🚗Driving in Bangkok — IDP, expressways, parking & Thai traffic rules

Required by law to drive in Thailand with a foreign license. Get IDP from your home country's auto club before arriving. Thailand accepts IDPs alongside your original license (must carry both). Police checkpoints are common — IDP required. Most countries' AA/AAA issue IDPs same-day.

Drive on LEFT (same as UK, Australia). Seatbelts mandatory (front + rear). Mobile phone while driving = ฿1,000 fine. Red light cameras in Bangkok CBD. Speed cameras on expressways. Turning right on red is illegal (opposite of US). Horn use extremely common and generally not aggressive — informational use.

Bangkok has an extensive elevated expressway network. Saves enormous time over surface roads during rush hour. Tollways charge ฿35–75 per point. Pay cash at booths (keep coins handy) or rent a vehicle with an Easy Pass transponder. Expressway maps available on Google Maps — select 'expressway route' option.

Most shopping malls have multi-level parking — usually first 2 hours free with purchase validation, ฿20–40/hour thereafter. Street parking exists in many areas — look for white box markings (legal) vs yellow markings (no parking). Parking apps: ParkSquare, AIS Pay. Illegal parking results in wheel clamps + ฿500 fine + waiting for authorities.

Google Maps works well in Bangkok with real-time traffic. Download offline maps before driving in case of signal issues. Thai addresses can be complex — save the destination before setting out. The Thai address format: building/house number, soi (lane) number, road name, district. Soi numbers don't always run sequentially.

PTT, Caltex, Shell, and Esso are main chains. Thailand fuel: Benzine 95 (most common), E20, E85, Gasohol, Diesel. Most rental cars use 95 benzine — confirm with rental company. Self-service at most stations. Attendants help at some older stations. Fill before expressway trips — limited options on tollways.