Public transport
Bangkok
- BTS Skytrain: two lines (Sukhumvit and Silom) covering central Bangkok, 61 stations after years of extensions (47 Sukhumvit + 14 Silom). The separate Gold Line people-mover adds 3 more. Operating roughly 05:30-00:00. Fares 17-62 THB per trip. Rabbit card available for tap-in.
- MRT (Metro): Blue and Purple lines, 54 stations. Fares 17-71 THB. EMV contactless accepted at gates.
- Airport Rail Link: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai, 8 stations. Fares 15-45 THB.
- Public buses: Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) operates extensive but confusing network. Avoid until you know the routes. Fares 8-25 THB with air conditioning.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: useful for riverside areas (Rattanakosin, Thonburi, Bang Rak). Fares 10-30 THB.
Chiang Mai
- No BTS/MRT. Public transport by songthaew (red trucks): 20-30 THB within the old city, 30-50 THB to outlying areas. Fixed routes but not posted; flag one down. Grabs are common.
- City bus service (CM Transit): limited routes.
- Walking or cycling is practical within the old city and Nimman.
Taxis and ride-hailing
- Grab: dominant in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin. Car, GrabTaxi, and motorbike options. Fares comparable to metered taxis or slightly higher.
- Bolt: available in Bangkok and Pattaya, generally cheaper than Grab.
- Metered taxis: abundant in Bangkok. Flagfall 35 THB. Meter is mandatory by law. Common refusal to use the meter. If the driver refuses, flag the next one. Airport surcharge 50 THB on top of meter.
- Motorbike taxis: recognised by coloured vests (orange, green, red). Short distances 10-30 THB. Use for quick trips through traffic. Negotiate the fare before departing.
- InDriver: peer-to-peer fare negotiation app. Available in Bangkok, Phuket. Cheaper but requires Thai SIM.
Driving licence
- Foreigners can drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country for up to 3 months after entry.
- After 3 months, you need a Thai driving licence. The Department of Land Transport issues both car and motorcycle licences [1].
- Licence validity: 2 years (temporary) then 5 years (renewal).
- Requirements: passport with valid visa, certificate of residence (from Immigration), medical certificate (from a clinic, valid 1 month), and passing a computerised test (colour blindness, reaction time) and a short practical driving test.
- Several driving schools in Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer a package (classes including test booking, certificate of residence handling). Cost roughly 5,000-8,000 THB for the full process.
- Motorcycle licence: separate. A 400cc+ bike requires an additional endorsement.
Vehicle ownership
- Buying a car: Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, and Mazda dominate. A new Toyota Corolla Altis starts at about 800,000 THB (22,000 EUR). Second-hand market is large and well-developed. For registration you need a valid Thai driving licence, visa, and certificate of residence.
- Buying a motorbike: common first purchase for expats. Honda Click or Yamaha Nmax are the standard. New 125cc scooter 50,000-80,000 THB (1,380-2,210 EUR). Second-hand 15,000-40,000 THB. Registration is straightforward. The "Green Book" (vehicle registration) is the ownership document. If buying second-hand, verify the Green Book at the DLT.
- Importing a car: not worth it due to punitive import duties (200-300% of the car's value). Exception for diplomats.
- Insurance: compulsory third-party (Por Ror Bor) is minimal. Get comprehensive insurance; costs 10,000-25,000 THB/year for a standard sedan.
Road safety
Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates globally. Key risks:
- Motorcycles account for the majority of fatalities.
- Driving on the left (same as UK, Australia, Japan).
- Drink-driving is common despite enforcement. The legal limit is 50 mg/dL.
- Accident hotline: 1197 (Highway Police) or 1669 (emergency ambulance).
- Insurance for foreigners: most comprehensive policies include medical evacuation cover.
Cycling
Growing infrastructure in Bangkok (dedicated cycle lanes in some areas). Chiang Mai has excellent cycling roads (countryside loops). Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are good for cycling holidays. No helmet law for bicycles.
Regional travel
- Inter-city buses: BKS (government) and private companies. Bangkok-Chiang Mai ~10 hours, 400-1,000 THB. Bangkok-Phuket ~12 hours (including ferry).
- Trains: State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Bangkok-Chiang Mai overnight sleeper is popular, 800-1,500 THB for a 2nd-class sleeper. Bangkok-Surat Thani (gateway to Samui/Phuket). Punctuality is not guaranteed.
- Domestic flights: Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion, VietJet. Bangkok-Chiang Mai ~1 hour, 1,000-3,000 THB one way.
This page is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Department of Land Transport.