Driving In Thailand In 2025: Left Side, Right Car – Adjusting Quickly

Getting used to driving on the left can be hard if you are new to Thailand. In 2025, most cars have the steering wheel on the right side to match local traffic regulations. This guide for Driving In Thailand In 2025: Left Side, Right Car – Adjusting Quickly will help you adjust fast with simple steps and rules.

Read on to make your drive safer and easier.

Driving on the Left in Thailand

Driving on the left in Thailand can feel strange at first. Your car will have the steering wheel on the right, which changes how you think about lane changes and turns.

Key differences from driving on the right

Driving in Thailand requires quick adaptation for those used to right-hand driving. Understanding the key differences helps ensure safety and compliance.

Steering wheel position: In Thailand, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This change affects your spatial awareness and positioning on the road.
Road layout: Traffic flows on the left side, meaning you must adjust how you approach turns, junctions, and roundabouts.
Overtaking rules: When overtaking another vehicle, you do it on their right side, which can feel counterintuitive at first.
Pedestrian crossings: Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing roads, and they come from directions you might not expect.
Lane discipline: In multilane roads, fast-moving traffic sticks to the lanes furthest from roadside stalls and pedestrians for safety reasons.
Traffic signs and signals are positioned differently and may take a moment longer to register due to their unfamiliar placement from a right-hand drive perspective.

Adjusting quickly involves staying aware of these changes and acting with caution as you become familiar with lefthand driving in Thailand.

Tips for adjusting quickly

After recognising the integral differences between driving on the left and right, adapting at a swift pace is essential. Here are some simple tips to aid your adjustment:

Repetition leads to mastery. Allocate time to drive in quieter areas before braving areas of dense traffic.
Employ reminders for the car’s positioning on the road. A basic memo on the dashboard can aid in maintaining orientation.
Develop familiarity with roundabouts. These are prevalent in Thailand and demand anticlockwise travelling.
Rehearse transitions between lanes and turns. Bear in mind, you’ll approach them from an unfamiliar angle.
Frequently modify your mirrors to account for the altered perspective of the road.
Be aware of pedestrian rules which might deviate from your usual understanding.
Master a handful of Thai phrases related to driving; this could prove beneficial in case you require directions or help.
Never forget your International Driving Permit and acquaint yourself with the protocol for exchanging a foreign licence, if required.
Observe local drivers and attempt to replicate their practices reasonably; they are experts in their own road systems.
Finally, maintain your cool and allow yourself ample time to acclimatise; getting accustomed to a new driving style won’t occur instantaneously.

Licensing Requirements in 2025

To drive in Thailand, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you hold a foreign licence, you can convert it to a Thai licence for local driving.

International Driving Permit (IDP) rules

A valid International Driving Permit is required with your home driving licence for tourists in Thailand. The IDP must match the type of vehicle you drive; car permits do not cover motorbikes.

Always carry both documents while driving as police may ask to see them at stops or road checks.

In 2025, only IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted in Thailand. Digital versions or photocopies are not valid. Apply for an IDP before arrival, as it is not possible within Thailand if you are already travelling on a tourist visa.

These rules apply even for short-term car rental and expat driving experience around Thai roads.

Converting a foreign licence to a Thai licence

Foreign drivers with a valid licence and International Driving Permit can use them for up to 90 days. After that, start the process to get a Thai driving licence. Bring your passport, visa, work permit or proof of address, and your home country’s driving license with official translation if not in English.

Visit the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office. Submit documents and complete an eyesight and reaction test. “Road safety begins with proper paperwork,” says DLT officer Somchai Kanchana.

Some may need to take a written test on traffic regulations in Thailand; the test is available in English. Pay application fees, then receive your Thai licence usually on the same day if you pass all steps.

Navigating Thai Roads

Driving in Thailand can be challenging. Expect heavy traffic and unique road rules that differ from what you know.

Traffic conditions and common challenges

Thai roads can be busy. Traffic jams are common in cities like Bangkok. Motorbikes weave through cars, making them a challenge for new drivers. Many people ignore lane discipline and traffic rules, which adds to the chaos.

Expect unexpected stops and delays due to road conditions or construction work. Keep an eye out for pedestrians; they often cross without warning. Adapting to these challenges takes time but becomes easier with practice on local roads.

Understanding local driving habits

Traffic in Thailand can be unpredictable. Many drivers weave in and out of lanes without signalling. They often ignore traffic rules, especially at roundabouts and intersections. People may also drive aggressively.

Pedestrians have the right of way, but drivers rarely give way to them. It is common to see motorbikes zipping through traffic. Be alert for these quick movements while driving. Adjusting your habits will help you stay safe on the road.

Dealing with the Police

If you get stopped by the police, stay calm and polite. Keep your documents ready to show them, like your IDP and rental agreement.

What to do if you’re stopped

Being stopped by the police can be stressful. Stay calm and follow these steps.

Pull over safely to the side of the road. Use your turn signal to show you are stopping.
Turn off your engine and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. This shows you are not a threat.
Wait for the officer to approach your car. Do not exit your vehicle unless asked.
Be polite and speak clearly when answering questions. Avoid arguing or raising your voice.
Present your documents when requested, including your driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP). Keep them easily accessible.
Understand that fines may be given for violations. Payment is usually required on the spot, so have cash ready.
Know that you can ask for clarification if you don’t understand the reason for being stopped. It is okay to request an English-speaking officer if needed.
Take notes about what happened after the stop ends, including badge numbers and any details about the incident.

Stay aware of local traffic regulations, as they vary from country to country. Adjusting quickly will help ensure safer driving during your expat experience in Thailand in 2025.

Fines and penalties for violations

Fines in Thailand are often paid on the spot. Police usually issue a ticket. Penalties can be high for certain offences.

Violation	Fine (THB)	Details
Speeding	500 – 1,000	Radar checks common; higher fines for 41+ km/h over limit
No Seat Belt	500	Required for all occupants
No Driving Licence	500 – 2,000	Must carry a valid licence
Drink Driving	Up to 20,000	Strict BAC limit: 0.05%
Illegal Parking	200 – 500	Towing possible in Bangkok
Running Red Light	1,000	Cameras used at some junctions
Using Mobile While Driving	400 – 1,000	Hands-free required
Failure to Wear Motorcycle Helmet	500	Applies to rider and passenger
No Insurance	Up to 10,000	Minimum “Por Ror Bor” compulsory

Quick payment often reduces the fine. Fines and penalties can change, so always check current rules. Traffic stops lead to direct interaction with police, which is covered in the next section.