Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bus & Minivan
The bus network in Thailand is prolific and reliable. The Thai government subsidises the Transport Company
(bò·rí·sàt
kŏn sòng),
usually abbreviated to Baw Khaw Saw (BKS). Every city and town in Thailand linked by bus has a BKS
station, even if it's just a patch of dirt by the side of the road.
By far the most reliable bus companies in Thailand are the ones that operate out of the government-run BKS sta-
tions. We do not recommend using bus companies that operate directly out of tourist centres, such as Bangkok's Th
Khao San, because of repeated instances of theft and commission-seeking stops.
Increasingly, minivans are the middle-class option. Minivans are run by private companies and because their
vehicles are smaller they can depart from the market (instead of the out-of-town bus stations) and will deliver guests
directly to their hotel.
Bus Classes
The cheapest and slowest are the
rót tam·má·dah
(ordinary fan buses) that stop in every little town and for every wav-
ing hand along the highway. Only a few of these ordinary buses, in rural locations or for local destinations, still exist
since most have been replaced by air-con buses.
The bulk of the bus service consists of faster, more comfortable air-con buses, called
rót aa
(air bus). Longer routes
offer at least two classes of air-con buses: 2nd class and 1st class. The latter have toilets. 'VIP' and 'Super VIP' buses
have fewer seats so that each seat reclines further; sometimes these are called
rót norn
(sleeper bus).
Bring a jacket, especially for long-distance trips, as the air-con can turn the cabin into a deep freeze.
On overnight journeys the buses usually stop en route for 'midnight
kôw đôm'
(rice soup), when passengers are
awakened for a meal.
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.
Car & Motorcycle
Driving Licence
Short-term visitors who wish to drive vehicles (including motorcycles) in Thailand need an International Driving Per-
mit, though this requirement is not always enforced.
Fuel
Modern petrol (gasoline) stations are in plentiful supply all over Thailand wherever there are paved roads. In more- re-
mote, off-road areas
ben·sin
/
nám·man rót yon
(petrol containing benzene) is usually available at small roadside or vil-
lage stands. All fuel in Thailand is unleaded, and diesel is used by trucks and some passenger cars. Several alternative
fuels, including gasohol (a blend of petrol and ethanol) and compressed natural gas, are used by taxis with bifuel cap-
abilities. For updates about fuel options, see the website of
BKK Auto
(
www.bkk.autos.com
)
.
