Speed limits - now - up to 120 kph but motorbikes just 100 kph . . .

[Roger]

"It’s official – the maximum speed limit on 4-lane highways in Thailand has been increased to 120 kilometres per hour, with the new regulation published in the Royal Gazette yesterday. Previously 90 kilometres per hour, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob says the increase in the maximum speed limit is aimed at improving the flow of traffic in line with conditions, while keeping road users safe.

The new limit applies only to highways with 4 lanes or more (at least 2 lanes travelling in each direction, divided by barriers). In the case of roads with traffic signs that indicate minimum and maximum speeds, drivers must adhere to those limits when traffic conditions and other circumstances allow. The increased maximum limit will not apply to any roads that have intersections or U-turns. Nation Thailand has summarised the speed limit regulations based on vehicle type and taking the new speed limit into account:

    Vehicles with fewer than 7 seats: maximum 120 kilometres per hour
    Vehicles in the rightmost lane: minimum 100 kilometres per hour
    Passenger vehicles of over 7 seats but fewer than 15 seats: maximum 100 kilometres per hour
    Vehicles with more than 15 seats or weighing over 2,200 kilograms: maximum 90 kilometres per hour
    Tricycles and tow trucks: maximum 65 kilometres per hour
    Motorcycles: maximum 80 kilometres per hour
    Motorcycles with engines of 400cc or more: maximum 100 kilometres per hour
    School buses: maximum 80 kilometres per hour . .. . "

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/speed-limit-on-thailands-highways-increased-to-120-kilometres-an-hour

[Hector]

"The increased maximum limit will not apply to any roads that have intersections or U-turns."
Well this new speed limit excludes almost every road except the current toll motorways, some of which already have a 120 kph limit.  It certainly doesn't  apply to the Mitraparp,  Route 1, Route 4 etc, unless it is supposed to apply to just certain sections of these roads.  Looks to me like another half thought out plan, which will serve mainly to increase Plod's revenue on speeding fines.

[Roger]

Hector I thought the 'Bikers' would be protesting - an 80kph limit for 125cc, (is that in the City only ?) and the same limit for a 375cc     And for those with mighty machines just 100kph   

Tricycles is another one - is that the pedalled version ? 65kph is a bit optimistic.

Overall I think it a good idea to uplift cars / pickups to 120kph on motorways

[Alfie]

"The increased maximum limit will not apply to any roads that have intersections or U-turns."
Well this new speed limit excludes almost every road except the current toll motorways, some of which already have a 120 kph limit.  It certainly doesn't  apply to the Mitraparp,  Route 1, Route 4 etc, unless it is supposed to apply to just certain sections of these roads.  Looks to me like another half thought out plan, which will serve mainly to increase Plod's revenue on speeding fines.

For Mitrapap Road, yes. There are a few (fairly short) sections of Mitrapap Road alongside the Lam Takong reservoir that have a 120km/h speed limit. It changes back to the regular speed limit when it gets close to a U-turn. But it is only the outside lane that has the higher speed limit. The two inside lanes have regular speed limits.

The interesting, but odd, thing about it is that the faster outside lane also has a minimum speed limit - of 100km/h. Of course, when the lanes are full, the traffic slows down and it is sometimes impossible to maintain a speed of over 100km/h.

FYI: the faster lane has chevrons painted in it and there are signs telling drivers to keep at least 2 chevrons between you and the vehicle in front.