Thai biker gets a 'slap'.

[Winkie]

I have always thought that soi binterbart should be closed off to all but walking traffic from midday until 01:00 when the bars close, this would give any bar or shop plenty of time to restock or whatever they had to do. People could then walk up and down the soi without fear of being skittled over by some kamikaze bike or car driver. Its not hard to go round it, is it....

Whilst this is an excellent idea in principal, we are in Thailand, and, as a genral rule, Pedestrian Areas are considered prime and legitimate shortcuts by 99% of motorcycle riders and maybe 5% of 4+ wheeled vehicle drivers.

[Wanderlust]

I've always thought the same as the others regarding having areas pedestrianised, but maybe baby steps are needed, such as actually enforcing existing one way streets?

[Randy Cornhole]

I suggest a covert team of hooded individuals be assembled with great gusto and under cover of darkness they (whoever they may be) can steal into the night armed only with cement, iron posts and good intentions. There they can dig at an incredibly hurried pace and errect said posts in strategic places around Hua Hin...
I coudn't possibly comment further..

[PeteC]

I've always thought the same as the others regarding having areas pedestrianised, but maybe baby steps are needed, such as actually enforcing existing one way streets?

The Walking Street idea over here has worked well for about 5 years now since they started it. I think it shuts to vehicles at either 1700 or 1800 hours and does not re-open until the wee hours, around 0400 for morning deliveries to commence.

The HH bar sois are much more narrow as well. We walked down a few for the first time at about 1700 hours when we arrived on Dec 27 and even then, we had a few narrow misses, baby in the stroller and all. The drivers didn't seem to care if a baby was present of not.

Someone with connections should ask one of your city father's to visit over here and take a look. However, it may mean they must admit to the world that they do indeed have a 'bar area'? Pete

[STEVE G]

The Walking Street idea over here has worked well for about 5 years now since they started it.

That’s a good point actually pete, I don’t remember seeing anyone abuse the traffic rules on Walking Street last time I was over your way, and as Randy says, Bintabaht is not exactly a prime access road to anywhere.

[Heebio]

Pedestrianising Bintabaht is a great idea in principle, but the reality is that the much of the street is owned by one Thai family, who've just completed building the hotel about half way down the soi.

It's another subject, but we've all heard the numerous and long standing rumours about the status of the street and the possible movement of the bars. Whether this ever happens is irrelevant, but if this family do decide to move owners out of the bars they currently rent from them and build again, be it another hotel, guesthouse, up market restaurant or whatever....they will need access to bring the lorries in during construction.

This may or may not happen but the family have influence and once they have finished building the second wing of the Sukwilai, may well be looking at where they go next. If this happens you can kiss goodbye to any thoughts of making the soi pedestrianised.

That's the reality of things I'm afraid.

To answer the OP - never get involved in Thai disputes unless...you're the aggrieved party, can speak good Thai, have back up, and there's witnesses. Otherwise it just ain't worth it.

[PeteC]

The Walking Street idea over here has worked well for about 5 years now since they started it.

That’s a good point actually pete, I don’t remember seeing anyone abuse the traffic rules on Walking Street last time I was over your way, and as Randy says, Bintabaht is not exactly a prime access road to anywhere.

Thats one place where the MIB don't mess around. If a Thai or Farang should try to sneak in from a side soi on a MB, he is surrounded within 10 meters, cuffed and taken away. I've seen it a few times. Pete

[Roppongi]

The Walking Street idea over here has worked well for about 5 years now since they started it.

That’s a good point actually pete, I don’t remember seeing anyone abuse the traffic rules on Walking Street last time I was over your way.

Apart from all the food stands that are allowed to set up shop during high season on WS to make sure your 5-minute walk is reduced to a 20-minute shuffle.

[NicFrenchy]

well, I for one drive through soi Binthabat with my bike and never had a problem.

1. I give priority to Pedestrians
2. I drive slowly

Most pedestrians will push aside and let you through.

[Name Taken]

I agree Dr. Stay out of it. You cannot win

obviously.