Let’s get to the “meat” of the matter right away regarding driving in Thailand.  If you are going to Bangkok, take a bus, hire a taxi, get a driver.  If you are going to outlying areas, take a bus, hire a taxi, get a driver.  That said, here is what you can expect when you drive in Thailand.

First of all, the rules of the road for most countries begin with “driving on the right side of the road.” There are a few exceptions though and well, it has to do with flogging a horse right handed.  In Thailand, as in Britain and Japan, they flog right handed and drive left. 

Driving left should be enough to dissuade you from driving in Thailand.  But for the hearty souls who like a challenge, go for it – because driving in Thailand will rev up your heart, challenge your reflexes, and give you the best game of bumper cars you’ve ever played!

The fact that obtaining a Thai driver’s license is a snap, taking just a few minutes and acknowledging that you know how to start a car, should tell you a few things about the game of driving in Thailand.  But you CAN get a Thai license if you already have one from your native country plus an International Driver’s License.  It’s basically a formality to get a license in Thailand.

Watch out for other drivers.  They write their own road rules.  Watch out for potholes.  Leave your Ferrari with its 11” bottom clearance at home and opt for a 4 x 4 that puts you as high above the road as possible.

Bringing your car into Thailand can be done, but the rules and regulations, not to mention the taxes, are complex.  It’s better to go to Thailand, settle in to where you want to stay, and slowly navigate the wild west-like terrain before deciding on whether to bring your own car into the country.  And if your car is equipped for right-side driving, forgetaboutit!