With the exception of only a few areas now, the main route to Bangkok is now dual carriageway. In the last few years the Thais have completed the duplication of the main route (ie dual carriageway) from the southern border all the way to Bangkok. Well surfaced, the roads are good with the biggest obstacle being slower moving traffic. Moving through the country side you will frequently come across trucks and local town traffic.
Thailand was in the midst of constructing a dual carriageway from its southern border to its northern border with Laos before the Asian crisis hit. Most of the work was done (see above) but a lot is still being worked on.
Road Signs
Thai highways got their main boost with American funding during the Vietnam conflict - not surprisingly all routes carry bilingual signage and unique route numbers. If you have a road map you will be hard put to get lost!
The Thais are fairly relaxed drivers and are considerate of other road users. Traffic is slower than Malaysia and the highways are mostly single lane roads. Most traffic in the country consists of pick-ups, motor bikes and large trucks. Truck drivers do try to help those stuck behind them by using their indicators to signal when it is safe to pass. This is a widely used system which works 9 times out of 10.... I just wouldn't want to be the 10th time when it doesn't work. You should satisfy yourself that it is clear to overtake rather than take the word (or indicator) of someone else.
Sharing the road
Even where there are dual carriageways these are not always viewed in the same light as a freeway elsewhere. Some of these highways still go through towns and it is common to see people, chickens, buffalos, etc waiting to cross. Bikes drive along both shoulders in the wrong direction and Local farmers often graze their cattle on the medium strip. The cattle seem totally unfazed but drive with caution - hitting a water buffalo at 110kmh will cause massive damage to your car and you will have to compensate the farmer for the loss of his stock.
Under Construction
Despite the economic setbacks the Thais are slowly improving their highway network. This means you will see roadworks. Do be careful as often times these works are not well signposted. Quite often a freeway will turn into a track and you will be directed onto the otherside of the road to share with oncoming traffic. There is significant activity on Phuket Island and on the road north of Hat Yai. Be particularly careful at night as these works are not well lit.
Police Road Blocks
The Thai police post roadblocks at regular intervals. The main purpose I understand is to check for illegal immigrants. Slow down when approaching but do not stop unless signalled as often they are unmanned. If you are driving late at night they will probably want you to stop. Have your passports and licence ready. Most of these guys do not speak English so just smile and be sure to mention your destination.
Future Plans
There are plans for Thailand to link the Malaysian Expressway to the Friendship Bridge, (which joins Thailand with Laos across the Mekong River at Nong Kai) with a country length expressway. Most of the way is dual carriageway already and there seems to be roadworks everywhere. I have no idea what the completion date is but they seem to be in a hurry.
Recent Coup in Thailand
On the 19 September 2006 the Thai military carried out a coup. An interim Prime Minister was appointed on 1 October but martial law remains in effect throughout the country and the situation is calm. There is no evidence to suggest that there will be any further instability and things for the most part have returned to normal.
Souther Thailand civil unrest
Its necessary to make a note about the recent violence in the southern muslim provinces. Clashes still occur and there has even been an explosion in Hat Yai but local security work hard to ensure roads are kept open and tourist areas are unaffected. Travel is still permissable and our advice is to stick to the main roads and drive only during the day whilst in the southern provinces. Martial law is in place in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces as well as in Thepha and Chana districts of Songkhla province.
For both these issues and in general before any travel to other countries you are encouraged to check the travel advisories. These are bulletins issued by various governments. Popular ones [known for their relevance, timeliness and impartiality] are the US, Australian and New Zealand government websites.
