highway".

3. On country roads you have also have livestock on the road, suddenly.
Also, you can drive along a fine stretch of road and suddenly big potholes appear. For some reason it is often in the shade of tree branches overhanging the road, so the hole is hard to see.

4. For us continental types, it is a further challenge driving is on the left side in thailand. It goes fine when not stressed but in an emergency you tend to go by instinct - and then go to the right side my mistake

5. If you are on scooter yourself, which I like sometimes, be very careful. Most Thai drivers are very good at giving you room, but it only takes one to kill you.
In my last visit I saw a (thai) guy lying lifeless next to his scooter, of course he did not wear a helmet. And I read it is a very common occurence.

6. Roundabouts have different rules than in Europe I think. I did not work out which, but just resigned to inch out carefully.

7. There are no speed indication signs. I once went radar measured 125 km/h on a highway and we were stopped by police. A nice guy took my 200 baht fine with a smile (I smiled too, at home it would at least cost me 6k baht to go over the limit).
So 125 km/h seems too much for the highway, and I have settled on 110-120 km/h on the speed gauge, which must be 100-110 km/h in reality.

There is of course a lower speed limit in towns (I don't know what, it doesn't say anywhere). At home each town as a sign, indicating now you are entering town area so drive slow here (50 km/h). In Thailand I have not seen any town signs, and the towns "creep up on you"; you motor along happily at 100 km/h and suddenly the slight clutter of stalls along the highway has turned into a real town.

8. Red light / green light. At intersections, most people watch when the light for the crossing trafic changes from green to red, and then they begin to drive, even if their own light is still red for a few seconds.
I have as mentioned been driving for 30+ years and now that once in a while, somebody will cross the intersection late (young boy at high speed) and of course it also happens in Thailand. So I resist the missus saying "you can go now, why you wait?".

9. Go fast in the fast lane
Many Thai drivers have not grasped the concept that if you go slow, then you should pull into the slower lane.
So you must overtake them in the slow lane, which is probably not legal...TIT.

Just my 2 cents
Any good advice is most welcome
Bob

Welcome to the teakdoor and Thailand. There are no real rules here unless you are stopped. Its not really a pleasure to drive for me at all. Its become a chore here.

All your questions are very valid. But there are really no answers as there are no cops on patrol. Enjoy that you can drive here, but hate the experience is how it is for me.

I live in Bangkok but would not drive in there for the life of me.

Originally Posted by aging one

There are no real rules here unless you are stopped.

The rules apply as the police see fit. I crossed a white line to avoid an accident but the cop pulled me over.

You forgot to mention the ghosts that force Thai drivers to swerve unexpectedly causing yet more ghosts, something of a catch 22 that one

Originally Posted by Bob63

7. There are no speed indication signs. I once went radar measured 125 km/h on a highway and we were stopped by police. A nice guy took my 200 baht fine with a smile (I smiled too, at home it would at least cost me 6k baht to go over the limit). So 125 km/h seems too much for the highway, and I have settled on 110-120 km/h on the speed gauge, which must be 100-110 km/h in reality.

110kph for a 4 door passenger vehicle, 90kph for a commercial vehicle (2 door pickup, for example).

Oh and the Sugarcane trucks overloaded by ten ton that tip over as soon as the drugged up driver twitches or farts, they're always good fun dodging, especially when they run you off of your side of the road.

Originally Posted by Bob63

Roundabouts have different rules than in Europe I think.

I think the rules are the same but no-one has ever taught them to thai drivers

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Bob63

7. There are no speed indication signs. I once went radar measured 125 km/h on a highway and we were stopped by police. A nice guy took my 200 baht fine with a smile (I smiled too, at home it would at least cost me 6k baht to go over the limit). So 125 km/h seems too much for the highway, and I have settled on 110-120 km/h on the speed gauge, which must be 100-110 km/h in reality.

110kph for a 4 door passenger vehicle, 90kph for a commercial vehicle (2 door pickup, for example).

Are you sure? I always thought 90 for cars, 80 for commercial verhicle. Actually I have seen signs stating that.

^
MtD is correct

^Do you have any source for that?

Point and go...

After 10 years (in 2 weeks) I still don't know who has the official right of way at a roundabout. I normally edge forward blaring the air horn, giving everyone dirty looks, and shaking my head condescendingly.

Thanks all :-)
OK; Marmite, so my guess at 110 km/h was OK .
Any idea about the speed limit in cities ?
It was a change, I had recently driven through Germany at 160-220 km/h, but even so 120 km/h in Thailand feels real fast ;-)

jks, thanks. What is an Idak ? A tractor perhaps, the "long-nosed" kind?

I will be back to make Isaan roads less safe myself many times in the years to come, and enjoy reading expat wisdom here.

Originally Posted by Bob63

Thanks all :-)
OK; Marmite, so my guess at 110 km/h was OK .
Any idea about the speed limit in cities ?
It was a change, I had recently driven through Germany at 160-220 km/h, but even so 120 km/h in Thailand feels real fast ;-)

jks, thanks. What is an Idak ? A tractor perhaps, the "long-nosed" kind?

I will be back to make Isaan roads less safe myself many times in the years to come, and enjoy reading expat wisdom here.

Bob63 - oh yes, the Idak is the killer of the water buffalo - no problem in daytime unless the driver suddenly makes a turn. Name comes from starting the Honda engine when it sounds like: IIIIIi-dak-dak-dak-dak-dak rapidly ;-)

There seems to be no true speed limit and I usually "go with the flow." I have been driving in Thailand since 1985 and no rhyme or reason to why you will get pulled over. I finally had all my widows tinted so that the police can not see who is driving until I roll down the window. A couple of times the police are shocked that it is a farang at the wheel and they just smile and let me go with not having to pay any lunch money, I mean fine. During the years I have driven all over Thailand and the rule is just to drive defensively and not go by any rules from your home country. Be aware of all the possible hazards since they will all happen at one point or another. Don't let the driving experience prevent you from enjoying other parts of the country. Do not set a time limit to reach your destination and take your time. I have learned that whenever I am pulled over, have a couple hundred baht ready and that will usually give you a pass and be sure to TINT YOUR WINDOWS!!!!!!!!!!!

I usually ride just a little quicker than the other cars on the road, so they are behind me. Occasionally, you'll get someone going 150+ and I'm happy to let them go past without holding them up, so they can meet their maker that little bit quicker.

Don't be shy to use your horn, especially when theres motosai's about.
Slow down a bit too- whats the hurry?

Man who drive like "Hell" bound to get there sooner than later. More true in Thailand.

Originally Posted by sabang

Don't be shy to use your horn

Surprising that very few use the horn.

Originally Posted by sabang

Don't be shy to use your horn, especially when theres motosai's about.

Indeed, but it's a bit embarrassing on the Wave as the horn is pathetic.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by sabang

Don't be shy to use your horn, especially when theres motosai's about.

Indeed, but it's a bit embarrassing on the Wave as the horn is pathetic.

Pathetic to be on a scoot called "Wave"

Originally Posted by Travelmate

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by sabang

Don't be shy to use your horn, especially when theres motosai's about.

Indeed, but it's a bit embarrassing on the Wave as the horn is pathetic.

Pathetic to be on a scoot called "Wave"

Good little workhorse and more convenient for going to Tesco than the Sabre.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by Travelmate

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by sabang

Don't be shy to use your horn, especially when theres motosai's about.

Indeed, but it's a bit embarrassing on the Wave as the horn is pathetic.

Pathetic to be on a scoot called "Wave"

Good little workhorse and more convenient for going to Tesco than the Sabre.

I would have to take your word for it. I never been on the tiny little things.