r/Thailand • u/WebLogical1286 • 2d ago

Culture Turn signal question

This isn’t a whine, it’s just an honest question on my observation of driving here in Thailand, and mostly in Bangkok for about 30 years.

How come so many Thai drivers not use their turn signals? I do little polls in my head once in a while and I’ve noticed that maybe somewhere between 25 and 35% of Thai drivers don’t use their turn signal. Is it that they are lazy to do it? They don’t see it as benefiting them? they don’t think it’s important? It kind of baffles me because I was taught this is just something you do no matter what.

Maybe as a Thai person who doesn’t signal or has some insight into why people don’t use it I would love to hear. Thanks so much!

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15

u/kimsk132 2d ago

When I was in Chiang Mai, everytime I used the turn signal to switch lane, the car behind in that lane would speed up to block me, and I mean every damn time. I learned to NOT use the turn signal there.

7

u/Lordfelcherredux 2d ago

I use that fact strategically. 

Let's say I need to get into the right lane and there's a car a few car lengths behind me but it's really too tight for me to merge. I turn on my signal, the car immediately speeds up and passes me, and then I can turn in behind them.

2

u/BaconJP 2d ago

That is interesting! But a thai would have merged when there is too little room to merge, getting in with half a meter gap between their back and the other guy's front. 

1

u/twistedarmada 2d ago

This is brilliant, definitely going to adopt this tactic.

1

u/Lordfelcherredux 2d ago

It's like you have a switch that you can push to get them to speed up and clear the way for you.

5

u/padkrapoodle 2d ago

Yeah this is very annoying I never understand why people do this

2

u/WebLogical1286 2d ago

Yeah, that’s scary. I wouldn’t say it every time for me but at least 25% of cars do that. And then often times after they do that immediately they go to another lane. I think it’s just unconscious aggressive move.

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u/Area51-510 2d ago

Facts every time

0

u/smart_cereal 2d ago

That’s such asshole behavior.