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Driving in Kazakhstan vs. Thailand: Key Safety Insights

When navigating the roads of Kazakhstan and Thailand, drivers encounter notable distinctions that are crucial for a safe journey. From the side of the road they drive on to the specific regulations regarding speed limits and emergency protocols, understanding these variations can significantly enhance road safety while abroad. Be prepared for a unique driving experience in each country!

Lanes

Driving Side
kazakhstan:
Right
thailand:
Left
Overtaking: On Right
kazakhstan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
thailand:
Prohibited
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
kazakhstan:
Use rightmost lane.
thailand:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
kazakhstan:
Reserved for buses.
thailand:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Labeled with specific signs and road markings.
thailand:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
kazakhstan:
Varies by region
thailand:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
kazakhstan:
Exclusive for bicycles where present.
thailand:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
thailand:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
kazakhstan:
N/A
thailand:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
thailand:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
kazakhstan:
40-60 km/h
thailand:
50-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
kazakhstan:
20 km/h
thailand:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
80-90 km/h
thailand:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
thailand:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
thailand:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
110 km/h
thailand:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
90 km/h
thailand:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
thailand:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
kazakhstan:
Not used in Kazakhstan
thailand:
Not used in Thailand
Traffic Signs: Language
kazakhstan:
Kazakh and Russian; symbols are standard
thailand:
Thai; some signs include English
Traffic Signs: Warning
kazakhstan:
Triangular with red border
thailand:
Warning signs are triangular

Turns

Right Turn On Red
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
thailand:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
thailand:
Allowed at intersections unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
thailand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
thailand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
kazakhstan:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
thailand:
Mandatory for registration renewal
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
kazakhstan:
Displayed on windshield
thailand:
Displayed on windshield after passing inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
kazakhstan:
Mandatory
thailand:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
thailand:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
kazakhstan:
Moderate use
thailand:
Frequent use to alert other drivers
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
kazakhstan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
thailand:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
thailand:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
thailand:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
thailand:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
kazakhstan:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
thailand:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be substantial
thailand:
Substantial fines and possible imprisonment
Test Refusal
kazakhstan:
Can result in license suspension
thailand:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
kazakhstan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
thailand:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
kazakhstan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
thailand:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
kazakhstan:
112
thailand:
191
Contact: Traffic Police
kazakhstan:
Call 102
thailand:
1193
Contact: Roadside Assistance
kazakhstan:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
thailand:
Check with your insurance provider or local authorities
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
kazakhstan:
Mandatory
thailand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
thailand:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be up to several hundred USD equivalent
thailand:
Varies; fines start from ฿500
Common Fines: Alcohol
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment
thailand:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for non-use
thailand:
Fines up to ฿500
Common Fines: Phone Use
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for handheld use while driving
thailand:
Fines up to ฿500
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines
thailand:
Fines start from ฿500
Payment: On The Spot
kazakhstan:
Possible; fines can also be paid online or via banks
thailand:
Common; fines can be paid at the scene
Payment: Deadline
kazakhstan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
thailand:
Varies; typically within 7 days