Transport - Thailand - page 1555

crease in comfort and amenities, ranging from 1st class to 'VIP' and 'Super VIP'. The latter two have fewer seats so that
each seat reclines further; sometimes these are called rót norn (sleeper buses).
Bring along a jacket for long-distance bus trips as air-con keeps the cabin at arctic temperatures. The service on these
buses is usually quite good and on certain routes sometimes includes a beverage and video, courtesy of an 'air hostess'.
On overnight journeys the buses usually stop somewhere en route for 'midnight kôw đôm', when passengers are
awakened to get off the bus for a free meal of rice and soup.
Reservations
You can book air-con BKS buses at any BKS terminal. Ordinary (fan) buses cannot be booked in advance. Privately run
buses can be booked through most hotels or any travel agency, but it's best to book directly through a bus office to be
sure that you get what you pay for.
ROAD SAFETY
Thailand rates as one of the most dangerous places to be on the road, according to a recent World Health Organiz-
ation report. Several high-profile bus accidents involving foreign tourists prompted some Western nations to issue
travel advisories for highway safety due to disregard for speed limits, reckless driving and long-distance bus
drivers' use of stimulants.
Fatal bus crashes make headlines, but more than 80% of vehicle accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles.
Less than half of the motorcyclists in the country wear helmets and many tourists are injured riding motorcycles
because they don't know how to handle the vehicles and are unfamiliar with local driving conventions. British
consular offices cited Thailand as a primary destination for UK citizens experiencing road traffic accidents, often
involving motorcyclists.
If you are a novice motorcyclists, familiarise yourself with the vehicle in an uncongested area of town and stick
to the smaller 100cc automatic bikes. Drive slowly, especially when roads are slick or when there is loose gravel.
Remember to distribute weight as evenly as possible across the frame of the bike to improve handling. And don't
expect that other vehicles will look out for you. Motorcycles are low on the traffic totem pole.
Car & Motorcycle
Driving Licence
In theory short-term visitors who wish to drive vehicles (including motorcycles) in Thailand need an International Driv-
ing Permit, however this isn't always enforced.
Fuel & Spare Parts
Modern petrol (gasoline) stations are plentiful. In more rural areas ben·sin / nám·man rót yon (petrol containing benzine)
is usually available at small roadside or village stands. All fuel in Thailand is unleaded, and diesel is used by trucks and
some passenger cars. Thailand also uses several alternative fuels, including gasohol (a blend of petrol and ethanol that
comes in different octane levels, either 91% or 95%) and compressed natural gas, used by taxis with bifuel capabilities.
For news and updates about fuel options and other car talk, see the website of BKK Auto ( www.bkkautos.com ) .