Motorbike Accidents in Thailand: What to Do Step-by-Step (2026)

Nobody plans for this. You rented a scooter in Pai, you're cruising down a mountain road, and suddenly gravel, a dog, a truck cutting a corner — and you're on the ground. It happens fast. What you do in the next 30 minutes will determine how the next few weeks (or months) of your trip go.

Motorbike accidents are the single biggest risk facing backpackers in Thailand. Not scams, not food poisoning, not crime — motorbikes. Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, and tourists on rented scooters are disproportionately represented in those numbers.

This guide is not here to scare you off riding. Millions of travelers ride motorbikes in Thailand every year without incident. But if the worst happens, you need to know exactly what to do, because the system works differently here than back home.

The Numbers: How Bad Is It Really?

Let's be honest about the statistics:

Thailand averages 20,000+ road deaths per year, making it one of the top 10 most dangerous countries for road fatalities globally
The WHO estimates 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people annually — compared to about 5.4 in the UK
73% of road deaths in Thailand involve motorbikes or scooters
Chiang Mai hospitals report treating multiple tourist motorbike injuries per day during high season
The most common tourist accident locations: Pai canyon road, Koh Phangan hills, Phuket coastal roads, Chiang Mai mountain roads

These numbers are not meant to terrify you. They're meant to make you take this seriously enough to wear a helmet, drive slowly, and have proper insurance.

Step 1: The Immediate Aftermath (First 5 Minutes)

If You Can Move

Get off the road. Drag yourself and the bike to the side if possible. Thai traffic will not slow down for you.
Check yourself. Adrenaline masks pain. Look at your body — are you bleeding heavily anywhere? Can you move all your limbs? Does your neck feel wrong?
Check the other person. If someone else was involved, check on them too.
Start documenting. Pull out your phone immediately. Take photos of:
- Your injuries
- The bike's position on the road
- Any damage to other vehicles
- The road conditions (gravel, potholes, wet surface)
- The other driver's license plate if applicable
- Skid marks, broken glass, anything relevant
Call for help. Emergency numbers:
- 1669 — National emergency medical service (ambulance)
- 191 — Police
- 1155 — Tourist Police (English-speaking)

If You Cannot Move or Suspect Spinal Injury

Do not try to get up. Spinal injuries can be made catastrophically worse by movement.
Shout for help or wave your arms if possible.
If someone comes to help, tell them clearly: "Don't move me. Call 1669."
Thai bystanders are generally very helpful but may try to lift you — resist this firmly if you feel neck or back pain.
Do NOT remove your helmet if you're wearing one. Leave it on until medical professionals arrive.

If You're With a Friend

One person stays with the injured. The other calls for help and documents everything.
If you're both injured, call 1669 and then call your hostel or guesthouse. They can help coordinate.

Step 2: Getting Medical Help

Calling an Ambulance

Dial 1669 for the national emergency medical service. Response times vary dramatically:

| Location | Typical Response Time | |----------|----------------------| | Bangkok | 10-20 minutes | | Chiang Mai city | 10-15 minutes | | Phuket town | 10-15 minutes | | Pai | 15-30 minutes | | Remote islands | 30-60+ minutes | | Koh Phangan (during Full Moon Party) | Potentially hours |

If you're in a tourist area, a tuk-tuk or songthaew driver will often stop and offer to take you to a hospital. This is sometimes faster than waiting for an ambulance, especially in remote areas.

Important: Ambulance services in Thailand are a patchwork system. Some are hospital-run, some are volunteer organizations (มูลนิธิ, mun-la-ni-thi). The volunteer ambulances are the ones you see racing around with flashing lights — they're legitimate and often faster than hospital ambulances.

Choosing a Hospital

This decision matters enormously for your wallet:

Government Hospitals (โรงพยาบาลรัฐ)

Cost: ฿500-5,000 for minor injuries, ฿10,000-50,000 for serious
Quality: Competent doctors, but crowded, long waits, limited English
Examples: Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai (สวนดอก), Surat Thani Hospital, Vachira Phuket
Best for: If you have no insurance and need to keep costs down

Private Hospitals (โรงพยาบาลเอกชน)

Cost: 3-10x more expensive than government
Quality: International-standard, English-speaking staff, no wait times
Examples: Bangkok Hospital (chain, nationwide), Bumrungrad (Bangkok), Ram Hospital (Chiang Mai)
Best for: If you have travel insurance that covers private hospitals

Private Hospital Cost Examples:

| Treatment | Approximate Cost | |-----------|-----------------| | ER visit + road rash cleaning | ฿3,000-8,000 | | X-rays | ฿1,500-3,000 per area | | CT scan | ฿8,000-15,000 | | Stitches (minor) | ฿2,000-5,000 | | Broken arm (cast + follow-up) | ฿15,000-40,000 | | Broken leg (surgery required) | ฿80,000-200,000 | | Head injury (ICU stay) | ฿100,000-500,000+ | | Medical evacuation flight | ฿500,000-2,000,000+ |

Hospital Recommendations by City

Bangkok:

Budget: BNH Hospital (decent private, moderate prices)
Best: Bumrungrad International Hospital (world-class, expensive)
Government: Ramathibodi Hospital (excellent doctors, Thai-speaking)

Chiang Mai:

Budget: Maharaj Nakorn (government, teaching hospital, very competent)
Best: Ram Hospital Chiang Mai or Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Note: Chiang Mai has excellent medical facilities for a regional city

Phuket:

Budget: Vachira Phuket Hospital (government)
Best: Bangkok Hospital Phuket or Phuket International Hospital
Note: Most expensive private care outside Bangkok

Koh Samui:

Bangkok Hospital Koh Samui (only real option for serious injuries)
Minor injuries: Thai International Hospital Samui
Serious injuries may require air evacuation to Surat Thani or Bangkok

Koh Phangan:

Koh Phangan Hospital (government, limited capacity)
Serious injuries: Speedboat to Koh Samui, then Bangkok Hospital
Note: During Full Moon Party, the hospital is overwhelmed

Pai:

Pai Hospital (small government hospital, basic care)
Serious injuries: Transfer to Chiang Mai (3-hour drive on winding mountain road, or helicopter)

Step 3: Payment at the Hospital

This is where most travelers panic. Here's how it works:

The Reality of Payment

Most hospitals require payment upfront or a guarantee of payment before treatment
Private hospitals will treat you and bill you (or your insurance) — they want the business
Government hospitals may ask for payment before discharge
No hospital will refuse emergency treatment. Under Thai law, emergency stabilization must be provided regardless of ability to pay

If You Have Travel Insurance

Call your insurance company immediately (or have someone call for you)
Ask for a guarantee of payment letter to send to the hospital
Most major insurers have 24/7 assistance lines with Thai hospital contacts
The hospital's international patient department will coordinate with your insurer
You may need to pay a deductible upfront

If You Don't Have Insurance

Government hospitals are your best bet — genuinely affordable by Western standards
Ask about payment plans — some hospitals offer them for large bills
Contact your embassy — they can sometimes provide emergency loans (you'll pay it back)
The hospital social worker (นักสังคมสงเคราะห์) can help navigate payment options

Credit Cards

All private hospitals accept credit cards
Most government hospitals accept cards for larger bills
Visa and Mastercard work everywhere; Amex is hit or miss
Your card's travel insurance may provide coverage — call your card company

Step 4: The Insurance Reality Check

This is the part most backpackers don't want to hear.

Most Travel Insurance Excludes Motorbike Riding

Read your policy carefully. The standard exclusion looks like this:

"Injuries sustained while riding a motorbike, motorcycle, or moped are excluded unless the policyholder holds a valid motorcycle license from their home country AND an International Driving Permit (IDP), AND was wearing an approved helmet at the time of the incident."

What this means in practice:

| Situation | Covered? | |-----------|----------| | You have a car license only, renting a 125cc scooter | Almost certainly NO | | You have a motorcycle license + IDP, wearing helmet | Usually YES | | You have a motorcycle license but no IDP | Often NO | | You were a passenger, not driving | Usually YES | | You were driving without a helmet | NO | | You were driving under the influence | Absolutely NO |

Getting Proper Coverage

Before you ride in Thailand, you need:

A motorcycle license from your home country — Not just a car license. In many countries (UK, Australia, etc.) you need a specific motorcycle endorsement.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) — Get this BEFORE you leave home. It costs about $20-30 and is available from your national automobile association (AAA in the US, AA in the UK, NRMA in Australia). It's a translation of your existing license, not a separate license.
Travel insurance that explicitly covers motorbike riding — Check the policy document, not just the marketing page.

Insurance providers known to cover motorbike riding (with proper license):

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — Covers motorbikes up to 125cc with valid license. Popular with backpackers. Monthly subscription model.
World Nomads — Offers motorbike coverage on their Explorer plan. More expensive but comprehensive.
True Traveller — UK-based, covers motorbikes with license/IDP. Good value.
Allianz Travel — Covers motorbikes if you have a valid license. Mainstream option.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If you are covered, start the process immediately:

Call the assistance line within 24 hours (most policies require this)
Get a police report (see Step 5) — insurers almost always require this
Keep EVERY receipt — hospital bills, medications, taxi to hospital, replacement clothes (if yours were destroyed)
Get a medical report in English from the hospital
Take dated photos of your injuries throughout recovery
Keep a diary of your recovery — missed flights, changed plans, pain levels

If Your Claim Is Denied

Request the denial in writing with specific policy clause cited
Appeal with additional documentation
Contact your country's insurance ombudsman
Consider hiring a local English-speaking lawyer for large claims

Step 5: Dealing with Police and the Other Party

The Police Report

Call 191 for Thai police. For English-speaking assistance, call 1155 (Tourist Police).

Why you need a police report:

Your insurance company will almost certainly require it
It documents what happened while evidence is fresh
It protects you if the other party later makes claims against you

How it works:

Police arrive at the scene (response time: 15-60 minutes depending on location)
They will take photos and speak to witnesses
They may ask you to come to the police station (สถานีตำรวจ) to file a formal report
The report will be in Thai — ask for a translation or bring someone who reads Thai
You may need to pay a fee for the report (฿100-500)

The Uncomfortable Truth About Fault

In Thailand, the foreigner is almost always considered at least partially at fault. This is not official policy, but it is practical reality. The reasoning (from the Thai perspective) is: if you weren't here, the accident wouldn't have happened.

This plays out in several ways:

In a collision with a Thai driver: You will likely be asked to pay for their vehicle damage regardless of who caused the accident. This is often handled as a cash settlement at the scene or police station.
Typical settlement range: ฿2,000-20,000 for minor bike-on-bike damage. More for car damage.
If you refuse to pay: The other party may refuse to let you leave. Police may side with them.
If the other party is injured: You could be liable for their medical bills. This is where it gets expensive.

Practical Advice for the Scene

Stay calm. Getting angry or aggressive will make everything worse.
Be polite and respectful. A wai (prayer-like bow) goes a long way.
Don't admit fault explicitly, but don't be combative either.
Call the Tourist Police (1155) if you feel the situation is unfair or intimidating.
Don't sign anything you don't understand. Insist on translation.
Get the other party's details: Name, phone number, license plate, photos of their vehicle damage.

Cash Settlement vs. Formal Report

Many minor accidents in Thailand are settled with cash on the spot, without involving police. This is common and culturally normal. However:

If you're injured: Always get a police report. You'll need it for insurance.
If only the bike is damaged: A cash settlement may be faster and simpler.
If the other party demands more than ฿20,000: Involve police. Don't pay large sums without official documentation.
Get a receipt for any cash you hand over. Write the amount, date, and both parties' names. Have them sign it.

Step 6: Common Injuries and What to Expect

Road Rash (Most Common)

Road rash is the classic motorbike injury — skin scraped off by the road surface. Thailand's roads are particularly abrasive.

Treatment:

Clean the wound thoroughly (this hurts — a lot)
Apply antiseptic (Betadine/povidone-iodine is widely available at pharmacies)
Keep it moist with antibiotic ointment (Fucidin or Bactroban, available at Thai pharmacies)
Cover with non-stick gauze, change daily
Watch for infection signs: increasing redness, pus, fever, red streaks

Pharmacy supplies for road rash care:

Betadine solution (เบตาดีน) — ฿60-100
Bactroban/Fucidin ointment — ฿150-250
Non-stick gauze pads (แผ่นก๊อซ) — ฿30-60 per pack
Medical tape (เทปปิดแผล) — ฿30-50
Saline solution for cleaning (น้ำเกลือ) — ฿20-40
Ibuprofen for pain (ไอบูโพรเฟน) — ฿30-60

Recovery: Minor road rash heals in 1-2 weeks. Deep road rash (where you can see fat or muscle tissue) needs hospital care and may take 4-6 weeks.

Thailand-specific tip: The heat and humidity here make infection more likely. Clean wounds twice daily and change dressings frequently. Stay in air-conditioned rooms during recovery if possible.

Broken Bones

Wrist/hand (most common fracture from motorbike falls — you instinctively brace)
Collarbone (from going over the handlebars)
Ankle/foot (getting pinned under the bike)
Ribs (impact with handlebars or road)

Treatment in Thailand:

X-ray and casting at any hospital
Simple fractures: Cast for 4-8 weeks, can stay in Thailand for recovery
Complex fractures requiring surgery: Consider flying home if your insurance covers medical evacuation
Follow-up X-rays recommended at 2 and 6 weeks

Cost range: ฿5,000-50,000 for simple fractures at private hospitals. Surgery for complex fractures: ฿50,000-200,000+.

Head Injuries

This is why you wear a helmet. Head injuries from motorbike accidents range from mild concussion to fatal skull fractures.

Signs of concussion:

Headache that gets worse
Confusion or memory loss
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting
Blurred vision
Loss of consciousness (even briefly)

If you suspect a head injury:

Go to a hospital immediately — do not wait to "see if it gets better"
CT scans are available at most Thai hospitals (฿3,000-15,000)
You may need to stay overnight for observation
Do NOT sleep without someone checking on you every few hours for the first 24 hours

Recovery: Mild concussion: 1-4 weeks. Moderate to severe head injury: months to permanent effects.

Internal Injuries

These are the silent killers. You might feel "fine" after an accident but have internal bleeding.

Warning signs (go to ER immediately):

Abdominal pain that increases over hours
Shoulder pain without shoulder injury (can indicate internal bleeding)
Blood in urine
Feeling faint or dizzy hours after the accident
Bruising that spreads rapidly

Step 7: Recovery in Thailand vs. Going Home

Staying in Thailand

Advantages:

Medical care is affordable (even private hospitals are cheaper than Western ER visits)
Warm climate is easier on injuries than cold weather
You can recover at a comfortable guesthouse or Airbnb for ฿500-1,500/day
Thai pharmacies sell most medications over the counter
Physical therapy is available and affordable (฿500-1,000 per session)

Disadvantages:

Language barrier for complex medical discussions
Follow-up care may not match what's available at home
Emotional toll of being injured far from family
Travel insurance may have limits on how long they cover your recovery

Good recovery bases:

Chiang Mai — Best medical facilities outside Bangkok, affordable living, great food delivery options
Bangkok — World-class hospitals (Bumrungrad treats 500,000+ international patients/year)
Koh Samui — Bangkok Hospital branch, beach recovery vibes (if you can afford it)

Going Home

Consider flying home if:

You need surgery that isn't urgent (cheaper at home with your national healthcare)
Your mental health is suffering and you need family support
Your injury requires months of physical therapy
Your insurance covers medical evacuation

Medical evacuation costs:

Commercial flight (economy, with medical escort): ฿50,000-150,000
Commercial flight (business, lying flat): ฿100,000-300,000
Air ambulance (Thailand to Europe/Australia): ฿1,500,000-3,000,000+
This is why medical evacuation coverage on your travel insurance is critical

Step 8: Dealing with the Rental Company

After an accident, you'll need to deal with the bike rental shop. Here's what to expect:

The Passport Issue

Many rental companies hold your passport as a deposit. This is technically illegal under Thai law, but it's extremely common practice.

If they have your passport:

You have limited leverage — they can demand inflated repair costs
They may refuse to return it until you pay
Call the Tourist Police (1155) if they demand unreasonable amounts
Typical damage payouts: ฿2,000-10,000 for scratches, ฿5,000-20,000 for dents, ฿15,000-40,000 for total loss of a 125cc scooter

Better approach (for next time):

Leave a photocopy of your passport, not the original
Leave a cash deposit instead (฿3,000-5,000)
Rent from reputable shops that don't hold passports
Take photos of the bike from all angles BEFORE riding away

Documenting Bike Damage

Take photos of ALL pre-existing damage when you pick up the bike
Video the bike from every angle
Note the mileage
Test brakes, lights, horn, and indicators before riding away
Keep your rental agreement (take a photo of it)

Prevention: How to Not Be a Statistic

Get Licensed and Permitted

Get a motorcycle license at home before your trip. In many countries this requires a course and test. It's worth it — both for legal protection and because you'll actually learn how to ride safely.
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Takes 20 minutes at your national auto association office. Costs $15-30. Valid for one year.
Carry both documents whenever you ride. Police checkpoints are common, and riding without a license carries a ฿1,000 fine (or more through "negotiation").

Gear Up

Helmet: Always. Every single time. The ฿200 plastic helmets from rental shops offer almost no protection — buy a real one from a shop for ฿800-2,000. Your brain is worth it.
Long pants: Jeans or cargo pants. Road rash on bare legs is miserable.
Closed shoes: Flip-flops on a motorbike is a recipe for mangled toes.
Gloves: Motorcycle gloves (฿200-500 from bike shops) protect your hands in a fall.
Sunglasses or visor: Bugs, dust, and sun in your eyes cause accidents.

Ride Smart

Start slow. If you've never ridden a motorbike, Thailand is not the place to learn. Take a lesson first.
Driving schools: Pop's Motorbike School in Chiang Mai is popular with travelers. Some hostels in Pai offer informal lessons.
Drive on the left. Thailand drives on the left side of the road. If you're from a right-driving country, your instincts will be wrong for the first few days.
Watch for dogs. Stray dogs will chase you. Don't swerve — they usually veer away. Slow down and keep straight.
Sand and gravel. Especially on turns and rural roads. Reduce speed before corners.
Rain = danger. Thai roads become extremely slick in the first 15 minutes of rain (oil on the surface). Pull over and wait.
Night riding. Avoid it if possible. Unlit roads, drunk drivers, invisible potholes.
Don't drink and ride. This is the number one cause of fatal motorbike accidents for tourists.
Never carry more than two people on a scooter. Overloading dramatically reduces your ability to brake and steer.

Know the High-Risk Roads

| Road | Risk | Why | |------|------|-----| | Pai canyon road (Route 1095) | Very high | 762 curves, mountain switchbacks, gravel patches | | Koh Phangan hills | High | Steep, poorly maintained, no guardrails | | Phuket west coast road | High | Fast traffic, blind corners, tourist mix | | Chiang Mai-Doi Suthep | Moderate-high | Tourist traffic, steep curves, buses | | Koh Samui ring road | Moderate | Fast traffic, construction zones | | Koh Lanta | Moderate | Good roads but long distances tempt speed |

Emergency Contacts Card

Save these in your phone now — before you need them:

| Service | Number | |---------|--------| | Emergency medical (ambulance) | 1669 | | Police | 191 | | Tourist Police (English) | 1155 | | Fire department | 199 | | Highway Police | 1193 |

Embassy Emergency Numbers

| Country | Bangkok Embassy Emergency | |---------|--------------------------| | United States | +66 2 205 4000 | | United Kingdom | +66 2 305 8333 | | Australia | +66 2 344 6300 | | Canada | +66 2 646 4300 | | Germany | +66 2 287 9000 | | France | +66 2 657 5100 | | Netherlands | +66 2 309 5200 |

What Your Embassy Can (and Cannot) Do

They CAN:

Provide a list of English-speaking doctors and lawyers
Contact your family on your behalf
Issue emergency travel documents if your passport is lost
Visit you in hospital
Provide a list of local funeral directors (worst case)

They CANNOT:

Pay your hospital bills
Get you out of jail
Intervene in Thai legal proceedings
Fly you home
Provide legal advice

A Note on Thai Culture After an Accident

Thai culture values harmony, face-saving, and emotional composure. After an accident:

Don't shout or get visibly angry. It will work against you.
A calm, polite demeanor will get you much further than aggressive demands.
If a Thai person was involved, they may offer to help with medical care or bring food to the hospital. This is genuine kindness and also a way of maintaining harmony — accept it graciously.
"Mai pen rai" (ไม่เป็นไร, "never mind/it's okay") is the Thai approach to problems. You don't have to adopt it, but understanding it helps you navigate the aftermath.

Checklist: Before You Ride

Use this checklist before renting a motorbike anywhere in Thailand:

[ ] I have a valid motorcycle license from my home country
[ ] I have an International Driving Permit (IDP)
[ ] My travel insurance explicitly covers motorbike riding (I've read the policy document)
[ ] I have a proper helmet (not a plastic bowl)
[ ] I'm wearing long pants and closed shoes
[ ] I've checked the bike's brakes, lights, and tires
[ ] I've photographed the bike from all angles before riding
[ ] I've left a copy (not original) of my passport as deposit
[ ] I have emergency numbers saved in my phone
[ ] I have at least basic experience riding a motorbike
[ ] I am sober

If you can't check all these boxes, consider using Grab, songthaews, or renting a bicycle instead. There's no shame in being the traveler who didn't ride a motorbike in Thailand. The ones in the hospital wish they'd made that choice.

Driving Schools and Courses in Thailand

If you're determined to ride but lack experience, consider taking a course before hitting the open road.

Formal Driving Schools