Helpful tips and advices for safe driving in Phuket

Phuket Island is the pearl of the Kingdom of Thailand, a sunny island with immaculate beaches and breathtaking views. Traveling through this tropical paradise by car can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires special attention to road conditions and local driving regulations. For those planning to rent a car in Phuket, we've prepared some helpful tips for a safe and enjoyable drive. Let's look at the key points that will help you experience the island's magnificent spirit while avoiding unnecessary worries and problems on the road.

Even though Thailand is a signatory to the Vienna Convention, police always ask for an International Driving Permit in Phuket. Failure to do so is subject to a fine, typically 500 baht. A Thai driver's license is not mandatory, but you can obtain one even with a tourist visa. However, this process can take several weeks. If you plan to stay on the island for several months, you'll have plenty of time to prepare.

The first thing you should do before renting a car in Thailand is to research the reputation of the company you plan to rent from. There's a huge selection of rental companies in the resort, from large international chains to small local businesses and private owners. You can book a car online or visit the rental company's office. Be especially careful with the latter, as they are not legal entities and likely won't provide a rental agreement. Therefore, in the event of a dispute, you won't be legally protected. It will simply be a dispute between two individuals. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of the contract: what is your liability in the event of an accident or any damage to the car; is the vehicle insured; and what kind of deposit is required—passport or cash. By the way, confiscating documents is illegal, so if your rental company asks for your passport as collateral, it indicates their lack of trustworthiness and dishonest business practices. There are also tourists who, on the contrary, prefer to leave their passport as a deposit—they say they're afraid they won't get their money back when they return the car—but they don't realize they're falling into a trap and will agree to any terms from the rental company just to get their important document back. This is especially true when the vehicle is returned at the airport and there's limited time before departure to resolve the dispute. 

Another important factor is the car's condition. Inspect the car and document any scratches and damage, both exterior and interior, to avoid being held responsible for them upon return. We recommend taking photos and videos before renting: this will provide evidence of the car's condition before use. Ask the owner what to do in the event of an accident: who to call and what to do if an accident occurs in Thailand .

Phuket follows standard traffic rules, but there are some peculiarities that you simply need to get used to and adapt to for safe driving. One of them is the numerous scooters that move very erratically. It's always worth being aware of them and double-checking before making a maneuver. Remember that driving in the country is on the left, overtaking is permitted only on the right, and headlights are required at night. Also, make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts. At traffic lights, look both ways, especially at oncoming traffic. Some drivers may drive without observing the rules or run red lights. We recommend always waiting until it's safe to do so and not rushing to accelerate immediately after the light turns green. Be aware of scooters; they can enter your blind spot.

Another important point: children riding scooters. In the Land of Smiles, locals have been riding motobikes practically since they were babies. You'll often encounter drivers aged 10-12, even though the legal age to drive a motorbike is 15, but the police don't really enforce this. They ride without helmets, race each other, and drive recklessly, as if they were in a video game—be extremely careful.

The island's road infrastructure varies widely, from straight highways to narrow, winding roads that pass through villages and dense forests. The main road, running from the bridge to its southernmost point, is wide and multi-lane. There's also a mountain serpentine road that runs along almost all the beaches. Cars and motorbikes are plentiful. During rush hour, in the morning when everyone heads to work and in the evening when everyone returns home, serious traffic jams form. Everyone drives fast, despite speed limits and security cameras. In cities and densely populated areas, the speed limit is up to 60 km/h, and on major roads, up to 100 km/h. Be especially careful on turns and when encountering motorcyclists and cyclists.

Scooter drivers create chaos on the road, failing to use their turn signals or, conversely, leaving them on after maneuvering, which confuses other road users. They exit secondary roads without looking both ways, drive on the wrong side of the road because it's shorter, overtake, and weave between cars. All of this can make driving difficult for an inexperienced driver.

Our advice: first, observe the local driving style, learn about drivers and how to drive in Thailand , and only then get behind the wheel. Observe the speed limit and don't speed so you have time to brake and avoid an accident. There's no such thing as a "safe distance" in Thailand. You might be driving in traffic, with cars right next to each other. As soon as a gap opens, someone inevitably cuts in. You need to be extremely focused to brake quickly and avoid hitting the car in front.

Before you set off, research your route; fortunately, there are now maps that don't require an internet connection. Phuket may have narrow roads or restricted areas, so planning your route in advance will help avoid unnecessary problems. Pay attention to traffic conditions to avoid getting stuck in traffic and wasting precious vacation time. Congestion is typically heaviest between 8:00 and 10:00 and between 16:00 and 19:00.

Park only in official parking lots marked with the letter "P" or a car sign, or in other permitted areas. Don't leave valuables visible in your car, as this may attract the attention of undesirable individuals. Pay attention to the color of sidewalks and parking signs. Parking near curbs painted red, white, or yellow, is prohibited. It's also strongly recommended not to park in taxi spots. Taxi drivers don't like being occupied and can easily damage other vehicles. If you plan to rent a car in Phuket , check with your hotel in advance to see if they have private parking. If not, you can arrange for a nearby hotel to park for an additional fee. We don't recommend simply "ditching" your vehicle on the sidewalk. It could be hit, scratched, and driven away, and you'll be held accountable to the rental company. If the street is busy and narrow, it's best to drive to the nearest shopping center and leave it there. Yes, parking may be paid, but at least you'll be sure that your car and wallet won't be damaged.

Drinking alcohol while driving

In Thailand, the legal blood alcohol level is up to 0.5 ppm, which is about the same as one bottle of beer. However, alcohol affects everyone differently. For some, drinking a bottle of beer is like drinking water, while for others, it can affect attention and concentration. We advise against drinking any amount. Moreover, insurance will not work if you've been drinking. Every evening, police set up ambushes specifically for those who drive drunk after a fun night out at a bar. The penalty for drunk driving is up to a year in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or a license suspension from six months to life. You can usually negotiate with the police officer on the spot or at the police station.

There are few gas stations on the island, mostly located on the main roads in the center of the island. They are rarely found in beach areas, so pay attention to your fuel level before a long trip. Gas stations in Phuket are open until late in the evening, and there are no 24-hour stations. Gasoline in Thailand comes in the following grades: 91, 95, E20, and diesel. There are also gasoline and gasohol. The former is the familiar gasoline, while the latter is a mixture of alcohol and pure gasoline. Most people use the latter, and it is available at most gas stations in Phuket and throughout Thailand. E20 is the same blend, but based on a special formula developed by the royal family. This fuel is more environmentally friendly. The fuel cap usually indicates which option to use, making the choice much easier. Manufacturers often specify E20 on new cars. For more information, see the article: Gasohol in Phuket.

Along the roads, you may see stands selling bottled gasoline. It's best not to buy it. The quality is questionable and you could damage the engine.

Driving in Phuket can be an exciting and safe adventure if you follow the basic rules and recommendations. Remember to be responsible to yourself and others on the road, and enjoy every moment of your journey through this amazing Thai island.