Car Accident in Thailand | Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Immediate Steps After an Accident

Stay calm and check for injuries to yourself and all passengers. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance (1669) immediately. Do not move injured people unless there is an immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the side of the road after taking photos of their original positions. If vehicles cannot be moved, set up warning triangles if available.

Call the Police and Document Everything

Call the police (191 or the tourist police at 1155). While waiting, take extensive photos: damage to all vehicles, licence plates, the road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall scene from multiple angles. Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, licence plate, insurance details. Get contact information from any witnesses. Do not admit fault at the scene — let the police and insurance companies determine liability.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company's 24-hour hotline as soon as possible. They will send a surveyor to the scene. Provide the police report number when it becomes available. Follow your insurance company's instructions for getting your vehicle repaired (they usually have a network of approved repair shops). Keep all receipts related to the accident — towing, medical, transport, and repair costs.

Legal Considerations for Foreigners

If the accident involves serious injury or death, contact your embassy immediately. Consider hiring a Thai lawyer, especially for serious accidents. Do not sign any documents you do not understand — request a translation. If the police ask you to go to the station, cooperate but consider having a Thai-speaking friend or lawyer accompany you. In minor fender benders with no injuries, the matter can often be resolved through insurance companies without further legal proceedings.

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.

Get Licensed

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call the police for every accident?

Yes, for insurance claim purposes. Even for minor accidents, a police report strengthens your insurance claim. For very minor incidents (small scratches, parking bumps), some people settle directly with the other party — but this is risky without documentation.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

If you have voluntary (Class 1) insurance, your own insurance will cover your vehicle's damage. For third-party claims, you may need to pursue the uninsured driver through legal channels. Compulsory insurance covers basic bodily injury regardless of fault.

What to Do If You Have a Car Accident in Thailand

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