3 hours ago, Andytheburiramman said:

I don't understand why insurance isn't part of the motorbike rental agreement out here 🙏

To my knowledge it is: The compulsory insurance, which covers only very little...

«Thai compulsory motorcycle insurance, known as Por Ror Bor (or CTPL), is a mandatory legal requirement that covers bodily injury, disability, or death for all parties involved in an accident, including the driver, passenger, and pedestrians.»

«CPLT is low-costs and only includes medical coverage. Whether or not you are at fault for the accident determines the coverage limit. If you cause an accident as a result of your actions, your coverage is limited to 30,000 baht. If not, the medical coverage limit increases to 80,000 baht for medical costs and 500,000 baht for death and dismemberment.» (My bold highlight.)

You can buy extra insurance, but it can be extremely expensive.

As tourists, it is very important to check your travel insurance before riding a motorbike in Thailand – both as driver and if riding pillion – as cover might be excluded in the insurance; which also seems to be the case here.

A sad situation and I feel for the young man and his family

No insurance and a desperate prognosis makes it so hard for the family

3 hours ago, shackleton said:

Was reading else where a other Brit was involved a motor bike incident

Here in Thailand same thing a Gofundme has been initiated

Maybe the rules on renting motor bikes needs tightening up

Ie insurance licence wearing of helmets ect

As far as your comment,".. the rules on renting motor bikes needs tightening up", I hate to bust your thought bubble but the Thai Govt. has talked about cracking down on bike renters to ensure the renter has a licence since the beginning of Thai history when they had motor bikes.

To be honest when I go there I want a motorbike. I know how to ride one and always ride as safe as I can. Plus as I am married to a Thai I can get a bike from any family member. I have not had an official bike licence for decades. When in Thailand I always have insurance but if it's a bike injury then clearly the insurance cover is useless.

In short restrictions will never stop people like me. If I die on one or am seriously injured that is my call. Life is too short to live it under a mushroom.

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

...He was attempting to overtake a car after returning from the gym and having lunch when another motorcycle suddenly crossed in front of him, causing him to be thrown from his bike and hit the road...

There is a lot of details missing in the actual case, but in general, lots of young foreigners – many of whom I suppose to be tourists – are taking too high risks when driving motorbikes on Samui, with high speed overtakes in an already chaotic traffic, and a traffic culture that can be very different from what they are used to in their home country.

I live on Samui, so I see it. Some also seems to be unexperienced motorbike drivers, or they are driving a bigger motorbike than they are used to drive. Samui is infamous of it's traffic and nummer of both accidents and fatalities.

1. Engine Capacity Restrictions

• Standard Coverage: Many general policies only cover bikes, mopeds, or scooters with an engine size of 125cc or less.

• Specialist Coverage: If you plan to ride a "big bike" (over 125cc), you typically must purchase a hazardous activity rider or a specialist motorcycle travel policy.

2. Mandatory Licensing Requirements

Insurance is almost always voided if you are not legally licensed.

• Home License: You must hold a valid license in your home country for the specific class of motorcycle you are riding abroad.

• Local Laws: You must comply with the laws of the country you are visiting, which often includes carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP).

4. Safety & Conduct Clauses

Your claim can be denied if you:

• Do not wear a helmet, regardless of local laws.

• Ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Use the motorcycle as your primary mode of transport for the entire trip (some insurers only cover "incidental" use).

4 hours ago, Andytheburiramman said:

I don't understand why insurance isn't part of the motorbike rental agreement out here 🙏

earlier says the insurance was issued but would not include motorcycle riding accident.

Lot of victim blame going on here accompnied by medical advice and conclusions from people who are clearly unqualified to comment.

6 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

A tragic story. Seems that insurance, or not, would make no difference to his condition. No mention of helmet use. Unlikely he was wearing a helmet. So sad for his parents.

Driving without license is his own fault.Insurance dont cover that.

3 hours ago, PoorSucker said:

1. Engine Capacity Restrictions

• Standard Coverage: Many general policies only cover bikes, mopeds, or scooters with an engine size of 125cc or less.

• Specialist Coverage: If you plan to ride a "big bike" (over 125cc), you typically must purchase a hazardous activity rider or a specialist motorcycle travel policy.

2. Mandatory Licensing Requirements

Insurance is almost always voided if you are not legally licensed.

• Home License: You must hold a valid license in your home country for the specific class of motorcycle you are riding abroad.

• Local Laws: You must comply with the laws of the country you are visiting, which often includes carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP).

4. Safety & Conduct Clauses

Your claim can be denied if you:

• Do not wear a helmet, regardless of local laws.

• Ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Use the motorcycle as your primary mode of transport for the entire trip (some insurers only cover "incidental" use).

Good info to be aware of .👍

Very sad. Prayers for him and his family.

6 hours ago, robert2 said:

You must hold a valid license in your home country for the specific class of motorcycle you are riding abroad.

Thailand does not recognise any class of M/C except the FULL motorcycle licence – there is a specific clause in the Treaty of Vienna that excludes smaller bike categories.

There is no such thing in Thailand as a "moped" or 125cc.

It's also worth bearing in mind that many travel insurance policies put riding any motorcycle as an extreme activity and therefore don't cover it.

Many policies put a 125cc limit on the bikes they cover, but in Thailand you would still need a FULL licence to be riding legally.

Many rental step-throughs these days are in fact over 125 cc, so again, by definition, would not be covered.

10 hours ago, PoorSucker said:

1. Engine Capacity Restrictions

• Standard Coverage: Many general policies only cover bikes, mopeds, or scooters with an engine size of 125cc or less.

• Specialist Coverage: If you plan to ride a "big bike" (over 125cc), you typically must purchase a hazardous activity rider or a specialist motorcycle travel policy.

2. Mandatory Licensing Requirements

Insurance is almost always voided if you are not legally licensed.

• Home License: You must hold a valid license in your home country for the specific class of motorcycle you are riding abroad.

• Local Laws: You must comply with the laws of the country you are visiting, which often includes carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP).

4. Safety & Conduct Clauses

Your claim can be denied if you:

• Do not wear a helmet, regardless of local laws.

• Ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Use the motorcycle as your primary mode of transport for the entire trip (some insurers only cover "incidental" use).

Thailand does not recognise any class of M/C except the FULL motorcycle licence – there is a specific clause in the Treaty of Vienna that excludes smaller bike categories.

There is no such thing in Thailand as a "moped" or 125cc.

You must have category A on your IDP – A1 will not do. Many Thai police don't seem to check this, but your insurance company will.

It's also worth bearing in mind that many travel insurance policies put riding any motorcycle as an extreme activity and therefore don't cover it.

Many policies put a 125cc limit on the bikes they cover, but in Thailand you would still need a FULL licence to be riding legally.

Many rental step-throughs these days are in fact over 125 cc, so again, by definition, would not be covered.

The only way to survive here on the road, is to be patient, have eyes in the back of your head, drive with caution, and always, and I mean always watch out of the other guy. Chances are, he does not have much driving skill, nor patience, nor reason, nor common sense. You cannot be too careful on the road here. Especially considering that the toy police offers no traffic safety, prevention, enforcement of the law, or concern toward the prosecution of very reckless drivers. 

Those of us with driving skill, and a strong desire for not only survival, but the avoidance of terrible injury, are constantly scanning the road, in front of us, beside us, and behind us. There are an exceptionally high number of reckless fools on these roads, and it is the only way to preserve our lives, and those of our families, and friends, who may be driving with us, and depending on us. I often remind myself that I'm just not in a hurry, and an extra 5 minutes is not going to make any difference whatsoever.

When I was growing up, we took drivers education courses. They showed us horrendous films, of semi trucks plowing into cars, and literally obliterating everything in their path. They also showed us graphic images of head on collisions. 120mph impacts. Even as a young kid, it made quite an impression. It was horrific, and it was hard to get those images out of your head afterwards. But, it left a lasting impression, and when I started driving, I understood it was serious business, and that it was a very dangerous thing to do. Also, I had the benefit of my lovely Mom, as my instructor. She spent countless hours in the car with me giving me tips, advice, and teaching me driving etiquette, courtesy and respect toward other drivers. That was priceless, and I doubt many Thai kids benefit from that kind of guidance. 

I see people driving here, with their families in the car, and doing things, and taking the kinds of risks no rational or sane person with common sense would do. What for? To gain one minute? Why take those risks? What is the logic? Often, when I am cruising along at 100kph, someone cuts right in front of me. Or someone comes out from the side road, right in front of me. I have to slam on my brakes, or change lanes to avoid him. I look in my rearview mirror, and there is nobody behind me. So, if he had waited two seconds, he would have had completely safe passage onto the highway. What gives? Where is the intelligence, caution, and prudence? Where is the common sense? What about just the survival instinct? 

It most certainly has something to do with the inability to visualize. Neither the future, nor the hypothetical. What will happen in this scenario? What about this? What about that? What are the inherent risks involved in piloting my bike, car or truck onto the safety lane of a major highway, in the wrong direction, with big trucks coming at me at 100kph? Or onto a lane of a major highway, with oncoming traffic going 120kph? Is it worth sacrificing my life, or my ability to walk for the rest of my life? How will my death affect my kids? Hold on, what about the lives of my wife, kids and sister who are in the vehicle with me, and I am responsible for their safety. Wow. That would be a big loss. An entire family. Maybe I should act like an adult, and be prudent and careful.

What if I waited four seconds for the highway lane to be completely clear, rather than just barge into it now, and risk everything?

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On 2/9/2026 at 4:35 AM, Nick Carter icp said:

Isn't that gameover ?

Nothing more can be done ?

Might not be, a friend of mines daughter suffered a horrible brain injury, where the brain got twisted then back to shape.

Dr's said she had no hope and would be a vegetable even if she woke up, they advised turning her off life support.

After 2 months in a coma she woke up, then a few weeks later began throwing balloons with one arm.

Now a few years later she's almost 100 percent normal you can't tell, she has a boyfriend and a good life, she is Thai and her mother married a NZ friend of mine, a miracle really she had great treatment and backup from friends.

5 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Might not be, a friend of mines daughter suffered a horrible brain injury, where the brain got twisted then back to shape.

Dr's said she had no hope and would be a vegetable even if she woke up, they advised turning her off life support.

After 2 months in a coma she woke up, then a few weeks later began throwing balloons with one arm.

Now a few years later she's almost 100 percent normal you can't tell, she has a boyfriend and a good life, she is Thai and her mother married a NZ friend of mine, a miracle really she had great treatment and backup from friends.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I'd also want to get a 2nd opinion and not rely on the prognosis from a Thai hospital worried about not getting paid.

UPDATE

Family's Desperate Plea for £170k to Fly Injured Son Home from Thailand

On 2/9/2026 at 9:24 AM, Harrisfan said:

Maybe ban Gofundme.

The rules wont change. 80% of farangs dont have a motorbike licence. I dont have one but rode dirt bikes as a kid. A lot of tourists have no idea how to ride.

Considering that Gofundme takes a portion of all money donated, they probably love Thailand.