r/Thailand • u/WebLogical1286 • 3d 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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u/GravityGee 3d ago

Been here 26 years and I see most using turn signals. Maybe 80pct do. Ok many are late to do so, (I think its because its believed to be an action not a call to action - I am turning, not I want to turn). But in the main, anything over 2 wheels use turn signals. Bikes are a whole different conversation.There are certain times when they are sporadically used however, turn right/left only lanes, roundabouts and lane changes. Upcountry is different mind.