richard_smith237

haha... I don't want to be an a$$hole, but.... And.. you are quite right... I am judging... I'm judging those who incorrectly pass judgement when making assumptions of everyone else based on their own limited experiences.

I agree... though I'd suggest a higher CC range and kind of a 'agree' with the 400cc limits proposed in the past (referring to big bikes - in regards to separating scooters and regular bikes of larger displacement). BUT - Thailand doesn't do descretion... Can you imagine the mayhem ?... lazy police not bothering to distinguish the difference, so it just becomes a 'free-for-all'... I like being able to drive on the Motorways without all the scooters etc... I also see larger bikes riding the main roads such as Bangkok to Hua Hin, and they are 'part of the traffic' keeping up, riding sensibly etc... and the scooters, sticking to the frontage path / shoulder or whatever its called.... So, no harm in allowing 'higher powered bikes' on the expressways and central area's of Vibhavadi Rangsit road..... BUT - as we already know, rules here are not followed, so there has to be a readily distinguishable line - and that line is simplified to two or four wheels....

Wouldn't that depend upon his name being 'Grant' or not ???

Indeed... I came out here for my first job, straight out of Uni... Uni was great fun, loads of skirt etc... coming here was also loads of fun.... but when the only bars you end up at are the 'pink pussy cat' (or some such name) its going to be difficult to meet regular women. Thus... making good male Thai friends opened up doors difficult to imagine from a 'meeting a woman' perspective... and certainly not living in central Pattaya or Patong also helped to avoid 'ending up' with an occupational-farang-hunter type....

Plenty about - Almost everyone I know in Thailand, or to rephrase, almost everyone I know in Thailand who's partner I have also met is with (dating long term or married) to women who for the purposes of this converstation are normal (i.e. not ex ho's, not ex BG's, not ex Freelancers, not occupational farang hunters etc)... of course, we can't know someones past for sure, but after being here a long time, its easy enough to pick up on the vibe - and spotting 'ex-brass' is exceptionally easy for anyone who's spent any reasonable length of time here. Thats not to judge - but to point out that others who fail to identify or accept that others are in relationships with normal women (definition above) are quite wrong and only using their limited range of exposure which is usually from an area where exposure to Thai women may be limited to less virtuous skirt !!!...

I think the saying is "If it £ucks, floats or flies, rent it" !!!.... quite an amusing comment that I don't read anything into, other than the humour.

Indeed... I read his post and then figured, he must be sick of getting accused of being a monger !!! I get his point though - a lot of guys on here make the assumption that everyone else is a sexpat monger when is clearly obvious from many posts (i.e. many of yours)... who are just normal folks with healthy attitudes towards life in Thailand.... There are also people who speak terribly of Thai women and have very little idea and make huge assumptions that all women are 'buyable' which is wholly offensive to many of us who are married to 'regular' (non industry females etc). So... we're not trying to be cleaner than the 'mongers'.... we just don't want to be associated with the folk making lecherous assumptions such as 90% of Thai girls are on Thai Friendly etc or, it goes with the territory etc.

Yep.. I've experienced that too... and it infuriates me, but 'cautious' or should I say 'defensive' riding has saved me on a number of occasions... One example: Riding in the near or middle lane and the car in front slows suddenly, they are looking to turn left, have not indicated etc... Or, a bike pulls out from Soi as I am approaching, they've either not looked, or looked and seen me and just not cared that I'm approaching... I have not shoulder checked my blind spot and don't want to avert my eyes from the road in-front, just incase the idiot, driving / riding like an idiot does something more idiotic... Then woosh... I feel the wind of a rider screaming past me..... had I moved position to or changed lanes while not being certain - I'd have been hit... its safer just to slow down. Just the other day I had a motorcyclist pull out on me turning right from a Sub Soi (dual lane road in each direction - no divider, just lines).... The rider either looked or didn't but pulled out anyway... I'm in the right hand lane having just passed a car, I have to brake but can't swerve left as the car I've just over-taken will hit me.... the motorcyclists, an older fella on a beaten up old put-put, kind of sitting awkwardly, half saddle, knee out at 90 degrees, cigarette hanging out of his mouth etc (I'm sure you've seen plenty of such riders), stays in his 'very central position' on the centre-line of the dual lane road... I have to slow right down behind him as I've no idea if he'll suddenly swerve left or not... After the car passes, I left shoulder check and move into the left lane to under take..... the other rider just remains on the centre line oblivious to his riding and danger he is in, riding the 'central line' of the road' at 30 kmh. Lots of circumstances of other riders / drivers just doing really really dumb stuff. But, for the most part, cars rarely make sudden movements... While riding around Bangkok, I find it the other motorcyclists who present the far greater hazard than cars....

Under the Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979): Turning and Lane Changes: Drivers must signal at least 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) before making a turn or changing lanes.

The driving behavour of the MG changing lanes, seems to be that of someone 'diving into the space' - it does appear to accelerate into the space and swerve more quickly than drivers tend to change lanes.... ... I think its just very poor driving... I don't think he was aware the motorcyclist was there at all. BUT... with certainty, after the 'reckless; manoeuvre the driver knew they'd caused an accident, it is the response afterwards which is despicable. 5 meters later on and the motorcyclists would have flipped into the concrete at 40kmh - deadly perhaps. Props to the mini-truck driver for stopping and getting out to help. ....And.... The motorcyclist himself - that was quite a spiderman-esque dismount into the bushes, quite athletic !

Regardless - the car driver is still at fault... no checking of the blind spot (as you highlighted). I do agree with your earlier comment, when driving and especially when riding minimal time should be spend in the blind spot of any driver. Regarding checking our blind spots - its easy to become complacent and I'm sure there are times, when under similar circumstances, I chance lanes and a 'motorcyclist' could have sped into the 'blind zone' without my noticing. However, I do remind mself to 'shoulder check'.... in motorcycling terms its called a life saver... and has saved me, but also nearly caused me an accident when I 'shoulder checked' (on a motorcycle) turned my forwards again and the car I was following was braking hard, middle lane, no apparent reason... clear traffic... he just slammed on his brakes for some reason. I was able to stop, but i was lucked I'd carried out the 'shoulder check' as there was another car speeding up the right most lane into which I was about to lane change. One rule when driving (and riding a motorcycle) in Thailand that I learned very early on - never make and fast or sudden lane changes.... this allows the other motorcyclists who want to continue to pass you, to flow around you 'like water' as they say.

I'm quite sure the definition of scam has nothing to do with a receipt... "I have a bridge for sale and can give you a receipt"... (I think that makes the point). As Kwilco pointed out - IF the 'faster lanes' are kept clear for Immigration Officers to allow fee paying travellers a 'faster track' - then this is at the cost of 'all other travellers' as their lanes are kept slower. If this is not and official policy and instead a 'locally employed tactic' for the Immi officers to make extra money, as pointed out by Austin, its not quite a 'scam', but is most definitely corruption.

Which makes no sense, because in almost every situation there is 'traffic behind you'... Thus: as pointed out, there no specific mention in the Land Traffic Act that makes the act of lane splitting illegal, though neither is there a mention that makes the act of lane splitting legal - thus, that style of riding remains within the 'grey area' of police discretion. In other countries where lane splitting is legal, it is so below certain speeds - i.e when traffic starts to alter from free flowing to queueing traffic etc. For example the law varies in the United States: California: Lane splitting is legal, and while there is no specific speed limit, it is advised that motorcyclists should not exceed the speed of surrounding traffic by more than 10 mph (16 km/h) and should not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) in total. In Other States: Some other states allow lane splitting under certain conditions, but it varies widely, local state laws apply. In Australia: New South Wales and Queensland: Lane filtering is legal, with speed limits generally set at 30 km/h (about 18.6 mph) when filtering through stationary or slow-moving traffic.

It depends on which part of Vibhavadi Road you're referring to. Further north, there is no restriction on motorcyclists using the central lanes. Similarly, when passing Don Muang Airport, the frontage road vanishes, leaving motorcyclists with no other option but to remain in the main lanes. And yes, this distinction matters - because regardless of the legality of the motorcyclist's position, the car driver's actions were still reckless. If the issue you're highlighting is the car's dangerous driving, then the question of whether the motorcyclist was technically in the correct lane becomes less relevant. The real problem lies in the car making an erratic, unsafe lane change without checking for others, which is dangerous regardless of the motorcyclist's lane. Its the same issue when people were blaming the 'riders' (when the Thai pop star) hit the 3 people who'd stopped on the Bridge - regardless of where they stopped, it was still his fault for hitting a stationary object that he 'should have seen' - regardless of whether it was legal for motorcycles to be on that bridge and regardless of whether it was legal to stop on that bridge. The motorcyclists 'fault' was separate from the van drivers 'fault' in that example. The photo below illustrates a section of southbound Vibhavadi Road, near Don Muang Airport, where there is no frontage road, and motorcyclists are therefore permitted to ride on the main road, which would otherwise be considered the central lanes. The issue with Vibhavadi Road, however, lies in the inconsistent rules regarding motorcyclists' permission to use the main lanes. The "permission status" seems to switch back and forth along different parts of the road. This lack of consistency is quite characteristic of Thailand's roads and often catches both motorists and motorcyclists off guard.

I agree with this observation, particularly in reference to roads like Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Around a decade ago, motorcyclists were frequently stopped and fined for not staying in the leftmost lane, which was often congested with buses and taxis. As a result, riding in the middle lane became both safer and more practical, with even the rightmost lane being preferable at times. Moreover, in the context of city traffic, the rightmost lanes no longer serve strictly as overtaking lanes, as they would on highways; instead, they have become additional lanes to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles. However, there are 'certain' roads, underpasses and bridges on which motorcyclists are not permitted. Regarding this incident - south of Don Muang Airport the central area is a no-go for motorcyclists, at some point north of the Airport motorcyclists are permitted in the central lanes - but I'm not sure at which point this starts. About eight years ago, I was pulled over and fined 100 baht (after some negotiation) on Vibhavadi Road. I had been riding in the central lanes, coming from the north, and simply stayed there instead of moving to the left. The police officer who stopped me was stationed near one of the signs indicating the lane restrictions, leaving me with no defense. It was clear I was in the wrong lane and should not have been riding in the central lanes at that point.

Thai law does not explicitly state that lane splitting (or filtering between cars) is legal. The Land Traffic Act, B.E. 2522 (1979), which governs traffic laws in Thailand, does not contain provisions that either legalize or specifically mention lane splitting for motorcycles. In essence: The law does not explicitly allow lane splitting. The law does not explicitly prohibit lane splitting either. This lack of clarity creates a gray area where the practice is tolerated and widely accepted in everyday traffic. However, it is up to law enforcement's discretion to determine whether specific behaviors while lane splitting, such as reckless or dangerous driving, might violate other general traffic rules (e.g., unsafe driving or not staying in lanes). In summary, lane splitting is neither clearly legal nor illegal under Thai law—it exists in a regulatory gap. That grey area exists for many issues in Thailand and is the source of many arguments and misunderstandings on this forum.

I'm not so sure - it looks more like an utter idiot attempting to make a quick lane change and had no idea the bike was next to them. Regardless - the driver was a total ayhole for driving off like that - should get a ban for dangerous driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. Another point: I think motorcycles and not permitted in the central lanes (3 lanes in either direction) on Vibhavadi Ransit Rd.

"...just highlighting a very vocal minority". Not on this forum, where the very vocal majority of commentators do moan about Thais and Thailand tediously and consistently. I don't quite see it the same way. There are a number of posters who focus solely on the negatives in Thailand – they are often very vocal about their opinions – but they are not the majority. Similarly, and thankfully, those who are overly enthusiastic and believe that "everything Thai" is amazing are also not the majority. In the middle, there are many "normal" posters who maintain a balanced perspective. They don't see everything as perfect or flawless, but simply view the world around them as it is. This balance is reflected in discussions on this forum. However, when one of these balanced commentators points out a less positive aspect of Thailand, such as safety, they may be accused of "Thai-bashing," when in fact they are simply making a factual observation.

Then thats being pedantic and ridiculous... Obviously if someone doesn't intend to drive there is no need to obtain a Thai license - the fact you brought that into the fray is just outright odd. Its 12 months.

And don’t you like to tell everyone about it. Indeed.. the biggest intolerance I have here is drink drivers and trollish twerps !!!!....

They are not In Thailand, the requirement for foreign residents to obtain a Thai driving license in order to drive legally is not tied to a single specific law, but it falls under a combination of the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Royal Decree on Car and Motorcycle Registration. These laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles within Thailand and stipulate that drivers must have a valid license recognised by the authorities. Key points regarding the legal basis: Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979): This law governs road traffic rules in Thailand. It requires that anyone operating a motor vehicle must have a valid driving license. The act applies to all individuals, including foreigners. Department of Land Transport (DLT) Regulations: According to the DLT, foreign nationals residing in Thailand on long-term visas, including residence visas, work permits, or retirement visas, are required to obtain a Thai driving license. While the law allows tourists and short-term visitors to use an international driving permit (IDP) or a valid foreign driving license for up to 90 days, long-term residents must convert their foreign driving licenses or apply for a new Thai license after their stay exceeds this period. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Land Traffic Act, the interpretation by authorities and the Department of Land Transport (DLT) makes it clear that long-term residents must adhere to this regulation to avoid fines or legal complications. This requirement is based on the idea that only temporary visitors can drive on international permits, while long-term residents should have a locally recognised license. If you are residing in Thailand under a long-term visa, you are therefore required to obtain a Thai driving license to comply with these regulations. The reality is of course is that people are lazy and the police are lazy - so not much happens if caught without a Thai License while no a resident visa - but IF someone were to have an accident and the insurance company was looking for 'wiggle room'... this technicality could provide that.

Valid point - there is a high number of Motorcycles on the roads without tail lights. If so, no tail lights, dark tint on car, driving in glasses.... Booze involved ? - unknown until the tests come back, however, as he remained at the scene and didn't flee it could be argued that he had nothing to hide - thus I think its unlikely booze was involved.

He had been coping fine until the kids stopped in front of him. Had he ? you know him and his driving record ? Driving with dark glasses on at night is an accident waiting to happen, 'coping fine' is bo!!ox.. he'd been lucky thats all. He hit a stationary vehicle on the side of the road - YOU think that can happen any of us, I don't. I like to avoid stationary things on the side of the road - and I can do so because I can see them.

Its not nonsense.. but there are other factors involved. If you a foreigner is here on a resident visa (i.e. Non-Immigrant O Visa or extension thereof) they are required to obtain a Thai Licence.

Especially if drinking... Was the guy wearing his 'sun glasses' while driving ? Sunglasses combined with window tint and poor lighting is going to severely impact visibility. The levels of window-tint we get offered when getting a new car is astonishing - the sales people then think I'm mad for lighter... as if night time visibility is not an issue, just make sure the car doesn't get hot !!..