Road signs in Thailand are standardized road signs similar to those used in other nations but much of it resembles road signage systems used in South American countries with certain differences, such as using a blue circle instead of a red-bordered white circle to indicate mandatory actions.[1] Until the early 1980s, Thailand closely followed American, European, Australian, and Japanese practices in road sign design, with diamond-shaped warning signs and circular restrictive signs to regulate traffic. The Department of Railway maintains a standard on the typeface used in the sign, with custom made type for Thai text, unofficially named "Thang Luang" (อักษรทางหลวง) and a small derivation of FHWA Series fonts ("Highway Gothic") typeface, which is used on American road signage, for Latin text.[2] In most Bangkok Metropolitan Area's routes, TS Lopburi is still used.
Thai traffic signs use Thai, the national language of Thailand, and distances and other measurements are expressed in compliance with the International System of Units. However, English is also used for important public places such as tourist attractions, airports, railway stations, and immigration checkpoints. Both Thai and romanizations are used on directional signage.
Thailand is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, but has yet to fully ratify the convention.[3]
The first year for road signs in Thailand was largely unknown, but it can be dated back as far as the start of the 1920s.
Thailand is the first country in Asia to adopt MUTCD standard yellow diamond warning signs, in 1940. For regulatory signs, rectangular signs were first used and were similar in design to North America, but they have been replaced in the mid-1950s by European-style red-bordered white circle signs.[4]
In 2004, mandatory signs were switched from South American design to European design.[5]
With the exception of the special designs used for Stop, Yield, and No Entry signs, mandatory signs (e.g., Must Turn Left) are round with a blue background, white border, and a white pictogram. Those which express a prohibition (e.g., No Left Turn) show the pictogram crossed out by a red diagonal bar. This is in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (Type A variants).[6] [7]
These signs have been superseded, but are still around.
Thai warning signs are diamond-shaped and are yellow and black in colour.[8]
These signs have been superseded, but are still around.
The Department of Highways does not provide signs dealing with some other road and highway situations. Many cities have their own sign standards dealing with these situations.
Construction signs in Thailand are diamond-shaped and are orange and black in colour.
These signs have been superseded, but are still around.
| Expressways | ||||||
| Examples | Information | Number digits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main highway route numbers (Northern) | 1xxx | ||
| Main highway route numbers (Northeastern) | 2xxx | ||
| ทางออก EXIT 134 | Highway exit numbers | EXIT 101 - 199 | |
| Main highway route numbers (Central) | 3xxx | ||
| Main highway route numbers (Southern) | 4xxx |
National Highway use sign
| Examples | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Highways bypassing city centres bear the principal route number marked | ||
| Old Route Plate for Thailand Highway | ||
| Highways enter city centres bear the principal route number marked | ||
| Asian Highway route shield |
| Highway code signs | Motorways signs (Toll Roads) | Motorway signs | Rural route signs | Local roads signs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle-shaped highway shield with highway code signs are black and white | Blue with white letters signs for Motorways (Toll Road). | Green with White letters for Motorways | Rural route signs | Local roads signs | |
| | | ||||
| Thai national road shield | Motorway Signs (Toll Roads) | Thai Motorway Signs | Rural route signs | Local roads signs |
Thai Informational signs are white or blue.[9]
Road name signs in Thailand have different colours and styles depending on the local authority.
Other symbols include hospital signs, airport signs, temple signs and so on.
Alternating red and white paint means "no parking". Alternating yellow and white markings mean short-term parking or a bus stop. A white rectangle painted on the road indicates a parking zone. Multiple diagonal white lines mean parking for motorbikes only.[10]
Most road signs in Thailand use Thai (ภาษาไทย); the official and national language of that country. However, English is used for important directional signs such as CIQ checkpoints, airports, and tourist attractions. Below are translations of road signs: