Motorbike Accident Guide

1. Check yourself for injuries — don't move if you suspect spinal damage. 2. Move out of traffic if possible to avoid secondary collision. 3. Call emergency services: 1669 (ambulance) or 191 (police). 4. Do NOT remove your helmet until paramedics arrive if you have neck/head pain. 5. If conscious and able, take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries immediately.

Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 1669. Police: 191. Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1155. Highway Police: 1193. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Emergency: 038-259-999. Pattaya Memorial Hospital: 038-488-777. Fire/Rescue: 199. Save these in your phone NOW — before you need them. Tourist Police 1155 should be your first call as a foreigner.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya is the best for serious injuries — 24/7 emergency, international standards, English-speaking staff. Pattaya Memorial and Pattaya International also have emergency departments. Government hospitals (Banglamung) are cheaper but less English-friendly. Hospitals treat first and handle payment after — don't delay treatment over money concerns.

Before moving anything: photograph the accident scene from multiple angles, close-ups of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and your injuries. Record a video if possible. Get the other party's license plate, name, and phone number. Ask witnesses for their contact details. This documentation is crucial for police reports and insurance claims.

Go to the nearest police station (or the police will come to the scene for serious accidents). A police report is required for insurance claims. The report is in Thai — bring a Thai-speaking friend or call Tourist Police 1155 for translation assistance. Get a copy of the report and the report number. Do this within 24 hours of the accident.

Thai mandatory insurance (Por Ror Bor) covers medical expenses up to 80,000 THB per person. If you have travel or health insurance, contact your insurer's 24-hour hotline immediately. Required documents: police report, hospital medical records, receipts, photos, passport copy. Keep ALL receipts — ambulance, hospital, medication, even transportation to hospital.

Thai traffic law often assigns shared fault. If you were without a valid Thai or international driver's license, you may be considered at fault regardless of circumstances — and your insurance may be voided. A helmet is legally required; not wearing one reduces your claim. For serious accidents, consult a Thai lawyer immediately (2,000–5,000 THB initial consultation).

Emergency room visit: 3,000–10,000 THB. X-rays: 1,000–3,000 THB. Minor wound cleaning and stitches: 2,000–5,000 THB. Broken bone treatment: 20,000–80,000 THB. Surgery: 50,000–500,000+ THB. ICU per day: 20,000–50,000 THB. These costs reinforce why health/travel insurance is absolutely non-negotiable for motorbike riders in Thailand.

Road rash: most common injury. Clean thoroughly, apply antiseptic, cover with non-stick dressing. Change daily. Mild cases self-treat; severe cases need hospital debridement. Broken bones: common in collisions — immobilize and get to hospital. Head injuries: any loss of consciousness requires immediate CT scan. Concussion symptoms may appear hours later.

Stay calm. Do not admit fault or sign anything you don't understand. Thai custom sometimes involves on-scene negotiation for minor accidents — but for significant injuries or damage, insist on a police report. If the other party flees, note their plate number and report to police immediately. Do not chase — your safety comes first.

Tourist Police (1155) are your best resource as a foreigner. They speak English, understand the challenges foreigners face, and can mediate with local police, hospitals, and insurance companies. They can also help translate documents and ensure you're treated fairly. Call them early in the process — they're there specifically to help tourists and expats.

Always wear a helmet (full-face recommended). Get a valid Thai or international driver's license — without one, you're uninsured. Wear closed shoes, not sandals. Avoid driving at night, in rain, or after drinking. Keep headlights on. Assume every other driver will do something unexpected. Carry your insurance card and emergency contacts at all times.