8 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

My mind is COMPLETELY intact, and...

I am still sharp as a tack.

No worries here, on my end.

So why do you post such stupid OP s here, and still call it TV?

And in answer to your headline question is, NO, I never drive over 80!

So many people with Dementure or other mental illness think that they are OK, and tell others that they have no worries.

Edited June 25Jun 25 by wil iam not

2 hours ago, Dan747 said:

At 79 and approaching 80 in Thailand, I worry more about any other Thai driver than my driving ability.

It is not reactions you need to think about it is anticipating idiocy. Which at 79 you have had a lot of time to hone your skill.

Im 74 and my USA license expired a few years ago. I've been in Thailand continuously for the last four years, and from what I've seen of the traffic in Thailand, I have no big desire to start driving anytime soon, since services like Bolt and Grab are so affordable. It might be a different story if I was out in a rural area.

But if I was back in the USA, I'd renew my license and buy another car, for sure. In the USA, having a car is almost a necessity, outside of big cities like NYC. Anyway, I don't usually drive much, since I'm retired. I was stuck in the US during COVID and had a car that I drove a total of 9000 miles in three years. Mostly just back and forth to the grocery store or to wherever I went for lunch.

I stopped driving in my mid 60s, (I am 67 now). A combination of fading eyesight in one eye and a significant injury which resulted in the partial amputation of my right foot (not as a result of a traffic accident. I still manage on my little motorbike for local journeys, everything else I use grab.

It is probably cheaper than running a car.

Wait, Sonny, what were we talking about. I can't hear much. Was that a horn? Didja know I was colourblind? The macular degeneration and glaucoma aren't so good, either. Gotta get these cataracts done sometime.

Seriously, I knew a guy who drove a caddy (get your mind out of the gutter) at 90. Finally crashed into a tree while he was parking...in front of his house!

I've got glaucoma so I recently gave up my licence. No motorcycles in my peripheral vision. Would NEVER own a car in Bangkok. BTS, MRT and Grab for me. Owning a car would double our monthly expences.

9 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

I sincerely hope you've given up driving. Thank you.

Agree! It's those tattooed octogenarians on souped up Thai motosais(motorcike), wearing muscle shirts and mirrored sunglasses, who become a serious safety concern, especially after a pint or two."

10 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

You might be EVEN SAFER, without a helmet.

Yeah, yeah, go on with the temptation. That´s the right way. Hopefully he will fall for it soon.

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

It is not reactions you need to think about it is anticipating idiocy. Which at 79 you have had a lot of time to hone your skill.

Having driven here since my mid 20's Given the situations that unfold in front of me, I don't think I'll ever truly be able to anticipate the utter fluckwittery that can unfold on the roads - I'm simply less surprised by it !!!

2 hours ago, wil iam not said:

So why do you post such stupid OP s here, and still call it TV?

And in answer to your headline question is, NO, I never drive over 80!

So many people with Dementure or other mental illness think that they are OK, and tell others that they have no worries.

I hope that by the time I'm 80, I'm still capable of honestly judging whether I'm fit enough to potter around town in a car.

I don't expect to be driving long distances on motorways, but quietly "pootling" around locally, particularly in quieter, non-built-up areas, seems perfectly reasonable, provided the driver is medically and cognitively fit.

Age inevitably affects eyesight, reaction times and processing speed. Night driving, in particular, becomes more challenging for many. That's exactly why the assessment should focus on the individual, not simply the date on their birth certificate.

I'm a strong believer in maintaining independence for as long as possible. Mobility, whether by car or mobility scooter, contributes enormously to both physical longevity and mental wellbeing. That's why I struggle with those who want to restrict mobility scooters altogether.

Used sensibly, along local roads, pavements where appropriate, or for a trip to the local café or pub, they offer freedom with relatively little risk to others.

The same principle applies to driving. An 80-year-old who passes a thorough medical assessment, has good vision, sound judgement and intact cognitive function may well be safer than a 60-year-old with declining health or poor judgement.

Equally, some people shouldn't be driving long before they reach retirement age.

The debate shouldn't revolve around an arbitrary age limit. It should revolve around physical capability, cognitive ability, and demonstrated fitness to drive. Age is only one factor, not the deciding one.

11 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Famous last words....

ALL OLD GUYS say they are the safest drivers they know.

But, of course, Mario really WAS a driver better than most, at any age....

Definitely one of the great drivers.

But in motor sport everyone is driving in the same direction (most of the time).

My father used his car until age 93 and he was a better driver than many young people. He once was stopped by police during a routine check. The officers stood there in disbelief and asked him some questions about driving in older years. But they realized quickly that he was not of any danger on the road.

12 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I'm the safest driver I know, so I'll be driving myself around till I physically can not. Just had 1 cataract removed, the other in a couple months. Vision & reflexes are fine, and feel much safer, DIY, than anyone else driving me.

Being a passenger is stressful, unless wife or daughter are driving. I really don't trust anyone else, and thankfully, rarely use others.

Occasionally at Krung Thep, will use app driver, and probably safest place to use. As congestion is so bad, hard to have a serious accident. Only do so, as don't want an oops, out of province. Daughter usual drives when at Krung Thep anyway.

Treatment for cataracts leaves a lasting impact. Night vision is greatly reduced. The halo effect doesn't help matters.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

Treatment for cataracts leaves a lasting impact. Night vision is greatly reduced. The halo effect doesn't help matters.

No worries.

Soon we will have self-driving autos.

Also, we need to remove all petroleum powered motorbikes from the road.

Electric is the only way to go.

Quality of life for Farang will improve immensely, and no more complaining about sawed-off mufflers.

7 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

No worries.

Soon we will have self-driving autos.

Also, we need to remove all petroleum powered motorbikes from the road.

Electric is the only way to go.

Quality of life for Farang will improve immensely, and no more complaining about sawed-off mufflers.

Don't hold your breath waiting.

No, yes, no. ✅

One of the problems with driving at night in Thailand is the windscreen tinting.

So many vehicles have too dark a tint which must lessen your vision at night.

Add that to the very haphazard street lighting and you need to be very alert.

Combine that with natural deterioration of your sight as you age, and you need to be aware of reduced vision.

At 77 I had cataract surgery on both eyes and am happy with the result and drive confidently at night, albeit cautiously as all driving in Thailand requires utmost concentration.

Frustrating as it is, I still enjoy driving more in Phuket than in western countries

23 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

My mind is COMPLETELY intact, and...

I am still sharp as a tack.

No worries here, on my end.

Tacks usually only get used once. Just be careful crossing the road, or you might find yourself P.Y.B.B.D. sooner than you think. But would that be any great loss?

15 hours ago, wil iam not said:

And will do the same with your posting here on AN.......or is it still TV for GammaG? 555

I'm quite sure you had a good thought when you posted this.

14 hours ago, riclag said:

Agree! It's those tattooed octogenarians on souped up Thai motosais(motorcike), wearing muscle shirts and mirrored sunglasses, who become a serious safety concern, especially after a pint or two."

What a great retirement though. I'll be upgrading the exhaust on mine soon.

If we are from the USA, we can be 80 and be the PRESIDENT! And that's a lot more dangerous than driving... 😉

Now 85, and after years of racing cars and bikes at club level in my younger days, I gave up driving 3 years ago. I just felt my reactions were slowing down. Luckily I have a Thai wife, aged 70, who is still an excellent driver.

On 6/25/2026 at 11:50 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

Are you approaching 80? Do you still drive a car? Are you a fool?

I work on rotation, so when I'm back in Thailand I'd catch up with my other offshore mates who were in Thailand.

I used to drink with them every afternoon at Rhompo market bars at Jomtien.

At times I'd see this frail, elderly foreigner riding his Honda Scoopy. He'd pull up at the market buy his food then ride off. He'd be wobbling up the road, other vehicles would have to yield to allow the old guy to proceed, he was unfit to ride, erratic riding behaviour.

Quite sad seeing this old guy doing that daily

Edited June 26Jun 26 by SAFETY FIRST

10 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

No worries.

Soon we will have self-driving autos.

Also, we need to remove all petroleum powered motorbikes from the road.

Electric is the only way to go.

Quality of life for Farang will improve immensely, and no more complaining about sawed-off mufflers.

Wherever have you been hiding? Self Driving Autos have been around for a while now.

I believe the point of your tack has broken off?

5 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I work on rotation, so when I'm back in Thailand I'd catch up with my other offshore mates who were in Thailand.

I used to drink with them every afternoon at Rhompo market bars at Jomtien.

At times I'd see this frail, elderly foreigner riding his Honda Scoopy. He'd pull up at the market buy his food then ride off. He'd be wobbling up the road, other vehicles would have to yield to allow the old guy to proceed, he was unfit to ride, erratic riding behaviour.

Quite sad seeing this old guy doing that daily

Wobbling up on a Honda Scoopy?

Erratic behavior riding his motocy ?

Fortunately you did follow him to tell us about this sad daily occurrence...😀

On 6/25/2026 at 8:56 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

You can be sure.

I gave up driving about 13 years ago.

Having a driver is just so much better.

I can do without the road rage, thank you.

I expect to live longer, as a result of my not driving....for various obvious reasons....

On 6/25/2026 at 8:56 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

You can be sure.

I gave up driving about 13 years ago.

Having a driver is just so much better.

I can do without the road rage, thank you.

I expect to live longer, as a result of my not driving....for various obvious reasons....

On 6/25/2026 at 8:56 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

You can be sure.

I gave up driving about 13 years ago.

Having a driver is just so much better.

I can do without the road rage, thank you.

I expect to live longer, as a result of my not driving....for various obvious reasons....

at 78 years of age, my Thai wife advised me that it was time to cease getting upset every time I drove on the roads of Thailand. At first of course I just said okay and thought that would pass when she needed to travel anywhere via motor vehicle - GRAB. We have several years later have a regular GRAB driver that takes us where ever and whenever. I actually enjoy this much more and feel a lot safer now on the roads. Currently, the only thing that even raises the hackles a tad is US politics but even that is being ignored by this old impotent man. I haven't voted in any recent election as I was disappointed in the candidates and looking from here at their terms, feel justified in my negative comments about them. I see very little positive actions within this administration and feel that most of them are very corrupt IMHO anyway. But that is a different story, I still read about the horrible accidents taking place it seems daily here on the roads. Really glad I can just sit back now and watch the idiots (IMHO) who still have a license (I guess) to drive insanely here. I do wish only the best of luck to all whether one drives or not.

On 6/25/2026 at 8:50 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

Dear Folks,

Are you sure that you are safe driving a car at age 80?

Safe for whom?

Is this not foolhardy?

What evidence do you have that you are safe on the road?

South Florida is famous for collisions caused by people like you.

This is why Naples, Florida is so very dangerous.

But, one supposes, you still believe you are safe to drive here in Thailand, approaching the 8th decade of your life?

Really?

What might it take for you to finally relinquish possession of the keys to your car?

A head-on collision that kills somebody?

Just asking.

Best regards,

Gamma

Note: Dementia happens so gradually that Old People are unable to grasp how dangerous they become.

Yes....

Old People are EXTREMELY Dangerous to society.

Who does not agree?

Note2: So many OLD PEOPLE out on the road, as we all know. AND....are they not almost as dangerous as DRUNK DRIVERS?

This just depends upon HOW DRUNK, and HOW DECREPIT....maybe....

Seems you live in a delusionary world.

11 minutes ago, jayceenik said:

Wobbling up on a Honda Scoopy?

Erratic behavior riding his motocy ?

Fortunately you did follow him to tell us about this sad daily occurrence...😀

The bars on Rhompo road, the seating faces the roadway

Ha! I have said to others that driving in Thailand is a sure test for mental impairment as your brain must be firing on all cylinders constantly or ...road death/injury statistic. personally, love jumping on the Aerox for the Wife and I to visit a coffee shop in the hills surrounding Chiang Mai. The car is a 24 year old CR-V still running fine and we recently returned from a tip to Chachchoengsao. Oh, age 79 ...

Edited June 26Jun 26 by wwest5829

Obviously it an individual case by case if one should continue driving as they age. I'm still as confident as I've always been. Don't give the wife anxiety attacks while driving.

Never hear ... "stop, you didn't see that" No close calls from my driving ability.

Do realize I'm an airhead, not much change there, so double check myself while driving, and look both ways, 2 or 3 times at intersection before proceeding. Drive a lot slower than I used to, and just a more defensive driving mode, since TIT, and expect the unexpected.

Use my mirrors a lot, especially on highway, since I drive close to the speed limit, <100 kph and move over to allow passing when convenient.

25+ yrs and only one oops. Prefer not to, but handle driving in Krung Thep with no issues, and if you can do that, you can drive anywhere.

Cataract was starting to be annoying, so corrected and back to 20/20 vision, and don't even need my scripted glass, and haven't for years, as eyes seems to actually fix themselves with age. Go figure, though was a minor 25 & 50 script, so no major surprise there, and rarely used them anyway.

If you question you ability to drive, then that a quick evaluation, you probably shouldn't.

HAPPY MOTORING

Pump up the jam ! Typical GG. Entainment for the bored! ( yes I'm included) . Going to drive until I can't get under the trunk of an elephant in the the middle of a hair pin turn in the nationl park between Khon Kaen and Petchabun. Night time. No videos. Sorry . Not. 555