Answered3 years ago
Should I buy a car or rely on taxis and public transport in Surin Province, Thailand?
Buy a car or rely on taxis and public transport, in Surin Province? Thoughts please 🤔
Answer summary
The decision to buy a car or rely on taxis and public transport in Surin Province depends on various factors such as location, personal needs, financial circumstances, and lifestyle. Many commenters suggest using motorbikes or bicycles in small towns while emphasizing the safety concerns associated with them. For those living in rural areas or planning to travel to bigger cities, owning a car is often advisable due to limited public transportation options. Some argue that in busy areas like Bangkok, public transport suffices, while others highlight the benefits of car ownership for comfort and convenience during rainy seasons.
103 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Geoff *************
Walk
Amanda ********
OPI have checked public transport where I'd be staying, but there doesn't seem to be any. 😒
Amanda ********
OP@Geoff ************
I wish I could, my arthritis means I can only walk about a mile and the church is 30 miles away. 🫣....by the time I got there, it woukd be the following week. 🫢 I wouldn't feel safe on a moped. I would rather hire a car or even a tuktuk.
Ajarn *******
@Kevin *********
those wheels ghave more character than anything new hitting the road today, and freaking cool!
Aad *******************
Buy a taxi .. then you have both 😜
Vitico ********
Depends. If you are in a small village in Surin and never leave the village a bicycle may be enough. If you only go to nearby villages and occasionally to the nearest brick and concrete town then a scooter(motorbike) may be enough. If you go to the city or a big supermarket regularly then get your own car. Even in the city of Surin I have not seen any real taxis or regular bus routes like in Bangkok so when you need a car anywhere in Surin you will probably have to ask a neighbor for help as there isn’t alot of public transportation like Bangkok where you don’t need your own car at all.
Amanda ********
OP@Vitico *******
thank you, really useful. I have looked up the nearest Catholic Church with an English service is 45km away. I do want to be proactive in meeting people and getting out and about.
John *******
Roads in and around Surin are generally good but go out from the major towns and you'll likely encounter roads with potholes, so if you're travelling a bit then a car or jeep type of vehicle is needed. Mitsubishi Tritons/Toyota Hilux are plentiful
Barry ********
@John ******
thanks John for the adviceAmanda ********
OP@John ******
thanks, can I lease one?John *******
@Amanda *******
I'm sure you can. Google rental cars and you're bound to find one in Surin.
Kevin ********
I'm not driving in Pattaya!
Barry ********
Do they have Bolt in Surin does anybody no. I live in Pattaya and we have it
Chris *********
Can anyone confirm a report I saw today that Britain and Thailand have agreed to waive visas for residents of their own country to visit the other country
Andy **********
Looks like David Cameron is doing the right thing. UK and Thailand are now in discussion about bilaterally waiving visa requirements, probably for holiday visits. Its just the start of a discussion, and Lord Cameron may no longer be in government by the time they conclude. The intent is there from both sides.
**********************************************************************
*****
7Amanda ********
OP@Chris ********
that would be lovely if it were trueChris *********
@Amanda *******
agreed
Luc ************
Surin? Get a car.
Nick ************
Depends entirely on where you live and how much you want to travel.
Alan **********
If you have cash buy a car for sure
Steve **********
Grab, Uber, In Driver...no parking, licence, insur, maintenance, etc works 90+% of time for me.
If need be rent as needed, or hire driver with car.
If need be rent as needed, or hire driver with car.
Kel *******
Depends on how long you are staying,if retiring there than a car and bike ,if it’s just a holiday than bike only and also depends on where you stay as well . A bike would be cheaper in the long run
Richard ********
Grab very convenient and cheap, depending on where you live.
Edward ******
I am from USA...that should answer the question.
David ******
Mate, I happily bought a car.
Philip **********
If bkk then no need for own transport. In small village own transport essential.
Kratos ******
Motorbike
Alford *****
I had the same question when I first arrived Bangkok 3 months ago. I assume you will be in same city. I now have a used car and scooter (155cc) for the reasons that many condos comes with a parking lot, getting a parking everywhere is easy, cheap or free; traffic jam is bad but driving behaviour here is better even than Canada; BTS / MRT network is not deep reaching so you occasionally have to pop to another mode of transport to get to places or limit your activity radius and in the end it takes same time or longer to get to places compared to driving; and finally it is just so damn hot, walking a lot or driving in a chilled environment? Your choice. I am not talking about needs, just wants.
Chris *****
If you are a woman, you can hitch-hike for free. We men are desperate here 😄🌴☀️🙏
Ricky ********
Truck with a motorbike in the back.
Mark ************
Too many unknown variables to consider to provide an answer.
Brian *********
Subjective and situational.
Simplest answer is, what do you need?
I live where a grab car won’t come but a scooter takes care of most of my needs. I live alone. No kids no animals. No need for a 4 wheeled box.
Simplest answer is, what do you need?
I live where a grab car won’t come but a scooter takes care of most of my needs. I live alone. No kids no animals. No need for a 4 wheeled box.
Marty *********
I lived in Phra Khanong, Bangkok for 6 years and did not need a car. I used the BTS/MRT, taxis, motorbike taxis, and Grab. Occasionally we rented a car for excursions. We moved to Sisaket province in 2023. There is no public transportation out here. I bought a Honda CRV. I loved not having a car in BKK but I really love the freedom of having a car now that I am outside of BKK. I’ve got a motorbike here in the countryside for short excursions. Motorbike accidents are common everywhere in Thailand. My wife’s daughter got in an accident a couple of weeks ago. I see accidents pretty regularly.
Jae *******
Depends where you are and what you do?? BKK or Chiang Rai, for example?
Neil ********
Depends. You need to be specific about your needs
I have done
I have done
*****
km in one year so a car very useful to go anywhere and girlfriend uses the motorbike to run to the markets all the time as it’s time efficient.Kevin **********
And a 2012 Toyota Hilux 4x4 diesel truck.
Kevin **********
Here it is. We upgraded the suspension using an Aussie kit and it makes a big difference in the ride.
Kevin **********
This
Amanda ********
OP@Kevin *********
on a serious note, this sort of thing could be perfect. Whats is it called? How much does it cost to buy/run? Insurance costs? Can you get something similar but without the open-top truck on the back?Philip **********
@Kevin *********
I bought one of these. I was only visiting the family for 3 months and they suggested perhaps I buy one of these. For their use I suspect it was a waste of money, too noisy, too slow, too uncomfortable. But I loved it. 50km flat out on the straight I stayed on the main left lane not the slow left lane until I could see someone traveling too fast behind me. How much are they now. I can't remember how much I paid, could be 30,000 baht 14 years ago.Kevin **********
@Philip *********
it was a wedding present from my sister in law. She has had it for a while so not sure what the price would be now. It's made in China. I only putted around the village and property with it. I never took it on the main road which is highway 24 which is way beyond my skill level
Jeffrey ************
Depends where you are....
NA'Ahulelua *********
If you intend to live in BKK, the traffic is one of the worst in the world.
Michael ********
You need a car if you play golf all year round, I was advised many years ago, in Thailand buy a car rent a propertybecause you will never own freehold anyway, but it depends on your individual circumstances.
Marc *********
Depends on your financial circumstances
Nicholas ************
WTF has this to do with visa advice .
Richard ********
@Nicholas ***********
WTF can't you read the full title of this group?
Robert *****
We live in Bangkok. We walk, we taxi, we use the BTS.
Ken ********
Where are you staying is the big factor
Bobby *********
🚲
Jet ********
If you want your own thing, buy a scooter
Jet ********
Public transport is cheap car expensive
Lincoln *******
Traffic is just so bad, live near the bts somewhere and grab for anything beyond that. There are also great services available for further trips like huahin etc.
Though with a surname like yours you may prefer a car 😅
Though with a surname like yours you may prefer a car 😅
Danny *******
I have a car. Motorcycle related deaths are some of the highest in the world.
Michael ***********
@Danny ******
25 deaths ?Danny *******
@Michael **********
I didn't say that Robert Eeg did.Danny *******
@Michael **********
I’ve lived in Thailand with a car for 15 years but would never try driving in Bangkok! 😬Michael ***********
@Danny ******
i’m not doubting you, just surprised at the high number. I’ve been to Bangkok many times, wd never ever think about driving myself! LolRobert *****
@Michael **********
Correct. Drive In Bangkok and you’ll see why.Robert *****
@Danny ******
25 a day in Bangkok.
Michael ********
@Robert ****
show the figures please would be headline news if there were 175 deaths a week from motorcycle acvidents in Bangkok
Jeff *******
@Danny ******
74.4% of all traffic deaths in Thailand are motorcycle related. On the other hand they are so handy and fun.
Kool *******
@Jeff ******
don't forget that over half of those involve alcohol. When cars and motorbikes interact together injury, and death happen. Percentage wise Bangkok is very low in those numbers compared to rural Thailand.Danny *******
@Kool ******
Cars are still safer and better for longer trips and have roofs for the rainy seasons.Jon ********
Been here 10 years, never owned a car. Use motorbikes and Bolt. It is a little bit of a pain in the rainy season. Unless you have a business why own a car?
Ulrik *********
@Jon *******
some of us value our life and the lives of our children. No chance in hell that I'll ever drive around with my daughter on a motorbike.Jon ********
@Ulrik ********
why such anger? It’s an optionUlrik *********
@Jon *******
Same to you 🤡Jon ********
@Ulrik ********
there are plenty of others you can go argue with. Have a great day slick. lol 😂Ulrik *********
@Jon *******
Do you know any expats, that go with Bolt/taxi every time they leave the house with their kids? Whatever you do in your daily life is of no concern to me. I have voiced my opinion, and you don't have to agree.
Jon ********
@Ulrik ********
bolt doesUlrik *********
Jon ********
@Ulrik ********
ever hear of a school bus?Ulrik *********
@Jon *******
Driving with kids on bikes is a subject that angers me.
I see it every day, and every day I sit in my car and swear at foreigners who clearly have no control over the bike, but still choose to drive with kids. (usually all with no helmet)
Used cars are not expensive, and most of us can buy one if we want. So why take the risk, and put the lives of ourselves and our kids in danger.
Daniel *******
@Jon *******
Why call him out when 3 comments above the poster is being called a fool?
Gregg *************
Or bicycle in small towns
Gregg *************
Motorcycle fool
Stuart *********
You may want to specify where you are meaning. I’m assuming by posting in this group that you mean Thailand, but where? It’s a huge country.
Amanda ********
OP@Stuart ********
Surin RegionKool *******
@Amanda *******
in Surin get a car, as public transport is limited.Andy **********
@Amanda *******
Buriram is not an international airport. BKK has the veterinary receiving facilities, but after that, the animal can go on any domestic flight, in the hold.Amanda ********
OP@Andy *********
thanks, but I have to fly to Bangkok as I'm coming in with my dog. Only certain airports allow tou to fly in with a pet.Andy **********
@Amanda *******
suggest flying to buriram, then it's an easy drive from there to Surin.Amanda ********
OP@Andy *********
thanks. I think from Bangkok to Surin I'll get a driver with a car but longer term, perhaps rent. All advice is appreciated.Andy **********
@Amanda *******
Cars are expensive to buy. 100,000 Bht gets you pretty much a wreck, or a Fiesta with an autobox about to fail (no one wants them! 170,000 for new clutch!). Yes, my car in Thailand is a 2014 Fiesta, 90,000 bht with 80k kms on it, and a roof full of filler. Wife chose it against my better wishes, because it belonged to a friend etc etc. Rentals from Buriram airport are about 700 a day for something like a Yaris. Rentals which are not new (1-2 years old) are cheaper. Get a Thai person to sort it out. My wife sorted out a rental when we spent a week in Sikhoraphum. Rental lady picked us up from the airport, didn't even want to see my licence, so I'm sure insurance was iffy, but it was a brand new car. Roads are good (but there is construction going on), but most of the rental cars have tinted film on the glass, making it terrible at night. Lot of drunk drivers.Stuart *********
@Amanda *******
No quite sure what you mean by unusual. It’s the norm. A visa is valid for X number of days from issue. That means you have to use it within those amount of days. Depending on the visa type you will need to stamped in for Y number of days.Amanda ********
OP@Stuart ********
yes, so I read, very unusual.Stuart *********
@Amanda *******
Many visas have a validity date for 90 days. That means they are to be used within the 90 days from issue. That has no bearing on the days that you would be stamped in for once you use the visa.Amanda ********
OP@Stuart ********
yes, it is called a 90 day visa on the website because ot lasts 90 days but you can only actually remain in the country for 60? ?? 😕 I have never experienced this before.Stuart *********
@Amanda *******
besides the point that there is no 90 day tourist visa (I’m assuming you are meaning 60 days + 30 day extension) then there is no reason you cannot buy a car and register it in your name. It’s only Bangkok that restrict residence certificates from immigration unless you have a long term visa and haven’t done a 90 day report.Amanda ********
OPCan I get a lease car and would that be cheaper?
Amanda ********
OP@Kool ******
unfortunately cannot buy a car in my name with a 90 day tourist visa. 😞Activity
53 joined53
people
Related
25Can I find a condo for a one-year lease in Jomtien within five days?
2.3k231710d
What should I know about moving to Thailand on a retirement visa?
10.5k901203mo
What type of Thai visa should I apply for if I have rental income and don't want to work or study?
6.4k271425mo
How much money do I need to retire comfortably in Thailand?
10.2k492105mo
What are the best options for expats to meet Thailand's retirement visa financial requirements without tying up 800,000 baht?
25k1683987mo
Which country should I choose to move to: Thailand or Ecuador?
4k26441y
What should I do with my International Drivers License upon arriving in Thailand to avoid fines at checkpoints?
1.5k1141y
What are the options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without the required funds?
10.4k891071y
What type of visa do I need to live in Thailand for a year, and how much money do I need?
12.7k762151y
What are some budget-friendly hotel options in Bangkok near MRT and BTS?
3.1k22141y
What are the best health and travel insurance options for a 6-month stay in Thailand?
12k1071002y
Can I live in Thailand on the Australian Aged Pension, and what are the living costs like?
30.1k2432352y
What should I expect on my first trip to Thailand, including transportation, money, food, and accommodation tips?
6.3k59352y
How much should I budget for living costs in Chiang Mai, Thailand for my wife and me?
18.7k1111802y
What are the options for owning or renting a car in Thailand when living there part-time?
4k22423y
Is there a website where I can find bus schedules across Thailand?
1k643y
What should expats consider when buying or renting a car in Thailand?
1.4k7103y
Is it worth hiring a car in Phuket or is public transport sufficient?
1.9k953y
Is it cheaper to hire a driver or own a car in Thailand for occasional travel?
7.1k52774y
What are the main reasons people choose to travel to Thailand?
25.9k2093014y
What are some good options for renting a condo in Thailand with a budget of 15k-20k on a 1-year lease?
3.8k35234y
Is it easy to travel around Thailand with suitcases while visiting Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui, and is it worth renting a car?
2.4k2294y
Is Grab taxi safe in Thailand? What are the recommendations?
7.4k50404y
Is the Thailand Elite Visa still a good long-term option for expats?
16.1k1311885y
What are the costs and options for insurance, including funeral insurance, in Thailand?
2.9k23145y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served