Safety: Road Conditions and Road Hazards
Traffic moves on the left in Thailand, although motorcycles and motorized carts often drive (illegally) against the traffic flow. Traffic in Bangkok is a major safety problem with a mixture of motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, and three-wheeled tuk-tuks. Accidents, involving pedestrians and vehicles, are the greatest safety/security concern for visitors. Accidents involving motorcycles can be particularly deadly.
Motorcycles tend to weave in and out of traffic and the skill and proficiency of these drivers is poor. Motorcycle-related deaths in Bangkok are a daily occurrence and the use of motorcycle taxis is not recommended. The embassy has sent a notice to Embassy staff and family members strongly recommending that they refrain from using motorcycles (especially motorcycle taxis), mopeds, and tuk-tuks in Bangkok. Buses and taxis are abundant and generally safe. In addition, both the over ground Skytrain and underground subway (MRT) are clean and safe and are recommended to save time and prevent frustration regarding Bangkok's notorious traffic conditions.
For safety, pedestrians are encouraged to utilize overhead walkways/pedestrian bridges whenever possible, especially in metropolitan Bangkok. Pedestrians should look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green "walk" light illuminated.
American citizen motorists should consider that it is customary during a traffic accident in Thailand for the more affluent driver, even if not at fault, to be compelled to pay the expenses of the other party. Thai police authorities determine fault in accidents and frequently, for major accidents, those involved are brought to the local police station where senior officers will discuss the accident with those involved, including drivers, insurance representatives, and the police officers in an effort to determine where the fault lies.
The accident rate in Thailand is particularly high during long holidays when alcohol use and traffic are both heavier than normal. During the Songkran (Thai New Year) holiday in April, the problem is further exacerbated by people throwing water at passing vehicles as part of the traditional celebration.
Paved roads, many of them four lanes wide, connect Thailand's major cities. On the country's numerous two-lane roads, however, slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws is common in all regions of Thailand, as is the consumption by commercial drivers of alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants. Serious bus crashes occur frequently, especially on overnight trips, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention.
