When I lived in the States, some 30 years ago, I always wondered why so many parking lots and parking structures had signs all over that said, "Head in Only".

After moving to Thailand, I finally understand....

Why do so many Thai drivers insist on backing their massive D-Max bargain-basement pickup trucks into spaces clearly designed for something no larger than a Honda Jazz?

Most of them are so poor at the task that it ends up delaying the ingress and egress of every other driver in the lot while they vainly attempt to accomplish a job which is obviously far beyond their ability.

Of course, the results are often horrid. Tonight the jerk who backed his obnoxiously large SUV into the spot next to mine at Lotus was so far over the line that I could barely get into my own, reasonable sized and "headed in" Toyota Vios.

I can only conclude that the practice of "backing in" is condoned by Thai's because it offers yet-another opportunity to sit idly, doing nothing, while observing a hapless and struggling fellow human being failing again at a task they never should have attempted in the first place.

There. Got that off my chest, and at your expense.

When I lived in the States, some 30 years ago, I always wondered why so many parking lots and parking structures had signs all over that said, "Head in Only".

After moving to Thailand, I finally understand....

Why do so many Thai drivers insist on backing their massive D-Max bargain-basement pickup trucks into spaces clearly designed for something no larger than a Honda Jazz?

Most of them are so poor at the task that it ends up delaying the ingress and egress of every other driver in the lot while they vainly attempt to accomplish a job which is obviously far beyond their ability.

Of course, the results are often horrid. Tonight the jerk who backed his obnoxiously large SUV into the spot next to mine at Lotus was so far over the line that I could barely get into my own, reasonable sized and "headed in" Toyota Vios.

I can only conclude that the practice of "backing in" is condoned by Thai's because it offers yet-another opportunity to sit idly, doing nothing, while observing a hapless and struggling fellow human being failing again at a task they never should have attempted in the first place.

There. Got that off my chest, and at your expense.

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I am the other way round in my thinking. I hardly ever see a Thai driver backing in a parking spot. Whenever possible I always reverse in to park, as it cut's down dramatically the chance of an accident on the way out.In fact in a line of cars the ones that are backed in are usually the farangs. Mind you it does not matter with most Thai drivers, they're just as likely to hit someone whichever way they park.

I' m with Lampard on this one.

When I learnt to drive I was taught to back into a parking space.

Never had a problem heading in, out or shaking it about, on my motor bike.

Although carrying 50 Kilo of groceries home can be a bit of a pain.

I have a good laugh in Suphanburi, where they all park on really odd angles, like a boxers teeth.

I have a good laugh in Suphanburi, where they all park on really odd angles, like a boxers teeth.

I've usually parked away from the rest there at Tescos for this reason. Don't want to get the vehicle "kissed" as Thais euphemistically refer to fender-benders!

A Thai reversing!!!

I've usually parked away from the rest there at Tescos for this reason.  Don't want to get the vehicle "kissed" as Thais euphemistically refer to fender-benders!

Ditto... most people will park as close as possible to the entrance of the store, 'coz they're too lazy to walk far.

Too many times in the past I've returned to my car only to find new scratches and dents caused by ignorant and careless car door openers.

I'd rather walk a bit further (even in the sun) than risk gatting "kissed".

I' m with Lampard on this one.

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Well, I've marched to a different drummer all my life, so I'm not surprised to be in the minority on this one as well.

I' m with Lampard on this one.

Well, I've marched to a different drummer all my life, so I'm not surprised to be in the minority on this one as well.

I'm having second thoughts now.

It actually makes sense to "head in" when you go shopping so that the boot

(trunk) is sticking out for easy loading

Most of them are so poor at the task that it ends up delaying the ingress and egress of every other driver in the lot while they vainly attempt to accomplish a job which is obviously far beyond their ability.

Thais are nice people, but very self absorbed. The plight of others does not even occur to them, although its not out of mean-ness, its just being Thai.

cv

The biggest chore of driving into the office by far is dealing with the car park in the building. Worst of all is when you're stuck behind a Thai driver who really is going through full-blown arse/elbow syndrome trying to navigate themselves around the narrow ramps and tight spaces.

Then you eventually get to your spot that you have to back in to, only to throw it into reverse then check your mirrors to find some inconsiderate prick has gone right up your arse and has a further two cars behind them. Did I indicate well before stopping and reversing?

Oh yes, I did.

FAARRRKK!

[Well, I've marched to a different drummer all my life,

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Careful what you say Mike.......you know what that means in England? Same as batted for the other team.

[Well, I've marched to a different drummer all my life,

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Careful what you say Mike.......you know what that means in England? Same as batted for the other team.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you.

BTW, just got back from The Mall. While waiting for someone to back their Vigo into a spot, I looked to my right and counted ten pickup trucks and one sedan all in a row, all backed in....

[Well, I've marched to a different drummer all my life,

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Careful what you say Mike.......you know what that means in England? Same as batted for the other team.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you.

BTW, just got back from The Mall. While waiting for someone to back their Vigo into a spot, I looked to my right and counted ten pickup trucks and one sedan all in a row, all backed in....

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See....lot a Farangs in Korat

See....lot a Farangs in Korat

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None quite as cool as you though, Lampers. Fancy opening a branch here?

See....lot a Farangs in Korat

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None quite as cool as you though, Lampers. Fancy opening a branch here?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No mate......Colonel Saunders & Ronald Macdonald would set the mob on me for selling burgers made with real beef. Can't afford to move to the big city.

No mate......Colonel Saunders & Ronald Macdonald would set the mob on me for selling burgers made with real beef. Can't afford to move to the big city.

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Have yet to visit either of those establishments. Somehow, the alternatives all seem preferable. Perhaps the fact that I am an ex-Maconald's fry cook has something to do with my aversion....

Anyway, I miss both the beer selection and the ambience of Farang Connection. Mind if I don't back in?

Anyway, I miss both the beer selection and the ambience of Farang Connection. Mind if I don't back in?

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That's the first time I've heard BS called ambience!

No mate......Colonel Saunders & Ronald Macdonald would set the mob on me for selling burgers made with real beef. Can't afford to move to the big city.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Have yet to visit either of those establishments. Somehow, the alternatives all seem preferable. Perhaps the fact that I am an ex-Maconald's fry cook has something to do with my aversion....

Anyway, I miss both the beer selection and the ambience of Farang Connection. Mind if I don't back in?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Aw Mike........................why the long face?

I'm gonna beat this horse until it's really dead....

Tonight we went to Lotus. When we got back to the car we found that yet-another-idiot had backed into the space next to us leaving his car overlapping the line by at least 30 cm. As a result, my GF was unable to get in via the passenger side door.

OK, I'll just back up so she can get in. Trouble is, I can't back up. Why? The aisle behind me is jammed with stationary vehicles. What are they waiting for? Yes, another D-Max owner is making repeated, unsuccessful attempts to back his massive truck into a parking spot.

Finally, even the Thai drivers in the aisle get tired of doing nothing and start to back down the aisle, looking for an escape route, creating even more chaos.

Finally I get out of the car, relocate some shopping carts that other fools have left strewn about the lot enabling me to get out by moving forward through the fortunately vacant spot in front of me.

As we leave the Lotus lot I look back to see that the D-Max still hasn't been able to park and is still blocking an aisle full of now-angry drivers.

Back in parking ought to be banned.

There. Another unfortunate experience off my chest. Time for another Chang....

Most of them are so poor at the task that it ends up delaying the ingress and egress of every other driver in the lot while they vainly attempt to accomplish a job which is obviously far beyond their ability.

Thais are nice people, but very self absorbed. The plight of others does not even occur to them, although its not out of mean-ness, its just being Thai.

cv

Good one, cv

If more Farang would take those words to heart and try to understand Thais as they "are" and not as how the Farang would "like" them to be...

A Thai reversing!!!

   

Mai dai. Impossible infinity!