As in most places, there are laws governing pretty much everything. As in most places, enforcing them is sporadic and often irrational.
On the 400 series highways in Ontario for example, the speed limit is 100 kph but we all know it's never enforced unless you're driving at 125 kph or more. Red lights in the city of Toronto? No problem.
Here in the east, it's much more arbitrary. We seldom see police or military personnel on the streets, not like we do Mexico or the US. "Govern yourselves" seems to be the way of the world here.
The down side to this is the cachophony of sounds we hear all night, every night, everywhere (except Bangkok and Hanoi). I'm referring to roosters and dogs. They crow and bark all night, all the time. And there's not a damn thing anyone can do about it.