richard_smith237

45 minutes ago, outsidetrader said:

There is no Temporary Thai license anyway .

There is... 

The The Temporary License is two years and it says "Temporary" on the license itself (its what eveyrone will received as their first driving license in Thailand, whatever overseas license they transitioned from). 

After this initial two year probationary period (or whatever you want to call it) then next licence will be a Full Thai Driving Licence which is valid for 5 years.

Differences for the Temp Licence: 

- Two years rather than 5

- You cannot get an IDP based on the 2 hear Temp Licence.

- DUI limits are lower (0.02% rather than 0.05% BAC)

On 6/21/2025 at 5:57 PM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Wow, I thought that only happens to me. 

....here is 'your story'...  

Right, so there I was, wandering through one of them grimy Pattaya dive bars, you know the sort — sticky floors, neon lights flickering like they’re about to bugger off any minute. Nature called, and I made a beeline for the bogs, expecting the usual chaos of too many blokes, no paper, and that faint smell of regret. But as I pushed open the door to the gents, there was this fella in the corner, proper unusual sight — middle-aged, Western bloke, decked out in a floral skirt that swayed as he moved, sitting prim and proper in front of the cracked mirror, expertly applying lipstick with a steady hand.

He caught me peeking, gave me a cheeky grin, and said, “Don’t be shy, mate, just getting ready for the next round.” Didn’t quite know what to say, so I just stood there, fascinated as he dabbed on the brightest red, lips puckered like he was rehearsing for a stage show. The way he moved, the confidence in his eyes — it was magnetic, no two ways about it. I felt this odd buzz creeping up, heart beating a little faster, the kind of excitement that sneaks up when you least expect it, like the first sip of a cold beer on a scorching day.

We got chatting — his name was Mark but preferred Shirley, from somewhere up north, been coming to Pattaya for years, loving the freedom here, dressing how he wanted without a fuss. Said the toilets were the best place to sneak in some touch-ups away from prying eyes. I joked about the lipstick stain now blossoming on my shirt from when he’d accidentally brushed past me, and he just laughed, eyes twinkling.

That night, walking back through the sticky streets, I felt a little lighter, a bit more open, like Pattaya had thrown me one of its weird little curveballs again — and I wasn’t complaining one bit.

4 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

12 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

I have searched the net and nowhere can I find you can covert your country or IDP to Thai Licence by taking the multiple choice written test ?

Read the OP.

 

Quote

• Foreign Licence Holders: Foreign nationals must now pass a written exam to convert their existing foreign licence to a Thai one. This requirement was previously waived.

 

"Set to introduce stricter regulations".....   nothing in place yet, and as others have mentioned... this could be just a 'nothing burger'.... 

... those in positions of even the remotest level of authority here in Thailand love to make an announcements...   

We read of these announcements every day...   Thailand loves its announcements as much as it loves its 'crack-downs' and being the 'hub' of something...   Its could well be the 'hub of announcements'...  

But..  the reality is - nothing has changed, whether something does change simply remains an unknown as we all know by now that an announcement means absolutely nothing...   

...  yet such announcements still managed to cause a little incontinence and urine leakage for some !!!!

On 6/20/2025 at 4:56 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thailand is set to introduce stricter regulations for foreign nationals seeking to obtain a Thai driver's licence.

5 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

32 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Sigh.

Converting your country's license or IDP to a Thai license is still insanely easy, only now you have to answer a multiple choice test on Thai road signs, rules etc. That. Is. All. 

Who is blaming farang for anything? It's a minor change and, actually, a sensible one as the rules her are not the same as your home country. Seriously why get all upset and persecuted? 

Oh wait, you didn't read the article did you....

I have searched the net and nowhere can I find you can covert your country or IDP to Thai Licence by taking the multiple choice written test ?

Because thats not part of the process yet.

Simply put... 

IF your home nation Driving License is in English - you can acquire a Thai Driving License very simply (process discussed on this forum many times).

The only addition that 'may be' added, is the requirement to do a 'written test' (multiple choice test) and thats the subject of this announcement...  thats it, just one additional 30minute step.

7 minutes ago, Kalasin Jo said:

Just another brick in the wall

So, you don't need no education, you don't need no thought control....    ???

11 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

The overhang of the barge does not appear to have any additional lighting or warning signs, once again lacking adequate safety equipment

Not even a dull oily red flag hanging on stick... 

IMO this could be death by negligence on the part of the Truck Operator (driver and company)... as you mentioned, no lighting, no reflectors, no signage... 

... But also very likely a driver (deceased) speeding beyond the capabilities of visibility at night (often referred to as outdriving the lights).

Tragic...   

In a country where so many fathers are absent and the social struggles that leaves behind, here we have the opposite - though we don't know complete story or why the Mother prevented access to the child, unless there is a medical or legal reason, then her actions are wrong.

4 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

From reading the comments at the beginning of this article I can score most, if not all comments,are from people wanting to become Sherlock Holmes. You all failed.  I would rather employ his partner " My dear Watson" than you lot.

Well then, you should surely be aware that he isn’t real - he’s a fictional character, not 'my dear' anything, but properly known as 'Dr. John H. Watson'...

.... Just thought I’d mention it, in case you were hoping to sound more informed than those whose observations you seem so eager to ridicule.

51 minutes ago, how241 said:

1 hour ago, NoshowJones said:

You mean melatonin is not addictive?

With some people almost everything can be addictive as their brain becomes used to it and they feel they need it to sleep or just feel normal. This is a mental issue.

There is a difference between 'addiction' and 'habit forming'... 

People do not become addicted to Melatonin - it has no addictive properties where there is a physical dependence develops...

However, there maybe a psychologically dependence that develops where a long term user 'thinks' they need it to sleep, this is a behavioural dependence, not a biological one.

However, habitual and long term use can result  may reduce your body's reliance on its natural production temporarily (because you're supplementing what it would otherwise produce).

(Oh and above - its The circadian rhythm which is like the body's biological clock -  just in case anyone thought I was serious about the insect !).

On 1/27/2024 at 12:49 PM, retarius said:

I take it, it was prescribed by a physician but I can but it anywhere. it is called Circadian or something like that.

The Cicada rhythm - It influences various bodily functions, including hormone release, digestion, body temperature, sleep patterns and is influenced by those insects that kick off with a racket at about 6pm every night...    

1 hour ago, Cat Boy said:

In all due respect, you've either not reviewed, or misinterpreted the context within which my comment was made.

The original comment by another person to which my response to was directed, "Then they should remove as many Thais from the roads as possible. They are the ones who can't drive".

That is NOT showing respect, assimilation or empathy for our Thai brethren of which we reside in their country as guests. That's just racist xenophobia, plain and simple.

My comment was NOT intended to invalidate others opinions or comments wherein they suggest positive change, such as improving driver training, or testing prior to licensure, or improving enforcement of existing laws, my comment was here rather, to push back, on those who condemn all Thai as somehow inferior and incapable of driving safely or adhering to laws established, again, that's not assimilation or empathy, quite the opposite, its armchair bitterness, and anger aimed to incite hatred of Thai, and thus inspire similar in reverse. That I cannot abide.

Good response- I quite agree. 

15 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

They refuse to stop for someone in a Zebra Crossing, and on many occasions have run over people in them, I don't think they care much about someone passed out in a car park. In fact, I would best most Thai's would blame a pedestrian in a Zebra Crossing for their own predicament, before taking responsibility for hitting them. Remember, expensive cars first, cheap cars second, motorcycles third, pedestrians last.

I’d wager that most Thais would instinctively blame someone else first in any situation involving fault - and to be fair, the same tendency can often be observed in people generally.

When it comes to pedestrian crossings, the law is unambiguously on the side of the pedestrian. Yet, we’ve seen far too many extreme cases in the news that suggest drivers see things otherwise. That said, I have noticed gradual improvement, particularly in Bangkok.

Still, the quality of driver response remains inconsistent. In some parts of the city, drivers are more conscientious and will stop to let pedestrians cross. In others, crossings are all but ignored, and pedestrians are left to fend for themselves. This inconsistency extends nationwide, varying widely from one area to another.

In truth, the fact that we’re even having this conversation underlines your point - it shouldn’t be necessary to debate whether basic road laws are respected. That said, I wonder if your observations might be somewhat intensified by the specific conditions in your local area. There’s definitely room for optimism - but it's also clear there's still a long way to go.

8 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

They refuse to stop for someone in a Zebra Crossing, and on many occasions have run over people in them, I don't think they care much about someone passed out in a car park.

You think the driver saw the Swede lying in the road and simply didn't care ???.... 

... while I do agree with many of your comments, I think you've over-egged the bitterness towards Thailands drivers on this one...

...  From the video I see an extreme example of inattention and careless driving.

(obviously combined with the idiocy of getting so drunk and falling unconscious in the middle of a car park !)

8 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

In fact, I would best most Thai's would blame a pedestrian in a Zebra Crossing for their own predicament, before taking responsibility for hitting them. Remember, expensive cars first, cheap cars second, motorcycles third, pedestrians last.

It seems that most people instinctively look to blame others rather than reflect on their own actions when involved in a vehicular accident.

A recent incident illustrated this perfectly: the driver immediately got out and started blaming my wife - despite being clearly and entirely at fault. Both the police and the insurance assessment confirmed it.

There’s a widespread reluctance to accept personal responsibility, and I’d agree that this mindset is perhaps more pronounced here than in some other places.

You also make an important point regarding the perceived socio-economic hierarchy on the roads: between luxury cars, cheaper vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. That dynamic does seem to play a role in how people behave and are treated on the roads.

That said, it's encouraging to see that things are evolving. Some areas are certainly becoming more civilised in their approach to road use and shared responsibility.

1 minute ago, lordgrinz said:

Not here near me, much of the worst driving is carried out by the majority, sad but true.

There may be an element of confirmation bias in this...     I see much of the worst driving committed by those in Toyota Fortuna's, Mitsubish Pajero's and Box-delivery trucks - of course this isn't true... it just seems so because thats what stands out to my bias.

1 hour ago, Cat Boy said:

That's an enforcement issue. 

 

And again, their country, their law enforcement, their citizens abidance to their laws. 

 

Your position as a farang is limited to endless whinged about it on social media, or better yet, not driving at all, and keeping your negative views to yourself. 

I think you misunderstand the point of a forum designed for discussion.....

Saying “their country, their enforcement, their citizens” doesn’t invalidate our right to observe and form opinions - whether those opinions are critical or complimentary.

In fact, many of the concerns raised here, particularly regarding traffic issues, are echoed regularly on Thai-language forums such as Pantip.com.

Moreover, for those of us who’ve chosen to integrate into this society and genuinely care about the wellbeing of our neighbours, these observations often come from a place of concern, not condescension.

We speak up (most of us) because we care - because seeing people hurt or endangered by avoidable recklessness is deeply troubling.

So yes, our opinions are not only valid, but are rooted in empathy for the community we live in.

4 minutes ago, YayaManos said:

21 hours ago, Cornish Pasty said:

Thai’s are the worst drivers I have ever seen, and believe me, I have been around!

 

Mark.

I do AGREE!

How many of you have witnessed the driving habits across various countries in the Middle East?

In comparison, Bangkok is an absolute paradise—especially when held up against the chaos of Jakarta or Manila.

One of the more remarkable aspects of driving in Bangkok is the near-total absence of horn use. It’s genuinely refreshing to sit in gridlocked traffic without the constant blaring of impatient drivers. Granted, no one enjoys being stuck in traffic, but the silence certainly makes it more bearable.

It’s easy to criticise aspects of life here - especially the state of the roads - but in truth, they're vastly better than in many other nations.

That said, we still witness a fair amount of outrageous behaviour on a daily basis. The most common and dangerous examples? Riding without helmets and drink-driving. These two alone account for much of the recklessness on the roads.

Unfortunately, much of the worst driving is carried out by a minority who are largely ignored by the police -effectively enabling their behaviour and allowing it to continue unchecked.

3 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

Right outside of our Communities front gate we have a three lane road, with a speed bump that doesn't cover the far left lane (because I suspect - poor drainage), take a guess what every car does when they go by our exit road? You guessed it, they fly through the left lane at MACH speed to avoid the speedbump and/or to undertake cars in the other two lanes. Can be daunting trying to exit our community.

We have the same in our moo-baan...     there are those 'rubber' speed bumps across the road...  but they don't go 'all the way across' and there is a 50cm gap in directly in-front of our house.

What do all the delivery motorcyclists do ?...  Maintain speed and swerve towards our house so they avoid the speed bump - which means - the speed-bump itself has simply moved faster moving motorcyclists closer to the front of our house !!!...   (time to place a well positioned 'plant-pot' or cone, I think.

4 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

21 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Appreciate the heads up - from someone such as yourself who's been a long time member here - this is solid info.

Once you get to see a specialist in a govt hospital, get them to refer you to the next specialty you need. There are lazy docs & those who just don't have your chemistry or long-term interests in mind. Second opinions are harder here. I use Chula but it's a zoo. Few farang have the patience.

Which is why the recommendation from spidermike is a good one - positive first hand experience. 

I also get your comment about 'chemistry and long-term interests in mind'  -  In private hospitals here I've walked out twice on meetings with Doctors who are clearly too lazy to address the issues at hand (back issues - lazy diagnosis / sons paediatrician caught out in a lie - both were very well known top tier hospitals).

99% of the time though - treatment has been simply outstanding and the level of care second to none - but, we 'have to also be aware ourselves' of what is going on or we can get led down the garden path so to speak, either a potential misdiagnosis or additional unneeded treatments or scans etc.

3 minutes ago, RedRoadRunner said:

Stupid it's as stupid does !!!

You mean anyone wishing to get their licence is now stupid if they take this test ?

2 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

9 minutes ago, Robert Smith 2 said:

Really good point, driving to the rules is dangerous driving 

 

I drive according to the rules every day, not been a problem yet. I am sure Thai's hate me for it, but I'm not about to follow the herd of imbeciles.

I think its a valid point - some rules have to be 'nudged aside' otherwise we wouldn't get anywhere.

A perfect example of this is turning out into a busy main road from a side soi - if we sit there and wait for a sufficient space we'd be waiting a long time as no one slows to give way... thus, we have to apply a little 'assertion' and nudge out and force someone else to give way... especially in Bangkok (this is generally slow speed traffic of course)....  

But, from the 'rules perspective' we are pulling out when the road is not clear and that is a breach.

There are many similar circumstances where traffic conditions and local behavior force this 'bending' of the rules.

Getting so blind drunk that he is so out of control and becomes unconscious is utterly idiotic - to do so and become unconscious in the middle of a car park is extreme to say the least - so those suggesting he brought this upon himself are not incorrect.

But, its also concerning that we have such drivers on the road that are so blind they cannot see a body in front of them in a well lit car park - one could argue that someone so oblivious to their surroundings should not be driving at all. 

This is another one of those 'Thailand situations' where two wrongs combine with horrible results - had just one of the parties been 'sensible' this would not have occurred just like so many other events we read about.

23 hours ago, PB172111 said:

Stupid tourist. Drunk, lying on the floor. What does he expect. I feel sorry for the bolt driver.

I too feel sorry for drivers incapable of seeing obstacles in front of them....   

The 'availability' depends purely on the model...  and of course mods you want.

Three experiences: 

1) Walked in - Saw the Bike - Left 45 mins later with the bike (obtained my own number at the DLT) - and gave the dealer the receipt - did all mods myself.

2) Walked in - Saw the bike - Waited about month for delivery - Picked up bike. As above (obtained my own number at the DLT) - and gave the dealer the receipt - did all mods myself.

3) Wanted a certain model -  called around various dealers - availability anything from 3 months wait to not available. Gave up on the ADV.  Went to different brand, saw the bike I liked, made the purchase - selected a load of Mods (also gave dealer the Innoc Cam) - gave dealer all my paper work, picked up the bike about 5 weeks later when I returned from overseas (fully registered).

In short - experiences vary based on availability. 

Prices are all online - ANY dealer who things its ok to add this 'farang' tax others have mentioned, tell they why you are walking out and not paying - they won't care (they never do) but if enough people behave like this then they get the message.