Speed LimitsThailand Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — and They Drive on the Left
The official speed limit in Thailand is only half the story. Weather rules, new-driver restrictions and vehicle types all create exceptions. Full breakdown below.
The speed limit on motorways in Thailand is 120 km/h.
Left-hand drive, and very few true expressways
Thailand’s 120 km/h limit only applies to its handful of real expressways — mainly Bangkok’s elevated tollways and the newer motorways towards Pattaya and Korat. Almost everywhere else you’re on single-carriageway roads where the limit drops to around 90, and in towns to 50. The big adjustment for most visitors is that Thailand drives on the left. Enforcement is police checkpoints rather than a dense camera grid, with fines usually settled on the spot (about €52–130 for 30 km/h over). Take extra care around scooters and motorbikes — they’re everywhere and the accident rate is high.
Speed Limits in Thailand — Full Breakdown
Speed limits in Thailand vary by road type and vehicle category.
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks |
|———–|——|——–|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
Urban Speed Limits
The urban speed limit in Thailand is 50 km/h for passenger vehicles. Watch for variable speed signs in city centres.
Motorway Speed Limits
The maximum speed on Thailand’s motorways is 120 km/h for passenger vehicles.
Trucks and heavy vehicles are limited to 100 km/h on the same roads.
Speeding Penalties
A speeding fine for going 10 km/h over the limit is approximately THB 500-1,000 (approx. EUR 13-26).
Check exact speed limits for your route
Open Speed Limit MapWhat Most Guides Don’t Tell You
Local Enforcement
Enforcement standards in Thailand vary by region. Motorway stretches near cities tend to be monitored more heavily than remote rural roads.
Rental companies will forward any camera-generated fines to your payment card, plus an administration surcharge that can double the original amount.
Truck Speed Limits
Heavy vehicles on Thailand motorways are capped at 100 km/h, creating a speed differential of 20 km/h with passenger cars. Be alert when overtaking or merging.
Mandatory Equipment
A speed check often turns into a full vehicle inspection. Make sure you carry a warning triangle. Missing any of these items is a separate offence with its own fine.
Alcohol and Speed
With a BAC limit of 0.05, Thailand is stricter than many destinations. Driving after even one drink and exceeding the speed limit can lead to a double penalty.
Left-Hand Traffic
Thailand drives on the left. If you normally drive on the right, the unfamiliar road layout can slow your reaction time. Stay well within the speed limit until you are comfortable with the mirror-image road design.
How Thailand Compares
| Country | Urban | Rural | Motorway | Driving Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h | Left |
| Malaysia | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 110 km/h | Left |
| Myanmar | 48 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h | Right |
| Cambodia | 40 km/h | 60 km/h | 100 km/h | Right |
| Vietnam | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 120 km/h | Right |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | Thailand |
| Urban speed limit | 50 km/h |
| Rural speed limit | 90 km/h |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h |
| Truck motorway limit | 100 km/h |
| Driving side | Left |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.05 |
| Emergency number | 191 |
More Resources
Full rules, fines & requirements
Winter tyres, tread depth & rules
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Related Questions
The motorway speed limit in Thailand is 120 km/h for cars.
The default urban speed limit in Thailand is 50 km/h.
Trucks are limited to 100 km/h on motorways in Thailand.