Driving in Chiang Mai can be an interesting experience....Those of a nervous disposition should not be driving in Chiang Mai. If you're an experienced motorist, trained maybe in the U.K., Germany or the U.S.A. then driving in Chiang Mai, or indeed anywhere in Thailand, can certainly be interesting, if not downright dangerous. Basic RulesWhat really happensFirstly you will find that most Thais drive mainly on the left, but think nothing of motoring the wrong way up cycle lanes on one-way streets if they feel like it. This can be disconcerting, especially at night. On dual carriageway roads, motor cycles invariably ride the wrong way up cycle lanes and will happily turn right from the left hand lane inVery little training
is available for motor cyclists and although the minimum age for
driving them is 16, many of these riders are greatly under age and consequently have no
licence to drive.
front of you, causing heart palpitations in those of a delicate nature.
Add the fact that many of these motor cycles are carrying three or four
people, sometimes including babies, and you won't be surprised at the
number of accidents involving these vehicles. Overtaking on the left
(undertaking!) is normal here, as most drivers keep to the right hand
land on two lane roads to avoid the swarms of motor cycles in the left
and cycle lanes.So, you can be overtaken on either side at any time. Often the undertaker will cut across in front of you to turn right, which of course involves his heavy braking, reducing sharply the following distance that you have carefully maintained. Motor cyclists often jump traffic signals and will
However, all this mayhem is mitigated by the fact that traffic police in Chiang Mai are largely non-existent. After experiencing years of over-regulation in the U.K., this is a refreshing change. It's true that the police sometimes set up road traps to catch motor cyclists without helmets, and those motorists who haven't paid their road tax and insurance, but these traps are few and far between.Flashing headlights In Thailand, flashing headlights means "I'm coming through". It does NOT mean "after you" as in Europe. Be warned!! Turning right at traffic signals Experienced drivers will know that turning right is probably the most dangerous manoeuvre, because this involves crossing the path of oncoming traffic. Thai drivers have no such hang-ups. At a red light they'll position their vehicle to the right of the centre of the road, to stop the oncoming traffic and enable them to turn first. When exiting or entering side roads they cut across to the wrong side of the road, even on blind corners. They seem to have no perception of the possible presence or actions of other road users. So - you have been warned. To drive in Chiang Mai you need eyes in the back and sides of your head, as well as in front. Pedestrian crossings Thai drivers do not stop at pedestrian crossings unless they have lights, whereupon they'll stop sometimes. Be careful! If you decide to stop at an unlit crossing, the driver behind you may not. Costs As I write, petrol and diesel here cost about 34 baht per litre. To tax and insure a small car third party, fire and theft (Government insurance) costs about 2,000 baht p.a. Buying a new car here, at least, one that's been produced here, is pretty cheap. Buying a used car is relatively expensive so a new car purchase is economically the best bet. The resale price of used cars is fairly high, I suppose because the tax level on a new car is not too high. Imported vehicles are a different matter. The tax levy on imported vehicles is around 100% but many Japanese manufacturers have factories here and benefit from the low tax rates.Car rental in Chiang Mai is usually fairly cheap and plentiful. A small car will cost around 1,000 baht per day, but for longer rentals, deals can be done. Make sure that the insurance is comprehensive and that your car is dent-free before you sign anything. If the car has damage, be sure to note it on the rental agreement, of which you must have a copy. All you need in most cases is a valid driving licence, as long as it is written using the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Licence if possible and your passport. If ever stopped by the police, don't argue. Be patient, polite and courteous. Most times, they'll let you go because you're a foreigner, unless of course you've done something really bad!
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