What gasoline to put in a rental car in Thailand and how to refuel correctly at local gas stations?

In a rental car in Thailand, you need to fill not the usual AI-92 or AI-95, but local Gasohol 95 (orange or green nozzle). This is a mixture of gasoline with 10% ethanol, and it is suitable for most modern sedans and crossovers. To avoid mistakes and not fill the wrong fuel, simply open the fuel filler flap — there is a sticker on the inside of the lid with the permitted fuel types. Follow it.

There is no pure gasoline at Thai gas stations; instead, there is gasohol. Here are the main types you will encounter:

• Gasohol 95 (orange or green) — 10% alcohol, 90% gasoline. The most versatile option, suitable for any sedans and crossovers.
• Gasohol 91 (red) — also 10% alcohol, but with a slightly lower octane number. Cheaper, suitable for budget small cars.
• Gasohol E20 (light green) — 20% alcohol. Even cheaper, but consumption is slightly higher. Many modern rental cars are adapted to it.
• Gasohol E85 (purple) — 85% alcohol. Only for Flex-Fuel engines. It is strictly forbidden to put it in a regular car — it will ruin the fuel system.
• Diesel (blue) — for pickups and SUVs.

Algorithm of actions at the gas station: step-by-step instructions

In Thailand, there is no self-service at gas stations. You do not need to get out of the car — the attendant will do everything. Here is a simple algorithm:

1. Pull up to the pump, turn off the engine and open the fuel filler flap from inside.
2. Lower the window and tell the attendant the fuel grade and amount. For example: "Gasohol 95, Full Tank" or "Gasohol 95, 500 baht".
3. Check the pump display. Before the attendant presses the trigger, make sure the display shows zeros. Sometimes they forget to reset the previous readings.
4. Payment. You can pay cash directly to the attendant — he will go to the cash register and bring change. If you want to pay by card, say so immediately, and he will bring the terminal to the window.

More useful details about rental, insurance, traffic rules and parking can be found in our detailed guide. We recommend reading the article Car rental in Thailand 2026: complete instructions — licenses, prices, insurance, traffic rules — it contains all the verified information from personal experience.

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