MRH1959

I hate the ignorant, arrogant,impatient, and impolite people both on and off the road.

I hate the polution and don't care attitudes.

I hate that crime has increased over the last 15 years of being involved with Thai.

I love the easy going rural life. Love the longer available shopping times. Love the big parks. Love the 'nice' people of Thailand. Love the longer periods of dry days (not the heat). Love the variety of scenery around the country. Love the 'honest' smile of the ladies. Love the honest respect towards the King and family.

See motorcyclists do it a lot. Attendants don't say anything.

How about cutting the flower and planting it in a large flower pot. Cut the fruit and let them ripen.

Write a letter (dated) and leave them all near your gate.

If the neighbour comes looking for them, hand them over, explaining what you tried to do and ask him/her what would be preferable in the future.

No money hand outs.

Be aware of the higher alcohol volume in some beers. After just 1 and half glass (8 oz glass) was told over the limit of '5' at a check point. Couldn't believe it.

The Police are being watched more now, though still need to be aware of the scammers.

Better not to drink drive.

Also, be aware of taxi and motorcycle taxi operators that may have been drinking, or taking 'wake up' pills whilst on duty.

Not all are that bad, though just saying.

Remember, if possible, check the alcohol volume of your drink.

Just one question.

Are the police checking 'everybody' for their ID or proper papers/passports, or just those people thought to be tourists?

If they don't check 'everybody' [including Thai or those that look Thai], it should be seen as discrimination, and followed up by the proper Authority.

Good on them though for doing these checks.

Tighter and 'enforced'laws, although what will it imorove when you can buy other weapons on most streets such as from army surplus, knife shop, hobby shops etc.

Enforce the laws with tougher penalties.

Yes to using a cab cam and keep the 'worst of situations' on file, or send to police/tnn24.

Better still will be using a cab cam and rear cam, as a lot of stupidity comes from the rear.

Since the police are not usually involved after any accidents (insurance company called to deal with them), video proof may be needed to ensure you don't pay for what you shouldn't.

Good on the bikes that use helmet cams as well.

Shop around for what best suits 'you'.

There have been some good and insightful replies, along with the idiotic and misreading replies.

The stated question is to do with the unlawful and unsafe practices of many motorcyclists.

We all know that there is good and bad in everything and road users are just the same, whether you ride a bike or drive a car, van, truck or bus.

Namplik, as for your answer, although I hold a motorcycle licence it is not for Thailand and although I would like to ride a bike in certain parts of Thailand, there are many reasons why it isn't safe to do so and some of those reasons are mentioned via other posters, especially due to other bad road users. I do ride bikes and drive cars, vans, buses, trucks and 50 tonne truck and trailers, though only drive a car in Thailand. Driving my car is not selfish as it is for work and pleasure and is a 7 seater Fortuner allowing space for our work team and gear.

Vocal Neal, as mentioned, I agree with you that there are bad drivers as well and I have banned the hire of certain van drivers from the transport company we use 'due to their driving', and need to add to that list with the driver we had last weekend at Ubon Ratchathani.

Fasteddie, DELETED, as your reply simply states that you would prefer to live in an unsafe and lawless society state.

I am a Farang though this post isn't just meant for me as it is the Thai people I work with that complain as much as me [Motorcyclists and other road users], and I would prefer to see the safety of all my family and workers of which many use motorcycles.

It is via such sites as ThaiVisa Forum, that issues can be discussed, and hopefully the powers to be will take note and do something positive.

Noted points:

It doesn't matter whether a person is rich or poor, the laws are put in place for the safety of 'ALL', and we all need to abide by them whether it involves bikes, cars, taxis, vans, buses trucks or pedestrians.

Training and experience 'starts at home', so who should we be training?

We may blame the police, though who are the police working under? Who is the voice that needs to be heard and how is that going to be done?

Re Super bikes or Touring bikes on toll roads. This is a good point and understandable, though how can you ensure the rider has the experience to safely be there. As pointed out, there are drivers that shouldn't even be on the road and many don't even follow the posted speed limits. Maybe a certain cycle class of 500cc+ and endorsed defensive riding class would be sufficient.

Ubon Ratchathani would be a great ride, especially along the Mekong route with the gentle hills and many curves, though watch out for the uneven surface and holes in the road.

If I was asked 'can I ride a horse' the answer is yes, although I have never been trained to control a horse even when I was a shepherd. The same principle should be used for all road users. Many can ride a bike or drive a car, although many can not control such vehicles when circumstances change, or the operator doesn't think about the 'what if' situation.

If any honest and thoughtful cycle club comes up with a list of positive changes to go to Government, I will sign the petition, so how about it?

Mostly good and sound points Thain, though selfishness isn't the point. Safety is.

Cars are supposed to be safer than bikes. Cars can take more than one person, and heavier loads as required.

Was the pedestrian mentioned walking towards or same direction as the car, as people should walk towards, of which is seldom seen. I'm surprised more people aren't hit by cars or bikes, as common sense is missing.

No matter what is used on the roads, road rules/laws should be abided by.

Understand the frustration of disallowed road use on certain roads, though they seem to be in place for safety reasons.

What is safe about a lady with a baby on a moto taxi and the rider is using his phone?

We can all complain about other road users, no matter what they drive, though we can all drive safer and legally.

So how about instead of complaining, state some positive ideas as to increase safety on the roads for all. Maybe then the powers to be will spend money where it is required.

Why do we have to put up with the ever worsening of many motorcyclists, of which the most are taxi cyclists?

I'm sure many of you have seen similar to what is mentioned.

Passing cars, though there is on-coming traffic; Forcing cars to the gutter, as they pass other cars; Over-taking a turning vehicle at a tight intersection, never mind which side of the car they do it; Over-taking a car on a blind spot, never mind whether it is a canal bridge or corner; Passing a car and suddenly stopping in front, causing sudden braking and possible accident; Driving slowly in the middle of the lane [on a 2 lane soi] giving total disregard to vehicles wanting to pass; Riding with one hand using the phone, or worse, same hand with phone and cigarette; Pulling out in front of cars without looking after pillion passenger is on; Operating the bike at night with faulty lights, or no lights at all..........

And so it goes on.

Two nights ago, two bikes hit each other at an intersection, one with pillion passenger, and almost all the above was seen.

Many Thai have said to me, 'don't cause a problem as many riders may carry a knife or gun', and although these people also agree with the poor attitude of these riders, nothing is done.

Many Thai may also believe that this nature is just the Thai way, and get over it. If that is the case, then we know where it is heading and it is not good.

We see the Police doing more checks on the bike, and riders, though they need help from motorists with cameras and from the government to enforce the safe road use laws. Yes the government has started to do more about this, and it will take time, though how many lives will be lost in the mean time?

I wish these bikes could be banned from use until the riders change their way, though realise that for many people it is their only way to travel.

I'm sorry for the good riders in Thailand, as these bad riders are giving you a bad status.

An understandable situation, and one that may have been better sorted before marriage.

Couples can be happy together without children, if they both feel the same.

I don't have any 'blood' children, though have a step daughter and I suppose I was somewhat happy that, at 5 years old [when we met] she was a healthy, yet scared little girl. Now she is an adult at University in New Zealand.

Personally, I believe having children gives 'one self' a meaning for life, though each to their own.

You are both young enough to have children and in today's world, many women are waiting until they are in their 30's before having children.

Look at your wife's family and see how their children have been raised and how they behave. If all is happy, let your fears subside, and I'm sure if a child does come along, you will be a great dad.

Don't let your fears control you, control your fears, and remember there is always help for those that need it.

Good luck for the future.

Good on him, though he is not alone.

Did the same with partner at Kuburi beach and met a lady and son from Sweden doing the same.

A local said lots of rubbish gets washed up from the sea after bad weather.

There are others that care about the environment and not seen for their good deed in helping to clean up.

Yes, Thai Nd the government need to clean up the country by taking more care and enforcing laws concerning the environment.

3 days is not a lot of time, though I would suggest a day trip to Similan Islands (travelled with Rak Talay Travel, www.discoverkhaolak.com although based 1 hour north of Phuket), since you have a love of the water.

Outside that, Enjoy the nightlife at the outside clubs, the falling sunset from the point, and getting to know some of the locals at the market.

Be aware of buying food from open roadside vendors/sellers, being vigilant about hygiene, and as stated in other posts, be aware of certain scammers, especially with possible taxi drivers ( always check the meter is working properly) and jet ski/water craft and motorcycle hire (making sure of any notable damage prior to use). The beach resorts don't like non-guests sitting in front of their land, though normally happy to sell you food and drinks.

Although I personally haven't had any of these problems, other's have, so just use common sense of which is sadly missed.

Also, please stay alert around the roads as road sense/common sense of drivers and abiding by the transport laws can be seen as a joke.

There are many helpful and friendly Thais, and hopefully you will love the country of smiles.

Enjoy your stay.

Extra advice, check the quality of products used being sure not to use 'cheap', especially with cement.

Also think where you use 2 point and 3 point power, as some imported appliances are 3 point.

Friend's house was built on 'raised land with concrete footings' over settled land, by people that believe wetting the clay and taking time will settle it enough.

The cracks prove wrong thinking.

Too many Thais take shortcuts, do don't pay for bad thinking.

Mrh1959, who checks the land for stability?

I'd surely like to gain this piece of knowledge, too, please!

Hope it's not inconvenient to ask......

You're Welcome!!

Look online as some forms can be filled out.

Be sure to have the land checked for stability as hopefully save from ground/building cracking.

Don't take shortcuts, as not worth the headaches.

Do what 'you' would do usually.

Where can we get these laws [and road code] in English?

How about stopping/removing the use of flashing lights from non emergency vehicles, including the Harley Davidson gang bikes, total ahs.

Roofing is a personal choice, so go with what you want to see within your budget.

Be sure you use a qualified builder and not a little al handy man and insist on quality products, especially with cement.

Beware of the following:

Foundation ground that has not been 'set hard'.

Steel joints that aren't primed.

Cracking due to ???

Non squared framework, especially around doors and Windows.

Shoddy electrical work.

Contractors not following through with their work.

You didn't state what area you are building in, though build with your eyes open.

If you are driving at the legal speed on a 3 lane road then the middle lane is ideal, as the left lane is for exit and entry and the right left for passing of the impatient.

This is called common sense.

Right hand drive countries, before you try to argue against this statement.

I have driving in many countries around the world, and the thing is that drivers agro is NOT unique to Thai

drivers, I have seen and experienced much worse, with tail gating, horn honking, light flashing, middle fingers and coming

out to physically hit you wit some hard instruments or a tool....

In my opinion, Thai drivers are way timid compare to many other places around the world...

Exactly, try Argentina, possibly the worst drivers in the world.

And lndonesia.

Was out driving with my gf(in the middle lane)& being overtaken on both sides by bikes & cars who would then cut in front of me.

l fully expected to see the idiots side-swipe each other & was poised for it.

That didn't happen but then we came to a red light at a crossroads & everyone just kept driving through it.

l stopped to the furious honking behind me & the gf shouting "go go go go go".

The cross traffic also had a red light & were stopped.

l guess that they were about to start up any second, hence the joker behind me getting frantic to get through before they did.

So l had to start up again & drive through.

Have you ever consciously driven through a red light. lts a difficult mental block to overcome.

Of course then l had to put up with the gf's repetitious, "why you stop?" until she got tired of it.

How do you explain that with everyone else believing that they are right & you are wrong?

Why were you in the middle lane????

I'm sure the use of 'Fortuner' drivers is just an example, for as a Fortuner driver I find the Ford Ranger and van drivers are the worse for this and expect everyone else to get out of their way.

Too many motorcyclers have the 'me' complex, as in 'it is all to do about me and I don't care about anyone else, common sense or the road rules'.

Too many drivers are driving a vehicle that doesn't suit them, or they have just discovered the power of such.

Just shake your head at them and stay relaxed.

Think about what 'you' have now, if have home etc. If so, keep it in your name.

As for dowry, ask the father what you should do so as to keep with tradition.

Forget about the troubled answers from here.

Be yourself and don't show who you are not, or what you can't afford.

Remember, what people see today is what they expect tomorrow and in the future.

Good luck.

Think about what 'you' have now, if have home etc. If so, keep it in your name.

As for dowry, ask the father what you should do so as to keep with tradition.

Forget about the troubled answers from here.

Be yourself and don't show who you are not, or what you can't afford.

Remember, what people see today is what they expect tomorrow and in the future.

Good luck.