Mysterious Asia is no less amazing on the roads, in the traffic. However, there is no magical mystery here, and mystery is manifested in the sheer impossibility of predicting the next maneuver of the driver nearby. Traffic rules in Thailand, in Phuket are not observed at all, but instead of a weighty volume, the rules that do work here are… traditions. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
Characteristic features of traffic in Thailand
Witty foreigners appreciated the standard behavior of drivers on the roads of Phuket with the meaningful three letters – DDD (meaning “give way to the fool”). This is to mark the common disregard for at least some of the restrictions of the traffic rules by car or bike drivers. In Thailand, you can see driving on the sidewalk, and driving into oncoming traffic, practically head-on, and even with the “denial” of traffic signals. However, do not judge the local drivers strictly: they are not evil, they just… do not know the traffic rules in Thailand and Phuket, in particular (and some also cannot read)!
All over Thailand, like Phuket, there is left-hand traffic. The usual rule of “hindrance on the right” here is vice-versa – the “hindrance on the left”. Surprisingly, the locals respect it (probably just because this is the only rule young drivers are taught by those who already drive). From the first impression of the left-hand traffic, this feature is a little inconvenient for the “right-hand drivers”, but it just takes some getting used to.
Basic principles of driving vehicles in Phuket
THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE: if there is a car driving with the hazard lights on and at an exceptional speed, and also that the driver is not going down the road!…
In that case, there is no need to try to drive around such a car, and not even to offer help. Even the motorcades give way to these, because in Thailand a car with hazard lights on usually carries ladies in an interesting position who are about to give birth. Yes, it is not customary to deceive in this charming country – it is dangerous for karma. Like this…
- Hindrance on the left. As already mentioned above, it determines the order of passage. The hindrances on the left are taken into account. (And one more thing: if you are constantly nagged by the feeling that you are driving on the opposite side, then everything is in order).
- The roundabout always takes precedence and is the main road. (This is very convenient)!
- Sound signals given by the traffic controller:
– 1 whistle – placement requirements;
– 2 whistles – permission to travel.
But they whistle loudly, a lot and often – it can be difficult to understand, so just do it like everyone else and try not to be in the front row. - One-time switching on/off of the headlights on an oncoming car means a request to give way, but not a warning about a post of the traffic police ahead. They do not usually warn about this – maybe it is also harmful for karma.
- The advantage of passing at equivalent intersections is decided according to the order in which the cars entered it. And here the main thing is that the other driver has the same view of the entry order as you!
- A flashing red traffic light allows you to turn left. (About the same rule applies in the USA, only there they turn right at a non-blinking red signal, but they say that a healthy situation has not been fulfilled).
- According to the traffic rules of Thailand in Phuket, the speed limit within the city is up to 80 km per hour (this is with such anarchy all around)! Outside the city, you can go faster – 90 km per hour. On state highways – 120 km per hour.
- Road signs have text explanations in Thai and English. imagine a monstrous stream of bikes mixed with cars moving in the city at a speed of 80 km per hour. Crowds of pedestrians flow along this stream on the right and left. And then there are comments under the signs… In Thai…
- Unlike the rules in many other countries, which demand lighting the headlights on all routes, the traffic rules of Thailand in Phuket fix the use of lighting devices only during the rainy season. In normal weather, this decision is left to the discretion of the driver… (In general, they drive as they please).
Traffic in Thailand is sensitive. To survive in this entropy and without harming anyone, you need to be extremely careful, and most importantly, try to think like everyone else. The last one is the most dangerous!
But despite all the difficulties of driving in Thailand, many tourists use private transport there, because it brings a feeling of comfort and security from the outside world.
You can also rent a car in Phuket. Follow the link and find out what documents are required for this: