Scottish holidaymaker’s scooter disaster in Koh Pha Ngan

[Kinok Farang]

1 hour ago, tgw said:

 

anytime I read "falung" in a post I ready myself for some eccentricities

My neighbour falung some rubbish over my fence so i just falung it back.

[jonbsails]

48 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

I've ridden motorcycles for decades. The same principles apply no matter where you are. Always be ready for accidents waiting to happen. Be aware of the space around you at all times and use your mirrors. Watch traffic and watch every intersection, watch any circumstance where someone can come out of nowhere. Keep your speed reasonable. For rentals test everything, brakes, signals, etc before you drive off. I've never had an accident that wasn't someone else's fault and both were minor. Obviously there a lot of people who should not get on motorbikes, but they do anyway. Hope this poor guy recovers. 

Yes ...I have been riding for 60 years...my last 2 bikes (a 1972 750 Norton Commando, and a 118 CI Indian Roadmaster BOTH were fast as stink. My thing was I ALWAYS figured EVERY driver was out to kill me as they were offered a million $$$ if they got me. . Period. I would try to make eye contact with anyone at an intersection prepared to cross my path, or at a T intersection, ready to enter my lane. No matter ...they were out to get me. I never get mad about it. So I used other traffic as blockers for me.... and I never ever allowed myself to get into a situation where I had no way out. Long post...but 200,000 miles ...got hit from behind when I was 17 in a school zone stopped behind a school bus, which had stopped at the direction of a traffic cop. From then on, I knew....NOTHING but ME kept me alive.

[GaWalker]

31 minutes ago, shackleton said:

It's  bad enough here in Thailand riding / driving scooters motor bikes ect 

But to be doing a live stream on Tic Tok is  not very bright to say the least 

He is probably lucky his injuries are not worse 

Enjoy the rest of  your stay in Thailand 

The need to live stream when just going to the nearby 7/11, is an illness that 90% of the 16-35 year olds suffer from, it’s the illness that robs them of all common sense, 

[crazykopite]

Here on Phangan we call it the Koh Phangan Tattoo it’s a daily occurrence tourists arrive on the island having never ridden a motor scooter in there life nor do they have a license so no insurance company is going to cover them should they have an accident most don’t bother to wear a helmet and ride around bare chested or in the case of a female in a bikini top ! On top of this we are in the rainy season which makes the roads more unsafe  I don’t understand why he had to pay the other rider compensation when the article seems to blame the other person were the tourist police called ? 

[BritManToo]

5 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

I don’t understand why he had to pay the other rider compensation when the article seems to blame the other person were the tourist police called ? 

I'm guessing him driving with one hand and making a video with his phone was the reason.

[klauskunkel]

Bike Riding Live Stream:

"Look everybody, I'm riding a bike!

Look everybody, One Hand only!

Look everybody, No Hands! (crash)

Look everybody, No Teeth!"

[faranghh]

Dress for the Slide not the Ride!

 

[crazykopite]

1 hour ago, Spock said:

Many insurance policies do cover motor scooter accidents - both driver and pillion need to be helmeted, the driver has to have an appropriate licence and no alcohol or drugs in the system. You can guarantee this guy met none of those conditions and making a video while driver would alone void any policy. I am just surprised he has got out of it so cheaply.

In Thailand only the rider is covered not the passenger and the basic Thai insurance is not worth the paper it’s written on that’s why I always took out 1st class insurance on top of the compulsory Thai insurance to protect  both myself and any passengers due to my age I now drive a car but I stick with the same principle of having 1st class insurance on top of that most new cars now have an inboard camera so if someone hits you at least you have the evidence to see who is at fault a lot of Thais drink from morning to night so if your ever involved in an accident call the police and tell them you have an onboard camera so if your not at fault the camera will prove it 

[BigStar]

1 hour ago, Spock said:

Many insurance policies do cover motor scooter accidents - both driver and pillion need to be helmeted, the driver has to have an appropriate licence and no alcohol or drugs in the system. You can guarantee this guy met none of those conditions and making a video while driver would alone void any policy. I am just surprised he has got out of it so cheaply.

 

May also be a rule in there about reckless driving.

[Umlungu]

38 minutes ago, Sup3rfarang said:

Normally I can't take all the negativity here.  But, in this case, fully agree with all the criticism of the driver dished out so far.  But are we going to talk about the overwrought prose of the godawful article writer?  What school teaches these guys to write like this?  My first thought was the author was a Thai riffing in a second language.  But the author's name is Bob Scott??

 

Awful. Especially the mention of sun drenched roads and warm tarmac. Really, I want to stay polite, and so I'll only suggest to stick to relevant issues (for example, had the tarmac/road been wet, but warm?) and try and organize the facts - if you actually know them and have confirmed, researched them - so that a clear picture of the accident emerges.

[Umlungu]

43 minutes ago, jonbsails said:

Yes ...I have been riding for 60 years...my last 2 bikes (a 1972 750 Norton Commando, and a 118 CI Indian Roadmaster BOTH were fast as stink. My thing was I ALWAYS figured EVERY driver was out to kill me as they were offered a million $$$ if they got me. . Period. I would try to make eye contact with anyone at an intersection prepared to cross my path, or at a T intersection, ready to enter my lane. No matter ...they were out to get me. I never get mad about it. So I used other traffic as blockers for me.... and I never ever allowed myself to get into a situation where I had no way out. Long post...but 200,000 miles ...got hit from behind when I was 17 in a school zone stopped behind a school bus, which had stopped at the direction of a traffic cop. From then on, I knew....NOTHING but ME kept me alive.

All true. However, making eye contact as a pedestrian or traffic participant with a vehicle driver is practically impossible these days with all the black window tinting. 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, Umlungu said:

All true. However, making eye contact as a pedestrian or traffic participant with a vehicle driver is practically impossible these days with all the black window tinting. 

 

Perhaps not making 'exact' eye contact...  but looking AT the car (where the drive sits) even if you can't see the driver, gives 'them' the impression you are looking at them and places you in their 'consciousness'...   that can make a difference - I think its a good part of defensive riding.

 

 

There is also another facet of this 'visibility' - if you are on a larger bike with 'gear' you are more noticeable...  my guess is becase in the 'subconciousness of the average Thai driver' you are not poor because you are on a bigger bike, have the gear etc and are thus differentiated from the average 'pauper' on a Honda-wave... 

... perhaps it was my own bias... however, when I switched from a Big Bike to a regular 300cc step through motorcycle (scooter) - I notice how the traffic around me was less aware, or rather less respectful of my road positioning... 

 

I also noticed the same thing in a car, when years ago I had an expensive 4x4 but also drove my Wifes tiny little thing from time to time - drivers were far more 'respectful' to me (or less assertive against me) when I was driving the 4x4... when I was driving the tiny little thing, other cars wouldn't give way as easily, would push through, cut me off etc...   in the big expensive 4x4 its almost as if I had more road respect... (all purely psychological, nevertheless it was noticeable. 

[Mises]

The reason his brakes did not work was because when he squeezed his left hand nothing happened because he squeezed his phone.  If it was a Honda Click he may have got used to not using the RH lever as the LH works both front and rear brakes.

 

My hire bike has faulty brakes, whatever, I'll just keep riding it.

 

Go fund me? On yer bike scooter

[MalcolmB]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

while life streaming he departed his lane into the path of another motorcycle. 

That is an unsubstantiated claim against our Brit.

 

The well written report clearly states that ….

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

when another scooter appeared from nowhere, hurtling towards him without warning.

Likely a speeding drunk high on yaba playing on his phone with dark sunglasses.

[NoDisplayName]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Midway through a TikTok livestream, thousands unwittingly witnessed his serenity shatter into a blood-curdling scream,

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Determined to share his experience and prevent similar tragedies, McDonald uploaded the collision footage to TikTok

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The harrowing clip attracted over 5,000 views

 

Look, ma!

5000 views!

I'm a famous Tiktok'er!

 

ummm..........please send cash.

[NoDisplayName]

27 minutes ago, Umlungu said:

All true. However, making eye contact as a pedestrian or traffic participant with a vehicle driver is practically impossible these days with all the black window tinting. 

 

Please, he had more important things to do, like making eye contact with his many followers on Tiktok.

[sateuk]

What happened to the other rider that hit him head on?

[Hugh Jarse]

4 hours ago, roo860 said:

Minus a few teeth, he'll fit in well back in Jockland.

Silly,pointless comment.

[richard_smith237]

22 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Likely a speeding drunk high on yaba playing on his phone with dark sunglasses.

 

Who - the Thai or the Brit ????

 

 

 

 

 

[Reddavy]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Ferry Samui

 

by Bob Scott

A Scottish holidaymaker’s volunteering quest to mend his broken heart took a disastrous turn on the sunny tropical island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand. In what was meant to be a soul-soothing retreat at an animal sanctuary, Paul McDonald found himself embroiled in a terrifying traffic drama after a high-speed scooter crash left him bruised, battered, and toothless.

 

The 33 year old former care worker had set out on a seemingly mundane excursion to a nearby supermarket on November 11 when disaster struck. Riding a rented scooter along Thailand’s sun-drenched roads, the Scot’s journey descended into chaos when another scooter appeared from nowhere, hurtling towards him without warning. The collision that ensued sent him flying over his handlebars, rendering him unconscious on the warm asphalt.

 

In an era where everything is captured digitally, McDonald’s ordeal was no exception. Midway through a TikTok livestream, thousands unwittingly witnessed his serenity shatter into a blood-curdling scream, moments before his phone met the tarmac.

 

When he finally regained consciousness, bandaged and bewildered, the terrifying reality of his situation sank in: he was in hospital, minus two teeth, with a gaping wound on his upper lip now stitched up and a daunting financial black hole yawning before him.

Despite insisting faulty brakes were the real culprits behind the crash, McDonald was forced to dig deep into his pockets, shelling out a shocking £700 (31,000 baht) in damage and compensation costs to the other driver.

 

Adding insult to injury, his travel insurance deemed his hefty £800 (35,000 baht) medical expenses unworthy of coverage, plunging him further into financial despair. Within just one week, Paul’s trip expense budget—intended to last two whole months—vanished, prompting desperate pleas for help from his sister back home.

 

“It was meant to be a dream trip. Just 30 seconds ruined everything.”

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

Determined to share his experience and prevent similar tragedies, McDonald uploaded the collision footage to TikTok, issuing a pivotal warning: “This is your sign not to get a scooter in Thailand.”

 

The harrowing clip attracted over 5,000 views, resonating with empathetic netizens. Yet the grim reality remains prominent— McDonald’s initial quest for personal healing is now a logistical and emotional quagmire.

The trip to Thailand was not merely a holiday for McDonald but a retreat from grief. He had travelled to volunteer at local dog shelters, seeking solace after losing his cherished Staffordshire bull terrier, Lola, who had been his loyal companion for 13 years. However, his journey of catharsis was abruptly cut short, replaced by frequent and arduous hospital visits for ongoing treatment.

 

McDonald’s reticence about scooters now couldn’t be clearer. The miserable experience has sworn him off Thai scooters for good, blaming mechanical failures.

 

Raising initial concerns about the scooter’s elusive squeaky brakes, McDonald was reassured it was “just the rain.” Nevertheless, his inner voice of reason was overwrought with the clanging bells of doubt—a doubt that materialised too late.

 

As if his new dental imperfections and daily hospital treks weren’t enough, a final unsettling episode occurred at the local police station.

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

Engrossed in a challenging negotiation mired by language barriers, the Scot faced demands that threatened his very freedom. Cambridgeshire Live reported his passport hung precariously in the balance as he scrambled to comply with financial obligations.

 

“What choice did I have? Without paying, I risked being stranded.”

McDonald’s chilling caution to fellow wanderers is to cherish safety above all else. In countries where traffic rules are often fluid suggestions rather than strict guidelines, complacency can quickly usher in calamity.

 

“The roads can be dangerously unpredictable. Nobody thinks it’ll be their turn until it is.”

 

Presently, with dentition to mend and health to reclaim, McDonald’s focus remains on recovery. Dentists and doctors, now frequent fixtures in his travel diary, overshadow previous plans of adventure and exploration. The notion of extending his Thai adventure lingers in the periphery, yet any idyllic notions about carefree scooter rides have dissipated entirely.

 

Tourist Police Thailand has been contacted for comment on the incident, though McDonald’s tale already encapsulates a vivid lesson for holidaymakers: the allure of adventure is undeniable, yet vigilance must be the steadfast companion on these foreign roads.

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

 

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-11-29

 

 

100% 🔔🔚

[quake]

What a Dumbo.

Bet he went to Uni,  as well. 

 

[sambum]

3 hours ago, Classic Ray said:

They should print off the picture of his bandaged body and stick it up in every scooter hire shop. Might make people think twice.

 

And the scooter hire shops would of course be willing to jeopardise their livelihoods by doing that?

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, Lopburikid said:

He was filming himself live on tic tock, using his phone while riding the bike. Silly boy. Now they will maybe set up a GoFundMe page. and some suckers will pay out! The insurance companies aren't that stupid

 

Found part of his Tiktok on Yahoo, conveniently cutting out everything prior to the accident.  Probably nothing significant.

 

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/british-tourist-left-nothing-terrifying-230000641.html

 

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Found part of his Tiktok on Yahoo, conveniently cutting out everything prior to the accident.  Probably nothing significant.

 

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/british-tourist-left-nothing-terrifying-230000641.html

 

+1 for posting that.

 

Looks like he was riding normally, not speeding etc...  But also foolishly not wearing a helmet. 

 

Just as the article says, it appears another driver just came out of nowhere and took him out.

 

 

Its still not clear though - perhaps he rode into a junction (hence the blame or brake failure) and was taken out by a passing bike...

Or, perhaps he was riding along the road and another bike rode straight into him (as he states), perhaps from a side soi without looking (as is not uncommon here).

 

... There is no real way of telling from the video - but its clear he wasn't speeding, or high on Yaba or wearing sunglasses as one idiot suggests... 

[Chalong circle]

Wearing a proper helmet would have been a good start.

[khunPer]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Paul McDonald found himself embroiled in a terrifying traffic drama after a high-speed scooter crash left him bruised, battered, and toothless.

Firstly: Don't drive fast in Thailand, it's another traffic culture than you are used to.

Secondly: Don't use phone while driving.

Thirdly: Check what your insurance covers before even considering entering motorbike or scooter, even as pillion rider.

For the fourth: I wonder what happened to the mandatory motorbike insurance, which should cover the driver with some level of medical expenses, even when at fault. The insurance says: "Paid immediately without proof of liability... ...medical treatment up to 30,000 baht per person."

[BusyB]

5 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Don't live stream on TikTok with your phone while driving would be a good start.

 

Helmet's not even strapped up.

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Ferry Samui

 

by Bob Scott

A Scottish holidaymaker’s volunteering quest to mend his broken heart took a disastrous turn on the sunny tropical island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand. In what was meant to be a soul-soothing retreat at an animal sanctuary, Paul McDonald found himself embroiled in a terrifying traffic drama after a high-speed scooter crash left him bruised, battered, and toothless.

 

The 33 year old former care worker had set out on a seemingly mundane excursion to a nearby supermarket on November 11 when disaster struck. Riding a rented scooter along Thailand’s sun-drenched roads, the Scot’s journey descended into chaos when another scooter appeared from nowhere, hurtling towards him without warning. The collision that ensued sent him flying over his handlebars, rendering him unconscious on the warm asphalt.

 

In an era where everything is captured digitally, McDonald’s ordeal was no exception. Midway through a TikTok livestream, thousands unwittingly witnessed his serenity shatter into a blood-curdling scream, moments before his phone met the tarmac.

 

When he finally regained consciousness, bandaged and bewildered, the terrifying reality of his situation sank in: he was in hospital, minus two teeth, with a gaping wound on his upper lip now stitched up and a daunting financial black hole yawning before him.

Despite insisting faulty brakes were the real culprits behind the crash, McDonald was forced to dig deep into his pockets, shelling out a shocking £700 (31,000 baht) in damage and compensation costs to the other driver.

 

 

Adding insult to injury, his travel insurance deemed his hefty £800 (35,000 baht) medical expenses unworthy of coverage, plunging him further into financial despair. Within just one week, Paul’s trip expense budget—intended to last two whole months—vanished, prompting desperate pleas for help from his sister back home.

 

“It was meant to be a dream trip. Just 30 seconds ruined everything.”

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

Determined to share his experience and prevent similar tragedies, McDonald uploaded the collision footage to TikTok, issuing a pivotal warning: “This is your sign not to get a scooter in Thailand.”

 

The harrowing clip attracted over 5,000 views, resonating with empathetic netizens. Yet the grim reality remains prominent— McDonald’s initial quest for personal healing is now a logistical and emotional quagmire.

The trip to Thailand was not merely a holiday for McDonald but a retreat from grief. He had travelled to volunteer at local dog shelters, seeking solace after losing his cherished Staffordshire bull terrier, Lola, who had been his loyal companion for 13 years. However, his journey of catharsis was abruptly cut short, replaced by frequent and arduous hospital visits for ongoing treatment.

 

McDonald’s reticence about scooters now couldn’t be clearer. The miserable experience has sworn him off Thai scooters for good, blaming mechanical failures.

 

Raising initial concerns about the scooter’s elusive squeaky brakes, McDonald was reassured it was “just the rain.” Nevertheless, his inner voice of reason was overwrought with the clanging bells of doubt—a doubt that materialised too late.

 

As if his new dental imperfections and daily hospital treks weren’t enough, a final unsettling episode occurred at the local police station.

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

Engrossed in a challenging negotiation mired by language barriers, the Scot faced demands that threatened his very freedom. Cambridgeshire Live reported his passport hung precariously in the balance as he scrambled to comply with financial obligations.

 

“What choice did I have? Without paying, I risked being stranded.”

McDonald’s chilling caution to fellow wanderers is to cherish safety above all else. In countries where traffic rules are often fluid suggestions rather than strict guidelines, complacency can quickly usher in calamity.

 

“The roads can be dangerously unpredictable. Nobody thinks it’ll be their turn until it is.”

 

Presently, with dentition to mend and health to reclaim, McDonald’s focus remains on recovery. Dentists and doctors, now frequent fixtures in his travel diary, overshadow previous plans of adventure and exploration. The notion of extending his Thai adventure lingers in the periphery, yet any idyllic notions about carefree scooter rides have dissipated entirely.

 

Tourist Police Thailand has been contacted for comment on the incident, though McDonald’s tale already encapsulates a vivid lesson for holidaymakers: the allure of adventure is undeniable, yet vigilance must be the steadfast companion on these foreign roads.

 

Picture courtesy of Kennedy News and Media

 

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-11-29

 

 

Bad luck. I was scrolling down to find the #gofundme area. However, 800 quid shouldn't be a problem. Next he will read the small print of his insurance.

[Umlungu]

44 minutes ago, sateuk said:

What happened to the other rider that hit him head on?

Cashed in already. Brit paid him out - according to the article.

[Umlungu]

19 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Firstly: Don't drive fast in Thailand, it's another traffic culture than you are used to.

Secondly: Don't use phone while driving.

Thirdly: Check what your insurance covers before even considering entering motorbike or scooter, even as pillion rider.

For the fourth: I wonder what happened to the mandatory motorbike insurance, which should cover the driver with some level of medical expenses, even when at fault. The insurance says: "Paid immediately without proof of liability... ...medical treatment up to 30,000 baht per person."

Thirdly - dream on, just for show, health insurance on the back of an arrival or departure tax, blah blah blah, try and claim that..... Documents? Who hands out the policy docs? Scooter hire? Immigration? Passport control? 7/11 perhaps?