What are the Rules on Thai Roundabouts?

[Big Boy]

I'm starting to encounter more and more roundabouts. Are there any rules when driving on roundabouts please?

In the UK, the protocol (give way to traffic approaching on the roundabout from the right) is understood and practised by everybody. However, the same protocol does not seem to exist here.

I've tried using the same protocols here in Thailand, but find that other road users just stop on the roundabout.

I've tried giving way whilst on the roundabout, but nobody seems to want to enter the roundabout while I'm driving on it.

I'm really confused Are they intimidated by my driving?

My take on it, is that roundabouts here are so far and in between, coupled with the lack of formal training, nobody actually knows what to do. I'm starting to believe a roundabout is like any other road junction in Thailand. You just push forward (obviously with caution), and the one who doesn't bottle it goes first.

I'd appreciate some knowledge of the formal rules (if there are any) please.

[moja]

survival of the fittest! He who pushes hardest has right of way unless your opponent is very much bigger than you; then you just give in gracefully!

[Takiap]

BB, Moja has summed it up perfectly.

[Terry]

Mrs.T's old driving instructor stated that if you are on the roundabout, you must give way to entering traffic.

If you think about it, it's the best way to get a traffic jam - which suits Thai logic.

Moja is right - just go for it - with care.

I'm sure that you already now know that an on coming vehicle flashing his headlights when you are trying to turn right, is NOT about to give way. Rather, he's saying, "Get out the f*c*i*g way cos I ain't stopping for you"

Welcome to Thai driving B.B.

Be careful., it's a war out there

[Spitfire]

What you surmise is about right. Many locals are probably confused by them as they are still relatively rare (even in big cities) and outside of cities they are pretty much non existent. However, the average driver probably gives them the same amount of thought as they do for anything else regarding proper procedure on the highways ........ i.e. not much, and your best bet is going to be to judge your gap well and go for it.

I also doubt there is much about roundabouts in the excuse for a driving test here, such as it is.

Barge in as suggested above.

[Big Boy]

Thanks guys - I was just foolishly assuming that there might be a rule book somewhere

Anyway, you guys have more or less confirmed that my current stance is probably the only way -" You just push forward (obviously with caution), and the one who doesn't bottle it goes first."

[poptherock]

...after driving in Thailand for more than six years i found out...there must be no forced rules about driving direction in this country...I would say its looks like you are only recommended to drive on the left side....true?

[chelsea]

Big Boy, it is like Fight Club, there are no rules 55555

[Takiap]

I think it's bred into the Thais that they should get to the front of the queue in any way possible. Quite often when I stop to give another driver a chance to cross over the road, my eldest daughter (7) asks why do I want to let everybody go first.



On a slightly different note...........A few days back my wife's youngest brother drove his bike into Thai in a new Vigo. While there was noting really wrong with her brother, someone in the crowd still insisted taking him to hospital to have his wounds licked clean. My wife in turn went to go and collect the bike and make things right with the Vigo driver since there was damage to his vehicle.

Surprise surprise.....even though her brother was clearly in the wrong, the owner of the Vigo refused to accept any money for repairs. He simply said he's glad her brother didn't get seriously injured and that he hopes he'll be more careful in future. As for the damage to his car............No problem, I have insurance.



Just thought I'd post about this for all those who believe all Thais are on the take. We always hear about the ones that are, and we rarely read anything about the good side of the average Thai.

[blue05]

Just be careful of the thais going the wrong way around the roundabout.

Had that a few days ago, nothing shocks me with driving here but nearly dropped one there

[Takiap]

Just be careful of the thais going the wrong way around the roundabout.

Had that a few days ago, nothing shocks me with driving here but nearly dropped one there

If he had his hazard lights flashing then he has every right to go around in any direction he chooses.

[moja]

There is one roundabout here where the rules are different and that is the double roundabout where the Pala U road meets the by-pass and then the driver that is least confused has right of way! Most Thais cannot cope with a single roundabout so with a double roundabout of that size they do not have a clue; mind you it is not only the Thais who get confused with this roundabout!

Having lived fairly near a ferry port in the UK I was used to cars coming the wrong way round a roundabout!

[dtaai-maai]

In the UK, the protocol (give way to traffic approaching on the roundabout from the right) is understood and practised by everybody. However, the same protocol does not seem to exist here.

Nor in France, unless things have changed. There, you always gave priority to traffic approaching from the right, even if it was turning onto your road in front of you. That meant that the person joining a roundabout had priority.

If I didn't know him better (in a virtual sense), I'd think BB was mischief-making with this thread. "Are there any rules?"

It's probably better that there are no set rules (or that, if there are, nobody knows what they are), because that prevents anyone assuming that other drivers will follow such rules, thus requiring extreme caution and undoubtedly saving lives...

Anyway, where are all these roundabouts? The comparatively recent Pala U junction is the only one I can think of.

[Big Boy]

I found one in Pak Nam Pran last Sunday, and I encounterd 3 in Petchaburi yesterday.

[Big Boy]

Correction, there were 2 in Pak Nam Pran.