matman

Easier to tell you what NOT to look for

An open hand expecting money to be put in it

I don't wish to speculate, having read the posts so far there has been enough of that. But with regard to the helmet, any bikers out there that have watched bike racing will know that in rare circumstances it is possible for a rider to lose his helmet after a severe impact. And it must be remembered that these riders only wear the best protection available and they are always securely fastened. So it could be feasible that the helmet was being worn correctly, a scenario posters thus far have failed to consider.

Another consideration is the quality of helmets available here in Thailand. I bought two top of the range helmets in the UK, which also had Blue tooth communication, and brought them out to Thailand. As a biker of 54 years I learnt a long time ago that whilst it was great to ride with the wind in your hair, in an accident anything that I might hit would be a lot harder than my head. Lost a lot of good friends in the 60's through them not wearing helmets.

Didn't 'Eddie The Eagle' finish a distant last in the ski jump a few years ago, don't recall there being a fuss about that.

Vanessa may be a violinist but they found no evidence of her qualifying being fiddled (sorry couldn't resist that)

From reading some of the posts I can see now why most of the worlds wars and troubles stem from religious beliefs

So pleased Clarkson has been booted out as he has no talent unless you think being a Big Mouthed Fat Slob

who thought he was bullet proof is a talent.

Such an immature little boy!

How strange that the show was such a success then, obviously the great majority of viewers didn't share your opinion.

It is sad that the BBC put themselves in a position that they could not backtrack from, their current feeble attempts to keep the show going will result in its ultimate demise, no matter who the new presenters are. They obviously haven't heard of the phrase 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' RIP Top Gear

The only time I purchased an air ticket through a local travel agent in Pattaya was for my then GF who was visiting me in the UK. The travel agent printed out the E ticket there and then, in just the same way as when I book on line to get a flight to Thailand. The E ticket comes into my in box instantly. You have to be some kind of fool to pay a large some for a flight without leaving with some form of official confirmation printed out from the airline concerned

Whatever vehicle you drive you are entitled to your position in the 'Lane', for a motor car or truck, due to their size their position in the centre of the lane is never questioned, as a motorcyclist you are also entitled to drive in the centre of the lane. However it is how prudently you use this 'entitlement' that defines you as a 'good or bad' driver/rider. I think that driving in towns or cities, your position in a lane as a motorcyclist is not so much of an issue, as in the main there is much weaving in and out of traffic to make progress, particularly in queues of traffic where scooter/motorbike riders are fortunate to be able to 'weave' their way through.

Out on the 'Open Road', it is both traffic and road conditions that determine where I position my motorbike on the road. As I frequently make long journeys on my motorbike (around 450Km), I find that some times due to the condition of the road surface, it is better to drive in the 'far left' in what could loosely be called the 'motorbike' lane, as it makes a smoother ride than trying to negotiate and avoid the damage done to the left hand lane by heavy goods vehicles.

When I do have the opportunity to occupy the left hand lane, as all good drivers should do, I am checking in my mirrors for vehicles approaching from behind, which despite the fact that I am probably cruising at around 100 KPM, does happen, in these circumstances I do move over to the left, but only to give those passing at high speed as much room as possible.

Zeichen Said

The phenomenon of westerners here driving in the middle, most likely they don't actually know how to ride, or have never taken a safety course.

This statement is nonsense, motorcycle instructors (in the UK) always tell their students that they are entitled to their position on the road, and being in the middle of the lane establishes their presence on the road. (They are also told to use this entitlement prudently and not adamantly )

Taotoo said

I think I read recently that the highway code states that all vehicles must stay as far left in their lane as possible.

This is not what the highway code says, it says that all vehicles must keep to the left (lane) except when overtaking or passing slower moving vehicles or obstructions. It says nothing about position within the lane.

There is also a misconception and misinterpretation by Thai Police about motorcycles not being allowed in the outside lanes.

The above section in the highway code lists ALL vehicles saying that they must keep to the left except when overtaking. There is nowhere in the Thai highway code (based on the UK highway code) that excludes motorcycles (or any vehicle) from using the outermost lanes as long as they are overtaking.

Most posters on subjects like this make their comments on how they feel things should be, and not from experience, so before my experience is questioned.

I am 70 years old in November,

I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 - 54 years experience, and in many countries throughout the world

I have been driving cars since I was 18 - 52 years experience again in many countries

I held a Class 1 heavy goods Vehicle licence up until five years ago when I let my entitlement lapse

I held a Class 1 public Service Vehicle licence (Single and double decker buses and coaches) up to five years ago when I let this entitlement lapse.

I passed my driving tests in all of these categories at the first attempt.

In Pattaya I drive a Honda Click around town and A Honda Silverwing for long trips, I've been driving in Pattaya almost on a daily basis for seven years without accident.

Some might call this luck, I prefer to look at it as using my experience, awareness and anticipation of those around me, and always expecting other drivers to do the unexpected

All the Junta's actions against Thaksin just show how afraid they are of him and his family, and they are only able to do this because Thailand is currently under a dictator who does not allow dissent on pain of punishment. The situation will be different if democracy ever returns to Thailand, and they the Junta will be brought to book for their misdeeds, which the current leader is trying to head off by writing in to the new constitution that he can not be held responsible for his actions whilst being a dictator

Where does it say the biker gang was Thai...?

Also, this even happens in the nanny states, bikers all over the world make a point of raping, its a male chauvinistic culture that endorses abuse and objectification of women... this happens often even in the most highly "nannied" states... bikers are just scum with a delusional sense of entitlement and a perverted perspective on life, values, fellow human beings and society !

Having reported the crime proves well for the young lass... don't let these pathetic thugs have the better of her... !

I am sorry for deviating from the main topic of this thread. Rape in any form can never be condoned. But I must take issue with the above post, and from the vitriolic comments with regard to motorcyclists, which sadly does not appear to have been picked up on, that it is dopenhagen himself or herself that has the perverted perspective on life.

Yes there are motorcycle gangs (mainly reported in the USA) that perpetrate many crimes, including rape. But the other 99.99% of motorcyclists are responsible members of society, and include members of the British and other Royal families. My own local motorcycle club in the UK has raised many thousands of pounds for worthwhile charities, including hospices, air ambulances, and to help many individuals and sick children in the area. My local club is only one of such clubs that throughout the UK and no doubt the world that does this. To suggest as motorcyclists we are all rapists or potential rapists is an insult to all motorcyclists, and as said previously indicates what a narrow and perverted perspective the poster has on life himself (or herself)

Been riding bikes since I was 16 - 54 years ago, Still riding and enjoying the freedom and exhilaration and now after just being informed I've beaten bladder cancer, looking forward to more extensive touring in Thailand, with a long tour of Cambodia planned.

It is such a shame that Thai Visa has such bigots as members

And of course now there is a law against it, the official will return to you the envelope you secreted in the paperwork - NOT !

Many thanks to those who contributed useful information, particularly about lights in daytime. I would intend crossing into Cambodia at Poipet, I've only crossed here previously on foot. Can anyone who has crossed here on a bike take me through the procedure, as I assume one does not go through as a foot passenger then go back to bring the bike in.

Many thanks in anticipation

The problem is not the standard of construction of the beach road walkway, or the workmanship of those who constructed it. The problem occurs every time after heavy rain. The culprit here is that the rainwater drainage system is unable to cope with the heavy rain. Lack of work on the actual infrastructure of Pattaya is the end cause of this damage, and it will not be long before the sewerage infrastructure is suffering similar lack of capacity problems being unable to cope with the increased sewerage from the many thousands of condo's that have and are continuing to be constructed, new mansions under construction, and new hotels that are being built without any thought of increasing the capacity of the already overstretched sewage infrastructure. Unless all the infrastructure services, rainwater, sewage, electric & water supplies are address the situation in Pattaya will only get worse.

I apologise in advance, as I'm sure these questions have been asked previously but as things and requirements can change on a daily basis I'd like to pose the question again.

I first visited Cambodia on a trip to Siem Reap in 2007, waiting for onward transport at the border I saw no evidence of vehicular traffic crossing the border, just many locals ferrying goods to and fro across the border in old carts.

I visited Siem Reap again in 2010 and again whilst waiting at the border the situation appeared to be the same with no vehicles crossing the border in either direction.

Last year 2014 my partner and I went to visit the market at the border, we went there on my motorbike. There appeared to be considerable construction at the border, a new road was under construction, and I could see considerable vehicular movement crossing the border, trucks, pick ups, cars, bikes.

My question therefor is, is it now possible to enter Cambodia from Thailand on ones own motorcycle (registered in Thailand) to tour the country, and if so what are the current requirements and documentation that would be required, and how does one go about obtaining them

Many thanks in anticipation

Unfortunately the four choices do not cover all circumstances. The Thai worry is that foreigners will buy up large area's of land.

Foreigners should be allowed to buy sufficient land to put a dwelling on, and a garden area, if they wanted to be self sufficient they should be allowed to buy the equivalent of a small farm, but restricted to erecting one house on it.

I'm 70 in November, regularly ride to my partners parents home in Dan Chang from Pattaya, it takes on average six hours I stop only for fuel twice, no rests, when I arrive I take all the family dogs out for a walk in the jungle, with my partners family asking why is he not tired? When I get on the bike, a Honda Silverwing its like switching on a light, no matter how tired I might be. I should also mention I play squash to a high standard, am a qualified scuba instructor, I like also exploring cave systems and whitewater rafting. After two years of toing and frowing between the UK and Thailand for medical treatment, I learned last week that I had beaten Bladder Cancer, will be back in Thailand in Three weeks, and already have several long rides planned, riding my bike with all the concentration that is needed due to road conditions and Thai drivers makes me feel alive, the moment I stop enjoying it is when I'll give up, but like all the other activities that is going to be (god willing) a long time yet

As per usual most of the replies to this topic are talking out of their backsides, or their comments indicate they only see Thai females as sex objects, or they have little knowledge of Thai culture.

I first came to Thailand 8 years ago, I was wary of financial predators and so adopted the attitude of if I saw an open hand, they would see mine waving goodbye.

In fact this never happened to me, the first girlfriend I had was a widow, and she had a son from the marriage. She had an excellent job and never asked me for a penny. If we were out anywhere because of Thai culture does not show affection outside or in the street she would only hold hands when we were out, we didn't have sex straight away after meeting, and it was five years since she had had sex (before her husband died). For a Thai person to 'feed' their partner or husband is regarded as something done when you are very close to someone. Our relationship lasted three years and only ended when her father died and she was forced to go home to look after her sick mother, sadly it was not possible for me to be with her.

A year or so later, I met another lady from a dating site, we were 'friends' for many months before our relationship got serious. As before there were no public demonstrations of affection. It was some six months before we started to live together. She had her own job and was not financially dependent on me. She would buy food and cook for me and buy me clothes, not once did she ask me for money. If we eat at our room, she will feed me, and I can see the joy she gets in doing it, I am not allowed to shower on my own, she enjoys showering me, and of course the 'normal' care of cutting my nails, etc. etc.

If we go out to eat I usually have to 'help' her finish her meal, as in between eating herself she will feed me too, I've never seen anyone observe this and think it odd. We have been together for three years now, and we have not had sex for at least a year, as I'm being treated for bladder cancer, but our relationship never the less is loving and has brought me great happiness.

If a girl was in the UK and shagged every guy on their first date you would call her a slag, but from the comments here you expect sex from a Thai lady straight away - talk about double standards.

Excellent Idea making children wear helmets, but need the law changing to enforce it. Now I know that many of you will laugh at the thought of police enforcement. But in place of the small fine for not wearing a helmet (Adult or child) the Police should impound the bike for seven days. The loss of transport for a week will hit harder than having to pay a small fine. When collecting an impounded bike they will have to take along the green book and show that it is currently taxed and insured. That would 'net' any that were not covered and perhaps Identify many bikes that have been stolen. Bikes that are not collected after one month could be sold.

This is the theory of what should happen but in reality it is not.

I do not speculate on this I speak from my own personal experience of vital evidence and details of events that show allegations against me were a 'state created crime' I had details of vital evidential phone calls deleted by the police from my mobile phone (but they didn't realise they would appear on my phone bill) Tape recordings were made of conversations without the correct authorisation being in place, The original tape recordings were 'edited' by the police, and my defence team were never allowed to hear either the original or the edited recordings, only given a transcript.

There is as much corruption in the UK police as there is in the Thai police, In Thailand it is financially motivated, in the UK a high rate of convictions will result in promotion and of course a larger salary. Do I have to quote such cases as the 'Birmingham 6' or the Guilford 4' to highlight this, and currently the enquiries into the Hillsborough disaster are now being told that the senior officers in charge covered up evidence and lied in statements to cover their backsides.

I laugh so many times when the efficiency and credibility of the UK police is lauded

I am happy to pay to enter the tourist attractions if I pay the same as a Thai, many attractions accept sight of my Thai driving licence to qualify for 'Thai price' but even between national parks this is not always the case. No chance of Free entry to Grand Palace like Thai, even showing licence. Been there so many times to show visiting friends around so hacked off about having to pay the not insubstantial entrance fee

Does this mean that those of us who currently hold motorcycle licences to ride larger machines will be retrospectively not hold a licence to do so once (if) the new regulations come into force.

Normally these kind of restrictions or amendments only apply to new licences being issued. My partner (Thai) holds a driving licence that was originally issued for life, it was not retropectively subject to the time limits set on licences of initially one year then five years, her licence is still valid for life.

In the UK when my licence was issued, apart from needing another licence to drive Heavy goods and Coaches (buses), both of which I held until they expired when I reached 65., none of the subsequent restrictions on 'ordinary licences', such as towing a caravan, and not being able to drive 7.5 Tonne truck applied to my licence, only to new licences issued following the changes in qualification. I know this is Thailand but you can't just remove a persons qualification to drive certain vehicles retrospectively, just because a change is made by the authorities that be, changes should only be applied to new licences (not renewals)

Bought one as the two fans in my room weren't keeping the room as cool as I'd like. Absolutely useless, back in the box after two days

They are operating every evening outside Central Festival on 2nd Road - and how far away is Pattaya Police Station

'Must be accepted'

and presumably those world leaders that don't comply will be invited to Thailand for 'Attitude adjustment'

Sorry Luckylew didn't see your post before sending mine

Your comment suggesting tourists in diving helmets walking along the bottom was a fantasy or in other words not true, the picture I posted in my response was to show that your response was inacurrate and lacking in knowledge.

The picture I posted was not as you say from Krabi, it was not intended to be, its intention was to illustrate your comment was wrong, sea walking is not a fantasy, and is available at many locations around Thailand. I regularly see such an operation off one of the beaches on Koh Larn, one of the near Islands off Pattaya.

Sigh Sigh - my 'fantasy' comment related to those posters suggesting that there was sea walking here in Krabi. There is no sea walking AT ALL with these speed boat tours. These speed boat tours don't have any tour licence to conduct any sort of diving operaton.

If you care to look back through the postings on this thread, and there aren't many of them, you will see that I was one of two members who mentioned 'sea walking'. My reference to 'sea walking' did not suggest that there was 'sea walking' in Krabi. As the report was lacking in detail I only posed the question " or was this 'diving' just 'sea walking'.

The other post mentioning 'sea walking' was just a comical aside. Nowhere was it suggested by anyone that this incident involved 'sea walking' or inferred that 'sea walking' is an activity that takes place in Krabi.

Whilst I do not wish to criticise, you obviously did not read the posts correctly, and the subsequent posting showed a deficiency in your understanding of the water sports activities quoted.