In This Article
Parking Rules and Regulations
Thailand's parking rules are based on road markings and signs, though enforcement varies greatly by location. Red and white curb markings (alternating red and white stripes) mean absolutely no parking at any time — this is the most strictly enforced parking rule. Yellow and white curb markings indicate no parking but stopping to drop off or pick up passengers is allowed for a few minutes. No curb markings generally mean parking is permitted unless there is a sign prohibiting it. One-sided parking rules apply on many Bangkok streets — parking is allowed only on one side of the road, sometimes alternating by day (odd/even dates), indicated by signs with arrows. Look for the sign 'ห้ามจอด' (ham jot) which means 'no parking.' Parking in front of gates, driveways, fire hydrants, and within 10 meters of intersections is prohibited. Double parking — parking next to a car already parallel-parked — is technically illegal but extremely common in Bangkok. If you double-park, leave your car in neutral with the handbrake off and your phone number visible on the dashboard, so the blocked car's owner can call you or push your car out of the way. This is an accepted practice.
Parking Costs by Location
Parking costs vary dramatically by location. In Bangkok shopping malls, parking is typically free for the first 1–2 hours with purchase validation, then 20–40 baht per hour after that. Some premium malls like Siam Paragon and EmQuartier charge from the first hour unless you validate with a purchase receipt. Central business district outdoor parking lots charge 40–80 baht per hour or 200–500 baht per day. Hotel parking in Bangkok ranges from free (at suburban hotels) to 200–500 baht per night at city-center hotels. In Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, parking is generally cheaper and more available. Street parking in these cities is often free, and shopping center parking is almost always free. Airport parking is available at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang: short-term parking costs 40–60 baht per hour, while long-term parking lots cost 100–150 baht per day. Private parking buildings near airports offer competitive rates of 80–120 baht per day with shuttle service to the terminal.
Clamping, Towing and Fines
If you park illegally, several things can happen depending on the location. In Bangkok, wheel clamping (booting) is used by both municipal authorities and private property owners. If your wheel is clamped by authorities, you must pay a fine (typically 500–1,000 baht) at the local police station to have it removed. Private property clamps require paying the property management to remove — costs vary but are usually 500–1,500 baht. Towing is less common but does happen, especially during no-parking enforcement periods (such as rush-hour tow-away zones on major Bangkok roads). If your car is towed, call 191 (police) to find out where it has been taken. You will need to pay a towing fee (typically 500–1,500 baht) plus any parking violation fine. In severe cases, parking violations carry fines of up to 500 baht per offense under the Land Traffic Act. Repeat offenders may face higher penalties. Blocking emergency access or parking on pedestrian bridges is treated more seriously. If you return to your car and find a paper ticket under the wiper, it is a parking fine — these should be paid at the police station listed on the ticket within the specified timeframe.
Practical Parking Tips
In Bangkok, the easiest and most stress-free parking strategy is to park at a shopping mall and use the BTS or MRT to reach your final destination. Most malls near BTS/MRT stations have large, well-managed parking garages. For street parking, look for areas with uniformed parking attendants (many streets have unofficial attendants who help guide you into spots and watch your car). A small tip of 20 baht when you leave is customary. When parallel parking in tight spots, fold your side mirrors in — this is standard practice in Thailand. Many Thai cars have automatic folding mirrors for this reason. Never leave valuables visible in your car, even in a mall parking garage. Opportunistic theft from parked vehicles does occur. For motorcycles, use designated motorcycle parking areas. In Bangkok, these are usually at the front or side of buildings. Many are free. Do not chain or lock your motorcycle to public fixtures. If you drive a large vehicle (SUV, pickup truck), be aware that many older Bangkok buildings have low parking garage ceilings (2.0–2.2 meters). Check height limits before entering.
Make sure you are properly licensed
The most important step before driving in Thailand is having a valid license. We handle the entire process for you.