Rental Cars / Insurance in Thailand, Probably the most important consideration when renting cars in Thailand, Driving License you need a valid international license/ permit or a Thai license if you haven’t got one then its very doubtful the insurance company will pay in the event of an accident, many people will still rent to you (including some of the larger companies) but its likely you will foot the bill in the event of an accident.

Ok so you have the correct license and the car is insured, What class of insurance? The only legal insurance requirement in Thailand costs about 900baht or less and around 2000baht for commercial use (all car hirers all should have the 2k option) but that’s not going to take care of things if you have a problem, what you need is a rental company which has comprehensive or first class insurance for car rental, not first class insurance and if the worst happens well you will say just using khun Dangs car (we friends for long time or similar). Now lets assume first Class rental insurance all correct but the worst happens Who will pay? of road time whilst the car is being repaired, now maybe you wont be paying but in my experience it will be you who foots the bill, unless you have the accident damage waiver approx 200 or 400 baht per day or free with some companies, don’t get me wrong you will still lose your 5k 10k 20k or 40k deposit (Insurance Excess)

So what should you look for when hiring a vehicle in Thailand?
1. Ask about insurance look at the certificates/ docs, not easy probably Written in Thai! Compulsory/ basic insurance + first class insurance for car rental.
2. Are there copies of insurance/ log book (tabien rot) in the glove box authorization letter to drive from the owner (could be part of the rental agreement)
3. Don’t let anyone keep you passport it’s illegal to do this, (copy no problem)
4. Check the disc on windscreen numbers in English, year now 2550 for Thailand, 2007 U K.
5. Good check of the car for damage, before you go make a record of any dents scrapes fuel level etc, (Petrol 95 or 91, gasohol, diesel?)
6. If you have had an accident do not move the car, contact police, insurance, and rental company.
7. Return the car as agreed or telephone in good time if you want to extend (the car rental company my have   
another booking for that car.

Driving in Thailand
I managed to get a list of rules or what seems to be the thai highway code looks similar to our western standards, yes motorcyclist might get a ticket for no helmet or you might get fined for parking incorrectly but passing on the inside, no rear lights, (or none at all) well does not seem to be a problem, motorcycle rider five people aboard driver with small baby in the other hand or mobile phone no problem you have two hands for what mai pen rai,