Drivers in Thailand

[buksida]

I've edited the thread title so as not to cause further offense to our host country by use of mass generalisations.

If you think drivers here are bad try the Philippines or Nam

[Pleng]

Also, don't only worry about the Thai drivers, because you'll find many Farang idiots as well on the roads here, both on bikes and in cars.

I couldn't agree more. Over 4 months, and still waiting for my own vehicle, I do a lot walking around Hua Hin. One of the things that I've noticed on my walks is how serenely most Thais drive their motorcycles (albeit, they may be on the wrong side of the road ).

If I see or hear a motorcycle being driven fast, 9 times out of 10 it is either a Thai schoolboy, or a Farang. It's not just Thai drivers who are idiots.

What really irritates me is when I see holiday makers riding down the wrong side of the road with a great big "look at me fitting in" smirk on their face.

I will admit I have, from time to time, used the convenience of being able to ride on the wrong side of the road - but only where I have missed my turn off and realized straight away. I don't, however, feel proud of myself for doing it, and the look on my face for the few meters involved is one of absolute concentration!

[margaretcarnes]

I've edited the thread title so as not to cause further offense to our host country by use of mass generalisations.

If you think drivers here are bad try the Philippines or Nam

I think you missed out India Buksi! But point taken. The main fault perhaps is that by paying a few baht on the spot there isn't the risk of points on licences and ultimately bans which would of course also have to be policed.

[Super Joe]

If you are falang, you will most likely be expected to pay, even if not at fault.
The law here is illogical.

If that premis has merit, then could it not also be said that...

If you are falang, you will most likely never pay (the consequences) for your most dangerous driving faults.
The law here is illogical, speshlywen falangs (and their corruption dollars/euros/pounds) get away with dangerous driving offences which I often end up in jail over. My children do not understand this and always say to me... "but Dad, aren't these the same people who are always telling Thailand that unless we stamp out corruption we will never get to be the nation they are".

SJ

[GLCQuantum]

If you are falang, you will most likely be expected to pay, even if not at fault.
The law here is illogical.

Motorbike crash.

4 years ago.

500,000+ baht.

The Thai paid the lot.

[migrant]

There are jerks in every country that drive badly. We have driven a fair amount around Thailand (Phuket, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai) and on the whole I found the drivers to be more polite than here in southern California.

That said I hope the OP's wife a quick recovery and the person who caused this be found and punished.

[traveller2]

Sorry to hear of your wife's accident Mr Relaxation. I hope she makes a speedy recovery.

T2

[mr-relaxaction]

I think most everyone is getting a little off subject. The point of it all ( to me ) is that my wife could have been killed, or seriously incapacitated for the rest of her life. My 9 year old daughter could have had the rest of her life, without a mother ! My Father was a good man , and I like to think I learned how to live my life from his values. I proudly served my country as a U.S. Marine , dad taught me to take responsibility for my actions and everyday I try to do the same for my daughter. From what I have seen, the Thai people have not been giving the same upbringing, and for this I feel sad for them. No matter how hard they try , they will NEVER be the same country as the U.S. , not that we are perfect , just look at the news. But at least there are a few good ( responsible ) people left. That's what makes a country great. Next time this IDIOT hits and runs ( like the coward he is ) someone will be living without their mother , or father, or brother ! Shame on him and ALL the people like him , TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your actions and mistakes ! END OF STORY ( looking for the next flight back to Mexico ) where people are proud .

[Dannie Boy]

I think most everyone is getting a little off subject. The point of it all ( to me ) is that my wife could have been killed, or seriously incapacitated for the rest of her life. My 9 year old daughter could have had the rest of her life, without a mother ! My Father was a good man , and I like to think I learned how to live my life from his values. I proudly served my country as a U.S. Marine , dad taught me to take responsibility for my actions and everyday I try to do the same for my daughter. From what I have seen, the Thai people have not been giving the same upbringing, and for this I feel sad for them. No matter how hard they try , they will NEVER be the same country as the U.S. , not that we are perfect , just look at the news. But at least there are a few good ( responsible ) people left. That's what makes a country great. Next time this IDIOT hits and runs ( like the coward he is ) someone will be living without their mother , or father, or brother ! Shame on him and ALL the people like him , TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your actions and mistakes ! END OF STORY ( looking for the next flight back to Mexico ) where people are proud .

I am sure a lot of the Forum readers will agree with your comments about the standard of driving in Thailand being bad, but it exists because the culture allows it - driving without a licence or insurance, no driving test for many, get stopped for an offence and instead of getting points, a big fine or even a driving ban, they pay the police to let them go.........and do it again. Is it right - of course not, but neither you, me or any other Forum member is going to change it, so if you are that concerned then you have to do as you have said and leave.

Just one further observation though, whilst the standard of driving in Thailand may be worse than Mexico, the homicide rate is about five times lower, so you take care!!!

[Frank Hovis]

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your actions and mistakes !

I have already agreed that the driving abilities of a lot of people in Thailand is well be low any western standard but even in the US you are statistically much more likely (something like 10 times) to get seriously injured or killed driving a motorbike than any other form of transport - you too must understand that by riding a motorcycle, especially here, you need to take responsibility for putting yourself and your family at a much higher risk. It's not only car drivers who need to take responsibility for their actions, everyone that uses the road should but not everyone does.

[VincentD]

I haven't ridden a motorcycle here for the 23 years I've been here and never will. Though I must admit I've had to jump on a motorsai taxi once or twice in a pinch. I've said it once and I'll say it again, It's not safe to ride a motorcycle here if you value your life. Sure, you may be in the right, but you could also be very dead.
If it's not that far I'll walk. If it's further, I'll drive. If in Bangkok, I'll take the train or a taxi.

If you drive, I use what I call the 'double-defensive' style. Not only do you look wa-a-y ahead, you anticipate that all the drivers in front of you are going to do something wrong, so you stay right behind and watch for it. It works. Only problem with that is that you need the patience of a Saint and it doesn't do my blood pressure any good.

Mr Relaxaction, your wife was in a way fortunate. If it was a car that hit her, many are known to back up and finish the job. It's cheaper to pay for a funeral than extended hospital bills.

[Frank Hovis]

This could perhaps be derail the topic slightly but I'll risk it...

No matter how hard they try , they will NEVER be the same country as the U.S.

What makes you think that Thailand wants to be the same as the U.S., or that Thai people want to become like U.S. citizens?

[RAGE_715]

Without meaning to cause any further upset or aggression.. it does incence me when people try to gloat about the brilliance of their country over others. We could compare statistics all day long, and I'm sure Thailand would come out higher on some, lower on others. I agree with Frank's comments.

One episode can't be used to judge the entire nation.

I could further suggest your statement of "Take responsibility for your actions and mistakes" isn't always possible, as an ex marine, you must be aware of this. You're not always able to take responsibility, only orders.

Perhaps this "coward" has been "ordered" never to stop in the event of an accident.

I don't ever intend riding a bike in Thailand, but that's my decision after weighing up the risks.

[bsdk1960]

sorry to hear about your wifes accident and hope that she will recover soon.

I drive car and motorbike here in hua hin and been driving heavy truck in my home country for many years so i would say i have some experience in my 35 years driving.

When i drive around in hua hin and see how people drive i dont think its only the thai drives bad ,but many farrang who drives like the thais ,and im sorry to say that many farrang have some bad happits
when they sit in there big hillux or simular, and just slide out from a smaller soi to a bigger road and it seems they think : Im bigger than you, so f.ck you, you wait.

[mr-relaxaction]

Well , just in closing , For the one in a trillion chance that maybe someone knows someone who overheard something , here goes. The details are as follows: we're not as yet very familiar with the Hua Hin streets , but , in order to try and describe where this took place , we are renting a house in Tippawan 5 , as we leave here headed for central we come to a 7- 11 , there you cross a small bridge , and at the corner , if you go right you go toward the center of town , if left , the office of Immigration . So , we were coming home, from the center of town, we were at a red light , which has a red countdown clock, approx. 1 mile from the bridge , turning to 7- 11, and as we turned onto this street, to our right, headed towards the ( Immigration Office ) just a few meters later , which is a two way street, in front of a welding shop, on the right, ( who witnessed, but speaks only Thai ) is where the whole thing happened. I understand it's a longshot , but stranger things have happened . Now that things have calmed down a bit , the only thing I really want is to try and educate and prevent any future disasters ( I really shouldn't lie , I still can't sleep ,for all of the animosity I hold within ) But as I said , if by chance , there might have been a camera , or loose lips, or any other blessing of our Lord , then , please help. Thank,s once again , & peace be with you all , Steve