Thailand: Traffic Safety – What You Should Know

Accident

First of all: Even if it’s tempting to hop on a scooter in Thailand without a license – I strongly advise against it. Your health comes first! While you might “only” face a fine and be allowed to continue after a police check, the risk of an accident is many times higher than in your home country.

Unfortunately, Thailand is not among the safest countries when it comes to road traffic. Accident rates are high, and many tourists underestimate the chaos on the roads. Wearing a helmet, driving defensively and having an international driver’s license are an absolute must if you plan to drive here.

Three Examples from Khao Lak – Observed on May 10, 2025 (within 45 minutes before 8 a.m.)

• Reckless car driver speeding through a red light at an intersection, narrowly missing a scooter.

• Overloaded pickup truck racing down the main road, clearing its path with thick black exhaust fumes.

• Scooter accident at a U-turn, luckily with no serious injuries.

These incidents show: Traffic here can be unpredictable, even early in the morning.

My Conclusion & Safety Tips about Thailand and Safety

• Don’t trust traffic lights! Neither red nor green guarantees you safe passage. Always double- and triple-check before crossing.

• Pedestrian lights are no guarantee: A serious accident happened at one of the newly built crossings just a few weeks ago.

• Zebra crossings are often ignored: Many drivers don’t stop for pedestrians.

• The main road through Khao Lak is highway-like – and unfortunately driven like one.

My advice to improve Thailand and Safety during your vacation: Drive defensively, follow the rules, always wear a helmet, and walk a bit farther to cross safely. That way you can enjoy your vacation without unnecessary risks.

Stay safe – I’ll keep you updated!

Stephan Werner from Khao Lak

Note: Some of our articles are created with the support of modern AI tools – however, every line is personally reviewed, enriched and adapted by us. This way, we combine technology with real on-site experience.