Data show that, over 8,000 self-driving tourists traveled to Thailand via Chiang Khong in Thailand. The number enlarged to 13,000 in 2012, with a year-on-year growth of 40%.

Kunming-Bangkok Road is the only high-graded road connecting China and Thailand, as well as an important traffic artery jointing China with Southeast Asian countries. The road has a length of about 1,800 kilometers. Starting from Kunming, the road passes through Yuxi, Pu’er, Xishuangbanna in China. It enters Laos territory via Boten, Luang Namtha, Tshopo in Laos. Then the road leads to Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang in Thailand, and terminates in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Thai tourist attractions have various characteristics due to different geography distribution. Architecture, ethnic customs are indispensable parts of self-driving travel in Thailand. Chiang Rai , a northern province in Thailand, is worth visiting for beautiful scenery and tribal peoples’ unique customs, introduced by Pinnat Charoenphol, director of TAT in Kunming Office.

Reported by Thailand Business News, Thailand had received 3,000,000 Chinese tourists in 2012, and 1,500,000 in the first five months of 2013. Chinese tourists number increased 90% in 2013 year on year, and is estimated to reach 3,000,000 by year-end.

Tips for self-driving travel to Thailand

Drive safely in Thailand and strictly follow all traffic regulations.　

Thailand adopt left-hand drive system. Always keep to the left lane when driving in Thailand.

Always beware of bicycles and motorbikes as there are many on the roads.

Always stop at zebra crossings to allow all pedestrians to cross the road first.

Do not honk the horn in Thailand for it is regarded as an impolite behavior in local.

The vehicle owner or driver must submit Vehicle Form together with the official documents, including the original Car Owner Handbook together with a copy, owner or driver Identification Card or passport with a copy, list of passengers form.　

The driver and each passenger/ vehicle crew member must have a passport or border pass.

The vehicle owner or driver must provide an official insurance policy complying with the “Victims Protection Act of 2535 BE” for all vehicles.