KhaoYai

I can assure you that the policy does include bikes and no size limit is mentioned, anywhere. The only condition is that I hold a licence to ride the bike legally in the destination country. I hold both UK and Thai bike and car licences. Not that it matters, I wasn't aware of the cover when I took out the policy - I only did so because it was an entry requirement due to covid restrictions at the time and noticed the cover when inspecting the policy. My bikes are both covered on Thai insurance policies anyway which, unless I told porkies, would invalidate the travel cover. Shame really as the cover on the travel policy is far higher. FYI, the policy is with All Clear Insurance and is their Gold cover.

Yes but that insurance has nothing to do with road accidents. I can't speak for ex pats but my UK issued travel insurance covers me for riding motorcycles (as long as I hold a licence) and gives me £15,000,000 of medical cover. The policy is with a major UK travel insurance provider, is for 12 months and covers 45 days per trip. The price, with a disclosed pre existing condition was £140 at the last renewal - I'm in my 60's. Money well spent in my opinion.

I've ridden bikes and driven cars in Thailand for 21 years. I've heard all these stories before - please don't think that I'm belittling yours, I'm not. I hear stories about police speeding scams, the old 'its your fault because you are in Thailand' and its the biggest vehicle that pays. The latter was confirmed to me as correct by a group of Thai lawyers I spoke to at Suvarnabhumi. All I would say is that if you know you are not at fault, challenge it. Don't challenge it with the police, you'll never win. Take it to court, or at least state that's your intention. I'm pretty sure that in most cases, things will suddenly change. I have a really good Thai lawyer and she's told me what to do, she also told me thatr the 'biggest vehicle pays' thing is rubbish and told me if it ever happens to me, she'll be happy to take it to court. This woman knows her onions, she set to become a judge this year. I don't know why people accept the word of the police in Thailand, they probably wouldn't if it was clearly wrong in their home country. The laws in Thailand are not so different to those in Europe but the police are. Just remember that the police don't have the last say, just as you do at home, you have the option of going to court. Quick example - many years ago I was stopped on the tollway for 'speeding'. I knew what was coming as I'd seen the cop look at me and radio his mate at the last toll. Sure enough I'm pulled over and I had apparently been speeding. The cop produced no evidence at all and tried to issue me with a fine - no carbon paper in his receipt book of course. Through my Thai friend (who was amazed at my stance ????), I told him I would not pay, I had not been speeding and he had produced no evidence that I had. His next was to say "OK, we go see big boss" - at which, I got out of my car, told my friend to do the same, locked it up and said "OK, we go". The cop, clearly used to foreigners simply paying up, stood there looking confused. He quickly realised he was on a hiding to nothing and said "Ok but cha cha na" and we were gone, fine free. But the 200 baht he was asking was not the point, the point was he was lying. If I'd been speeding, 200 baht would have been far better than going to court ????. The best thing anyone can do to tackle accident scams and corrupt police is to fit a well aimed camera. I have front and rear ones on my bike.

No, you've misuderstood me completely. What I mean is they state that an extension can be had following entry to Thailand - possibly to stress the fact that they only issue single entry Meno's now. The confusing part is that they still list a price for a MENO. Have you heard from anyone that has successfully obtained a MENO at HCMC recently? I haven't but I did obtain one myself in March 2020. In any case, it seems there have been some changes at HCMC as another poster has had to provide financials whereas I didn't have to in 2020. Prior to Covid both HCMC and Savannakhet were known as locations where people wanting a Multi Entry Non O based on marriage could obtain one with the minimum of hassle. I am just trying to find out if this is still the case - there doesn't appear to have been any recent reports. For me, HCMC was the easiest to get to - even if the distance is the greatest. Depending on where you are in Thailand, Savannakhet can be a bit difficult to get to and very time consuming. I was in Bangkok at the time so I just had to go to Don Mueang and I was in HCMC a couple of hours later via cheap flights on I think, Thai Lion Air. I treated it as a short holiday and had a look around HCMC. My mate is up in Korat and has been to Savannakhet before, he might not consider it as a hassle.

I'm sure they do, but that would surely depend on where the victim's home is? In the UK the road directly oustide my home can be very busy at weekends as I live in a tourist area. By contrast, my home in Thailand is on a very quiet country lane.

Neither can I - that's why I use a modular helmet (Bell) where the entire front lifts up or only the visor.

And 50 - 100 baht roadside fines for not wearing a helmet has done what to encourage Thai people to wear one?

To be honest, and I can't speak for others - I've go so used to doing both that I don't feel right without doing either. I'l put my hands up and say I do ride my Scoopy to the village shop occasionally without a helmet. However, that's 2km up a country lane where the other traffic is very slow and there's not much of it. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere near a major road on either the Scoopy or my ER6. With seatbelts, if I don't put mine on, it just doesn't feel right and I have to put it on within a few metres.

Where did I say they are not responsible? I said we should not forget the ROLE the country has in this. However, if you think people (the majority) will wear crash helmets, take a driving test or pay for insurance if they don't have to - you are kidding yourself. The evidence is there in our subject country. Look at how many people don't actually have a licence, don't wear a crash helmet..........and I think you would be surprised at how many people have nothing more than the compulsory insurance. Utopia would be great but it doesn't exist.

Individuals only obey laws that exist and are enforced. If we left it to people to choose - most wouldn't. Why do you think Thai people for example, rarely wear crash helmets? Do you seriously think that most people would pay for insurance, get a licence or wear a helmet if they didn't have to? Its called governance - the alternative is the wild west.

After several goes with both Thai and Western, I'd rather have neither and play the field as long as I'm able. Much cheaper too - you can get a maid for less than a wife costs and some maids come with benefits. When you want a change or a newer model, you just get a new one. ????

Yes and we can't be having that can we........what is it they say about Thailand.......Money No.1??

A lot of high and mighty views beig aired here and the discussion seems to be becoming more general than specifically about the accident that was the subject of the OP. When considering why these accidents happen and the consequences of them, we should not forget the role that Thailand itself plays in these matters. Insurance: The country only requires a rider to have the woefully inadequate compulsory insurance. The majority of accidents involving foreigners seem to involve rented bikes. It would be far better if rental companies were compelled to provide full insurance as they are in most civilised countries and check that the renter hold a licence to ride a bike. Of course that would cost a lot more but its how it is elswhere and with good reason. Personally I would like to see all drivers of all vehicles properly insured. Crash Helmets: There is a high disregard for the law on helmets both within the Thai community and with foreigners. I have never seen anyone not wearing a crash helmet in the UK since the helmet law came in in 1973. Why? Because in the UK the law is actually enforced and you wouldn't get far without being stopped if you weren't wearing one. Traffic laws are obeyed by most in civilised countries because a). The punishments are quite severe and b). The police only report the offence, they don't collect the fine and put in in their back pocket. The courts issue punishments/fixed penalties and in general, they fit the crime. Insurance: Whether native of foreign, in most countries that I know, proper insurance must be held. Insurance that gives adequate personal and 3rd party medical cover. Agan, this law is properly enforced. Licences: Again, law enforcement in civilised countries ensures that the vast majority of people hold the correct licence for their vehicle. Yes, all these things would require enforcement and changes to the law in the case of insurance but those changes are necessary. People, especially holiday makers never think they will be involved in an accident when they rent their 100cc scooter but these people are exactly the ones who would benefit from an overhaul of the laws/insurance/law enforcement. I've lost count of the times I've seen young female tourists wobbling around on rented bikes in popular tourist areas. The same people can be seen in the bars/discos at night with bandaged legs etc. and they are the lucky ones. Thailand likes to think of itself as a developing country but in terms of traffic laws etc. its very much still third world. One of the attractions Thailand holds for ex-pats is the lack of over regulation but some things are very necessary - especially when it concerns your safety.

Out of interest, how much did they want you to have in the bank for a 90 day visa?

I read that differently. My take on it is that they are saying the visa is a single entry (as they don't actually list a MENO) but if you want to stay longer you can extend it in country. That would either be a 60 day extension to the actual stay, easily obtained at a local office or the 12 month extension that many expats go for...... with the under consideration period, money in the bank, photos on the bed etc. The confusing part is that they don't list a 12 month MENO only a single 90 day entry but still give the (rip off) price for a multi.

Yes, in March 2020 I got a 12 month MENO from HCMC without any financials whatsoever - just the crazy invitation letter from my wife and the usual marriage certificate/ID card/Tabien Baan. As it happens, the only time I got to use that visa was on my return to Thailand from Vietnam - thanks to Covid. I didn't see an I.O. during that application, just a couple of what looked like students who took my paperwork into the back room which I presume is where the I.O. was. It would appear that Savannakhet is the only place in the region where a NON O can be obtained without reems of paperwork. Unless someone knows different??

Nothing to do with the nationality. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Thailand every year, rent a bike, fail to wear a helmet and I'd guess that most don't have insurance that covers motorcycle riding. Not so many years ago, I was allowed to rent an R1 in Pattaya without my licence. I do hold a full licence for a bike as it happens but the shop owner wasn't bothered - as long as I let him keep my passport. I shudder to think of a novice being allowed to ride an R1. Anyway, this situation will be a thing of the past in June when the 300 baht arrival tax begins. That will cover their hospital costs...........................won't it? ????

Thanks for that - however quick scan of HCMC's website reveals that despite stating: 7. Period of Stay: Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand. Yet they still list a price for a MENO: 3. Visa Processing Fee (accept in USD only): Single entry 80 USD Multiples entry 200 USD I'm pretty sure that's what their website said when I obtained a MENO in 2020. I guess the only way to find out, in the absence of a recent report, is to contact the consulates.

Nope, I don't need a visa or an extension. But as with corrupt traffic police, I'd never pay them if I did need a visa - far too much at stake to risk anything like that. Just not worth it - unless you don't mind losing everything and heading back to the rain and snow.

Don't be so sure about that.......BJ has a grudge remember.

Have to say that I completely agree with you. This could actually make the visa/extension process easier as the artificial barriers and I.O.'s deliberately making things difficult might stop - at least for a while.

Yes, I have already suggested that to him. I note that Savannakhet don't have a Multi on their website - not sure if they ever did and don't mention financials. Whereas, HCMC are still listing a Multi but are asking for: 2.5. Applicant’s financial statement of adequate finance is required. No mention of what that 'adequate finance' may be. However, I think their website stated the same when I obtained my last MENO in March 2020 and I wasn't required to provide any. What I'm trying to establish is: Do Savannakhet offer MENO's and if so, do they require financials? Or: What is the 'Adequate Finance' that HCMC require? Or, as in 2020 when I applied, do they not actually require it if your application is based on marriage? There don't seem to have been many reports from either consulate for some time, surely things are moving again?

Right, well thanks for that. I had to go to HCMC (also could have gone to Savannakhet) when they first went over to E-Visa. Can't remember if that was a London thing only - they are known for making up their own rules and mistakes on their website that they refuse to correct.

Sorry I should have been clear - I mean a MENO issued based on marriage not retirement.

He's British and currently lives in Thailand on an extension - begun from a Non O. This year he can't meet all the requirements but a MENO will see him through. When you say Thailand's E visa, is that a new thing - you can apply from anywhere direct to Thailand or do you mean an E- Visa from a consulate or Embassy? If its the latter, I believe they are only available if you are a citizen of the country in which you are applying in or have legal residence there. Out of interest and not connected to my mate, I used to get my MENO's from Hull/London in the UK until they went E-visa - at which time they stopped issuing 12 month ones and would only give a single entry 90 day Non O. A recent poster on AseanNow was apparently applying for a 12 month MENO at the RTE London - I asked on there but I don't think he replied or I missed it and can't find the thread now. Are E-Visa Embassies and Consulates now offering 12 month MENO's?