Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic accidents are common in Thailand. According to the World Health Organization, in 2018, Thailand had one of the world?s highest traffic-related fatality rates. Bangkok and some parts of Chiang Mai have heavy traffic.
• Reckless driving: Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey other traffic laws are common in all regions of Thailand. Traffic moves on the left. Some drivers move illegally against the traffic. Scooters and motorbikes commonly drive on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of heavy traffic. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.
• Accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly. Riders may incur serious injuries when they are not wearing helmets or proper clothing and footwear. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, 74 percent of traffic fatalities involved riders of 2-and 3-wheeled vehicles. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is sporadically enforced. 
• Use a pedestrian bridge to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. 
• If you have a traffic accident, you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.
• Emergency vehicles: Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention

Traffic Laws:

• Driving under influence is punishable by law. If you are found to be intoxicated, you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and subject to a fine.
• Bribes are illegal. If you are found guilty, you could be imprisoned up to five years, face severe fines, or both.
• The following violations are also subject to a fine: 
  • Lack of ID.
  • Not obeying traffic laws and traffic signals.
  • Driving slowly in regular lanes of traffic.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should contact your auto insurance company for guidance. 

Public Transportation:

• Mass transit: In Bangkok, the BTS elevated "Skytrain," ?Airport Rail Link? mass transit, and the underground MRT systems are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than Bangkok traffic.
• Bus system: Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.
• For hire vehicles: Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport.
• Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle service exist in Bangkok and other large cities. Those affiliated with registered taxis, such as Grab Taxi, Line Taxi, and All Thai Taxi are legal, but their affiliated car services are under legal review.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Thailand?s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand?s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA?s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Thailand should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.