Route 3 from China’s Xishuangbanna Province through northern Laos and across the border at Thailand’s Chiang Khong Checkpoint is a popular overland trip for holidaying Chinese. From Chiang Khong it is an easy trip to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Mae Sai.
As the route has gained popularity, the amount of accidents involving Chinese registered vehicles has increased too. Police officers say the primary cause of most of the accidents is Chinese drivers not being able to read signs giving directions and a lack of comprehension of Thai traffic laws.
Tourism Bureau deputy-director Wanasiri Morakul said billboards in Chinese will also be posted up at immigration checkpoints giving basic instructions on the Thai highway code. She added that QR codes would be installed at key tourism sites so that travellers could generate their own specific route plans.
Thailand to put up Chinese road signs in the north
News in Asia
In an attempt to cut road accidents involving Chinese drivers, Thailand says it will put up road signs in Chinese in the northern regions of the country. The Thai Transport Ministry and the Tourism Bureau are collaborating on the project which will see the signs erected over the next 12 months.