CurveThailand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Thailand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


9. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

Curve
Warning for a curve to the right. (Noen Maprang, Thailand)
Wikimedia.org • พลพระ โกวิทวัฒน์ • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in Thailand?

A bend limits the view ahead and can reduce the room available to correct an error. Slow before entering, allowing for the radius, surface, visibility and other road users. A safe speed can be below the posted maximum; do not overtake into an unseen section.

🔗 network.doh.go.th • Thailand — 2020 highway-sign Regulation, actual signs/markings and separate controls

🔗 laksong.metro.police.go.th • Official Police-hosted Gazette — full enacted Road Traffic Act amendment 13, 2022

🔗 aipalync.org • Council of State Thai Act consolidation through amendment 12 — read with full amendment 13

How should you approach a sharp curve in Thailand?

Reduce speed before the bend and keep control of the vehicle. Section 69 of the Road Traffic Act requires slowing safely on curves and in specified hazardous conditions. Obey the signs and allow for traffic, grip and visibility.

🔗 network.doh.go.th • Thailand — 2020 highway-sign Regulation, actual signs/markings and separate controls

🔗 laksong.metro.police.go.th • Official Police-hosted Gazette — full enacted Road Traffic Act amendment 13, 2022

🔗 aipalync.org • Council of State Thai Act consolidation through amendment 12 — read with full amendment 13

Warning for a curve to the left. Warning for a curve to the left.

English • Traffic sign ต.1 • Left-hand bend. Reduce speed before entering and keep carefully to the left.

ไทย • ต.1 • ทางโค้งซ้าย. ข้างหน้ามีทางโค้งไปทางซ้าย ให้ลดความเร็วก่อนเข้าโค้งและขับชิดด้านซ้ายอย่างระมัดระวัง

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Doh.go.th • กรมทางหลวง • คู่มือ พ.ศ. 2561 • เล่ม 1 • หน้า PDF 90

SVG source: Government of Thailand • Public domain • Original revision 2017-12-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a curve to the right. Warning for a curve to the right.

English • Traffic sign ต.2 • Right-hand bend. Reduce speed before entering and keep carefully to the left.

ไทย • ต.2 • ทางโค้งขวา. ข้างหน้ามีทางโค้งไปทางขวา ให้ลดความเร็วก่อนเข้าโค้งและขับชิดด้านซ้ายอย่างระมัดระวัง

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Doh.go.th • กรมทางหลวง • คู่มือ พ.ศ. 2561 • เล่ม 1 • หน้า PDF 90

SVG source: Government of Thailand • Public domain • Original revision 2017-12-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in Thailand?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 network.doh.go.th • Thailand — 2020 highway-sign Regulation, actual signs/markings and separate controls

🔗 laksong.metro.police.go.th • Official Police-hosted Gazette — full enacted Road Traffic Act amendment 13, 2022

🔗 aipalync.org • Council of State Thai Act consolidation through amendment 12 — read with full amendment 13

1 Thailand 2 Speed limit 3 Minimum speed 4 Advisory speed 5 Slope 6 Stop sign 7 School area 8 Crossing animals 9 Curve 10 Roadworks 11 Traffic lights 12 Left-hand traffic 13 Driving licence 14 Reversing 15 Uncontrolled crossroad 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Lane splitting 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...