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What is the right of way rule at roundabouts in Thailand?
Jun 30, 2020
6 years ago
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAway from visa advice. Nearly had a motor accident today! And not for the first time! Roundabouts in Thailand what is the law about who has right of way? Is there one?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion highlights confusion and anecdotal experiences related to the right of way at roundabouts in Thailand. While some commenters assert that traffic on the roundabout has the right of way, frequent accidents and differing personal experiences suggest that many drivers, particularly locals, do not adhere to this rule. There is a general consensus that larger vehicles tend to have de facto right of way. The comments reflect frustration with the inconsistency of traffic law enforcement and general driving behavior in Thailand.
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Ralle ******
Farang loost sure
If you not came to Thailand you not haf an accident, this shit speak me one Officer
If you not came to Thailand you not haf an accident, this shit speak me one Officer
Terary **********
"... in Thailand what is the law..." hAHAHAHAH
Colin ******
Like stop signs, Thais do not obey road law as this despite Thai road law being equal to that in western countries.. It all gets back to little or no enforcement..
Noel *****************
You should know by now no laws in Thailand
Steve **********
Haha "right of way" ha
Steve **********
First come first go... unless
Billy *******
@Steve *********
oh snap you're right! LMFFMOReply to
Billy *******
Reply
Andy *****
Drive with flow of traffic and go on roundabout slowly and safely. Dont rush into roundabouts. Thailand is very easy to drive. Idk what everyone is going on about. It's not like Cambodia or vietnam or the Philippines. Compared to those countries thailand roads are very ok.
Reiner *********
Well DO you have a driving licence? ....
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Reiner ********
yes Thai and UK!! Reply to
Anthony ********
Reply
Gordon *********
You forgot the fleas on the dogs
James **************
Not many roundabouts in thailand, so they just drive right in through like its a road....
Estefania ************
The strongest / biggest vehicle that may hurt you the most has automatically right of way, especially when you are on a motorbike.
Nick ************
On approaching a roundabout in Thailand grit your teeth, close your eyes and step on the gas. Its worked so far!
Nick ************
I jest?
Reply to
Nick ************
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Grant ******
He who dares wins just go for it
Bob *********
Its simple, you give way to whoever has the 'right of way'.
You always have the 'right of way' and so does the other drivers.
You always have the 'right of way' and so does the other drivers.
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI've just asked a group of Thai friends eating dinner! All gave different answers 555! In fact I think there's gonna be a big fight soon 555!!
Michael ********
Hey the Thai word for roundabout is wong wee Ann and nobody understands, I would say might is right, be careful ha ha
Mark *******
The law is you give way to the vehicles to the right (i.e. vehicles in the roundabout). But Thai's either don't know this rule (if they even have a license) or care to ignore it. I find if they're going 'straight' they just go regardless of whether you're in the roundabout or not. So keep these in mind:
1) you're the foreigner so regardless whether you're in the legal right or not, you're in the wrong.
2) approach any roundabout like it's a regular road intersection with no stop signs or traffic lights.
1) you're the foreigner so regardless whether you're in the legal right or not, you're in the wrong.
2) approach any roundabout like it's a regular road intersection with no stop signs or traffic lights.
Mongkon ***********
In Thailand, it is left lane drive, at roundabouts, give way to vehicles coming from the right. Opposite of China US and France
Chris ************
It will be written on your tombstone: BUT HE KNEW THE LAW AND WAS RIGHT
Shayne **********
One roundabout, many laws! Never have an accident at a roundabout!
Monti ********
Biggest vehicle wins. No right of way law is followed.
Rob ********
Thai Road traffic Act 1979. Section 73. In the case where any roundabout has installed traffic signals or traffic signs, the driver must follow such traffic signals or traffic signs.
If there is no traffic signal or traffic sign under paragraph one, when a driver arrives at the roundabout, he or she must give way to the driver driving on his or her right side in the roundabout to pass first.
In case the competent official deems it appropriate for safety or traffic convenience, he or she may give traffic signal other than that provided in paragraph one or paragraph two. In this case the drive shall follow the traffic signal given by the competent officia
If there is no traffic signal or traffic sign under paragraph one, when a driver arrives at the roundabout, he or she must give way to the driver driving on his or her right side in the roundabout to pass first.
In case the competent official deems it appropriate for safety or traffic convenience, he or she may give traffic signal other than that provided in paragraph one or paragraph two. In this case the drive shall follow the traffic signal given by the competent officia
Tim *******
You had to Google it 🙄🙏
Rob ********
When driving in Thailand , forget common sense ,forget looking at your mirrors , no need to look over your shoulder when pulling out , helmets waste of money , it’s all about getting from A to B the quickest time possible and cut as many corners as possible doing so because it’s ok, I’ve been blessed so has my bike and car so no problem I’m covered 🤪🤪🙏
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *******
mmm Rob ********
@Anthony *******
basically give way to the right just like any other roundabout in a country where you drive on the left. Took me all of 30 seconds to google it and find the English versionAnthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *******
yeah I guessed that was the correct way by law but I've never seen anyone do it 555!Rob ********
@Anthony *******
oh yeah know one does it because no one knows the rules of the road ..hahaha Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *******
yesterday was coming from the right on to one when a pickup followed by 3 motorbike and a bicycle forced me to stop when I was half way round ha ha luckily I was expecting it 555!Roy ***********
@Anthony *******
When I was just in Thailand, I almost hit somebody stopping on the roundabout to let others go first. Live and learn.Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roy **********
yeah that happens often sometimes I get the feeling they think the traffic from the left has right of way? Rob ********
@Anthony *******
yeah that’s standard mate , annoying as hell. Takes time and experience as a farang to try and predict what actions a Thai motorist is going to do. Reply to
Rob ********
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Paul *********
I've asked several Thai friends, no answer
Billy *******
Chinese drivers have the right away, followed by Mercedes, pedestrians, stray dogs, elephants, drunk drivers, thai people, then fallangs.
Mark *******
You forgot Grab food delivery drivers...they are more important than any of the above including ambulances.
Billy *******
@Mark ******
ok put them after the elephants.Reply to
Billy *******
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Dennis ***********
Brilliant . lol
Reply to
Dennis ***********
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David ***********
I'm bigger than you!!!
Pab ***********
No laws in Thailand. Drive slow and be safe. Give the way to others always 🙏
Rob ********
@Pablo **********
there is driving laws but people either don’t know them or don’t care about them. Driving Too slow is just as dangerous as driving Too fast . If you give way to others always that just confuses the Thais even more haha Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Bob **********
If your in an accident with a Thai it's your fault 😎😎😎
Mark ***********
Just be glad you're not in Vietnam — holy FK, that is insane.
Mark ***********
Rule #1: Don't panic! Just watch the flow and go with it.
Angus *********
Do what others what others do to you , no prob ! Learn to drive Thai
Bobby ********
@Angus ********
. It's easier to learn to speak Thai than drive Thai 🤣Angus *********
@Bobby *******
35+ years of practiceReply to
Angus *********
Reply
Bim *******
@Rob *******
Swindon is the worst place I have ever been too for roundabouts. Dominik ********
Magic cluster fuck more like it
Reply to
Dominik ********
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Ron ******************
Forget who is right and wrong, just slow down keep your eyes open and think not only for yourself but everyone else.
James **************
If you do.not have a camera to record what happens while driving, you will always be blamed.
Your fault or not.
Believe me, had it happen to me twice.
Your fault or not.
Believe me, had it happen to me twice.
Mitchell *******
(Not quite Thailand, but...) A few round a bouts in Bali can take about 10 minutes to get around during rush hour.
Dominik ********
@Mitchell ******
that’s not a roundabout then is it lol. Would be faster to walk.Reply to
Dominik ********
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Nick ************
If you have survived the magic roundabout in Hemel Hempstead you're ok anywhere!
Bobby ********
@Nick ***********
. Could you imagine the average Thai driver on that roundabout? 🤣🤣🤣Nick ************
@Bobby *******
there would be a pileup.Reply to
Nick ************
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Oliver ********
luckily thailand's city and town planners seem to be aware that roundabouts are unsuitable for a country with a national average IQ of 91, hence they are rare and are often accompanied by traffic lights. when you do come across one, proceed with caution if you want to avoid damage to your car.
Stan *******
Jesus wept, I've had enough of this berk. He's only upset because he's been proved so woefully ignorant of something he professes to be an 'expert' at. Typical thin-skinned Yank. Off you go, toodle-pip! :-D
Burnard ************
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
stop being so repetitive. It’s a sign of your mediocre IQ, lack of originality and compulsion to brood over trivia. I mean, you really seriously are very dumb. Burnard ************
@Stan ******
There you go againStan *******
@Burnard ***********
Ha, now who’s projecting! Quite the wild imaginer, aren’t you? 😀Quite a clusterfuck inside that head of yours, isn’t it?
There’s none so blind as those who can’t see.
Burnard ************
@Stan ******
Gee, how many abusive labels have you used in all of your post now?I only used one because it fits.
Reply to
Burnard ************
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Stan *******
Who cares?? All I am seeing is someone who doesn't realise just how OCD he is and is obsessing about always being right. You need to up your risperidone.
Burnard ************
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
Ah, the great projection cop-out. Load of old bollocks, as are you. Anyway if being a bigot is a way of pissing off an ignorant Septic snowflake, I'm all for it.
Reply to
Stan *******
Reply
Burnard ************
@Oliver *******
90 IQ is the normal average everywhere. It the normal average IQ. Oliver ********
@Burnard ***********
nonsense. there are huge differences in average IQ in different countries. ************************************************************************
Burnard ************
@Oliver *******
Because they all take different tests and there is so much fakery.My guess is developing countries use the oldest, most standardized tests while the Indutrialized nations use the modern, Kaleidoscope tests.
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
Yes exactly - your guess. No facts, no nothing, just your own assumptions and prejudices. Burnard ************
@Stan ******
It is a fact! There are half a dozen tests that Professionals use. Two major ones. And they change every year so it matters which version and year the clinician is using. Otherwise you cannot compare.BTW, they change it every year so they can sell the newest version to clinicians every year for 2000 to 5000 USD.
Logically, what editions do you think the smaller countries are using?
Oliver ********
@Burnard ***********
the differences are not just between developed and developing countries. there are significant differences between countries within those two groups. if you are a well traveled person and go through the list and think about the countries you've visited and the normal people you've encountered in those countries you will probably agree it makes a lot of sense. it certainly does to me.
Stan *******
@Oliver *******
Exactly. Obviously our unknowledgeable friend does not know the UK adage of 'when you made yourself a hole, stop digging'. :-DBurnard ************
@Stan ******
BIGOTStan *******
@Burnard ***********
Ha! If saying that Thais have lower than normal IQ scores is bigotry, then no wonder the US has such problems with black people. Being called a bigot by a Septic is irony beyond belief! 🙄🤣 Burnard ************
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
From someone from the most bigoted country on the planet, that's just a joke - as you are. I mean, a psychology minor who knows sweet FA about psychology ... What else did you fail at?BTW, how is everything about me to do with race? It's YOUR country where that happens as we have seen so much recently.
So, tell me how someone who is 50% English, 50% Dutch, 25% German and 25% Belgian with a smattering of French and also married to a Thai become racist? You're a joke.
And no, I don't have an American ticky-box degree that takes 4 years to do, but I do have my BA in Law and Business Studies which has stood me in good enough stead.
As I said - DICKHEAD.
Oliver ********
@Burnard ***********
think about the conversations you've had with taxi drivers in new york, london, singapore, etc, with the conversations you've had with taxi drivers in bangkok (assuming you speak thai).Burnard ************
@Oliver *******
Look, the mere fact that Thais can navigate bkk streets everyday without even a dent is awe inspiring. Oliver ********
@Burnard ***********
1 million people are injured and 20,000 people killed in road accidents every year in Thailand. just take a look at the scratches on the walls of the ramps going into any multi story car park and you will see even the very basics of IQ like spatial awareness are beyond many Thais.Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
Well, it looks like I have 27 points and 1 standard deviation on you then. I thought as much. Burnard ************
@Stan ******
Yes, but do you have my BA in Philisophy an Master's in Organizational Management?IQ tests are worthless.
Reply to
Burnard ************
Reply
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
Bullshit. No it isn't. That's completely wrong. The average IQ is 100, deliberately designed to be that number. The average Thai male IQ, from the three studies I know if is between 88 and 91, depending on how chariable you want to be,
Burnard ************
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
Here, just for the hard of understanding. It plainly states that IQ tests were specifically designed so that an average score is 100. The more one varies from that mean, the more standard deviations there are.In my case, my IQ is 3 SDs above the mean, meaning (if you know your statistics), that it is in the top 0.5% of the populations.
I take it you remember your sampling theory, eh?
In your case, with your sad level of knowledge (no surprise with a US degree) perhaps you have a negative SD. :-D
Burnard ************
@Stan ******
No, I have taken 3 "Professional" IQ tests in my life and each varied by 10 points. The highest being 127.But it is all nonsense! Psychology is a Pseudoscience.
It is as Achemy is to modern Chemistry.
Burnard ************
@Stan ******
Cherry-PickingSome IQ tests are overly generous to not hurt people's feelings.
The most standardized tests place the average at 90. It differs depending on what tests people take.
Some of the modern and less accepted tests do place the average at 100 (nice round number easy to understand for people with low IQ's)
My college minor was Psychology so don't comment on other people's IQ's.. Ever!
They don't really understand what IQ is. There are Savants with an IQ less than 70 that can play Mozart on the piano flawlessly.
Stan *******
@Burnard ***********
I see you're one of those - the type who keeps banging his head on the wall thinking he's always right, despite not having a clue. You may have studied psychology at college but obviously not very well, because you are burbling total bullshit. 90 is the lowest score in the average range of 90-110, and the standardised tests developed decades ago were specifically designed that 100 was the average for everyone,. with ranges from as low as 50 or more, up to Bill Clinton scores of 180+.And I will continue to comment on other peoples IQs (yours does not seem to good, for example, if your comments are anything to go by).
On the other hand, my own IQ is 154, measured by Mensa and a hospital in the States.
And I don't need a lecture on savants, thank you. I started the first UK registered charity for people with AD/HD in 1992, and we had plenty of them.
BTW - DICKHEAD! :-D :-D
Reply to
Stan *******
Reply
Rob ********
@Bobby *******
Thai logic the bigger you are the more right of way you have .🤪 Bobby ********
@Rob *******
. Exactly. And some of these state buses look like they've won many an argument over their lives! 🤣🤣Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Rob ********
Fun Fact the first Roundabout was built in 1907 in letchworth , Great Britain 🇬🇧
Kuan ******
It’s giving way to the cars on the right. The roundabout is probably a right hand drive invention and it does away with traffic lights then. But in Singapore where the place have high traffic we also invented traffic lights within the roundabout. In traffic rules - it’s much to encourage giving way or always giving way to the car coming from the right.
Stan *******
I think you'll find the roundabout was a UK invention, where they drive on the left. The US has a few but not many and people get confused with them there as well.
Anyway, driving on left or right should not affect how to use a roundabout, which is very simple if you have a brain.
Anyway, driving on left or right should not affect how to use a roundabout, which is very simple if you have a brain.
Guillaume ********
@Stan ******
it's a French invention which is why they are everywhere in Laos and Cambodia because they were occupied by French. Stan *******
@Guillaume *******
There's a post somewhere which says the first one was in Hertfordshire England in 1907. Ah, found it just below by Rob Thomas - 1907, Letchworth in 1907.
Guillaume ********
@Stan ******
it's Paris "la place étoile" at the center of the city in 1906 and inventor is Eugène HénardStan *******
@Guillaume *******
ah well, c’est la vie.Reply to
Stan *******
Reply
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kuan *****
I know that's correct but never seen anyone observe it Reply to
Anthony ********
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Bim *******
There is no right of way from what I have observed but unfortunately everyone believes they have right of way regardless of the conditions hence the flashing lights (I'm coming through). I once stopped to let an old lady cross the road and was told don't do it as if she got run over I would be to blame.
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bim ******
yeah apparently doing that is dangerous! That's why you can wait forever trying to cross a road. Zebra crossing won't help either Reply to
Anthony ********
Reply
Rob ********
One of the roundabouts where I live in Surin now has a sign showing to give way to traffic coming from the right because the local Thais didn’t know how to use roundabouts, just like box junctions , They have no clue . I put it down to the poor standard of the driving test and for those many that haven’t even done a driving test. Also you never see learner drivers on the road, strange huh 🤔
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rob *******
went to the wife's driving test. It involves driving up a hill. Reverse parking in a large box. And that's it pay your money you've passed. Rob ********
@Anthony *******
yup and then they go and drive for the first time with other road users ..crazy. When I went to get my Thai driving license , I had to sit in a class room with about 40 Thai people to watch a DVD about road safety for 1 hour which was in Thai with Thai subtitles..go figure ..All the Thais fell asleep. Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Nick ************
@Rob *******
they all look like learners to me.Terry **********
@Rob *******
I was talking to someone a few months ago about not seeing 'Learner drivers' on the roads. The reply was, "Oh, we cant let learner drivers on the road, it's too dangerous".Reply to
Terry **********
Reply
Steve *******
In CM each roundabout has it's own local rules.
One I know has a different rule for each entry point.
TIT, fuck the rules, ride in survival mode.
One I know has a different rule for each entry point.
TIT, fuck the rules, ride in survival mode.
Eddie *******
Ha ha ha. I have a round about on my road, ALL THE THAIS yield to the people ENTERING the round about.
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Eddie ******
that's what I've found! Reply to
Anthony ********
Reply
Brian ********
Thai people don't understand the roundabouts its a free for all
Adrian ********
Give way to the right
On roundabout . . Play that way ur allways be safe . .
On roundabout . . Play that way ur allways be safe . .
Paul ********
The largest vehicle has right of way.
Michel **********
Traffic law in Thailand ?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Janey ******
Just slow down and try to avoid collision.
Roy ***********
Like everywhere traffic on the roundabout goes first. If people on the roundabout stop driving, it defeats the purpose of the roundabout.
Here you have a
Here you have a
*****
chance of meeting a driver knowing the law. Or guessing right.😄Carsten ************
@Roy **********
you're wrong Roy ***********
@Carsten ***********
Explain...Carsten ************
@Roy **********
I hope, you never drive a carCarsten ************
@Roy **********
you're funny, Dude. It's i.e. your country, where the entering car goes first and thoses inside the circle have to wait.Roy ***********
@Carsten ***********
What are you talking about? Traffic already on the roundabout goes first everywhere. Think about what happens if people on the roundabout let people wanting to enter go first: there is a jam on the roundabout. Read all the comments below. I do not understand where you get it that in my country traffic entering the roundabout goes first.
But lucky for you I do not drive a car.😁 Not because I do not know the rules of the roundabout, but because I get pissed of at people who don't. Anger does not help in traffic.
Reply to
Roy ***********
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Phill ******
stay off the roads .you will increace your mortality rate.
Richard ******
Its called fuck you jack im ok
Mike *******
Yes law is if your farang you are wrong
Lance *********
Close eyes. Hope for the best. Hope to then open eyes.
Alan *******
The law is the same everywhere in the world. Traffic on the roundabout has right of way over traffic entering.
Anthony ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThat's it!! Pineapples first 555! Got it!
Alan *******
Thanks for the corrections.
Okay, the law in Thailand says incoming traffic yields.
If it matters.
Okay, the law in Thailand says incoming traffic yields.
If it matters.
Marc *********
@Alan ******
not in HollandAndrew ********
Many countries the people on the roundabout have to give way. In some countries it's the opposite The universal law is keep your eyes open and if it's bigger than you it wins right or wrong. Driving in Thailand my wife says you need eyes like a pineapple.🙂
Alan *******
@Andrew *******
Eyes like pineapple is the winner!Andrew ********
@Alan ******
made me laugh .Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
Carsten ************
@Alan ******
not everywhere sameDominik **********
@Alan ******
wrong in ex-sowjet states and in Russia the ones who are entering a roundabout has right of wayDominik ********
@Dominik *********
I’m not so sure about that. I’d never trust someone with your name. It sounds dodgy...Dominik **********
@Dominik *******
😂 what?Reply to
Dominik **********
Reply
Steve *********
@Dominik *********
same in Turkey Reply to
Steve *********
Reply
Alan *******
I say nothing about whether the law is observed
Steve *********
@Alan ******
however...Reply to
Steve *********
Reply
Steve *********
Aim. Go. Hope.
Reply to
Jake *******
Reply
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