Some of the driving habits on Thailand’s highways are at least annoying, and sometimes dangerous if you’re not accustomed to driving in Thailand and don’t know what to expect. Not all the habits on the list below are unique to Thailand, but they certainly seem more prolific here.
- Using “hazard lights” to indicate they are going straight on.
- Won’t let you in or out, or turn at a junction, even if you are holding up traffic. This brings us to the next one.
- Every man for himself at intersections and crossroads.
- Not yielding to your right of way.
- Flashing headlights to warn you “I’m coming and I’m not stopping or slowing down for you.”
- Public buses beeping their horn as they approach a bus stop.
Motorcycles passing you as you are about to make a turn. - Trucks traveling at a walking pace while announcing the latest deal or show somewhere via megaphone.
- Parking in the middle of the road while they call in to 7-Eleven.
Driving at night without headlights turned on. - Motorcycles driving and parking on footpaths.
- Motorcyclists who ride through junctions into the main road without looking.
- Motorcycle riders forgetting to turn their indicators off.
- Amulets and flower garlands hanging from the rear-view mirror.
- There are only 1 or 2 cars waiting for the traffic lights to turn green so they can make a right turn, but rather than being second or third in the queue, the next driver stops at the front of the next lane.
If you plan to drive locally, in Pattaya, be sure to read this guide to driving in Pattaya for more local tips and hazards.