Close Encounter With A Thai "killer Driver"

[invex]

Hi all,

Today 06-02-10 afternoon, around 17.00h I drove my motorbike west on See Ping Muang Rd 4 towards See Ping Muang Rd near the Wat Si Ping Muang temple (lat 18.770887 lon 98.983356). My wife sat on the back.

A very old, small, grey/blue car (I think Nissan NV) wanted to pass us but the road is too narrow there. He was driving very nervous at few inches behind me. When I stopped at the crossing behind another car waiting, he hit my rear wheel. I looked back and waived gentle my flat hand up and down towards the soil to ask him to drive more slowly.

Behind the car in front of me, I turned to the right towards the Wat. The grey car then came next to me, quite furious, suddenly smashed to the left and pushed my motorbike against the wall of the Wat. As I could do nothing else (we were blocked completely between the wall and his car), I hit his car with my right hand.

He stopped his car and came to me with a big samurai, at least 20 inches long. Lucky for us there were some people around watching what happened and when he noticed them, he went back to his car and drove off like a crazy bum.

I asked the people around to leave their phone-number with us, as I told them I would go to the police. Guess what; of the 6/7 people, nobody had a phone nor a name nor an address…………………..

I went to the police and they told me they could do nothing, as nothing really happened. Police name was Boontum Sripaj. They were absolutely not interested in my story. About the samurai; they told us that all Thai have some kind of weapon in the car and they will use it without thinking. It is normal he said. End of story for the police.

May be other people had also an encounter with this man or other “Killer Drivers”. If so, please post your experience.

He was about 35 years old with normal posture and normal hair cut. However, he had a very bad and dangerous look on his face and wore sunglasses, pilot style.

His small to medium car was about 10 years old, grey/blue and we think it was a Nissan NV. His license was

ผก 4867 Chiang Mai.

Thanks.

[onnut]

That's a bit heavy! Glad you got away ok. What does your wife say about it?

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

He is an honorable sushi chef who just lost his job due to decreased tourism caused by pollution rumors and perhaps you were disrespecting Thai culture by being an ignorant white devil. Your just a visitor here. There are no expectations of rights as a guest.

Just kidding but expect to see some sort of apologist posts as its the norm here.

Sounds like you were lucky to not be seriously injured or worse. Perhaps this is an auspicious beginning to the Chinese Year of the Tiger.(feb 4) The year of the Tiger is thought to be a turbulent period.

Hopefully this exhausts your bad luck for a while

[invex]

@ onnut

My wife is Thai. However, she would like to move out of Thailand. She says the country is deteriorating and extreme bad things are on the rise. She likes to compare with the "good old days".... If I remember well, that was only a few years ago...... I only hope that, in a few years, Chiang Mai will still be a livable city.

[DavidOxon]

seems on a par with the 'suicidal raging farang motorcyclist' I was unlucky enough to encounter last week! I was inside the moat in the outside lane waiting to turn at the next U turn to get outside. there was a motorcycle on the line between the two lanes so I gave him a the lightest of beeps to let him know I was there as he seemed unaware of my presence. He moved slightly left and I went past him. The next thing I know, he's zoomed in front of me, alternately slamming on his brakes, weaving across the front of me absolutely so furious it seemed he wanted me to hit him. I moved around him in the Uturn to pass him on the left, now at a very slow and cautious pace, and he then overtook me and tried the same thing on the left side. He was a farang and of a certain age (60?), he certainly seemed to want a fight! After recent events with drivers in CM being reported on here, I just wanted to slip away safely, which I managed. I hope he learn to take things more easily in future, If I was a driver with a short temper, I'm sure he would have ended up under my wheels! So...easy on the horn guys! There's loonies in them there hills!

David

[onnut]

Jesus! What a <deleted>. I wonder what his problem was. I had a bike cut me up the other night and I nearly hit him but managed to swerve out of his way, but then I staid up his arse with my hand on the horn for about 30 seconds. Lucky he took it well and was not like the guys you two met.

What is the world coming to when you can't even warn someone that you are behind them? I have driven in Thailand for 6 years and seen loads of accidents and not so accidents but over the last 7 days I have seen one every day.

One car on the roof

one car on it's side

two bikes under cars

one car in a ditch

and one rear ender because he couldn't stop in time as he was tailgating, this one was right in front of me and I managed to slow and stop while looking at the <deleted> in my mirror hurtle towards me and just swerve out of the way before he hit me!

[nicksal37]

Thank you for the post.I think we must all be careful of the idiots on the road and stay calm.Near where I live in San Sai a German man was shot dead a couple of weeks ago.There was a posting here on TV about it.Now I try and drive without sounding my horn in aggression only a short "beep" to warn other people that I am here.

What happened to you is unforgivable and I am happy you and your wife were not hurt.

[KevinHunt]

@ onnut

My wife is Thai. However, she would like to move out of Thailand. She says the country is deteriorating and extreme bad things are on the rise. She likes to compare with the "good old days"......

unfortunately, it's not only Thailand. Quote of the day....

"Don't be deceived when they tell you things are better now. Even if there's no poverty to be seen because the poverty's been hidden. Even if you ever got more wages and could afford to buy more of these new and useless goods which industries foist on you and even if it seems to you that you never had so much, that is only the slogan of those who still have much more than you.

Don't be taken in when they paternally pat you on the shoulder and say that there's no inequality worth speaking of and no more reason to fight because if you believe them they will be completely in charge in their marble homes and granite banks from which they rob the people of the world under the pretence of bringing them culture.

Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they'll send you out to protect their gold in wars whose weapons, rapidly developed by servile scientists, will become more and more deadly until they can with a flick of the finger tear a million of you to pieces."

BTW. I still enjoy living in Chiang  Mai, but if there is one thing that really concerns me it is driving. I never forget how dangerous it can be mainly because I was involved in a head-on crash 5 or 6 years ago. Not a nice experience.

Edited February 6, 2010 by KevinHunt

[johninbkk]

Holy shoot, and I thought the crazy's only lived in Pattaya.

Talking about the pollution, if you know Pattaya-Sattahip's views of the ocean and protruding land and islands, well keep that memory cause on your average day you can't see any of it through the smog or whatever it is.

Imagine all those people who paid millions and millions for a view from Siam Royal View estate to now be greeted with nothing but a horrible gray like smog everyday as your million dollar view.

[db1tau]

Giving them signs to drive more slowly, more carefully, turn on lights at night or simply turn on their brain won't work.

The only sign you should give drivers like that is to let them pass and get as far away from them as possible.

Driving in chiang mai is not so bad, in fact it is much more efficient for small cars and motorbikes than back in europe (at the expense of pedestrians of course). Most drivers here are ok, only a few crazy ones cause the problems. But that's the same like in europe. The difference is that in the worst case in europe you will lose your license and some thousand euro fine/lawyer bill.

Here you can lose your health or life.

[Donnyboy]

glad you and yr wife are ok invex

[Donnyboy]

He is an honorable sushi chef who just lost his job due to decreased tourism caused by pollution rumors and perhaps you were disrespecting Thai culture by being an ignorant white devil. Your just a visitor here. There are no expectations of rights as a guest.

Just kidding but expect to see some sort of apologist posts as its the norm here.

Sounds like you were lucky to not be seriously injured or worse. Perhaps this is an auspicious beginning to the Chinese Year of the Tiger.(feb 4) The year of the Tiger is thought to be a turbulent period.

Hopefully this exhausts your bad luck for a while

i thought CNY started on the 14th?

Forecast for 2010: the Chinese year of the Yang Metal Tiger - 14th February 2010 to the 2nd February 2011.

Ironically the anger, tension and violent economic swings of 2010 will start in 2010 on the day that celebrates love - Valentines Day.

The phrase 'Tiger economy' has been used in the past to describe what has become known as the 'emerging economies' in the East. The Hong Kong stock market is one such economy noted for its sudden swings - from euphoria to depression - and just as quickly to the dizzy heights of unsustainable optimism. Throughout 2010 the world's stock markets will climb aboard a rollercoaster, that will rise and fall with dramatic rapidity, confident in its every mood, but selfish in its aims.

The Metal Tiger is competitive and ostentatious, but he always wants too much, too soon. So although unemployment will then be at horrifying levels throughout the world, the Metal Tiger will drive up stock markets in spasmodic bursts, and down again when the Tiger grabs his profit. The hope will be an end to recession in 2011, but hope springs eternal.

Those who once made money from the housing market will now rest their hopes on potential gains from investment opportunities in financial products, so the housing market will continue to be starved of buyers and, regrettably, casinos throughout the world will be the beneficiaries of uncertainty.

We must also face the possibility in a Metal Tiger year of yet more military conflict between opposing idealogies, rather like the Korean War that started in 1950 - a previous year of the Yang Metal Tiger.

[doppa]

He is an honorable sushi chef who just lost his job due to decreased tourism caused by pollution rumors and perhaps you were disrespecting Thai culture by being an ignorant white devil. Your just a visitor here. There are no expectations of rights as a guest.

Just kidding but expect to see some sort of apologist posts as its the norm here.

Sounds like you were lucky to not be seriously injured or worse. Perhaps this is an auspicious beginning to the Chinese Year of the Tiger.(feb 4) The year of the Tiger is thought to be a turbulent period.

Hopefully this exhausts your bad luck for a while

i thought CNY started on the 14th?

Forecast for 2010: the Chinese year of the Yang Metal Tiger - 14th February 2010 to the 2nd February 2011.

Ironically the anger, tension and violent economic swings of 2010 will start in 2010 on the day that celebrates love - Valentines Day.

The phrase 'Tiger economy' has been used in the past to describe what has become known as the 'emerging economies' in the East. The Hong Kong stock market is one such economy noted for its sudden swings - from euphoria to depression - and just as quickly to the dizzy heights of unsustainable optimism. Throughout 2010 the world's stock markets will climb aboard a rollercoaster, that will rise and fall with dramatic rapidity, confident in its every mood, but selfish in its aims.

The Metal Tiger is competitive and ostentatious, but he always wants too much, too soon. So although unemployment will then be at horrifying levels throughout the world, the Metal Tiger will drive up stock markets in spasmodic bursts, and down again when the Tiger grabs his profit. The hope will be an end to recession in 2011, but hope springs eternal.

Those who once made money from the housing market will now rest their hopes on potential gains from investment opportunities in financial products, so the housing market will continue to be starved of buyers and, regrettably, casinos throughout the world will be the beneficiaries of uncertainty.

We must also face the possibility in a Metal Tiger year of yet more military conflict between opposing idealogies, rather like the Korean War that started in 1950 - a previous year of the Yang Metal Tiger.

thanks for that, wheres the noose!

[paulchiangmai]

Hope nobody mistakes this madman for me as I also have a Nissan NV and the number plate letters are the same and also the first two numbers are the same, in fact the numbers are so close to mine that I suspect it was registered on the same day.

[samuibeachcomber]

@ onnut

My wife is Thai. However, she would like to move out of Thailand. She says the country is deteriorating and extreme bad things are on the rise. She likes to compare with the "good old days"......

unfortunately, it's not only Thailand. Quote of the day....

"Don't be deceived when they tell you things are better now. Even if there's no poverty to be seen because the poverty's been hidden. Even if you ever got more wages and could afford to buy more of these new and useless goods which industries foist on you and even if it seems to you that you never had so much, that is only the slogan of those who still have much more than you.

Don't be taken in when they paternally pat you on the shoulder and say that there's no inequality worth speaking of and no more reason to fight because if you believe them they will be completely in charge in their marble homes and granite banks from which they rob the people of the world under the pretence of bringing them culture.

Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they'll send you out to protect their gold in wars whose weapons, rapidly developed by servile scientists, will become more and more deadly until they can with a flick of the finger tear a million of you to pieces."

BTW. I still enjoy living in Chiang Mai, but if there is one thing that really concerns me it is driving. I never forget how dangerous it can be mainly because I was involved in a head-on crash 5 or 6 years ago. Not a nice experience.

i like this quote,where does it come from?

[Naam]

"He stopped his car and came to me with a big samurai, at least 20 inches long"

sounds more like a dwarf Samurai

[Lost in LOS]

I pick my fights when I can, this is a fight you could have avoided. Car verses motorcycle, car will always win so just pull over next time and let the azzhole go on by.

[getgoin]

After the German man was gunned down at the light I steer clear.

[toptuan]

Ever notice? Seems like this stuff only happens where there are high concentrations of farangs.

Here in central Isaan, they cart farang around on palanquins. Restaurants waive our bills because we attract Thai-Isaan customers. We are always shown to the honored seat at every social function and ceremony. Everyone gives us the high, respected wais, and the word farang is used in hushed, reverent tones, except when used in the mysterious, inscrutable phrase "farang-kee-nok." [Photo: Toptuan being taken to the office each morning.]

What are you people doing to provoke the natives so badly???

Edited February 7, 2010 by toptuan

[Asmerom]

Hope nobody mistakes this madman for me as I also have a Nissan NV and the number plate letters are the same and also the first two numbers are the same, in fact the numbers are so close to mine that I suspect it was registered on the same day.

You forgot to mention the length of your big samurai.

[doppa]

Ever notice? Seems like this stuff only happens where there are high concentrations of farangs.

Here in central Isaan, they cart farang around on palanquins. Restaurants waive our bills because we attract Thai-Isaan customers. We are always shown to the honored seat at every social function and ceremony. Everyone gives us the high, respected wais, and the word farang is used in hushed, reverent tones, except when used in the mysterious, inscrutable phrase "farang-kee-nok." [Photo: Toptuan being taken to the office each morning.]

What are you people doing to provoke the natives so badly???

being here i guess

[neverdie]

"He stopped his car and came to me with a big samurai, at least 20 inches long"

sounds more like a dwarf Samurai

Ur leaving me with very odd mental images of what was actually happening now

[paulchiangmai]

Hope nobody mistakes this madman for me as I also have a Nissan NV and the number plate letters are the same and also the first two numbers are the same, in fact the numbers are so close to mine that I suspect it was registered on the same day.

You forgot to mention the length of your big samurai.

You'll have to ask my wife for that.

[Tanaka]

"He stopped his car and came to me with a big samurai, at least 20 inches long"

sounds more like a dwarf Samurai

Ur leaving me with very odd mental images of what was actually happening now

Concentrate please! He said it was at least 20 inches long. So it does not fit into your mental images. But do not cry. Noone has 20 inches. Hmm, maybe except a gentleman from, I believe Borneo, who's reached well down half his thighs. And that was when it was tied in a knot!

[invex]

It makes no sense posting stories that affects people very hard and, on the other side, learn that most of the readers are just joking with it. This is indeed very sad also.

Who has to be ashamed the most: the Thai brainless driver or the Farang brainless readers?

Please admin, close this threat, some replies make me even more sick of Chiang Mai (farang) people.

[IanForbes]

I almost got clipped tonight by a tuk tuk driver flying along a dark road with no headlights on. I was just about to turn across in front of him when he appeared suddenly out of the black. A vehicle well behind him had its high beam lights on and it momentarily blinded me. Thankfully, I stopped in time, but stalled my motorbike doing so. Yah gotta be aware 100% of the time.

[KevinHunt]

It makes no sense posting stories that affects people very hard and, on the other side, learn that most of the readers are just joking with it. This is indeed very sad also.

Who has to be ashamed the most: the Thai brainless driver or the Farang brainless readers?

Please admin, close this threat, some replies make me even more sick of Chiang Mai (farang) people.

    You're quite right. I'm sure it was a frightening experience. Fortunately, it is quite rare so the only option is to put it down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.You have to live and learn. As some folk here suggested, the safest option is often backing down - let the idiots behind you get past, away from you and out of harms way.

   Similarly you should already be aware of how frivolous Thai Visa can be at times. If you don't like it avoid it. If you look again, some of the posts are fine and sympathetic. If some posters are always annoying, put them on 'ignore'.

   Most Farangs in Chaing Mai are decent, as are most posters here, but there is a disproportionate number of lost souls posting here. Don't make the mistake of thinking that those posters on are representative of the whole, or of Farangs in general. But more importantly, don't let one unfortunate incident make you over-emphasise the dangers of living in Chiang Mai.

   

[IanForbes]

Well said, Kevin. And, you didn't even slip one little story of somebody molesting you at the RED LION.

[orang37]

It makes no sense posting stories that affects people very hard and, on the other side, learn that most of the readers are just joking with it. This is indeed very sad also. ... Who has to be ashamed the most: the Thai brainless driver or the Farang brainless readers? ... Please admin, close this threat, some replies make me even more sick of Chiang Mai (farang) people.

Sawasdee Khrup, Khun Invex,

We're really sorry to hear of this event, and we know it had to be traumatic for both you and your wife.

But, as we read the responses on this thread, it seems to us that most were sympathetic, and most were sharing experiences like yours. We've had a similar violent encounter to which we had no recourse ourselves years ago : we were "shaken up" emotionally for a month by it.

It is natural and normal for you to be going through feelings of frustration and rage after an event like this, but, to the extent you can, try not to expect everyone else to be on the same level with you; in the long run being judgemental of all "thai drivers" or all "farang TV readers" will not help you get over this.

This is a somewhat free-for-all discussion forum, and people are not "bound" to reply any particular way : that's just the way it is.

Who is more important to you, more worth remembering and feeling supported by : the several people who respond with empathy, and sharing of their own similar experiences, or the one or two who clown around ?

best, ~o:37;

Edited February 8, 2010 by orang37