Is hitchhiking common in Thailand and what is the experience like?

Question

This definitely comes under "anything else " I have just spent the last few weeks touring the country by car, I started thinking about hitchhikers and the fact that I hadn't seen any, so I checked T'internet thinking maybe it's illegal or too dangerous, but no, according to Mr Google it's commonplace in the Kingdom and lots of people do it, in 4000 km that hasn't been my experience, so what is the situation?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The conversation discusses the phenomenon of hitchhiking in Thailand. While some users mention that hitchhiking is not illegal and share anecdotes of having seen few hitchhikers, others express concerns about safety and the cultural differences in perception towards hitchhikers. Many expats noted they hardly see locals hitchhiking, attributing it to the availability of cheap public transport, language barriers, and a cultural taboo against walking long distances. Overall, experiences vary widely, with adventures and safety concerns highlighted.

Nick ************ · Answer

Put them in the truck load space.

Jody ******* · Answer

I've hitched a lot in Thailand & most of SouthEast Asia + many other countries. In SE Asia it's not about saving money, it's about saving time. You meet a lot of interesting people. Thais say it's very dangerous to do it in Thailand, so it's not for everybody.

Here's an example:

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Here's an example:

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Carsten ********** · Answer

Saw only some foreign backpacker trying to get a ride. I guess mist This would not know what waving thump could mean. However, I have often take local people with me when they asked me if it was going there and if they could join. Traveling/wandering Monks are also sometimes happy to get a ride and come with some blessings.

Kool ******* · Answer

Buses are dirt cheap so no one hitchhikes. There's also the language barriers.

James ******** · Answer

I hitched around north Malaysia in 1981 and did it for a bit in southern Thailand too , but back them you didn’t meet many people who spoke English in the countryside and my Thai was minimal ….. so stopped .    Did it again in wet season ‘82 in C Rai ….. got lifts everywhere as it happens ! Good times

David ******* · Answer

even the poorest of the poor have a motorbike and Thai don't like to walk it's taboo

Sarick ********** · Answer

If you pick up a person smuggling illegal drugs, drivers are busted too.

Tímea ****** · Answer

I hitchhiked quite some part but some part it's very difficult and only locals help no tourists.

Locals said to me it's because they cannot communicate in English with us . 😉The people who hitchhike they cannot afford public transportation

Frank ********** · Answer

I will never stop for a hitchhikers, too dangerous in today's world.

Fra ***** · Answer

I tried it in the south when my bike broke down , ended up walking 20km , no one stops for a stupid farang , they are scared or just insecure or do not understand the concept , but many stopped and try to sell me their taxi service , farang that does not pay is cheap , or mad  by local point of view

John ********** · Answer

In 7 years I think I've seen 2, both farangs. Thais assume they don't have any money but will pick them up.

Is hitchhiking common in Thailand and what is the experience like?

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