I’m looking for some insight from people with experience driving, owning a car, or hiring drivers in Thailand. This is going to be a disorganized post but hoping people can just throw some pointers out there on different topics below if they’re applicable to them. Or maybe mention something I haven’t even thought of. I just want to get around effectively.
I am relocating to Bangkok next month where I will be for the foreseeable future (a few years minimum). I’ll be living in the Sukhumvit area and commuting out of the city 3-5x per week on \~50 min one way drives avoiding rush hour (optimistic I know). I will also be roadtripping a few times per month 2-4 hour drives each way. I will be aiming for around 5-7k USD budget per month to give you an idea of finances.
First point – driving myself versus hiring a personal driver with their own car. Knowing Thailand, I could see this not being such a high priced service compared to the cost of owning/maintaining a car, insurance, peace of mind knowing you won’t wipe out a family on their motorbike, and being able to do something else from the backseat instead of driving. How do these driver services work and how to find them? Any experiences to share or cost estimates? Fulltime or part time?
I am an American with a state drivers license. When I apply to get a drivers license in Thailand should I be sure to get an international driving permit before I leave the states? Or does this not matter if I am applying for a Thai license?
If I choose to drive myself, what sort of vehicle would be a good fit for this and where to buy one? I seem to be a good fit for a CRV or a Fortuner. My priorities are crash safety, reliability/cheap maintenance, and comfort for driving longer distances. I do not care about luxury or status symbol. I would like to get the best bang for the buck on a used car/SUV if I buy one.
How does liability insurance work in Thailand and where to buy?
EDIT – I have driven in Thailand on several occasions with rented cars, and the Thai elite visa people will handle drivers license assistance for me.
Cheers.
