SELF DRIVING IN THAILAND

When hiring a vehicle you will probably be asked to sign a second credit card payment for security of that vehicle. Payment will not be processed by the car rental company unless you do not return the vehicle. Choose a well known rental company to avoid any scams.

Understand what’s included in the insurace policy and what are the optional cover items. Basic rental cover often still leaves you with a big “excess”. Ask how much is the damage waiver as this limits the maximum amount you need to pay if an accident occurs. Ensure the policy also covers theft and single vehicle accidents. The policy may not cover tyres, wheels, windscreen, underbody damage or the roof.
Also check if the policy covers towing and administration fees.
If you’re unsure, paying more for clearer “full protection” can be worth the cost.
It would be best to take out the full insurance cover to lower any accident claim for excess payment, especially since you are in a foreign country.
If you don't have a proper licence/IDP, were drink driving, allowing an unauthorized driver, using the car off-road, or leaving the keys in the car, then you will not be covered and will need to pay for full damages.
You may be given an option to rent a car along with a driver. Ensure the driver can speak your language to some degree. It is customary to tip the driver at the end of the day. You may also like to ask them to join you for lunch and pay for their meal.

Thailand has several vehicle tollways throughout the country. You need to talk to the car rental agency before hiring the car regarding how toll-way fees for their fleet are controlled.

Bangkok tollway costs typically range from 25 to 130 Baht per segment, with 50 to 100 THB being common for city routes and up to 200 to 300 Baht for longer routes like to Pattaya.

Toll gates generally accept cash and provide change. If paying cash, then having smaller notes (20, 50, 100 THB) and 10 Baht coins available for the tollways is recommended.
When approaching the toll lanes, look for the word "CASH" or a Thai Baht symbol "฿". Then stop at the window and pay the attendent the fee which is usually displayed on a screen.
Do not enter "M-FLOW" lanes because the car rental company will be fined a penalty and then on-charge the large fee to your credit card.

The other method is when the rental company has its fleet of cars registered for M-Flow tollways, this is the quick and easy method. You will be billed back the total amount. Ask the rental company if they are registered with M-Flow. There may be billing fees attached to this service. You drive through the specific "M-FLOW" lanes at the tollways that have no barrier and no booths.

There is also an Easy Pass system for Thailands tollways but the vehicle must be fitted with an RFID tag.
Use the "ETC" lanes at the tollway that have a barrier. Slowly approach the barrier and then it should lift once the tag is read electronically. Organise activation and pre-payment with the car rental agency.

Some well known car rental agencies in Thailand are Thai Rent A Car, Budget Car Rental, Hertz Car Rental, Avis Car Rental. You will normally not be able to pre-book prior to entering Thailand. Car rental counters are within the International airport.

Be aware that if you hire a motor scooter or motorbike your travel insurance will only cover any personal accident if you have a valid motorbike license from your home country, an International Driving Permit, and you and any passenger were wearing a helmet, and you were sober.
Police in Thailand can stop and fine you if you were not wearing a helmet.

Do not leave the vendor your passport as collateral, give them a color copy or have them photograph the main page.
Get receipts for any deposit and rent payment.

When securing a scooter aways use your own chain and padlock to avoid theft and scams.
Take videos/photos of the entire bike and existing scratches and dents and declare them to the vendor prior to renting so as to avoid scams, or "missing" parts.

Check the front and rear brakes work, sufficient tire tread, all lights inclucing indicators work, horn, and mirrors are attached and not cracked.
Take a photo of the odometer reading before hiring, and ask what is the daily kilometer limit.
Take a photo of the fuel tank reading before hiring, and re-fuel the bike to the same level before handing back.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, Thailand has Tourist Police (1155).

Scooters are widely available for rent from the many tourist hotels.

Fuel / Petrol / Service / Gas (depending on your countries terminology) stations in Thailand do not have "self serve". They always have attendants and it is best to pay cash. Car fuel is called "Petrol" and there is Benzine (unleaded fuel 91ron & 95ron) and Gasohol (blended unleaded with alchohol). The other fuel is Diesel for trucks and some 4WD / SUV vehicles. Fuel is not cheap in Thailand. "Gas" is for (compressed) natural gas vehicles. Most petrol stations are modern with clean toilet facilities and a restaurant or cafe style eatery.

Thailand's roads are generally in good condition and well maintained but can sometimes be winding and steep. If you intend to drive in rural and mountainous areas then the car (preferably a diesel pickup utility, SUV or 4WD) must have a high capacity motor, or you will not make it up the steep decents, especially with a full load of people and luggage.

Always get the optional GPS Sat Nav fitted to the vehicle for city and rural area navigation, or you will likely get lost. Buy a road map in a Thailand bookstore. One very comprehensive A4 size booklet is the "Roadway Thailand Atlas" where it is in Thai (to match up road signs) and English, and being an atlas, has far greater detail than just a street map.

My wife is Thai, and although she does not drive a car, she has scolded schooled me in the ways of driving in Thailand.

Transport drives on the LEFT side of the road but do not be surprised seeing scooters driving on the opposite side, on the verge of the road.

Be especially careful when driving. Being a "farang" (foreigner) it will always be your fault in the event of an accident unless you can prove otherwise.

Comprehensive vehicle insurance and personal accident insurance is essential. Always be courteous, polite and calm at all times.

When driving a car and stopping at traffic lights at the very front, stop several metres behind the white line to allow people on scooters in the front.

Drive smoothly with no sudden acceleration or stopping and be tolerent with merging vehicles and scooters.

Give people on scooters and bicycles a wide berth when passing. Overtaking closely will be met with hostility.

Indicate well in advance when turning, giving much more than is normally required in other countries. This is especially required out of the city area on country roads.

Slow down at a constant pace, no quick turns.

Quite often in the smaller cities and towns the traffic lights are set to flash amber late at night. Drivers will need to cross the intersection with care. If you hear a truck horn in the distance coming closer and closer, stop and give way because they surely will not !!

In the cities during peak times it is common that traffic police direct traffic.

Always be on the lookout for people but also watch out for dogs on the road as some tend to lay on the side or in the center and sometimes cross the road without looking (although most are quite smart and look before crossing). Dogs are numerous and are treated with respect in Thailand.

Countryside roads usually have narrower lanes on each side of the road for scooter and bicycle traffic and is not to be used for cars. Be careful when turning left so as not to "cut off" or hit anybody.

Speed limits in the city and outer areas are usually 50 to 60km/h (30-37 mph). On freeways/express-ways it varies between 90 and 120 km/h (55-75 mph).

You should wear seat belts in the car and a helmet for scooters/motor bikes. Traffic signs use international standards for shape and color, but usually in Thai writing. Road and street signs for location names and directions usually have Thai and English.