Elderly British Man Injured in Electric Tricycle Crash in Pattaya

[PoorSucker]

9 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Such vehicles are a life saver for those who can't otherwise get about...  they're safer for these guys who can't ride a bike and perhaps can't drive a car

live close to Painad Chang (handicapped school). If handicapped Thai can do it, so can falang find a legal solution.

[still kicking]

7 hours ago, connda said:

It's not "hate."  It's amazement at the stupidity.  Really - are these "mobility scooters" allowed to drive on the roads and highways of any of the Western countries we come from? Probably not.  Why?  They don't meet standards of safety for road vehicles. If a US cop found you on the road on one you'd probably have a problem on your hands.  However, granted, most US cities of the infrastructure to handle mobility scooter, in other words, functional side walks - something that is missing in Thailand. Otherwise they are a danger to both those who drive them and those who share the roads with them.  They should not be on the roads. 

Wrong they are allowed where I live 

[EVENKEEL]

9 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Wow - So much predictable hate against someone with mobility issues... (and from the obvious posters).

 

Such vehicles are a life saver for those who can't otherwise get about...  they're safer for these guys who can't ride a bike and perhaps can't drive a car - they're an idea solution.  But these pages are so full of hate amongst older folk who still want independence. 

 

The real issues - the road should not have a crate in the middle of it. 

 

On Thailands roads there are so many adapted contraptions that are not registered or licensed - so many un-insured untaxed motorcycles driven by unlicensed riders...   the guys riding mobility scooters are a drop in the ocean - but for some reason they still attract of hate from grade A1 halfwits who breath hate.

 

 

It would be easy for the authorities to allow these vehicles as 'disability vehicles' - I think they are already legal to use the roads where a pavement is non-existent or unenviable - but they have to be below a certain power (Wattage), I think some of these vehicles are over that threshold. 

 

It's not hate. I cringe everytime I go around one of these elec trikes whether it be Thai or foreigner. I'm 67 and I tell my 12 yr old to never, ever allow me to ride one of those contraptions. I honestly feel bad for those foreigners riding on those things.

 

If I get to that point physically I'll have a driver on standby to get me around.

Edited 13 hours ago by EVENKEEL

[richard_smith237]

7 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

It's not hate. I cringe everytime I go around one of these elec trikes whether it be Thai or foreigner. I'm 67 and I tell my 12 yr old to never, ever allow me to ride one of those contraptions. I honestly feel bad for those foreigners riding on those things.

 

If I get to that point physically I'll have a driver on standby to get me around.

 

Which is then, cringe at older people with mobility issues, or cringe at people who can't afford their own driver...

... or just cringe at anyone less fortunate than yourself  ??

 

 

IF places such as Pattaya have far better taxi services - perhaps they would not need these forms of transport to get about ...   we don't see them in Bangkok.... 

... so, why aren't you pointing the finger at poor transport options instead of these guys ?

 

 

I think its great that such mobility is available for those who would otherwise suffer to get out and about - especially if the alternative is being house bound or heavily reliant on assistance. 

I'm sure being in traffic is a harrowing experience - but its not their fault Thailand has no pavements or unnavigable pavements... 

 

 

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

24 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Which is then, cringe at older people with mobility issues, or cringe at people who can't afford their own driver...

... or just cringe at anyone less fortunate than yourself  ??

 

 

IF places such as Pattaya have far better taxi services - perhaps they would not need these forms of transport to get about ...   we don't see them in Bangkok.... 

... so, why aren't you pointing the finger at poor transport options instead of these guys ?

 

 

I think its great that such mobility is available for those who would otherwise suffer to get out and about - especially if the alternative is being house bound or heavily reliant on assistance. 

I'm sure being in traffic is a harrowing experience - but its not their fault Thailand has no pavements or unnavigable pavements... 

 

 

 

 

I cringe at the danger they put themselves in, I cringe when grandma has  2 little kids riding with her because she's putting the little ones in danger. 

 

If a foreigner in Pattaya can't afford a bolt taxi then his financial planning is the problem and not road conditions.

[Patong2021]

 

So many mean and nasty  people who appear to be projecting their own fears.

 

To those saying that the man is in the wrong because he was on the road,  have you ever been in Thailand?

Sidewalks are often impassable, or too narrow and filled with obstacles making it near impossible to use for people with mobility issues. Curbs are rarely adjusted to allow ease of transition between two adjacent sidewalks. People in wheelchairs and mobility scooters are forced into the roads and they are allowed to  be there.

 

To those claiming the device was illegal; read the applicable Vehicle Act, B.E. 2522 (1979. Motorized wheelchairs are legal and do not require a license or registration.   As per the Act definitions, a “Motorcycle” means a vehicle driven by motor or electric power with not more than two wheels, or not more than an additional wheel in a sidecar, and shall include a bicycle equipped with motor driven devices;   A mobility "scooter" typically has 4 wheels, and is not considered to be a vehicle.

 

To those claiming the man was drunk or blind; what part of pallet left in a road (and without warning barriers, signs, or lights) did you miss? If one cycles or drives a motorbike drives long enough in Thailand, one will have a similar incident when people leave  debris or construction material in the road without any warning indicators. At night, in poorly lit areas, it is easy to run into them. I ran over rebar that was just left on the road, and I nearly wiped out.

 

Thailand is not very mobility friendly to the elderly or those with physical impairments. Not everyone wishes to live in a confined space. Wait until you have a mobility issue and then you will understand the difficulties people encounter. One doesn't realize how difficult it is to walk around in Thai urban areas until one has an injury or an impairment.

[Peabody]

2 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

a “Motorcycle” means a vehicle driven by motor or electric power with not more than two wheels, or not more than an additional wheel in a sidecar, and shall include a bicycle equipped with motor driven devices;   A mobility "scooter" typically has 4 wheels, and is not considered to be a vehicle.

Where do 3-wheel bikes come in, like a modified Click or Nuovo, officially? Mine is registered, plated, taxed, and insured. I feel like it's legal, but I've never seen anything definitive on the issue.

On a side note, I use a hiking pole when walking and I am constantly pleasantly surprised at the amount of unsolicited assistance I get from Thais of all ages and gender, whether it's being offered a seat on a packed BTS, helped with packages at the BTS when the elevators aren't working, having a chair offered at a crowded bar, getting on or off a bahy bus, or a driver being patient when I cross Soi Buakhow. Just tonight, a Thai woman saw me grimace when I stepped down from a curb and she held my arm by the alnow and walked me back to my condo, pointing out obstacles on the road and sidewalk. 🙂

[jacko45k]

17 hours ago, Old Croc said:

I'm not sure if the scooter being licensed, taxed or insured would have prevented the collision with some pallets left in a roadway.

It could just as easily have been a motorcycle ridden at a much faster speed by a drunken farang that came to grief on the obstacle. Or perhaps a child on a bicycle.

This had nothing to do with people's prejudices against electric scooters.

True enough... two wheels travelling at 60-70 kph would have fared worse. 

[sungod]

7 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

I cringe at the danger they put themselves in, I cringe when grandma has  2 little kids riding with her because she's putting the little ones in danger. 

 

If a foreigner in Pattaya can't afford a bolt taxi then his financial planning is the problem and not road conditions.

 

I saw a guy going across very busy crossroads in Pattaya at a snails pace putting himself (and others) in massive danger, these old guys need to realise their limitations to be fair.

[Old Croc]

For the record I'm no longer able to walk or drive a vehicle with pedals.

I live on a remote farming property with multiple fields most of which are not connected to the main property. I designed the house and property with large verandas and pathways to enable me to get around with either a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

I own 3 of the latter, one suitable for off road, one a little faster for longer trips on road, and one inevitably not working. These 3- or 4-wheel devices enable me to have a little Independence to escape being house bound. I managed to get one to hit a blistering 20 kph downhill on one occasion but most are designed to stay under 10kph.

Our street, the nearest village and the highway between, do not have anything resembling a footpath, I ride on the roads when venturing away from the house. Very carefully on the highway.

Here in Isaan there are increasing amounts of electric scooters and devices being used by locals to give them a better quality of life. One local here has a 3 wheeled bicycle fitted with an electric (washing machine?) motor that moves at a good pace.  There are many other homemade contraptions chugging around the streets that need to be seen to be believed. None are licensed nor taxed, but all are valuable for the users.

Most road accidents in Thailand occur because of driver error or incapacity, road conditions or speed. The method of propulsion, nor mandated licensing rules, have nothing to do with cause. 

 

There is a selfish army of posters on this forum, most of whom have an American redneck attitude that speed and oil rules the road, who flock to attack the type of vehicle whenever someone stuffs up in an electric vehicle. Very petty!

[jacko45k]

58 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

I saw a guy going across very busy crossroads in Pattaya at a snails pace putting himself (and others) in massive danger, these old guys need to realise their limitations to be fair.

Well we recall the guy getting hit at one of the junctions on The Railway Line Bypass Rd, Khao Talo I believe. These so called vehicles are for urban use and most certainly not fit for being out on major Thai roadways. They can easily get stuck on the Railway lines there. 

Edited 4 hours ago by jacko45k

[baansgr]

16 hours ago, connda said:

It's not "hate."  It's amazement at the stupidity.  Really - are these "mobility scooters" allowed to drive on the roads and highways of any of the Western countries we come from? Probably not.  Why?  They don't meet standards of safety for road vehicles. If a US cop found you on the road on one you'd probably have a problem on your hands.  However, granted, most US cities of the infrastructure to handle mobility scooter, in other words, functional side walks - something that is missing in Thailand. Otherwise they are a danger to both those who drive them and those who share the roads with them.  They should not be on the roads. 

But they are allowed

[baansgr]

11 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

For the record I'm no longer able to walk or drive a vehicle with pedals.

I live on a remote farming property with multiple fields most of which are not connected to the main property. I designed the house and property with large verandas and pathways to enable me to get around with either a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

I own 3 of the latter, one suitable for off road, one a little faster for longer trips on road, and one inevitably not working. These 3- or 4-wheel devices enable me to have a little Independence to escape being house bound. I managed to get one to hit a blistering 20 kph downhill on one occasion but most are designed to stay under 10kph.

Our street, the nearest village and the highway between, do not have anything resembling a footpath, I ride on the roads when venturing away from the house. Very carefully on the highway.

Here in Isaan there are increasing amounts of electric scooters and devices being used by locals to give them a better quality of life. One local here has a 3 wheeled bicycle fitted with an electric (washing machine?) motor that moves at a good pace.  There are many other homemade contraptions chugging around the streets that need to be seen to be believed. None are licensed nor taxed, but all are valuable for the users.

Most road accidents in Thailand occur because of driver error or incapacity, road conditions or speed. The method of propulsion, nor mandated licensing rules, have nothing to do with cause. 

 

There is a selfish army of posters on this forum, most of whom have an American redneck attitude that speed and oil rules the road, who flock to attack the type of vehicle whenever someone stuffs up in an electric vehicle. Very petty!

Well said👍

[sungod]

37 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

There is a selfish army of posters on this forum, most of whom have an American redneck attitude that speed and oil rules the road, who flock to attack the type of vehicle whenever someone stuffs up in an electric vehicle. Very petty!

 

I'm happy to hear they are giving you your independence, sounds ideal for the settings you live in. My post was referring to crossing extremely busy junctions in major cities which puts the driver and others at considerable risk. Just know your limitation.

[richard_smith237]

54 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Well we recall the guy getting hit at one of the junctions on The Railway Line Bypass Rd, Khao Talo I believe. These so called vehicles are for urban use and most certainly not fit for being out on major Thai roadways. They can easily get stuck on the Railway lines there. 

 

He got struck by another car speeding through a junction when it's driver 'should' have given way.

Perhaps a little reckless as other commenters posted that a lot of the traffic fails to give way at that junction so the 'trike ride' should have exercised more caution....

 

... In that thread there was a lot of hate against 'mobility scooter / trike riders', but the reality is, if the timing were different the car blowing through the junction might have taken out a motorcyclist instead. 

 

[richard_smith237]

19 minutes ago, sungod said:

I'm happy to hear they are giving you your independence, sounds ideal for the settings you live in. My post was referring to crossing extremely busy junctions in major cities which puts the driver and others at considerable risk. Just know your limitation.

 

I think this is a valid point, the riders of these vehicles are somewhat vulnerable, but no more so than a lot of the other slower traffic such as cyclists, Samlors, street cars and foot vendor carts etc... 

 

And then we have posters claiming these trikes are driven recklessly and too fast...  seems some are just looking to hate rather than show their compassion towards people with mobility issues. 

[pomchop]

Whether on 3 or two wheels riding around at night especially it would be a good idea to wear a helmet and not be overly lubricated .  No idea as to cocktails but pretty obvious no helmet on this case.  Also good idea to make sure your vision is decent.

 

I have no problem with people who need these to use them but you also need to use some basic common sense as to where and how you use them to avoid accidents as best you can.  The long ago stated wisdom is "not if you have a motorbike accident in thailand but WHEN."  Yes many will claim to have ridden forever and no accident.  Then one day wham no matter how careful or good you may think you are.

 

I hate to think what percent of farang (and  thai)  motorbike riders around soi buahkow are riding around every night after way too many cocktails.   Most going too fast and no helmets  not to mention riding and trying to check out all the girls along the route while weaving in and around all sorts of obstacles and people in the road.

.

I am amazed that there are not even more accidents.

[SAFETY FIRST]

22 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

involving an elderly British man who lost control of his red electric tricycle

I just don't understand why people come to Thailand and ride these vehicles. 

 

They are not appropriate, not suitable for the roads or footpaths. 

 

These people should get checked, I reckon there is something wrong with them. 

 

If you want to ride in mobility scooters or anything similar stay in the Europe (the west) where they are designed for and have proper designed paths etc. 

 

As it was mentioned early, dark, probably out drinking...... What could go wrong 😂

 

People need to be accountable. 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by SAFETY FIRST

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, pomchop said:

Whether on 3 or two wheels riding around at night especially it would be a good idea to wear a helmet and not be overly lubricated .  No idea as to cocktails but pretty obvious no helmet on this case.  Also good idea to make sure your vision is decent.

 

I have no problem with people who need these to use them but you also need to use some basic common sense as to where and how you use them to avoid accidents as best you can.  The long ago stated wisdom is "not if you have a motorbike accident in thailand but WHEN."  Yes many will claim to have ridden forever and no accident.  Then one day wham no matter how careful or good you may think you are.

 

I hate to think what percent of farang (and  thai)  motorbike riders around soi buahkow are riding around every night after way too many cocktails.   Most going too fast and no helmets  not to mention riding and trying to check out all the girls along the route while weaving in and around all sorts of obstacles and people in the road.

.

I am amazed that there are not even more accidents.

 

While I am completely empathetic to the plight of those with mobility constraints and rely on these mobility scooters - they are also using the roads, as such, they should be held to the same road regulations as every other road user. 

- DUI laws

- There should be avenues that make it easy to register and insure these vehicles, removing them from the 'grey area' within which they currently operate. 

 

- As far as helmet use is concerned, they're not mandatory, just as with cycling, however, those with common sense would allow self preservation to dictate that they wear a helmet if occupying road space and travelling in traffic, but that is an individual decision and not really one for the law I think. 

 

 

 

[Ralf001]

1 hour ago, Old Croc said:

For the record I'm no longer able to walk or drive a vehicle with pedals.

I live on a remote farming property with multiple fields most of which are not connected to the main property. I designed the house and property with large verandas and pathways to enable me to get around with either a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

I own 3 of the latter, one suitable for off road, one a little faster for longer trips on road, and one inevitably not working. These 3- or 4-wheel devices enable me to have a little Independence to escape being house bound. I managed to get one to hit a blistering 20 kph downhill on one occasion but most are designed to stay under 10kph.

Our street, the nearest village and the highway between, do not have anything resembling a footpath, I ride on the roads when venturing away from the house. Very carefully on the highway.

Here in Isaan there are increasing amounts of electric scooters and devices being used by locals to give them a better quality of life. One local here has a 3 wheeled bicycle fitted with an electric (washing machine?) motor that moves at a good pace.  There are many other homemade contraptions chugging around the streets that need to be seen to be believed. None are licensed nor taxed, but all are valuable for the users.

Most road accidents in Thailand occur because of driver error or incapacity, road conditions or speed. The method of propulsion, nor mandated licensing rules, have nothing to do with cause. 

 

There is a selfish army of posters on this forum, most of whom have an American redneck attitude that speed and oil rules the road, who flock to attack the type of vehicle whenever someone stuffs up in an electric vehicle. Very petty!

 

Ya mobility scooter... they are legally allowed to be used on public roads ?

[richard_smith237]

18 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I just don't understand why people come to Thailand and ride these vehicles. 

 

They are not appropriate, not suitable for the roads or footpaths. 

 

These people should get checked, I reckon there is something wrong with them. 

 

Yep - there is something wrong with them... Its called mobility issues !!!

 

How else do you suggest they get around ?...  Bolt ? and then what ? how reliable is Bolt in the first place ?

 

There are a lot of vehicles that are on the streets of places such as Pattaya and cause additional traffic issues, these mobility scooters are a drop in the ocean - but they seem to draw out the nastiness only from other expats in the area - perhaps its the area itself that draws those of a less empathetic mindset in the first place ?

 

If the roads were used properly and not blocked with huge busses, people parking illegally etc - these guys wouldn't be encroaching on road space so much.

 

Do people who 'hate' these scooters also have the same opinion against other slow vehicles, moto-side-cars (saimais) ???... 

 

It seems that the inhumane nature of some is taking over here with some of the comments and people are targeting the weak... 

 

18 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

If you want to ride in mobility scooters or anything similar stay in the Europe (the west) where they are designed for and have proper designed paths etc. 

 

Thats rather mean - why begrudge people the same freedoms you have ?... 

What about when you struggle for mobility - should you be sent back to Europe or just stay home ?

 

I had mobility issues earlier this year after an injury - travelled with a wheel chair, on crutches for a while, it was horrible and highlighted the extent that Thailand is not set up for those with mobility issues.

 

It seems Thailands poor development from the perspective of disabled mobility is being used by those with a mindset similar to yours to suggest those with mobility issues go home, rather than address the real issues that Thailand needs to improve, has had decades to do so, yet has not evolved in this aspect.

 

18 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

As it was mentioned early, dark, probably out drinking...... What could go wrong 😂

 

People need to be accountable. 

 

Absolutely - If these guys are out drinking and riding their mobility scooters on the road and amongst pedestrians then they need to be held accountable to DUI laws - this is why it should be made easier to register and insure these vehicles.

Edited 2 hours ago by richard_smith237

[SAFETY FIRST]

14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Yep - there is something wrong with them... Its called mobility issues !!!

 

How else do you suggest they get around ?...  Bolt ? and then what ? how reliable is Bolt in the first place ?

 

There are a lot of vehicles that are on the streets of places such as Pattaya and cause additional traffic issues, these mobility scooters are a drop in the ocean - but they seem to draw out the nastiness only from other expats in the area - perhaps its the area itself that draws those of a less empathetic mindset in the first place ?

 

If the roads were used properly and not blocked with huge busses, people parking illegally etc - these guys wouldn't be encroaching on road space so much.

 

Do people who 'hate' these scooters also have the same opinion against other slow vehicles, moto-side-cars (saimais) ???... 

 

It seems that the inhumane nature of some is taking over here with some of the comments and people are targeting the weak... 

 

 

Thats rather mean - why begrudge people the same freedoms you have ?... 

What about when you struggle for mobility - should you be sent back to Europe or just stay home ?

 

I had mobility issues earlier this year after an injury - travelled with a wheel chair, on crutches for a while, it was horrible and highlighted the extent that Thailand is not set up for those with mobility issues.

 

It seems Thailands poor development from the perspective of disabled mobility is being used by those with a mindset similar to yours to suggest those with mobility issues go home, rather than address the real issues that Thailand needs to improve, has had decades to do so, yet has not evolved in this aspect.

 

 

Absolutely - If these guys are out drinking and riding their mobility scooters on the road and amongst pedestrians then they need to be held accountable to DUI laws - this is why it should be made easier to register and insure these vehicles.

Good morning, I was expecting a reply from you. We see things differently again, fancy that. 😂

 

You want change, I like things the way they are, if you start changing things it's going to end up the same <deleted> hole as back home, it's why I left and came to Thailand. 

 

Road conditions haven't changed in Thailand, these foreigners know this, Thailand has always been the same, pointless complaining about this and that regarding roads and obstacles. 

 

These foreigners should know better, they should live in a country suitable for their choice of vehicles. 

 

 

[lordgrinz]

14 hours ago, Peabody said:

Registration and insurance

Fortunately, most states do not require electric scooters to be registered as motor vehicles. This is because most electric scooters lack the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), paperwork, and equipment requirements necessary for registering a motor vehicle. Similarly, most states do not require riders to have separate insurance for their scooters.

 

Any motorized vehicle on the street should be registered and insured, and required to have a VIN, hopefully those states wise up and require this in the future.

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Good morning, I was expecting a reply from you. We see things differently again, fancy that. 😂

 

You want change, I like things the way they are, if you start changing things it's going to end up the same <deleted> hole as back home, it's why I left and came to Thailand. 

 

Yep - nothing personal (again) and its interesting to see things from a different perspective even if we don't agree.

 

I don't live in Pattaya, so I don't know how much of a 'blight' these Mobility scooters are to the traffic / road systems - but given all the other causes to road difficulties, I can't see that these modes of transport make things any worse. 

 

1 minute ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Road conditions haven't changed in Thailand, these foreigners know this, Thailand has always been the same, pointless complaining about this and that regarding roads and obstacles. 

 

These foreigners should know better, they should live in a country suitable for their choice of vehicles. 

 

The roads are not 'unsuitable' for their choice of transport - they have no issues getting around (give or take the odd crate strewn in a road)

It is the very suitability of this type of transport that makes it popular for those with mobility issues in Places like Pattaya in the first place.

 

The only issue here is that 'some' have a whinge about it and for some reason they pin-point this as an issue in an area with a multitude of far more significant issues.

 

[lordgrinz]

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

 

I thought, technically, you have to wear a helmet while riding these on the street? 

 

Also, anything over 500w you need to register and insure, this thing (JNT-M02) is 600w.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/05/20/legal-corner-what-is-the-legal-status-of-electronic-scooters-in-thailand/

 

[Captain Flack]

Some pedantic grammar police posts and the replies have been removed, as they don’t offer anything constructive to the discussion and just cause deflection in the topic.

[billd766]

21 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

If the scoot was not legal for road use.. it should not be on the road so stop blaming the pallet for causing this accident.

The pallets are not to blame.

 

The idiot who stacked them badly and in the wrong place, was the problem.

[gearbox]

10 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Thailand is not very mobility friendly to the elderly or those with physical impairments. Not everyone wishes to live in a confined space. Wait until you have a mobility issue and then you will understand the difficulties people encounter. One doesn't realize how difficult it is to walk around in Thai urban areas until one has an injury or an impairment.

 

 

Thailand is a developing country and some things are not up to the western standards. If one wants western standards, western prices, western governments and rules and western grandmas, he/she should have stayed home.

Edited 1 hour ago by gearbox

[Ralf001]

5 minutes ago, billd766 said:

The pallets are not to blame.

 

The idiot who stacked them badly and in the wrong place, was the problem.

 

so the mobility scoot was legal to be ridden on the road then ?

 

[billd766]

1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I just don't understand why people come to Thailand and ride these vehicles. 

 

They are not appropriate, not suitable for the roads or footpaths. 

 

These people should get checked, I reckon there is something wrong with them. 

 

If you want to ride in mobility scooters or anything similar stay in the Europe (the west) where they are designed for and have proper designed paths etc. 

 

As it was mentioned early, dark, probably out drinking...... What could go wrong 😂

 

People need to be accountable. 

 

quote "People need to be accountable".

 

People should also be more understanding of other peoples difficulties and problems.

 

I am 80 and moved to Thailand permanently in 2021.

 

Back then I was in good health. Now I have osteo-arthritis in both knees and I have to use a walking stick to get about.

 

According to you I should NOT be living in Thailand but back in my home country.

 

In Thailand I live with my Thai wife and son, live in a 4 bedroom house on 15 rai of land, yet YOU think that I should live in a cold wet miserable country where I have nothing.

 

A better plan would be if you went back to your own country, and stopped moaning about other people who are trying to live out their lives as best that they can. I am sure that you will find plenty to moan about there.