Road Accident in Thailand: Emergency Guide for Foreigners

Before an Accident Happens: Preparation That Can Save Your Life

The time to prepare for a road accident is before it happens. Once you are standing on a Thai roadside with a damaged vehicle, injuries, and no idea who to call, the situation becomes exponentially more stressful and dangerous.

This guide provides everything you need to know -- before, during, and after a road accident in Thailand. Save these numbers, bookmark this page, and share it with anyone you know who drives or rides in Thailand.

Essential Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers in your phone right now. Do not wait until you need them.

The two most important numbers for foreigners are 1669 (ambulance) and 1155 (Tourist Police). The Tourist Police operate a dedicated hotline with English-speaking officers who can assist with communication, mediate disputes, and ensure you understand your rights.

What to Keep in Your Vehicle at All Times

• Photocopy of your passport (photo page, visa page, entry stamp)
• Photocopy of your driving license (Thai license and/or IDP)
• Vehicle registration document (if you own the vehicle) or rental agreement
• Insurance policy number and emergency contact number for your insurer
• A basic first aid kit
• A charged mobile phone with the emergency numbers saved
• If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a proper helmet

The First Minutes After an Accident: 8 Critical Steps

The actions you take in the first minutes after an accident can determine the outcome of insurance claims, legal proceedings, and medical treatment. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

Your first priority is preventing further harm. If you are able to move:

• Turn off your vehicle's engine
• Activate hazard lights if your vehicle has them
• If on a motorcycle, move yourself off the road surface if you can do so safely
• Check yourself for injuries -- adrenaline can mask serious injuries, so check carefully
• If you are on a highway or fast road, move to the shoulder or behind a barrier if possible

Do not attempt to move anyone who may have a spinal injury unless they are in immediate life-threatening danger (such as a fire or oncoming traffic).

Step 2: Call Emergency Services

Call 1669 for an ambulance if anyone is injured. Even if injuries appear minor, it is better to have medical professionals assess the situation.

If you need English-language assistance, call 1155 (Tourist Police) immediately after calling for medical help. They can help coordinate with local police and provide interpretation.

Call 191 for the regular police. In most road accidents involving property damage or injuries, a police report is required for insurance claims.

Step 3: Do Not Move the Vehicles

Leave all vehicles in their original positions until police arrive. The position of vehicles, debris, and skid marks forms critical evidence for determining fault.

The only exception is if the vehicles are creating an immediate danger -- for example, blocking a blind curve on a highway where other vehicles may strike them. In that case, take photographs first, then move the vehicles to safety.

Step 4: Document Everything

Use your phone to take extensive photographs and video:

• Overall scene: Wide shots showing the positions of all vehicles, the road layout, traffic signs, and road conditions
• Vehicle damage: Close-up shots of all damage to all vehicles involved
• Injuries: Photograph any visible injuries (your own and others, with their consent)
• Road conditions: Potholes, wet surfaces, obscured signs, anything that may have contributed to the accident
• License plates: All vehicles involved
• Skid marks and debris: These help reconstruct what happened
• Time and location: Most phone cameras embed GPS data and timestamps automatically

Also note:

• The exact time of the accident
• The exact location (use your phone's GPS or note nearby landmarks and road numbers)
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Names and contact details of any witnesses

Step 5: Exchange Information

Exchange the following information with the other party or parties:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Driver's license number

Important: Be polite but do not discuss fault or liability at the scene. Do not apologize or say "sorry" as this can be interpreted as an admission of fault in subsequent proceedings. Simply exchange information and let the insurance companies and police determine responsibility.

Step 6: Wait for Police

The police will arrive and create an official accident report. This report is essential for insurance claims. When the police arrive:

• Present your driving license and passport (or copies)
• Explain what happened calmly and factually
• Do not exaggerate or speculate about what the other party did
• If you do not speak Thai, request that the Tourist Police send an interpreter, or call 1155 and put the officer on the phone with the local police

Step 7: Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, visit a hospital or clinic within 24 hours of the accident. Some injuries -- particularly whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussion -- may not be immediately apparent. A medical examination also creates a documented record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for insurance claims.

Step 8: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible -- ideally within 24 hours and no later than the timeframe specified in your policy (typically 48-72 hours). Have the following information ready:

• Policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of what happened
• Police report number (if available)
• Names and insurance details of other parties involved
• Hospital or clinic where you received treatment
• Photos and documentation from the scene

What You Should NEVER Do After an Accident

This section is arguably the most important part of this entire guide. These mistakes are common, and each one can have devastating consequences.

Never Sign Documents in Thai That You Cannot Read

This is the number one trap for foreigners involved in accidents in Thailand. You may be presented with documents at the scene, at the police station, or at the hospital. Some of these documents may contain admissions of fault, waivers of rights, or agreements to pay compensation.

Never sign anything you cannot read and fully understand. If a document is in Thai, insist on a translation before signing. If no translator is available, write "signed under protest -- content not understood" next to your signature, or refuse to sign until you have legal counsel.

This applies at:

• The accident scene
• The police station
• The hospital
• Any meeting with the other party or their representatives

Never Pay Cash at the Scene

You may be pressured -- by the other party, by bystanders, or even by police -- to pay cash on the spot to "settle" the matter. This is common practice in Thailand for minor accidents between Thai drivers, but for foreigners it creates serious problems:

• Cash payments cannot be properly documented and you will have no proof of payment
• Paying cash can be interpreted as an admission of fault
• There is no guarantee that the cash settlement will end the matter -- the other party may still file an insurance claim or a police report
• The amount demanded on the spot is often inflated, especially when the other party perceives that you are a wealthy foreigner

All financial settlements should go through insurance companies or be formalized with legal documentation.

Never Leave the Scene

Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Thailand, particularly if there are injuries. Even if the accident seems minor, remain at the scene until police arrive and give you permission to leave.

If you leave the scene before police arrive:

• You may be charged with hit-and-run, which carries prison time
• Your insurance may deny coverage
• The other party can make any claim they want about what happened, and you will have no ability to contest it

Never Admit Fault

Do not say "it was my fault," "I'm sorry," or anything that could be construed as an admission of liability. Be factual and neutral: "There was a collision at this intersection" is appropriate. "I should have been paying more attention" is not.

This applies in conversations with:

• The other party
• Police officers
• Witnesses
• Hospital staff
• Anyone at the scene

Never Move Injured People (Unless Necessary)

Unless someone is in immediate life-threatening danger (fire, oncoming traffic, drowning), do not move them. Moving someone with a spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis. Wait for trained medical professionals to assess and move injured parties.

Never Refuse Medical Attention

Adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries may not be apparent for hours. If emergency services offer to transport you to a hospital, accept. The documentation alone is worth it, even if you feel fine.

Understanding the Police Response

Thai police handle road accidents differently than police in many Western countries. Understanding their role and approach will help you navigate the process.

What Police Will Do

1. Arrive at the scene (response time varies from 10 minutes in urban areas to 30+ minutes in rural areas)
2. Assess the scene and ensure safety
3. Interview parties involved in the accident
4. Create an accident report documenting the circumstances
5. Determine initial fault based on their assessment
6. Issue citations for any traffic violations observed (speeding, running a red light, no helmet, no license)
7. Facilitate an initial discussion between the parties about compensation

How Fault Is Determined

Thai police use a relatively straightforward system for determining fault:

• Physical evidence: Vehicle positions, skid marks, damage patterns
• Witness statements: From bystanders and the parties involved
• Traffic law violations: If one party was clearly violating traffic law (running a red light, driving on the wrong side), they are typically assigned fault
• Road conditions and signage: Poor road conditions or inadequate signage may factor into the assessment

In many cases, fault is not assigned 100% to one party. Thailand uses a shared-fault system where both parties may bear a percentage of responsibility.

The Role of Your Driving License

Your driving license status significantly affects the police response and fault determination:

• Valid Thai license: Best position. You are treated as a legally authorized driver.
• Valid IDP within 90 days: Acceptable, but may cause some confusion or delay. Read our IDP guide.
• No valid license: This is treated as a traffic violation and will be noted in the police report. It may influence fault determination against you, and it provides grounds for insurance denial.
• No motorcycle license while riding a motorcycle: Same as no license. A car license does not cover motorcycles. See our motorcycle license guide.

The Police Station Visit

In many cases, particularly those involving injuries or significant damage, you will be asked to go to the local police station to provide a formal statement. This is normal procedure.

At the station:

• You have the right to request an interpreter
• You have the right to contact your embassy
• You have the right to legal representation
• You should call 1155 (Tourist Police) if you feel you are being treated unfairly
• Do not sign any documents you do not understand

Insurance and Medical Costs After an Accident

Understanding Thailand's insurance system is essential for managing the financial aftermath of an accident.

Compulsory Insurance (พ.ร.บ. -- Por Ror Bor)

Every registered vehicle in Thailand is required to carry compulsory motor insurance, known as พ.ร.บ. (Phor Ror Bor, an abbreviation of พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองผู้ประสบภัยจากรถ, the Road Accident Victims Protection Act).

This insurance covers:

Important limitations:

• These amounts apply per person, per accident
• Coverage is provided regardless of who is at fault
• The amounts are often insufficient for serious injuries at private hospitals
• The insurance covers medical costs and compensation but not vehicle repair

Voluntary Vehicle Insurance

If you own a vehicle, or if the other party has comprehensive insurance, additional coverage may apply:

Travel Insurance

If you are a tourist or short-term visitor, your travel insurance may cover accident-related costs. Key considerations:

• License requirement: Your policy almost certainly requires a valid license for the vehicle type you were operating
• Helmet requirement: Policies typically require compliance with local safety laws
• Alcohol exclusion: If alcohol was involved, coverage may be denied
• Notification deadline: Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours
• Direct billing vs reimbursement: Some insurers can arrange direct billing with hospitals; others require you to pay upfront and submit receipts

Credit Card Insurance

Some credit cards provide travel accident insurance. This is often cited by travelers as their safety net, but the coverage is typically limited and subject to numerous exclusions. See our detailed analysis of credit card insurance in Thailand.

Medical Cost Reality Check

Private hospital costs in Thailand can escalate quickly:

The gap between the 80,000 THB compulsory insurance and these real-world costs is the gap that your personal insurance, travel insurance, or personal funds must fill.

Post-Accident Procedures

Filing an Insurance Claim

1. Notify your insurer within the required timeframe (check your policy; typically 24-72 hours)
2. Provide the police report number and a copy when available
3. Submit all medical documentation including hospital bills, diagnostic reports, and treatment records
4. Provide photos and evidence from the scene
5. Keep all receipts for medical treatment, medication, transportation to/from the hospital, and any other accident-related expenses
6. Follow up regularly -- Thai insurance claims can take weeks to months to resolve

Dealing With the Other Party's Insurance

If the other party was at fault, their insurance company should cover your damages. In practice:

• Their insurance adjuster will contact you (or their insurer will contact yours)
• You may be asked to provide a statement
• Negotiations over the settlement amount are common
• Having your own legal representation speeds the process and typically results in better outcomes

Seeking Legal Help

For accidents involving injuries, significant property damage, or disputes about fault, legal representation is strongly recommended.

• Your embassy can provide lists of English-speaking lawyers in your area
• The Tourist Police (1155) can recommend legal assistance
• Thai law firms specializing in expat issues are available in major cities
• Legal fees for accident cases typically range from 10,000 to 50,000 THB for straightforward matters, more for complex or litigated cases

If the Other Party Is Uninsured

Unfortunately, uninsured vehicles are common in Thailand, particularly motorcycles. If the other party has no insurance:

• The compulsory พ.ร.บ. from your own vehicle may still cover your medical expenses
• You can pursue a civil claim against the other party for damages
• Recovery may be difficult if the other party has limited assets
• Your own travel or health insurance becomes your primary safety net

Special Considerations for Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents deserve special attention because they are by far the most common type of road accident involving foreigners in Thailand.

The Licensing-Helmet-Insurance Triangle

Three factors determine your financial and legal position after a motorcycle accident:

1. Valid motorcycle license: Without one, insurance claims are denied. See our motorcycle license guide.
2. Helmet use: Without a helmet, head injury claims are denied. See our helmet law guide.
3. Insurance coverage: Without adequate insurance, you pay out of pocket.

If all three are in place, you are well-protected. If any one is missing, you are exposed. If two or three are missing, the financial consequences can be catastrophic.

Scooter Rental Accidents

If you are involved in an accident on a rented scooter:

• The rental shop's compulsory insurance (พ.ร.บ.) covers medical costs up to 80,000 THB
• The rental shop will charge you for all damage to the scooter -- often at inflated prices
• If you left your passport as deposit, you are in a weak negotiating position
• Your personal travel insurance may cover your medical costs if you held a valid license and wore a helmet
• If you had no license, your personal insurance will likely deny the claim
• Document the scooter's pre-existing damage with photos before renting, and insist on a written rental agreement

For comprehensive information on scooter insurance options, see our dedicated guide.

Preventing Accidents: Practical Safety Tips

Prevention is always better than response. These tips are based on the most common accident patterns involving foreigners in Thailand:

1. Get properly licensed -- a Thai driving license or valid IDP is the foundation
2. Always wear a helmet -- not a novelty shell, a real certified helmet
3. Do not drink and drive -- Thailand has a legal BAC limit of 0.05%, and enforcement increases during holidays
4. Drive defensively -- assume every other driver may do something unexpected
5. Be extra cautious at intersections -- most Thai accidents occur at intersections
6. Avoid night riding -- visibility is poor, and the proportion of impaired drivers increases significantly after dark
7. Watch for hazards -- potholes, stray dogs, wet surfaces, sand on curves, and unmarked speed bumps are ubiquitous
8. Use mirrors and check blind spots -- Thai traffic weaves and merges aggressively
9. Keep a safe following distance -- sudden stops are common
10. Do not exceed your skill level -- if you are not an experienced motorcyclist, do not rent a 300cc sport bike for mountain roads

Key Takeaways

1. Save emergency numbers now: 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (Tourist Police), 191 (police)
2. Never sign documents you cannot read, never pay cash at the scene, never leave the scene
3. Document everything with photos and written notes
4. Your driving license status directly affects your legal and insurance position -- get properly licensed before you drive
5. Compulsory insurance covers only 80,000 THB for medical costs -- ensure you have adequate additional coverage
6. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine -- some injuries are not immediately apparent
7. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours and keep all receipts and documentation
8. For serious accidents, get legal representation -- your embassy or the Tourist Police can help you find a lawyer