Left Left and then what?

[bapak]

Some new signs have appeared on Phetkasem Road in the CBD area adjacent to traffic lights where left turn is now permitted.

The Thai language part reads okay but we are running a contest for the meaning in English.

The Learning Centre wishes to extend an invitation to the Tesaban to submit translations to English to us for proofing.. Free.

[kalbow]

I think than means that while you're turning left and totalling the car that was going the same direction, that would be the time to look right -right?

Just a thort

[dtaai-maai]

Please do it formally.
It's another of those cultural puzzles I've never been able to solve. Large companies, local authorities, government websites - all the same. And it would be so easy to get it right!

[Terry]

Ask the dummy giving the salute

[siamgrace]

Class

made me laugh and whoops straight into a bumper

[GLCQuantum]

To have this sign mishap in one of the most populated Farang areas (Thai/Farang Ratio)in Thailand unfortunately highlights the arrogance of some of the Thai's. The 'Losing Face' thing really is such a joke when,all it does in reality is stops any of them asking for 'help' as they'll be losing face.

Something so simple. Ask a farang walking by to help put these words into something that is English. The passing farang would be happy to help but ....

[bapak]

Even our Thai staff are laughing...

[caducus]

This passing farang who can read Thai translates it as:

"LEFT TURN PERMITTED AT ALL TIMES - BUT BE CAREFUL OF TRAFFIC APPROACHING FROM YOUR RIGHT".

[Spitfire]

Yes, it's completely ludicrous that they don't bother checking with someone before whacking up signs like these or making stuff like hotel brochures etc, just because they like to pretend to appear to their work colleagues/boss that they know how to write English properly as asking would if it is correct, as mentioned, would be a loss of face.

Nah.........much better to put up inane babble and make a laughing stock out of everyone that works there as opposed to getting it right and appearing semi-competent, couldn't have that though.

Yes DM, this habit does reach into all departments here. I reckon it comes from when they were at school in the Thai education system as the students aren't, in general, encouraged to ask questions as it would be a loss of face not to automatically know and it risks being singled out.

[kalbow]

I've just asked Mrs. Kalbow how she would translate this sign, she said, 'Turn Left, be careful car on right'. Mrs K speaks very little English, has never attended any classes, but made more sense than the sign's translation - go figure!

[Hilux]

Yes, it's completely ludicrous that they don't bother checking with someone before whacking up signs like these or making stuff like hotel brochures etc, just because they like to pretend to appear to their work colleagues/boss that they know how to write English properly as asking would if it is correct, as mentioned, would be a loss of face.

Nah.........much better to put up inane babble and make a laughing stock out of everyone that works there as opposed to getting it right and appearing semi-competent, couldn't have that though.

Yes DM, this habit does reach into all departments here. I reckon it comes from when they were at school in the Thai education system as the students aren't, in general, encouraged to ask questions as it would be a loss of face not to automatically know and it risks being singled out.

Isn't it obvious what they are doing. They are using google translate. That also mean that they can blame the big farang company Google when it is wrong.
I think we are lucky as long as the hit the "English" button when they press translate to.

[chopsticks]

The confusion is partly from mixing up 'ahead' with 'through'.

Go through is often used as meaning go ahead (proceed) not necessarily meaning straight ahead though !!
There doesn't seem to be any international symbol for a 'free left turn' against a red traffic light either which is why a permanent lit green filter turning arrow is sometimes used at traffic light controlled junctions.

[hhfarang]

I interpret it as try to hit the car coming through the intersection when turning left. Maybe you get points for a good smash like a video game...

[migrant]

To me it reads fine, as long as there is a car to look through

[Norseman]

That sign is telling me that you have to turn left, torpedo a car, then look left again. Amazing!!