Chiang Mai Living Guide

Driving & transport

After a traffic accident in Thailand

Prioritize assistance for injured people and contact with police and your insurer. Preserve records and obtain explanations in a language you understand.

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A Thai traffic signal with a countdown, 2009; not an accident photograph
A Thai traffic signal with a countdown, 2009; not an accident photograph · User:Mattes · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop.

Start with these three things

  1. Prioritize helping injured people, then contact police and your insurer.
  2. Preserve the scene where possible, and record the circumstances if vehicles must be moved.
  3. Understand documents before signing. Ask for an interpreter if you cannot understand the language.

Steps

  1. Assist injured people and report the accident to police. Emergency contacts are available through the site link below.
  2. Contact your insurer and ask it to help with the next steps.
  3. If vehicles must be moved, photograph the scene where possible.
  4. Ask your insurer or another responsible party to arrange an interpreter or representative.
  5. Read and understand documents requested by police before signing.

What to prepare

Planning tips (not official rules)

  • Once immediate needs are addressed, have your policy, insurer’s contact, licence and identity documents such as your passport ready. Ask police and the insurer which documents must be submitted.
  • Keep your own copies of medical and repair receipts, accident-report records and communications with the responsible offices.

Where to ask

Police responsible for the accident location / your insurer

The official safety guide describes reporting to police, contacting the insurer and arranging interpretation.

The police station, hours and required documents for your particular case remain unverified. Confirm with the office handling it.

Things to watch for

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  • Tip Do not enter the roadway or remain in danger to take photos or negotiate. Prioritize people’s safety over preserving the scene and follow emergency responders’ and police instructions.
  • Do not sign a document without understanding its contents.
  • Tip Do not decide liability shares or compensation amounts on the spot. Consult police, your insurer and a professional if needed.

Information for the first report

Planning tips (not official rules)

State your location, what happened and whether anyone is injured. From a safe place, add the road name, a nearby landmark and vehicle details you can identify. Do not delay assistance or reporting to take photographs.

Scene and communication records

The official safety guide advises preserving the scene where possible, photographing it if vehicles must be moved and requesting an interpreter when needed.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Once safe, note the time, location, direction of travel and what you actually saw. Separate observations from assumptions. Avoid publishing accident photos or other people’s personal information on social media.

Medical care and repairs

Planning tips (not official rules)

Ask your insurer which claim documents are needed, whether originals are required, where to submit them and by when. Keep copies and record the recipient and date. Confirm cover under your own policy; this article does not decide individual claims.

Preparation in advance

Planning tips (not official rules)

Keep a note of the insurer’s contact and languages you can use, and tell travelling family members where to find it. A paper copy can help without connectivity. Share personal health information only with people who need it.

Procedures can change. Confirm with the Thai police handling the accident and your insurer.

Sources & dates checked

  1. OfficialEmbassy of Japan in Thailand / Consulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai 安全の手引き 令和8（2026）年版Embassy of Japan in Thailand / Consulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11