Speed limit on Thailand’s highways to be increased to 120 kilometres an hour

The government has approved an official increase in the upper speed limit on Thailand’s national and rural highways, with the aim of improving traffic flow. The new maximum speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour has been confirmed by spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul, after the Cabinet approved a draft regulation proposed by the Transport Ministry.

If you’ve ever driven on a Thai freeway or motorway you’d already know that much of the traffic drives in excess of 100 kilometres an hour and sometimes even more than the new 120 kph limit.

According to a Bangkok Post report, the new speed limit is applicable only to highways with at least 2 lanes travelling in the same direction and traffic islands that have barriers. It will not apply in the case of roads that have U-turns at ground level.

The upper speed limit will not apply in the case of all vehicles. Trucks that weigh over 2,200 kilograms, and buses carrying more than 15 passengers, cannot exceed 90 kilometres an hour. Buses with between 7 – 15 people on board can travel at speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour. The exception is school buses, which cannot exceed 80 kilometres an hour (even if they wanted too!).

In the case of motorbikes, smaller bikes cannot go above 80 kilometres an hour. Bikes with 400cc engines, or 35-kilowatt (47hp) engines or above, cannot exceed 100 kilometres an hour. Meanwhile, vehicles in the furthest right-hand lane must maintain a speed of no less than 100 kilometres an hour.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post