If you’ve traveled in Thailand then you’ve seen the ever-present signage that heralds a tire repair shop, whether you’re aware of it or not. Regardless of your ability to read Thai script the ubiquitous red and white colored tire signs that dot the roads and highways of Thailand can tell you one thing; all sizes and types of tires can be fixed at the shop directly adjacent to the sign. This includes bicycle tires! This knowledge may become quite useful when having to deal with a punctured tube or ripped tire wall during your next self-supported touring trip or cross-country mountain bike ride.
Once you locate one of these roadside tire signs, simply walk into the shop and point out the problem to the repairman who will get you going again by gluing a patch on your tube and/or tire wall as needed. Since these shops have air compressors on hand they are also useful if you need to top up the air in your tires for a better ride. Schrader/American valve tubes are never a problem to fill at these shops since they are identical to those found on cars and motorcycles. If your bicycle uses Presta/French valve tubes you should always carry an adapter with you.
Here is what the tire repair shop signs look like and a brief explanation of what they are telling you.
The Thai script says PaYang, which is a combination word of Pa (meaning to repair/to patch) and Yang (meaning rubber). Some tires will not have Thai script – only the red and white coloring. Variations in the Thai script usually indicates quick service, tire sales, or the business name. If the repair shop provides service twenty-four hours a day they will indicate this by painting the numbers 24 on the tire as well. You can come and knock at the shop door day or night and have your tire repaired.
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Those roadside shops you describe may not want to repair a bicycle tire as they deal with mainly cars and trucks. If that is the case you’ll need to repair it yourself (easy) or locate a motorcycle repair shop which will be better suited to repairing your bike tire.
Found them to be very helpful in the past.
It’s fascinating to learn about the convenience and accessibility of tire repair shops in Thailand, especially for cyclists. The red and white signage indicating tire repair services is a helpful feature for travelers in need of quick assistance. Carrying an adapter for Presta/French valve tubes is a valuable tip for cyclists to ensure compatibility with the air compressors at these shops. Additionally, for cyclists planning trips in Thailand, utilizing GPS route data can enhance the overall experience and provide reliable navigation.