Thailand vs Cambodia: Driving Rules Compared

Thailand’s left-hand traffic sits opposite Cambodia’s right-hand rule, so a driver crossing overland has to reverse lane position and overtaking habits at the border itself. Motorway ceilings move the other way, Thailand allowing 120 km/h against Cambodia’s 100 km/h. Alcohol limits happen to match at 0.05 in both countries, the one rule that carries over unchanged.

Speed Limits Comparison

Speed limits in both countries are relatively modest compared to Western standards, reflecting the road conditions and mixed traffic that characterize Southeast Asian driving.

Thailand has a more developed road network with well-maintained motorways between major cities. Speed enforcement uses radar cameras on main routes. Cambodia has fewer paved highways, and while national roads like Route 1 and Route 6 have improved significantly, many secondary roads remain unpaved. Speed limits in Cambodia are often lower because of road conditions and the prevalence of motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and animal-drawn carts sharing the road.

Driving Side

This is the most critical difference for anyone driving between these countries. Thailand drives on the left (British-style), with steering wheels on the right side of the vehicle. Cambodia drives on the right (Continental-style), with left-hand-drive vehicles. At the Poipet-Aranyaprathet and other border crossings, you must switch sides immediately. Many vehicles in Cambodia are actually right-hand-drive imports from Thailand and Japan, which creates an unusual situation of driving right-hand-drive cars on the right side of the road.

Alcohol Limits

Thailand enforces a BAC limit of 0.05%, in line with many countries worldwide. Cambodia also has a BAC limit of 0.05%. However, enforcement differs significantly. Thailand conducts regular police checkpoints, especially during holidays like Songkran (Thai New Year), with severe penalties including fines of up to THB 20,000 and imprisonment. In Cambodia, enforcement is less consistent, but tourists should not assume leniency.

Tyre and Equipment Requirements

Tyre Rules

Both countries have tropical climates where winter tyres are irrelevant. Standard all-season tyres are suitable year-round. During the monsoon season (May-October), ensuring good tread depth is important for safety on wet roads. Aquaplaning is a genuine risk on flooded rural roads in both countries.

Equipment and Rules

Motorcycle helmet enforcement is strict in Thailand, particularly in tourist areas. In Cambodia, while helmets are legally required, compliance and enforcement are inconsistent outside Phnom Penh.

Emergency Numbers

Thailand has dedicated numbers for each service, with 1669 for medical emergencies and the Tourist Police at 1155 being particularly useful for visitors. Cambodia uses the unified 112 number for all emergencies. In practice, response times in rural areas of both countries can be long, so carrying a basic first aid kit is advisable.

Penalties Overview

• Thailand: Speeding fines range from THB 500-1,000 (approximately USD 14-28). However, serious offences like drink-driving carry fines up to THB 20,000 and imprisonment up to one year.
• Cambodia: Traffic fines are generally lower, with speeding penalties around USD 5-25. However, police may impose on-the-spot fines. Always request a receipt for any fine paid.

Using a mobile phone while driving is technically illegal in both countries. Thailand enforces this more rigorously, with fines of THB 400-1,000.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for both countries:

• Thailand: An IDP is required alongside your national licence. Thai police regularly check for it at checkpoints. Without one, you may face fines and your insurance could be voided.
• Cambodia: An IDP is also recommended. Cambodia recognizes some foreign licences, but having an IDP provides legal clarity and is required by most rental agencies.

Note that renting and driving a car as a tourist is uncommon in Cambodia. Most visitors hire a car with a driver or use motorcycles and tuk-tuks.

Practical Tips

1. Consider hiring a driver. Driving conditions in both countries can be challenging for foreigners unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Hiring a driver is affordable and eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
2. Watch for motorcycles. In both countries, motorcycles vastly outnumber cars and often weave unpredictably through traffic.
3. Border crossing by car is complex. Taking a rental car across the Thai-Cambodian border typically requires special permits and insurance. Most rental companies prohibit cross-border travel.
4. Rainy season caution. Roads in both countries can flood during monsoon season. Avoid driving through standing water and reduce speed significantly.

For more detailed information, see our guides for driving in Thailand and driving in Cambodia.