Vehicle Convoys

[Nereus]

Part of the "me first" mentality I suppose?

Hua Hin to Bangkok yesterday and up behind me in the fast lane comes a speeding police car, followed by 4 or 5 latest model Mercedes Benz, all the same colour and all with just one passenger in the back seat. Following them at the same speed with all lights flashing was what I call a tilt tray, but the Thais call a "slider", recovery truck.

But the best part was a fleet of 4 or 5 Chevy Suburban SUVs. All the same colour with flashing lights, and attempting to "box in" the rest of the Convoy. I am sure that they had Thai number plates, but at the speed they were going I was more concerned with keeping out of their way to really notice. They did have a small sticker on the tailgate, but I could not read what it was.

Just wondering how many accidents these idiots contribute to?

[HHTel]

What colour were they? Cream?

[Nereus]

What colour were they? Cream?

The Mercs were. I think the Suburban's were white.

[HHTel]

Cream coloured cars are from the royal fleet and is usually carrying royalty.

[Nereus]

I thought that they also flew a small flag and had distinctive number plates. Also usually have more than one police car escort.
Whatever, my point was/is; just how much do these conveys contribute to the accident rate? Even worse in my opinion is the conveys of 6 or 8 double decker buses, that mostly charge along without any escort, and well above the supposed speed limit.

[HHTel]

Absolutely agree. They are a real hazard on the highway and the convoys of multiple double deckers on the outside (overtaking) lane is crazy. Every now and then the police stop and fine people on the outside lane for no valid reason. The problem is that it's once in a blue moon and not sustained.

A few years ago the government curtailed the use of 'convoys' for dignitaries and for a while there were very few. But that's history now and as usual in Thailand, forgotten.