Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
DRIVING
This guide to driving in Phuket highlights a few things about road sense and manners. Do plan in advance if you're thinking of renting a car or motorcycle to get around the island. You need a driver's licence, but your national licence isn't valid in Thailand.
You're required to carry an international licence for the type of vehicle you plan to rent.
Rent your car or motorbike from reputable companies if you want to avoid unnecessary drama during your holiday. This can be a bit of a problem with motorcycles as they're often offered by small outfits with no international (or even national) reputation.
Daily rates cost from 140 baht for a standard motorbike, while a car starts from 1,000 baht (depending on the model).
Don'ts for driving in Phuket
Don’t ride a motorbike with your shirt off as it's considered indecent exposure under Thai law. It probably won’t be a problem if you're driving within the beach areas, but it’s a different matter in Phuket Town or parts of the island that are away from the seaside.
The police may stop you, tell you to put your shirt on, and possibly fine you 500 baht. Thais are generally modest people, so if you ride past a school or explore a market half-naked, you're going to be regarded as ignorant.
Don’t ride a motorbike if you don't have experience. Driving in Phuket is much more challenging than your home country. There are bikes with automatic gears, which might make you think it’s easy. The real problem lies with other road users, as they're infamous for rather reckless driving manners.
Don’t copy the locals. Many Thais ignore the rules of the road, like not wearing helmets when riding motorcycles. That’s no reason for you to take risks with your safety. If you ride without a helmet, there's a good chance the police will stop and issue you a fine.
We drive on the left side of the road in Thailand. You will see the locals driving on the right when they think it’s convenient, but it’s dangerous and illegal. Stay on the left, drive slowly, and be aware of drivers coming from all directions.
Good to know about driving in Phuket
Petrol stations
Petrol stations in Thailand typically open from 8am to 9pm. The Shell petrol station opposite Wat Mongkol Nimit stays open 24 hours a day. There are a few that offer fuel until 10pm or midnight. It’s best to make sure to keep your tank full so that you won't need to spend hours pushing your bike back to your hotel.
Roadside fuel vendors
You’ll see vendors with small booths selling petrol at the roadside, pumping by hand from barrels or selling it by the bottle. These are not recommended unless it's an emergency as the fuel may be substandard or adulterated. You could find yourself facing a hefty bill from the motorbike rental shop to pay a complete overhaul of the engine.
Fuel prices
The average fuel price per litre starts from 25 baht for diesel, 30 baht for 91-octane petrol and 35 baht for 95-octane gasohol. Your car or bike rental shop will usually tell you which the type of fuel to use.
Insurance for bikes
Make sure you get as much insurance coverage as possible. For bikes, this is likely to be '3-party only', which means the insurance only covers damage towards other people and property. You'll need to pay for your hospital bills or the cost of repair.
Get a driving licence in Phuket
If you wish to drive in Thailand you need to get Thai driving license. it is illegal to drive in Thailand without a valid driving license. In case of an accident while driving without a valid driving license, your vehicle insurance will be invalidated.
International driving licences are accepted for only 90 days. if you intend to live longer than that in Phuket, you will need to get a Thai driving license.
To get a Thai driving license, and in case you have a valid international driving licence from your home country, you won’t need to pass the driving test. you will only be required to watch a video and do some physical and practical tests.
Required documents:
- Passport with non-immigrant visa
- Certificate of residence that you can get from your embassy or from the immigration in Phuket to confirm your address.
- Health certificate
- International driving license or national driving license (not all countries are eligible)
The process of getting a Thai driving licence takes about half a day. You must submit your papers with land and transport department before 08.30 am. You will be then required to to sit and watch an educational video, take a written exam on computer and do some physical and practical tests (eyes, breaking action). If you don’t have a license from your country, you will have to bust a practical driving test in the afternoon.
Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office
Address : 42/1 Rattankosin Song Roy Pee Road, Taladnua, Muang, Phuket 83000
Tel: +6676214930
Email : info@phuketlandtransport.th.org
CAR SERVICING
For simple car servicing in Phuket, you can take your vehicle to one of the many branches of B-Quick around the island.
As experts in services and maintenance for tyres, brake system maintenance, batteries, shock absorbers, car suspension, air conditioning systems, and oil change, B-Quik is the new car lovers’ choices.
At all of our branches, we offer full services from professionally trained mechanics who are specialists in their respective fields. Our mechanics are on hand to give you advice, provide services using the latest hi-tech equipment and stock the best quality parts – all at the same price in every single branch.
CAR REPAIRS
If you are looking for more complex car servicing or repairs , then look no further than AC Auto Phuket who are an English speaking garage in the south of the island.
The team with over 8 years of experience in Russia and now in Phuket provides high-quality repair and maintenance of any complexity in a short time with a complete solution to the issue.
CAR INSURANCE
Why is car insurance important to have in Thailand? With over 60,000 incidents reported each year, no matter how carefully you drive, you are always at risk of being involved in one. Luckily, just over a dozen insurance companies offer a variety of car insurance options providing the necessary coverages.
- There are 3 options when choosing car insurance, It can be either type 1, 2 or 3.
- Car insurance offers basic coverage such as theft, third party property damage, accidents, medical costs, fire or flood, collision coverage, and personal injuries.
- Add-ons, pay-per-use, excess, no-claim bonus, deductible, and driver specification are some of the factors that can influence insurance costs to rise or go down.
What Are Your Car Insurance Options In Thailand?
You have two options when it comes to car insurance in Thailand. These include Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance and Private Insurance. All cars and motorcycles registered in Thailand are required to have Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance, which is more commonly known as Por Ror Bor.
Compulsory Third-Party Car Insurance (CTPL)
Also known as Por Ror Bor, CTPL is a type of insurance mandated by law for all vehicles in Thailand. It only provides basic coverage on injury and death caused by accident. You also need to renew it annually through the Department of Land Transportation, car insurance companies, or a third-party agent. It is normally bought in conjunction with the payment of an annual car tax.
Private Car Insurance
Private car insurance is much more flexible than CTPL, and it provides more coverage. Even the most basic policy includes coverage for third-party property. There are five types of private car insurance in Thailand, categorized using the numbers 1, 2+, 2, 3+, and 3.
Accidents, theft, and third-party property damage are all covered by Type 1 insurance, which is the most expensive. In contrast, type 3 insurance is the most affordable option, but it provides the least coverage.