Security Briefing: Transportation Safety

The information below has been excerpted from the following: 1) the US Department of State's "International Travel" website (travel.state.gov/travel/), 2) the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's "Smartraveller" website (www.smartraveller.gov.au), and 3) the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Foreign Travel Advice" website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/). Additional information is available from these sources. World Trade Press annually assesses the information presented on this page.

United States: Department of State International Travel Information

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS

While in Thailand, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

In Thailand, traffic moves on the left, although motorcycles and motorized carts often drive (illegally) against the traffic flow. The city of Bangkok has heavy traffic composed of motorcycles, bicycles, cars, trucks, buses, and three-wheeled tuk-tuks. For safety, if you are walking, use overhead walkways whenever possible and look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even if using a marked crosswalk with a green "walk" light illuminated. This is particularly true in front of the U.S. Embassy on Bangkok's Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured while crossing the street. The Embassy has instructed its employees to use the pedestrian bridge to cross the road at all times, and we advise you to do the same anywhere a pedestrian bridge is available. It is common for scooters and motorbikes to “jump the curb” and ride on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of thick traffic. Be wary of this phenomenon while walking on the sidewalk in Thai cities. 

Traffic accidents are common in Thailand. According to the World Health Organization, in 2012 Thailand had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates at 38.1 per 100,000 inhabitants (compared to the United States which had 10.4 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants).   The accident rate in Thailand is particularly high during long holidays, when alcohol use and traffic are both heavier than normal. During the Songkran (Thai New Year) holiday in April, the problem is exacerbated when people throw water at passing vehicles as part of the traditional celebration. Paved roads, many of them four lanes wide, connect Thailand's major cities. On the country's numerous two-lane roads, slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws is common in all regions of Thailand. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.  Serious bus crashes occur frequently, especially on overnight trips.  Scores of foreigners have been killed or injured in bus or transportation van crashes in 2013. 

Accidents involving motorcycles can be particularly deadly. The Embassy strongly recommends Embassy staff and family members not use motorcycles (especially motorcycle taxis), mopeds, and tuk-tuks in Bangkok, and we advise you to follow this recommendation as well. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is seldom enforced. Watch out when opening car doors, even on the curb side. Motorcyclists and bicyclists often try to slip between the curb and stopped or slow-moving cars, and they collide with doors that are being opened. In such cases, you may have to pay for the damages, even if the accident was not your fault.

Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention. Thailand requires that all vehicles be covered by third-party liability insurance for death or injury, but there is no mandatory coverage for property damage. The Embassy strongly encourages its employees to obtain liability insurance coverage over and above the minimum third party liability insurance required by the Thai government. You should consider this as well, as the more affluent driver, even if not at fault, is frequently compelled to cover the expenses of the other party in an accident in Thailand. If you have a traffic accident, you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.

In Bangkok, the BTS "Skytrain," “Airport Rail Link” elevated mass transit systems, or the underground MRT system are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than trying to travel through Bangkok traffic. Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. Privately operated vans carrying 8-15 passengers have become increasingly popular since 2007, both within Bangkok and to and from other cities. However, these vans are not clearly regulated, the drivers are sometimes reckless and untrained, and it is not always clear who owns and operates the vans. Cities elsewhere in Thailand typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport. You should be cautious when using these services, as all can be dangerous in fast or heavy traffic.

RAIL SAFETY

While millions utilize the State Railway system within Thailand every year, poor track maintenance, outdated equipment and rails, and unmarked train crossings have caused accidents, train derailments, and delays. In 2013 there were a series of train derailments, especially on the Bangkok – Chiang Mai line, some of which resulted in serious injuries to passengers.  This situation prompted officials to close down sections of the northern line to Chiang Mai for maintenance.  Rail officials announced that this line will be reopened December 1, 2013. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

Suvarnabhumi International Airport, also known as the New Bangkok International Airport, is located in Samut Prakan Province, 25 kilometres east of Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main airport for international and domestic flights for Bangkok. Don Mueang airport, located 24 kilometres north of Bangkok, is used for domestic and international flights. Australians should be aware of the airport they will use and ensure there is sufficient transit time if arriving and departing from different airports. The distance between these two airports is 47 kilometres and the driving time can be up to two hours depending on traffic conditions.

Service counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports may provide information on transport to the city and hotels.

You should be alert to arrangements where taxi or tuk tuk (motorised three-wheel vehicles) drivers take passengers to shops where the driver will receive a commission. Passengers may be charged higher prices for goods or sold sub-standard goods or worthless gems. You should be alert to your own safety at all times when using taxis and tuk tuks and never put yourself in danger by physically confronting drivers. Violent or serious incidents involving taxis and tuk tuks should be reported to the local police. Secure your possessions while travelling in tuk tuks or on motorcycles as thefts by riders on passing motorcycles can occur.

In Phuket and some other parts of Thailand, taxis and tuk tuks are not metered and fares may be set according to distance travelled or negotiated between driver and passenger. The Embassy continues to receive reports of tuk tuk drivers in Phuket becoming aggressive and sometimes violent during disagreements over fares or routes.

In Phuket, syndicates of taxi and tuk tuk drivers may operate in particular areas. The Embassy has received reports of drivers resisting, sometimes violently, other drivers who try to pick up passengers in their area.

Motorcycle and other road accidents are very common in Thailand, including in resort areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Under Thai law, motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets, but they are often not provided by hire companies or motorcycle taxis. Each year foreign tourists affected by alcohol are injured in motorcycle and other vehicle accidents. In such cases travel insurers are likely to exclude cover. Don’t drink and drive. For further advice on road safety, see our page on road travel.

To drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand, you need a valid driver licence of the correct class. Be aware some vehicle rental companies will try to tell you otherwise. We recommend that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver licence.

If you intend to hire cars, motorcycles, jet skis or any other motorised vehicle, talk to your travel insurer to check if these activities are covered by your insurance policy and seek advice on any restrictions that may apply (such as insurance cover if you are not licensed to ride a motorcycle in Australia).

The Thai Department of Tourism provides useful advice on renting jet skis at the Tourism Authority website.

There have been many serious accidents involving jet skis and motorcycles in Thailand. Foreigners are regularly detained and arrested by police following jet ski and motorcycle accidents until compensation, often thousands of dollars, can be negotiated between parties. The Embassy is not able to assist in these negotiations and can only provide a list of lawyers. Many vehicle hire companies do not have insurance and any damage, loss, or costs associated with injuries to third parties will be your responsibility to negotiate or pay. In addition to checking that your travel insurance covers hospital and other costs associated with motorbike, jet-ski or other vehicle accidents, also ensure that the hiring company holds comprehensive, including third-party, insurance for the vehicle you are hiring. We recommend that Australians do not provide passports as deposits or guarantees.

Australians have reported cases where hire companies have demanded large amounts of compensation for pre-existing damage to motorbikes. There have also been reports claiming that hire companies have arranged for motorbikes to be stolen from the hirer, and forcing them to pay thousands of dollars in compensation, including the value of a new motorbike plus lost earnings.

There have been a number of instances of train derailments in recent years, including on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai line. Some have resulted in deaths and injuries.

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities (e.g. scuba diving, elephant safaris and bungee jumping), are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. If you intend participating in these activities, you should talk to your travel insurer to check if the activity is covered by your insurance policy.

Ferry travel in Thailand can be dangerous, as vessel passenger limits are not always observed or sufficient life jackets provided. Australians have been killed and injured in ferry and boat accidents in coastal areas, including near Samui Island. Several safety incidents have recently been reported on vessels in Phuket. You should ensure that any vessel you intend to board is carrying appropriate safety equipment and that life jackets are provided for all passengers and are worn at all times. Check with your tour operator or vessel management to ensure appropriate safety standards are maintained.

You should avoid travelling in ferries and speedboats after dark. Australians attending full moon parties should try to secure accommodation on the island where the party is being held to avoid the need to travel by boat at night. See the Partying Overseas page for further information on travel issues.

Beach safety

You should take particular care when swimming off coastal areas, especially during monsoon season (November-March in Koh Samui and the south-east of the Thai peninsula and May-October in the rest of Thailand, including Phuket). Severe undercurrents (rips) are common in coastal areas and many foreign tourists have drowned, including in popular resort areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Lifeguard services are rarely available. In some locations, red flags are displayed to warn swimmers not to enter the water and these warnings should be taken very seriously. If in any doubt check with local authorities before swimming. You should never swim after dark or after consuming alcohol.

Building safety

It is common for railings on stairs and balconies in Thailand to be lower than the Australian standard height or to be made of materials that are not strong. In some cases railings are non-existent. There have been cases of Australians being injured or dying after falling from stairs or balconies. You should take care when using stairs and balconies and when supervising children in these areas.

Airline safety

See our air travel page.

United Kingdom: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice

Air travel

There are two airports in Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the city’s main international airport. Don Muang Airport is the former Bangkok international airport, which now handles mainly domestic flights.

Rail travel

There have been a number of train derailments in Thailand. Some have resulted in deaths and injuries.

Road travel

You can drive in Thailand using an International Driving Permit or Thai driving licence.

124,855 people were killed in road traffic accidents between 2000 and 2010 meaning that on average there were over 12,000 deaths a year during this period. In the UK there have been on average about 3,000 deaths from road traffic accidents each year over the past decade. In any comparison of these statistics, you should also note that there is a difference in the method of calculating statistics for road deaths in Thailand (at the scene of the accident) and the UK (within 30 days of the accident). The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night.

With motorcycles so widely used in Thailand the majority of road traffic accidents involve motorcycles, contributing to around 70% of all road deaths. If you’re riding a motorcycle in Thailand take extra care. According to Thai law, safety helmets must be worn.

Serious accidents involving other vehicles including cars, coaches and mini-buses also occur. Many accidents are due to poor vehicle and driver safety standards. There have been a number of accidents involving overnight coach travel. In June 2011, 3 British nationals were killed in an accident involving overnight coach travel, in July 2012, 2 British nationals were injured in an overnight coach crash and in February 2013, 3 British nationals were injured in an accident involving overnight coach travel. Seek local advice if you are in any doubt about the safety of your transport provider.

Motorcycles or scooters for hire in beach resorts are often unregistered and can’t be used legally on a public road. Before you hire a vehicle, make sure you’re covered by your travel insurance and check the small print of the lease agreement. Don’t hand over your passport as a guarantee against returning a motorcycle or scooter. Unscrupulous owners have been known to hold on to passports against claimed damage to the motorcycle or scooter.

Riding ‘Quad-bikes’ can also be dangerous. It is illegal to drive these on the roads in Thailand even though they’re available to hire on the roadside.

Sea travel

There are numerous passenger boat services operating between the mainland and islands in Thailand. There have been some sinkings, usually due to overloading and/or poor maintenance but also due to rough seas. During the Full Moon party, speedboats to and from Koh Phangan are often overloaded. Take care at all times and avoid travelling on vessels that are clearly overloaded or in poor condition. Make sure life jackets are available.

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