A scooter in Thailand is a motorcycle (Nongnut Moijanghan / Shutterstock.com)
A scooter whore during your holiday in Thailand is of course nice, but there are quite a few snags. For example, a scooter in Thailand has a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cc (often 125 cc) and is therefore a motorfiets. You must have a valid motorcycle license to drive it. There are also quite a few points of attention when it comes to insurance Travel Insurance NEVER damage to (rented) vehicles.
You are on holiday in Thailand and you want to rent a scooter. Prices are low and there are few rules. Showing your passport is sometimes enough. You don't even ask for a driver's license. Easy right? Or not?
Please note: In Thailand it is also a serious offense if you rent a scooter or motorcycle as a foreigner without having a valid driver's license for such a vehicle.
What does your travel insurance cover in the event of a scooter accident?
Travel insurance NEVER covers damage to vehicles, not even to your rented scooter and/or damage to third parties. Any medical costs resulting from an accident are covered (provided you have included medical costs separately in your travel insurance). The condition is, of course, that you have complied with the law.
Please note: If you have violated the law, for example because you do not have a valid driver's license, did not wear a helmet or consumed alcohol, the travel insurer can refuse a claim (but they must first prove this).
Rent a scooter? Don't underestimate the dangers!
Many holidaymakers underestimate the risks of driving in Thailand. We mention a few:
- People drive on the left instead of the right as in the Netherlands.
- The traffic rules are often unclear.
- You do not know the road and it may be that you pay less attention to other traffic.
- Many roads in Thailand are poorly maintained and full of holes and bumps. Before you know it you're going down.
- The locals sometimes drive recklessly, too fast and often under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You will have to deal with different rules, laws and sometimes also with a corrupt police force.
- Running loose and crossing dogs are often the cause of falls with a scooter.
- The roads are often slippery due to dust and sand. Squeezing your front brake hard almost always results in a crash.
- Maybe you don't wear a helmet because the locals don't either. A perilous choice.
Please note: Rental scooters are almost never fully insured, so you will have to pay for all damage you cause yourself, even if it is not your fault.
Never rent a scooter of more than 50 cc if you do not have a valid motorcycle license. In Thailand, an International Driving Permit is also required. This is available for a fee at the ANWB.
Always ask for a clearly written rental agreement in English. Before signing, check the text and know your responsibilities when it comes to vehicle insurance.
Tip: Never give your passport or driver's license as collateral to the landlord.
Perhaps most importantly, make sure you always wear a well-fitting helmet and put it on for short rides.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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The first time I rode a scooter in Thailand, I had not yet delved into these matters. And so with my girlfriend on the back without a helmet at 100 km / h on a poorly lit road in Isaan, and more of that kind of breakneck feats. Why I did there what I don't do in the Netherlands ... the tropical robe in the head and still some remnants of boyish bravado, even though I was already in my mid-fifties. Fortunately, I was then made aware of the risks, also because I heard about another Westerner who caused an accident without insurance, no helmet, alcohol, and of course he was wrong. Would I have my motorcycle license now, I wouldn't go on the road with a scooter in Thailand for no gold. Just watch some videos on youtube about accidents with scooters, your toes will curl when you see them. Motorists do not take scooter riders into account at all, and it is also pet among themselves. What certainly doesn't help is your lack of rights in the event of an accident. Look before you leap.
Disenfranchisement in an accident? This is not true. Got hit by a pickup on my motorcycle in January and ended up with a broken leg. This (Thai) man drove me to Sirikit Medical Center and paid for everything, surgery, etc. Had to go to the police and his wife wouldn't pay extra damages. The police said then the official report with our recommendation to the court will be in favor of me ((the Farang). Did she quickly get over the bridge.
Well,
This man had money and could pay, but how many Thai people just don't have money?
And, you can't pick anything from a bald chicken.
Idd.Thomas I agree with you ,
But what is especially striking is often the reckless behavior of the farang who does not want to take into account the Thai's habits, the farang also wants to drive as fast as possible and those scooters reach 90 km per hour effortlessly, so very dangerous
They also take no account at all of unforeseen circumstances such as crossing dogs, but also children crossing the road without looking.
In Thailand it is also possible to drive through the red light to turn left, something we don't know, the Thai usually do that without looking, although you have to look.
I would say to the farang, drive slowly and certainly not too fast, if a dog comes out of the bushes on a long, beautiful straight track, you do not foresee it, with all the consequences, and if you have seen it in time, then honk, they know that.
Do wear your helmet and don't be so stupid as not to or think it's cool to ride without it, it's mostly stupid, I know several farang who prided themselves on not wearing a helmet, several are in the ended up in hospital with very serious head injuries, recently a friend of mine suffered a double skull fracture and a cerebral hemorrhage, they love to feel the wind in their hair, well you can also sit in front of the fan at home.
Insuring yourself with a rental scooter is not possible in Thailand, there are no companies that want to do that, an insured scooter is a scooter that you can use from a friend expat who insured it, and even then you will not certainly be able to get a reimbursement at an accident simply because the real user didn't use it but lent it , so you are always uninsured
But drive calmly and concentrate on the traffic, there are a lot of idiots driving in Thailand! And don't forget they drive on the left in Thailand, so also the right of way from the left!
I myself have been driving here for ten years and had nothing before, luck and especially feeling when you can drive a little faster,
Marc
In Thailand, they drive on the left, but the right of way rules don’t strictly follow the left-hand priority as in some other countries. Here’s how it works:
1. Priority at intersections:
In general, traffic from the right has priority at intersections, even if you are driving on the left. This means that if you are approaching an intersection without traffic signs, you must give way to vehicles coming from the right.
2. Roundabouts:
Contrary to what one might think, in a roundabout in Thailand, vehicles entering the roundabout have the right of way, not vehicles already in the roundabout, unless otherwise indicated by signs or traffic lights.
3. Traffic lights and stop signs:
At intersections with traffic lights or stop signs, the standard traffic rules apply. Traffic lights or stop signs must be respected as usual.
4. Driving behavior and practice:
In practice, you often see a more fluid and adaptive driving style in Thailand, where the rules are not always strictly followed. It is therefore advisable to drive carefully and pay close attention, especially to motorcycles and pedestrians.
In short, the general rule is right of way at intersections, even if they are driving on the left.
I have to correct you though. In Thailand, traffic from the left has priority unless otherwise indicated. This is in contrast to most countries where people drive on the left and the right has priority
Matthew, I disagree with you on this.
I had a collision on my motorcycle with a car coming from the left.
It took 2 months to sort everything out but the driver of the car had to pay me 2000 baht, while the damage was 8000.
Jos M,
Maybe you were driving on a main road and then it doesn't really matter because the main road has priority.
“…at any junction where a main road intersects a secondary road, the conveyance driving on the main road has the right
to pass first;”
“…at every intersection where a main road crosses a secondary road, the vehicle travelling on the main road has the right to pass first;
At intersections without lights, the vehicle from the left has priority, not the vehicle from the right.
“if two conveyances reach the junction at the same time and there is no other conveyance at the junction, the driver shall let the conveyance driving on his or her left side pass first
“if two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time and there is no other vehicle at the intersection, the driver must allow the vehicle on his or her left to pass first”;
CHAPTER VI
DRIVING PASS A JUNCTION OR ROUNDABOUT
______
Section 71. Subject to section 21 and section 26, when a driver
drives a conveyance reaching a junction, he or she shall follow the instructions as
follows:
(1) if there is another conveyance at the junction, the driver shall let
the conveyance at the junction pass first;
(2) if two conveyances reach the junction at the same time and there
is no other conveyance at the junction, the driver shall let the conveyance driving on
his or her left side pass first; provided that at any junction where a main road
intersects a secondary road, the conveyance driving on the main road has the right
to pass first;
https://royalthaipolice.go.th/downloads/laws/laws_03_05-07.pdf
At roundabouts, those driving on the roundabout have priority…
“Section 73. In the case where any roundabout has installed traffic
signals or traffic signs, the driver must follow such traffic signals or traffic signs.
If there is no traffic signal or traffic sign under paragraph one, when a
driver arrives at the roundabout, he or she must give way to the driver driving on his
or her right side in the roundabout to pass first.”
“Article 73. In the event that a roundabout has traffic lights or traffic signs, the driver must follow these traffic lights or traffic signs.
If there is no traffic light or traffic sign according to paragraph one, a driver, when arriving at the roundabout, must give way to the driver on his or her right at the roundabout to pass first.”
https://royalthaipolice.go.th/downloads/laws/laws_03_05-07.pdf
The only benefit of getting older is the insight you gain for certain hazards and risks.
Where I used to completely ignore all the legal obligations and risks mentioned in this message, I have been aware of this for a number of years now (with age and because you have a family).
The only thing I still sin against is the non-insurability…
I still hope to counter that risk by making clear agreements with the rental company about possible damage to the scooter (I know the lady by now) and by doing my very best never to commit a violation myself…
I take full responsibility in the field of alcohol, drugs, helmet, traffic rules, driver's license, and driving behavior.
Good informative article. I would not like to pay those who get on the scooter without a valid motorcycle license in Thailand.
well,
I drive around twice a day, both in the city and in nature and I love it, I'm really enjoying my Honda Click. Bought new in May 2014 and the counter is now at 34.000 km.
If you just drive with the traffic, it's not too bad and yes I have a Thai motorcycle and car driver's license.
(2 pieces so) I am sometimes stopped by the police and always friendly when I show my Thai driving license and we wish you a nice day.
But yeah, I too fell down once because of his fucking (it was a male, so I can say that) dog, first walks from the verge to the middle of the road and when I pass he turns around and runs back to the verge, luckily my speed was only 30 km, but because he knocks over the steering wheel, you are on the ground before you know it. Me on the concrete and the scooter on the roadside. Nowadays I honk when I see a dog crossing my path and there are many. (too much).
And I also regularly rent a scooter in another city, but I will NEVER hand over my passport.
Always a deposit of 3000 to a maximum of 5000 Bhat.
Greetings Gerrit
It might be wise if you take pictures of the scooter and make notes on the rental form, which you also have the lessor sign.
In addition to the travel insurance, medical costs are also covered by the Dutch health insurance. And the latter has almost everyone.
This is NOT entirely correct. The Dutch basic health insurance reimburses urgent medical care anywhere in the world up to the level of the Dutch price level. If it is more expensive (and that can just be the case in Thailand!) this will not be reimbursed. In addition, any medically necessary transport to the Netherlands is NOT reimbursed if you do not have good additional health insurance. Then you are soon talking about 10,000 euros.
For example, if you break a leg, as a result of which you miss your flight, and have to book a double or triple seat and you continue to go home, this will NEVER be reimbursed by the health insurance. For that you need to have a good travel insurance. And, oh yes, that motorcycle license we're talking about here.
Correct Jasper,
In addition, the Ned travel insurance does not pay out in the event of driving with alcohol in your body, no valid motorcycle license.
And there are many who drink alcohol, but do not have a motorcycle license, and then it is: pulling their wallet at the hospital, and possibly in case of injury to a local.
Dear Thailand goer I have already raised it with the ANWB, they just issue an international driver's license, but what they don't tell you is that if you don't own a motorcycle driver's license, it is not valid in Thailand for mopeds above 50.00 CC engine capacity. This means that you are not allowed to drive your rented (motorcycle), and are certainly not insured if you have an accident.
If you do not have a motorcycle license, you are not allowed to ride a motorcycle - why should the ANWB point this out to you? You also need a motorcycle license for a Thai two-wheeler with 50cc or less.
No, why would they say that? In the Netherlands you also need a separate driving license for motorcycles from 50cc. It would be strange if you were to receive an international driving license from the ANWB on the basis of your driving license with which you could suddenly drive a motorcycle. (Incidentally, that ANWB rag that they call international driver's license is very unnecessary money grabbing. Bizarre that it has such an official status. Everything is already in English on the regular driver's license. )
I didn't know that an (international) driver's license in Thailand is not valid to drive the 125cc scooter!?
This is certainly the case in Belgium, at least if you have obtained your driving license before a certain date.
In other words, a person in his twenties is not allowed to drive a motorcycle without a separate motorcycle license.
A fifty-something can certainly do that.
So not in Thailand. Different country, different rules. Even within the EU this is not regulated uniformly.
Incidentally, an international driving license does not contain an independent 'driving licence', but only a translation document. Nothing more, nothing less.
Thailand does not distinguish between different motorcycle categories. This means that to drive a 1300 cc, the same driving license is required as to drive a 100 cc. So in all cases a full driver's license is required, not an 'endorsement' valid up to certain amounts of cc's as is common in many countries.
But how do you insure a rental scooter all-risk to avoid all risks?
That is simply not possible if you are just on vacation and rent a scooter along the road.
Virtually impossible, the risk is too great for rental companies.
That international driving license from the ANWB is in fact nothing. There are numbers on it, but that's for their administration. The Thai police will therefore never make inquiries. Have a stack of int. driving licenses and can tell you that it is a million-dollar business for the ANWB. It is also true that it is valid for one year, but you are only allowed 4? use it for months. Never understood why, so if you rent a scooter for 6 months, split it into 2 contracts.
It is easy to sneer at the ANWB, but the international driving license is not an ANWB fabrication. It is based on an international agreement signed by a large number of countries, including Thailand. It is valid for one year, but that does not mean that you can drive it for a year in one specific country. A country can impose restrictions on this and stipulate that after a certain period of residence you simply have to have a driving license issued in that country. Again, that international driver's license is only a translation document - it must always be based on a national driver's license.
The Thai police do ask for an international driver's license, unless you can present a legally valid Thai "bai kap kie". Experienced it myself several times. Once at a road checkpoint in Hua Hin when I was driving my wife's car. Once in Rayong, when I was on the road with her 150 cc scooter. Also once at a police check in Nan.
It is on that piece of paper from Belgium that you can drive a car and motorcycle 100% legally
Dutch or Belgian driver's license does differ
In December an int. driving license purchased at ANWB € 27.00 and valid for 3 years
Cees you put many readers on the wrong track with this statement.
The Thai rules apply and not how long the ANWB considers it valid.
Or you have to mean that you can go to Thailand for three weeks every year with your international driver's license, or elsewhere, that is possible.
Note: While international driver's licenses are valid for one year after arrival in Thailand, many comprehensive insurance policies will be voided after three months if you are still driving with a foreign license. License holders may only drive the vehicle category for which their license is valid.
Info Digital highway.
http://www.siam-solution-insurance.com/en/rental/rental-motorbike-insurance.
Everyone is scrambling for insurance. When I propose this option to the customer, hmmmmmmm I promptly get a No answer, too expensive. Then what do they want?
In all countries (when renting a car, motorcycle or camper) we have shown our Dutch driving license that was accepted everywhere. Only police along the road in Thailand and Tanzania also wanted to see an international driver's license. Not fined after any protest.
After a while, the date of the international driver's license wears off.
Dear Yvonne, The fact that many landlords are satisfied with a Dutch driving license is simply due to the fact that they almost exclusively want to rent out and earn money.
They are not legislators, but businessmen who know exactly that the tenant is primarily responsible in the event of a violation
Not being in possession of an international driver's license is one of these violations, which can have serious consequences in the event of a check or accident.
No fine after protest, as you write this is certainly not the rule, and even less advice to others, but often found eating to really get you into trouble.
Yvonne,
But not in Thailand, 500 Bhat is quickly earned for the police, yesterday 3 checks, but I have a Thai driver's license, so it was ok, good day sir, but many foreigners were paying at the table, this will certainly be so for a long time Get on.
Hayek Chalong here on Koh Phuket is a real moneymaker for the police here
They are there every day and are tipped off via mobile phone about new motorcycles (almost always rental) and people without helmets.
Drive an oldie myself and never get stopped because after an accident in the Netherlands about 38 years ago I always wear a real helmet and not a Chinese egg cup. Because of that I only had a skull base fracture in addition to many broken bones. By the way, I have had a Thai driver's license for about 17 years.
Hans
In my opinion, there are practically no scooters under 50cc available/rent in Thailand.
what could be interesting is the rise of electric scooters (no rules yet?)
Totally agree with Francois Nang. That int. driver's license is also money making. There is a number on it and I kept it for 15 years. Millions of business for? Yes, for what? That number on it is for THEIR administration, Thai police can never check whether it is a valid collection. driver's license is. 2 staples and a little stamp you have one. Idd. a rag.
Walked a few years ago in Khao San Road in Bangkok. All kinds of documents, including the Int.Driving license issued by the ANWB, were for sale. But not a single Thai document because, the seller/forger said, the police would not tolerate that. Didn't inquire about prices but obviously bizarre that something like this happened openly. I don't know if that is still the case now. Perhaps with such a fake driver's license you could avoid a fine, but if you are involved in a serious accident, the consequences could be disastrous.
I also have a question about it.
Has also been riding a 125 cc moped in Thailand for years and duly obtained an International driving license. (Money beating, they can also see that I have a Dutch motorcycle license).
But now I am going in August with my family and also want to rent a scooter.
My 16-year-old son has a Dutch moped certificate, is he allowed to drive a 50 cc moped in Thailand and does he have to get an international driver's license.
There are no 50 cc mopeds for rent in Thailand.
But they still exist! But difficult to find. I was looking for one for my son and was able to buy one that was no longer in good condition and abandoned the plan. Mister is now 16, has a Thai youth driver's license and can drive up to 110 cc.
But that still doesn't answer Thailander's question. Suppose someone lends your son a 50 cc, can he get an international RBW for it from the ANWB, and is that thing adequately insured? I'm afraid it will be cycling for him......
Yes, 49cc Honda Giorno on Koh Samui, for example.
Please note: In Thailand it is also a serious offense for a foreigner to rent a scooter or motorcycle without having a valid driver's license for such a vehicle. ”
Well, that's fine, you know.
You pay a fine and you can happily continue driving. Moreover, that fine is also valid for another week. It has happened to me that I came across another check (between Karon and Patong, they were always in the afternoon then) and that my previous fine was less than a week old. The agent laughed when I pointed this out to him and said “no Mr Peter, you pay fine”, it all went very smoothly, together with other tourists who were also 'turning', we were still chatting in the queue ….. so finally at the checkout booth I expected to have to pay 500 baht again. I did show my old fine and then the cashier was so friendly and honest that I didn't have to pay now because the previous fine was still valid that day. Look, that's how it can be done in Thailand. That's why I love coming to Thailand so much.
For example, if I were to stay in Bangkok, I would not travel with a motobike. The situation there is completely different and besides that it is crawling with cheap taxis plus you have truly world class public transport with the BTS and metro which is almost free I think.
By the way, I drive very carefully, and with a helmet on. I'm not in a hurry, who or what should I hurry for? I don't drive faster than 50, 55 km/h, I find that hard enough on such a thing. Sometimes a bit harder downhill but then I brake quickly. Also always watch out for pebbles or sand in bends, because you slide right down. Seen plenty of them completely scraped open. I read above someone who drove 100 km / h WITH someone on the back as well. WTF!!! Yes, sorry, but …………
Been again this year, after 5 years only again due to covidiotry and now stayed in Kata again. No checks seen. I drove to Patong a few times, but only for some shopping at Jungceylon. And furthermore I just need that motorcycle to drive to Kata-noi or Nai Harn beach or Phuket town etc.. The next trip has already been arranged and of course I will rent such a thing again for 4 weeks. Lovely, nothing wrong.
Well, that's fine, you know. Sure, until you cause a serious accident and it goes to court.
“Well, that's not too bad, you know. Sure, until you cause a serious accident and it goes to court. ”
Yes of course. But then you have a big problem anyway, driver's license in your pocket or not, and not just legal. The moral of the story; always look out and do not cause and/or get involved in an accident. (but just as well not when you DO have a motorcycle license) It can of course never be completely ruled out, but with a modicum of awareness of what you are doing, that risk is negligible. And again I'm really very careful. I think I drive safer than many motorcycle license holders. I even regularly check the tire pressure before I drive away. Small effort. I am a tank truck driver and I transport dangerous goods. Because of my profession I am used to driving defensively and maneuvering in traffic very consciously.
I've been doing it for years without any problem. And "if this," or, "if that" doesn't outweigh the convenience and enjoyment I get from it. It makes my vacation sooooo much more fun and comfortable. Yes, someday I will get a motorcycle license. Especially if I live there.
But "that's not too bad" certainly not only refers to that, but also to the fact that Thailand and the Thai police don't mind at all that so many tourists (hundreds of thousands, if not millions) drive around without a driver's license. What do you think that will yield? For thousands of lessors, fuel suppliers, factories, motorcycle dealers, workshops, etc., not to mention the police greenhouses. Why do you think you can just continue driving after checking and paying? Does it seem that they consider this a serious offense?
But I'm not advocating that everyone should do that. Recently spoke to a colleague who has been in Thailand for over 30 years and who does everything locally with tuk-tuk. To each his own.
Peter, you have a great imagination. How do you get those hundreds of thousands, if not millions of farang who drive around without a (correct) driver's license? Or provide a link please.
If you do not have a (correct) driver's license and someone drives you from behind, you will be blamed by the police because you cannot drive. This is especially true if the driver behind gives a big tip to the police or is a fat boy with money.
Stick to the rules! You are a guest in this country and act like one!
The article must have been written by a non-motorcyclist….
Every motorcyclist knows that your front brake is your only good brake.
Every motorcyclist knows that you can feel a front wheel slip coming on and can correct it.
Every motorcyclist knows that you hardly feel the rear wheel slip coming (the phenomenon "High-sider" is due to this)
This sentence only ensures that inexperienced motorcyclists do not touch their only brake, the front brake: “The roads are often slippery due to dust and sand. Squeezing your front brake hard almost always results in a crash.”
If you offer a motorcycling tourist in Thailand to take a ride on your beautiful new motorcycle when you visit them for coffee in the Netherlands, they will say: “NO!!! I don't have a motorcycle license!!!” And in Thailand they do..... How stupid can you be? In the Netherlands they follow the rules, and in a country where, if things go wrong, they do go wrong…..
Arjen.
So mopeds with less than 50 CC can also be rented/buy in TH?
Henk, yes, but you won't find them everywhere. And buy new? Think that time is over.