Motorbike Accident in Thailand: Step-by-Step Guide to What to Do

Motorbike and scooter accidents are the single biggest cause of serious injury and death among tourists in Thailand. Being prepared before you get on a bike could save your life. What to do immediately after an accident: (1) Check yourself and others for injury before moving — if there is a neck or spine injury, do not move the person. Call 1669 (Thailand's emergency medical number) immediately for serious injuries. (2) Move off the road if it is safe to do so — secondary collisions are a risk. (3) Call the tourist police on 1155 — they have English speakers and can assist at the scene. (4) Do not leave the scene before police arrive, even if the other party pressures you. (5) Document everything: photograph the scene from multiple angles, the other vehicle's registration plate, the road surface, any injuries. (6) Get names and contact details of any witnesses. (7) Do not admit fault or make payment at the scene — this can affect insurance claims and your legal position. (8) Contact your travel insurance emergency line as soon as possible — many policies require notification within 24 hours of an incident. (9) Seek medical care even for injuries that seem minor — concussion and internal injuries may not be immediately obvious. Insurance complications: many standard travel insurance policies exclude motorbike accidents entirely or require a valid motorcycle licence for the engine size ridden. A 125cc scooter requires a motorcycle licence in Thailand — a regular car licence does not cover it. Check your policy carefully before renting. Hospitals may ask for a police report to process insurance claims; insist on getting one at the scene.