Guide to Renting a Car and Driving in Thailand

What Every Tourist Should Know in Thailand

Thailand is more than Bangkok’s skyscrapers or Phuket’s beaches. To really experience the country’s vibrant landscapes, lush countryside, and quiet temples, many travellers are choosing to rent a car in Thailand — trading tuk-tuks and public buses for freedom, comfort, and adventure.

At Payless Car Rental, we specialise in helping travellers make informed, confident decisions when renting vehicles internationally. Here’s your complete, up-to-date guide to driving and renting a car in Thailand — tailored for tourists and first-time visitors.

🚘 Why Renting a Car in Thailand Makes Sense

Most travellers rely on taxis or public transport in Thai cities, but renting a car offers distinct benefits:

• Easier travel with kids or elderly passengers
• Greater flexibility for long-distance travel
• Ability to visit remote areas, hidden beaches, or national parks
• Air-conditioned comfort in a tropical climate

Whether you’re road-tripping the Chiang Rai highlands, discovering rural Isaan, or exploring the Andaman coast, a rental car offers unmatched flexibility.

🛻 Most Popular Rental Cars for Tourists in Thailand

Tourists typically rent:

• Compact sedans (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Honda City) – Great for city driving and fuel efficiency
• SUVs (e.g., Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V) – Ideal for families or hilly terrain
• 7-seaters (e.g., Toyota Innova) – Perfect for group travel
• Pickup trucks (e.g., Isuzu D-Max) – Popular among adventure travellers heading off-road or to rural areas

Cars in Thailand are usually automatic and air-conditioned — perfect for long drives in tropical weather.

🪪 Licence Requirements for Driving in Thailand

To drive legally in Thailand as a tourist, you must have:

• A full, valid driver’s licence from your home country
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) that matches your licence class (car/motorbike)
  • IDP must be issued in your home country before travel
  • Carry it alongside your actual licence at all times

Without an IDP, rental companies may refuse service, and any insurance may be void in the event of an accident.

🔗 Apply for an IDP in Australia via:
👉 https://www.aaa.asn.au/international-driving-permit

🎯 Minimum Age and Other Rental Requirements

To rent a car in Thailand, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old (some companies require 23 or even 25)
• Have held a valid licence for at least 1 year
• Present your passport, IDP, and credit card for the security deposit
• Pay any young driver surcharge if applicable

🛣️ Driving in Thailand – What to Expect

Driving in Thailand can be safe and enjoyable if you’re aware of a few key things:

✅ Drive on the left side of the road

Same as in Australia. Steering wheels are on the right.

🛵 Scooters everywhere

Always check mirrors and blind spots — motorbikes will pass on both sides, especially in cities.

⛽ Plenty of petrol stations

Fuel is affordable and stations are common. Regular petrol is “Gasohol 91” or “Gasohol 95”.

📱 Navigation

Google Maps and Grab are widely used. Download offline maps if heading to rural areas.

🧠 Smart Driving Tips for Tourists

• Stick to daylight driving, especially outside major cities
• Obey speed limits (and hidden speed cameras!)
  • City: 60 km/h
  • Highways: 90–120 km/h
• Don’t use a phone while driving (unless hands-free)
• Always wear seatbelts — front and back
• Expect checkpoints — keep your passport, IDP, and rental documents on hand
• Toll roads exist on some expressways — have small cash ready

📍 Where Can You Drive?

You can drive across mainland Thailand and even take your car onto ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Chang, and other islands (depending on your rental agreement). Some companies don’t allow cross-border travel to Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia, so always confirm.

🔐 Car Insurance in Thailand – What You Should Know

Ensure your rental includes:

• Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance (CTPL) – Required by law
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – Often optional but recommended
• Theft protection and personal accident cover

Check the deductible/excess and ask about roadside assistance.

🛑 Driving Offences and Penalties

Here’s what not to do in Thailand:

• Drink driving – Strictly prohibited, with jail time and heavy fines
• Running red lights – Monitored by traffic cameras
• Improper U-turns or parking – Risk of on-the-spot fines or towing
• Not wearing a helmet (on a scooter) – Mandatory for all riders

📄 Government Sources & Official Info

Always cross-check the latest driving rules and regulations through official Thai government websites:

• Department of Land Transport (DLT) – https://www.dlt.go.th/en
• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – https://www.tourismthailand.org
• Royal Thai Embassy Australia – https://canberra.thaiembassy.org

🚘 Ready to Explore Thailand Behind the Wheel?

At Payless Car Rental, we’ve helped thousands of travellers discover destinations with freedom and peace of mind. Whether you’re planning a coastal drive in Phuket, a mountain escape in Chiang Mai, or a scenic road trip across Isaan — renting a car in Thailand is a smart move for flexibility and comfort.

Book your rental car online today — fast, secure, and backed by our industry experience since 2010.

📝 Disclaimer

This article is provided by Payless Car Rental for general information purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any legal or regulatory information provided. Please verify current driving laws and rental policies with official Thai government websites or your car hire provider before making travel decisions.