smileydude

I have been reading here a lot and, unfortunately, all too often, the worst is assumed by most people. It is worse than back-seat driving or divan refereeing during a game. First, the only things known are what the reporters report. Then, these reportes are described here as less than "informative" and so on. Then, criticism about whatever can be conjured up about Thailand, drivers, laws, social norms and so on. It seems that, here, people writing really do not like Thailand. There seems to be blinders on such that, if it is not like back home (which it really is, if thought about icarefully, as people from all over the world die in accidents in England, Austrailia and the US as well as other nations in the entire world, which are not mentioned here at all). Unfortunately, the bias is all to clear and comments such as "go anywhere else you can [but not to Thailand]" are more demeaning to Thailand that I am grieviously disturbed. I would like to read more thoughtful comments rather than visceral reactions. There is too little analysis. I am going to do a little research on a few things, if I can, and put this in real perspective for people here so that they will be able to "get a grip" on reality about home as well as about Thailand.

I couldn't agree with you more. Why the bashing? I assume most of the people on this forum either live in Thailand or have an interest in Thailand.

As a wise man once said. If you don't like your boss don't go around loudmouthing him, just quit. The same goes for non residents. Just as in the case of the young hi-so girl who hit a van that resulted in the deaths of many passengers the focus on this case is all wrong. Unforuntately accidents occur regardless of how skilled you are because we all make mistakes. Everyone was focused on the young girl, she was underaged, inexperienced etc. She and her parents are liable legally so let the courts decide. If the coach drivers drive like maniacs to make the time schedules required by the tour companies, then heavily fine the companies for every accident. We should focus on safety issues like seatbelts on bus minivans and coaches. Maybe we can put a speed limiter on them like they do in Singapore where this siren goes off if you drive over the limit.

Constructive criticism please, its alot more useful then bashing.

Blimey it would be good when you lot realise that Pattaya. Phuket, Nana and Ko Samui are not the real Thailand. 

They are areas of Thailand that the lowest form of pond life congregate (Thai and Foreigner).

And that means Upstanding people like TV posters sometimes get bashed and robbed.   .

Of course i am not saying that every body who lives in these places are pond life. 

There are many,many Good, wholesome Thai's and Foreigner's alike who live in these places.

So true, every city has their danger spots, certain areas in Los Angeles like Compton, Liberty city, little Haiti in Miami, etc.

Its an unfortunate incident but should not be blown out of proportion. Every city has its more and less safe areas so you have to do your homework, know the areas and take the necessary precautions.

As a Thai I feel ashamed whenever I hear these kinds of stories but whether it be thais or foreigners when the right chance comes for these low lifes/scumbags we're all fair game.

The other day a motorcycle came racing out of the soi and hit my car right in the middle. I was rather baffled why would anyone drive like that since the streets were relatively empty and I was driving really slow. Only upon hearing a women scream "thief thief" did I realize the driver of the motorcycle just snatched a bag and was on a getaway until I became an unknowing thief catcher. I had to pay for the damages on my car as I had only 3rd party insurance. Oh well at least something good came out of it!

Dont send the bastard back here.Send him to New Zealand.

awwww man thats just plain mean!

Maybe he should have left his ATM card back at home with his brain.

I think the moral of this story is a warning to others to watch out for all those "creative" scammers and not to judge the victim.