Drive on the left
Keep left and overtake on the right only when the road is clear, legal and safe.
VISITOR ROAD GUIDE
Driving in Thailand.
Prepare the right documents, understand local road conditions and travel safely across southern Thailand.
RENTACAR
PHUKET
PHUKET
A PRACTICAL GUIDEDRIVING
IN THAILAND
UPDATED AUGUST 2026IN THAILAND
Cars, scooters, local conditions and safer journeys.
THAILAND ESSENTIALS
Know before you drive.
Road signs and police directions always take priority. The signed rental agreement governs your vehicle, insurance and permitted travel area.
Licence + IDP
Foreign visitors must bring their original home-country licence and the correct International Driving Permit class.
Correct vehicle class
A car-only licence or IDP does not allow you to ride a scooter or motorcycle.
Seat belts & helmets
Use seat belts and suitable child restraints in cars. Driver and passenger should wear approved helmets on scooters.
Tropical conditions
Slow down in heavy rain, increase following distance and never enter floodwater when depth or current is uncertain.
No phone or alcohol
Stop somewhere safe before using a phone. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
RENTAL TRAVEL AREA
Different boundaries for cars and scooters.
Cars may be driven in Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat Thani provinces. Car travel outside these four provinces requires advance written approval and an additional charge. Scooters must remain on Phuket island and may not be taken off the island. Unreported or prohibited travel may incur a penalty and is not covered by insurance.
Cars · PhuketCars · KrabiCars · Phang NgaCars · Surat ThaniScooters · Phuket island only
BEFORE HANDOVER
Bring original documents.
- Original, valid home-country driving licence
- International Driving Permit for the correct class
- Passport and rental agreement details
- Every additional driver registered before driving
- Existing vehicle condition checked and photographed
IF SOMETHING HAPPENS
Stop safely and contact us.
For an accident, theft or breakdown, make the scene safe, help anyone injured and contact Rentacar Phuket immediately. Do not arrange repairs or admit liability without instruction.