Discover Thailand (19): the traffic
Traffic in Thailand is chaotic, especially in the larger cities such as Bangkok. Many roads are congested and the driving behavior of some motorists and motorcyclists can be unpredictable. Moreover, traffic rules are not always properly observed. An average of 53 people die in traffic every day. So far this year, 21 foreigners have died on the roads (source: Richard Barrow).
One of the biggest traffic problems in Thailand is the high number of road fatalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand is one of the countries with the highest number of road deaths per population. This is partly due to the high population and high number of vehicles on the road, but also the lack of road safety, such as poor traffic regulation and enforcement. Another problem is that many Thai people do not have a driver's license and do not obey the traffic rules. This often leads to dangerous situations and accidents. The police do take action against traffic offenders, but sometimes it seems that road safety is not a priority.
However, there are also positive developments in traffic in Thailand. The government has recently taken several measures to make traffic safer, such as introducing higher fines for traffic offenders and carrying out traffic education campaigns. There is also a lot of investment in infrastructure and there are developments aimed at increasing road safety.
As a tourist in Thailand, it is important to follow the traffic rules and drive carefully, especially when you hit the road with a rental car or scooter. It is also recommended to always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
How many vehicles are there in Thailand?
The exact amount of cars driving in Thailand can vary depending on the source you look up the number from. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the number of passenger cars in Thailand in 2020 was about 20 million. The number of motorcycles was around 35 million. The number of vehicles in Thailand continues to grow, especially in the larger cities such as Bangkok, where traffic and air pollution are increasing. Attempts have been made by the government to limit the growth in the number of vehicles, but this has so far had little effect.
In addition, there are also other types of vehicles used in Thailand such as buses, trains, trucks, etc. The number of these vehicles depends on transportation needs, but in general terms it will not be proportional to the number of motorcycles and cars.
Although a car is a real status symbol for Thai people, the many motorbikes are especially striking. There are several reasons why there are so many motorbikes in Thailand. One of the main reasons is that motorbikes are an affordable and efficient way to travel in the country. They are cheaper to buy and maintain than cars and provide access to smaller roads and streets where cars cannot go. In addition, traffic in many cities is often busy and chaotic, making motorbikes a faster and more flexible way to navigate.
Motorbikes are especially dangerous because many Thais do not wear helmets. While there are laws that require helmet wearing, compliance is often considered optional. A helmet is seen by some Thais as hot and uncomfortable and is a disaster for your hair or make-up. In addition, there may also be a cultural aspect where wearing a helmet is seen as something for the inexperienced or scared riders.
It is important to know that not wearing a helmet is a major risk for motorcyclists and their passengers, as it exposes them to serious head injuries in the event of an accident.
FeelGoodLuck / Shutterstock.com
Why are Thai roads so dangerous?
There are a number of reasons why Thailand's roads are often considered unsafe. Many roads in Thailand are old and poorly maintained, which can lead to accidents. In addition, there are often large potholes and bumps on the road, especially in rural areas. Poor road markings and road signs also make the roads and routes confusing. Another reason is that many people in Thailand do not have a driver's license or do not obey the traffic rules. This can lead to dangerous situations and accidents. Sometimes motorists and motorcyclists are unpredictable in their driving behavior and take risks. Many traffic offenders go undetected or punished.
Another factor is that traffic regulations and enforcement are not properly observed. The police often do not have the resources or the capacity to track down and prosecute traffic offenders. There is also little education and training for police officers charged with detecting and prosecuting traffic offenders. Finally, traffic education and awareness are often insufficient. Many people are not aware of the dangers of traffic and the ways to avoid them. There are also few road safety campaigns and good traffic training available to the population.
Driving too fast
There are a number of reasons why people in Thailand often speed. One of the main reasons is the lack of traffic enforcement. Many people know they can get away with speeding because there are few controls on vehicle speed, and if caught the penalties are often not deterrent enough. This can lead to a feeling of carelessness on the part of drivers, as a result of which they do not adapt their speed to the traffic conditions.
Alcohol consumption in traffic
Alcohol consumption and participation in traffic is a major problem. Many people drive under the influence of alcohol, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is one of the leading causes of road accidents in Thailand. The laws in Thailand are very strict when it comes to alcohol and driving. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0,5 promille, and police officers check whether drivers are under the influence. There are fines and penalties for those caught driving under the influence, such as imprisonment and disqualification from driving. However, controls are often limited and enforcement of the legislation is often not sufficient. Many people are unaware of the dangers of alcohol consumption and driving. ,There is very little education and awareness campaigns on this subject. In addition, the fines and penalties are often not deterrent enough to discourage people from driving while intoxicated.
It is important to know that driving under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous for the driver, but also for other road users.
Traffic congestion and traffic jams
Traffic jams are a major problem in Thailand, especially in the larger cities such as Bangkok. The traffic jams are common during peak hours, when most people are on their way to work or school. They can also be caused by accidents, roadworks and major events. Most files can be very long and sometimes even last for hours. Attempts have been made by the government to tackle congestion, such as introducing carpooling initiatives and building highways and ring roads around the city. Campaigns are also often conducted to reduce traffic during peak hours and alternatives to transport are offered, such as improving public transport. However, the solutions have often proved ineffective, the growth in the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow and there is little investment in public transport, making traffic jams a persistent problem in Thailand.
As a tourist in Thailand, it may be smart to avoid traffic congestion by not traveling during peak hours and using modes of transport outside of the busiest times or using alternatives such as public transport.
What can Thailand do to improve road safety?
There are several steps Thailand can take to increase road safety:
- Strictly monitor wearing a helmet: Strictly comply with the helmet obligation for all motorcyclists and passengers with fines and checks. This can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries in an accident.
- Traffic rules: Thailand can strengthen traffic rules and improve compliance through education, traffic lessons for students and fines for offenders.
- Improving infrastructure: The country can improve road quality and increase road safety by building cycle paths, speed limits and traffic lights.
- Driving education: Thailand can implement driving education programs for younger and new drivers to improve their driving skills and raise awareness of road safety.
- More police attention: The police can check more on compliance with traffic rules and road safety among drivers and passengers. Introduce more alcohol checks. And fight corruption among police officials.
- Encouraging alternatives: encouraging people to choose alternatives to motorbikes, such as public transport, cycling or walking.
All these steps can contribute to a reduction in the number of road accidents in Thailand and increase road safety.
One can repeat such articles ad nauseam, but unfortunately NOTHING changes in practice.
There is only one efficient solution: a massive number of checks, sky-high fines (not paying = vehicle confiscation) and a corrupt free police force. We'll just keep on dreaming...
Just like in all other countries, sky-high fines DO NOT work. So much research has now been done that it is certain. The fines are either not paid or money is borrowed to pay the fines. And on top of that, they are not really seen as a punishment for irresponsible behavior. And the time between the time when you have to pay and the actual offense is so long that the connection is not felt and can be concealed from others.
Repossession of the driver's license IS seen as a punishment because it limits the possibilities to drive a car again for a certain period. The judge can even decide to take the driver's license for life.
The Thai helmets they get when buying a new motorcycle are eggshells, also those of the police. they have traffic lessons at the schools for a few hours every week and that they should not drive on the wrong side of the road and if they turn off they indicate the direction when they turn right, most of them are on the wrong side of the road, etc.
Enforcement of Thai traffic laws is the most important way to reduce accidents.
I've been driving in Thailand for years and now almost 3 months here again and I'm just going to use the horn more and more. Which leads to protest from the woman, but I ignore. Better wake up “honk”, than an accident.
Usually it's more of a small horn, but if it's really necessary, I'll let you know.
Not unjustly, because many Thai road users just sleep.
If I come across a motorcycle in the evening, against the traffic, I turn on my high beam. A social? No, that's the rider who goes against the traffic and tries to disrupt things. Then I need to know how or what is the situation.
When I sit next to my Thai wife who drives, my toes sometimes start to curl.
Sometimes I get advice from her, such as stopping in a place where I can't do that at all. She would have stopped no matter what, hence my crooked toes.
The seat belt requirement was introduced fairly recently. I've seen, I don't know how many pick ups, where the trunk is full of people, of course without seat belts. And what about the songkaew? Is exactly the same.
And what about motor bikes? Children riding the bike themselves. And otherwise 3, 4, 5 people on a bike. Of course no helmet. Recently 2 mothers with 2 babies, who were "stuck" somewhere
Also fairly recently introduced points system for violations. There was a result on the first day in BK, most of the 500-ish fines and so points were deducted due to non-payment of tax or missing registration plate. Yes, you help safety with that, NOT.
In Thailand there is also an MOT, at least my wife has the car inspected every year.
If you see what is driving on the road, especially at night, many cars without lights or partly without, usually at the back.
There are “cars” driving, you would find better ones on the scrap yard.
I once experienced that a fully loaded palm, demolition car (so no light) drove on the fast track. No road lighting. Since there was still some backlight present because I drove up a hill, I saw a contour and went to the left, did not trust it and that was a good thing. Otherwise it might have been that I would have felt this “carriage”.
Wood is supplied here. On motorcycles with the well-known containers next to it.
Some extra shock absorbers have been installed to transport about 700 kg of wood!
Except for the driver and possibly fellow passenger! You sometimes see them coming creaking.
Yes, I can see that being weighed. But the SUVs and pick-ups also come and do double, hanging at the back almost on the ground.
Must make good money as it's a come and go even folks with a newer SUV.
Or would they be environmentally conscious?
Nets over the cargo of lorries, which are usually overloaded? Usually not, but did see one and so it would be mandatory. Otherwise the Thai will not.
Also picks up stacked goods.
And there are a million other things to mention that do not promote safety.
In general, the most important thing is maintenance. But surely it would also help to educate the Thai better?
I would like to be a traffic police in Thailand for a day.
Only one day, because then I would be exhausted.
Hi Peter, what are you talking about? Let those things go! The Thai drives the way he drives. Anticipate, adapt, drive defensively, marvel, don't get annoyed, and don't be so present yourself. What you all name, you see every day throughout Thailand again and again. Wherever you go. So Thai traffic behavior is their normal business, and you have to take that into account. Your wife understands that you apparently do not intend to. Ask yourself why and why not?
Things like blowing the horn, which is considered pedantic and therefore offensive by the Thai, can get you into big trouble. Turning on the high beam is of the same damned behavior as what you accuse your oncoming traffic. Dangerous too, because you blind the other person. I've never seen a motorcyclist approaching me come at me like crazy. It is that he tries to continue his way slaloming. Everyone does it, so he does too. Also children and old people. I, on the other hand, especially in these situations, always drive very defensively, always slow down, go slightly to the right or left to make room, look over my shoulders and in the mirrors much more often, and I prefer to come home a little later than that another landed on the road surface. I drive with a firm intention to ensure that the situation remains safe for myself and for that fellow road user. The fact that I can't be dominant as a result, I take that into the bargain. You should too. I enjoy my retirement here, take it easy, it is different from my home country, because this is Thailand, not Belgium or the Netherlands. Good thing, too!
I've only been driving a car and motorcycle for 40 years and certainly very anticipatory from an engine point of view, because in the low countries it is not understood what a motorcycle means.
The anticipatory driving is therefore in driving a car, I am not a klutz and certainly not dominant. No idea how you can do this. I know how to drive and also in Thailand.
I also don't have to wonder why I started doing this more now. It's to keep me safe in that traffic and remind a Thai to do the same. However, when it is really necessary and not at every incident. You know when.
After all, you want to come home healthy, right? and Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatalities. How could that be.
I will definitely use a tip from my wife, the Thai don't like curves. They enter the bend in the left lane and then drive straight into the right lane, without even signaling it.
And sometimes the Thai don't realize that there are more cars on the road and then I let myself be heard, after all, it's better than having an SUV in the door and pushing you aside. Experienced, was already sitting next to the car and it just came my way out of habit. You only have a short time to respond.
I am one of the few, I think, who drives with lights on in Thailand during the day. My wife thinks that's stupid, but if you explain why, ok. So she herself drives with the lights off, despite the explanation.
However, when I pick them up somewhere, she knows exactly it's me because of the lights.
Motorcyclist blinded by my lights because he drives the wrong way? Fine, just stop.
It's an unusual situation, so I turn on the high beams to see what. That's my safety
I don't feel like being with the many stories about traffic accidents in Asean now.
One thing I had to unlearn is to give way to pedestrians with zebras. That is only possible if I can block the entire road, since the Thai just drives hard and pedestrians drive over hope if necessary. Ok the Thai know their people and are extremely careful with the crossing.
Even once calculated average deaths in Thailand, that was 40 / day. In this article it is even 53/day. And I don't want to be part of that, so with anticipatory behavior and the occasional base or high beam, I continue on the road.
The Thai traffic laws are there, but are not enforced by and for the Thai, so as you know, a mess. Can't you talk well with oh that's how the Thai are, that's actually a contempt for the Thai. The Thai government is now trying to correct, only in the wrong way, no enforcement and no education.
Should they indeed take the Thai soaps off the TV and start an edu program about traffic safety. My wife likes those soap operas (I "a little" less) and so I sit with headphones listening to, for example, a roadrunners united-constitution down, great song, I think
The system of getting a ticket is quite bizarre, by that I mean, if you get a traffic ticket for a legal violation, you can do the same violation for a certain amount of time, without getting ticketed again when you let it go. seeing your ticket.
But the biggest problem is not with the road user, but with legislation and the police.
As long as the police are still poorly paid by the government, he sees traffic enforcement as nothing more than a burden on his job.
12 foreigners died in 21 days and 53 traffic deaths every day is of course very high.
We avoid the car and bus as much as possible for longer distances.
What really pisses me off is stopping in the middle of the road to turn right or left.
The cars whiz past you left and right and you hope that someone will not overtake and end up in the middle of the road.
also sometimes had crossing cows on the road
Prefer train.
I think the main problem is not to be found in the sometimes bad road surface or unclear directions and unclear traffic rules.
The MAIN PROBLEM remains the extremely poor traffic education that is given to be able to participate in traffic at all.
The education is so poor that I know many Thai people in our family who don't even know what exactly a handbrake is for, let alone that they can handle it.
Also the recurring theme about the complete ignorance of a zebra crossing etc. is simply absurd.
Of course there will be expats who will continue to pat themselves on the back, how wonderfully and for many kilometers they have mastered this Thai traffic, and they like to forget that every day approx. 53 people who have always thought this, suddenly change the temporary for got eternal.
Well, the many Thai people who have had their driver's license for years, and who make the same often incalculable mistakes every day, cannot all be made better road users by fines.
For this latter large group, who may also never get into a traffic control, you should make a general different rule.
Why not start with the removal of a daily TV, soap, which often cannot be surpassed in terms of stupidity, and for this every day recurring traffic videos, which can ultimately contribute to a safe traffic in Thailand.
Drinking in traffic, dealing with traffic situations, traffic signs, pedestrian crossings, and even the use of a handbrake, etc., could then be explained in a comprehensible manner every day for this otherwise lost group.
Quote…. Why not start with the removal of a daily TV, soap, which often cannot be surpassed in terms of stupidity, and for this every day recurring traffic videos, which can ultimately contribute to a safe traffic in Thailand.
Totally agree
!!
I think the mental capacity of many Thai people in traffic is sometimes very low. You don't have to drive 100 in Bangkok if you know that you will then be waiting at an intersection for 5 minutes, but you do take a lot of risks. The pauper people cannot pay the compensation after an accident anyway and that is how it is lived. The bald chicken has little to lose.
In puberty, young people are looking for boundaries and they lose the game with their “mopeds”.
I can have little problem with these types of characters driving themselves completely to pieces, but unfortunately I see tai free moments on TV almost every day. Unnecessary fatalities caused by fools in cars.
As someone from a generation that didn't mind a sip on a bike or moped, woke bullshit didn't exist yet, I have my experiences in TH.
Getting light sentences is nonsense if you ended up at the police station. 16 hours community service and a year every quarter at the probation service and keep telling about your family ties and the improvements in life. Being caught again within 2 years is a month in prison.
In itself the legislation is there, but the controlling police have sufficient empathy that the Mensch is weak and that the soup does not have to be eaten so hot.
Participation in traffic is participation in life and that entails risks and you have to deal with that or else camp in the house or in the yard. Outsourcing the danger to Grab or Uber drivers is an option.
I am somewhat surprised that the article and no response mentioned the following:
As of January 9, 2023, a points system has been introduced. Every year you get 12 points again.
– 1 point deduction for: phone in hand while driving a vehicle, riding a motorcycle without a helmet, not wearing a seat belt, driving faster than the speed limit, driving on the sidewalk, not stopping at a zebra crossing for pedestrians crossing, not giving way to emergency service vehicles, frightening/reckless driving, driving without a (readable) license plate, no road tax vignette.
– 2 points deduction for: driving through a red light, driving against the direction of traffic, driving a vehicle while the driving license has been suspended or revoked.
– 3 points deduction for: driving the vehicle with reduced consciousness, abnormal driving behaviour, continuing to drive after a collision
– 4 points deduction for: driving a vehicle with too much alcohol (> 0,5 promille), driving a vehicle while under the influence of addictive/narcotics, racing on public roads without permission, driving a vehicle without taking the safety of others into account road users
12 points lost within 1 year means 90 days of driving suspension.
A fourth suspension of 90 days within 3 years means that all driving licenses will be revoked.
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/penalty-point-system-to-be-introduced-next-year-for-drivers-in-thailand/
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/your-essential-guide-to-thailands-new-driving-license-points-system/
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/point-system-to-curb-traffic-violations-to-be-enforced-from-january-9th/
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2451009/driving-licence-point-deductions-to-start-jan-9
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2478694/points-system-for-drivers-in-force
https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/2479384/points-system-for-drivers-begins
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiEnquirer/posts/581726247298634
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiEnquirer/posts/580946920709900
The website mentioned in the articles https://ptm.police.go.th/eTicket to check your points balance is blocked by Malwarebytes Browser Guard due to alleged malware activity.
In my opinion, this point deduction system on top of the existing penalties is not that much, but it is a start. And the effectiveness of this regulation also stands or falls with enforcement, which, as we all know, leaves much to be desired.
On the motorcycle/scooter, in addition to wearing a helmet, it is also wise to wear protective clothing. You don't want to know what your bare hands and feet look like after a 'slide', even at low speed.
I remember that several decades ago it was quite normal in the Netherlands for people to get behind the wheel (sometimes literally) with too much alcohol. Fortunately, that is now much less due to government campaigns and a higher alleged chance of being caught with serious consequences.
But Thailand still has a lot of work to do in this regard, because once again there is a HiSo (Suthat Sivapiromrat) who will probably not be held accountable.
https://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish/posts/558292379676608
https://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish/posts/557665363072643
https://web.facebook.com/ThaiEnquirer/videos/918137339194923/
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiEnquirer/posts/583077980496794
Didn't the cops have the authority to immediately take that guy in for a blood alcohol test?
Finally, an article written by an expert.
https://www.thaienquirer.com/36933/opinion-better-road-safety-in-thailand-begins-and-ends-with-better-education/
Maybe because it already appeared on TB in December?
https://www.thailandblog.nl/nieuws-uit-thailand/puntensysteem-om-verkeersovertredingen-te-bestraffen-wordt-vanaf-9-januari-ingevoerd/
Your contribution from five weeks ago had unfortunately slipped my memory dear Ronny.
Nevertheless, I think it is an omission in the article that the points deduction system introduced since last week (possibly only by means of a link to your contribution) is not mentioned.
“Thanks to government campaigns and a higher alleged chance of being caught with serious consequences, that is fortunately much less now.”
Yes, those government campaigns and also the ALLEGED higher chance of being caught (the ACTUAL chance of being caught has never been increased) have indeed ensured that:
– The Dutch think they are more likely to be punished;
– driving under the influence is practiced by a minority of the population and by definition you do not want to belong to a minority;
-driving under the influence is seen as bad and irresponsible;
– Mutual social control has increased.