Ten Killed And 52 Injured In Two Upcountry Smash-Ups: Thailand

[webfact]

Ten killed and 52 injured in Two upcountry smash-ups

THE NATION

In a black day on Thai roads yesterday, 10 people died and 52 were hurt, many seriously, in just two multi-car pile-ups.

SARABURI: -- The first accident involved 18 cars on Mittaparb Road in Saraburi province and killed three people and injured some 20 others. A second accident in Ayutthaya killed seven and |injured 12 others.

The Mittaparb Road accident took place in front of the TPI cement factory on the inbound road in Kaeng Khoi district at about 1.30am.

According to police, the trailer of a speeding truck came loose from its coupling, causing it to disconnect. The cars following were unable to stop and slammed into the trailer.

A total of 18 vehicles - including pickups and minivans - were involved. Three people were killed instantly - two van passengers, Patchanee Pimhinkong, 13, Chai Phaengcharee, 56, and an unnamed woman in a pickup truck - while some 20 injured were sent to Kaeng Khoi and Saraburi Hospitals.

Police had to seal off the road to make possible the transfer of the dead and injured.

They arrested the trailer truck driver, Chaiporn Bamrab, 64.

Meanwhile, seven people were killed and 12 others injured when a pickup truck carrying illegal Burmese migrant workers veered off the road and plunged into a roadside irrigation canal in Ayutthaya's Ban Phraek district, according to local police.

The accident left five women and two men dead, including the driver, Suwicharn Boonmen from Sukhothai, as well as injuring 12 other migrant workers sitting in the open back of the vehicle, Ban Phraek police said.

Rescue workers spent two hours retrieving the Sukhothai-registered vehicle from the four-metre-deep canal.

Most of the victims were identified as Burmese migrant workers.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was bringing the workers from Mae Sot, in the Thai-Burmese border province of Tak, and was heading for the central province of Lop Buri via the Asian Highway.

As he approached Ang Thong province, the driver saw a police checkpoint and tried to avoid a search, speeding away and using a Ban Phraek district road as a shortcut.

Police said the driver might not have been familiar with the narrow road. He lost control and veered into the canal.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

related topics:

18-Car Accident Kills Three And Injures 20 In Saraburi

http://www.thaivisa....20-in-saraburi/

7 Dead, 12 Injured In Ayutthaya Province Pick-Up Crash

http://www.thaivisa....-pick-up-crash/

[chiang mai]

"Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was bringing the workers from Mae Sot, in the Thai-Burmese border province of Tak, and was heading for the central province of Lop Buri via the Asian Highway.

As he approached Ang Thong province, the driver saw a police checkpoint and tried to avoid a search, speeding away and using a Ban Phraek district road as a shortcut".

How tragic, RIP all those who were simply trying to earn a crust.

[pattayadingo]

What a terrible waste of life.

[Payboy]

The other newspaper reports that a 16 year old Thai kid was driving the pick-up with the Burmese migrants.

[laurentbkk]

apparently the driver of the pick up truck was 16 ...... 16 years old .... this is insane .... Thai Roads are DANGEROUS .... I am so sorry for those who lost their lives, this is always terrible to lose your life because of someone else.

[MEL1]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

Edited March 29, 2012 by MEL1

[Gone]

I'm getting tired of commenting on these tragic accidents they happen so often these days.

RIP

[TexasRanger]

The cops have a lot to answer for, so busy fining people for not wearing helmets but a pickup truck bed full of women and babies is acceptable.

[MEL1]

The cops have a lot to answer for, so busy fining people for not wearing helmets but a pickup truck bed full of women and babies is acceptable.

I think my last post referred to this issue quite clearly!

-mel.

[pisico]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

You certainly have the qualifications and real world experience to asses the lack of seriousness of authorities in safe guarding their own citizens. It seems that the only thing that powers that be are truly interested is revenue for the government and their own.

In my primary field of endeavor Thailand in the West is labeled as a country that is yet to be a serious country. From direct and real experience I know that patients in emergency wards are treated differently as far as quality and promptness regardless of the nature of said emergency. If they have private insurance they will be treated promptly. If not, they have to wait until they have nothing to do, then, they are attended to but in a limited and basic scale.

At all levels the obsession is price, not quality, not even value, which is an alien concept to this way of life.

For as long as the 49% of investors continue pumping the tills of the government, all those ills in industry and daily life tragedies will continue. Thailand is not a serious country, How can it be when minors driving vehicles of hi-so parents can cause accidents resulting in deaths of innocent travelers in mini vans and no one is held responsible and/or penalized? How can it be when police and citizens see the riding of motorcycles on sidewalks (destined to afford safety to pedestrians) as a normal occurrence? How can it be when corruption continues thriving from street levels to public officials? I recall seen the same status quo in banana republics in Africa and Latin America. The momentum that Thailand has attained since the 90s can be gradually lost and probably never to be regained as the dynamics of this world nowadays are totally different.

Me worried? The ones at the top of power heap will say. Not for as long their bloated salaries should continue flowing into their accounts, at home and overseas.

[TexasRanger]

The cops have a lot to answer for, so busy fining people for not wearing helmets but a pickup truck bed full of women and babies is acceptable.

I think my last post referred to this issue quite clearly!

-mel.

Want a medal?

[mussen]

Tailgating at 100km/h+ with 2-4 metres between cars = ??? Aint rocket science!

[ableguy]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

Thailand could not organise a piss up in a brewery.

[JRinger]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

I quite agree with you Mel concerning the less than adequate safety standards on cars & trucks in Thailand.

Just need to look at the photo of this accident in the first post to see that the body is similar to tin foil. The older trucks, especially Isuzu & Toyota, have thicker body steel and although I know the big car companies have redesigned the steel much thinner, in the west it's been improved with other alloys that are proven to make the thinner body stronger.

Is it the greed for profits without concern for physical life that allows these wheeled coffins to be sold in this country? Cars, trucks, etc., are much more expensive in Thailand than in the states, especially used vehicles.. I've thought about selling my 20 year-old-Isuzu truck and getting a newer one but after 2000/2001 the body steel is noticeably thinner.

[ianf]

There is no real training for drivers, so apart from the technical aspects I think that g teaching people to drive properly is an important issue. This morning I was cycling when a motorcycle came up on my left side and immediately turned right in front of me. It could have been nasty but my bike handling skills are better than most and I got away with it. My opinion is that 90% of Thai drivers don't have a clue. The police only use the helmet issue as a cash gathering exercise. Yesterday I watched them collect money. However, a policeman on a motorcycle without a helmet was smiled at and acknowledged. Not fined.

[normac44]

What a terrible waste of life. As an ex Paramedic I can only imagine that it would have looked like a war zone.RIP to all.

[MEL1]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

I quite agree with you Mel concerning the less than adequate safety standards on cars & trucks in Thailand.

Just need to look at the photo of this accident in the first post to see that the body is similar to tin foil. The older trucks, especially Isuzu & Toyota, have thicker body steel and although I know the big car companies have redesigned the steel much thinner, in the west it's been improved with other alloys that are proven to make the thinner body stronger.

Is it the greed for profits without concern for physical life that allows these wheeled coffins to be sold in this country? Cars, trucks, etc., are much more expensive in Thailand than in the states, especially used vehicles.. I've thought about selling my 20 year-old-Isuzu truck and getting a newer one but after 2000/2001 the body steel is noticeably thinner.

To go into some minor detail, it isn't the body shell that saves lives, that's just aesthetics. It is the chassis, construction, most importantly weld points and so on, as a whole structure that integrates safety.

Take a look at the Isuzu, for example. The chassis has bent upwards, the rear wheels are raised, and the supposedly side-impact bar in the door is attached to nothing. The impact bar is always interlinked with A and B pillar, but in this case not. As for the doors on the Toyota, forget it; and the cab has slid forward and left its chassis fixation point. The chassis has been made of yielding steel, neither hardened or tempered, and is a disgrace.

These are just minor observations, but incredibly important ones at that. The design, build quality and overall standard of these vehicles if crashed in Europe or US would barely get 1 star - and the 1 star would be for speed! .............

-mel.

Edited March 29, 2012 by MEL1

[GentlemanJim]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

MEL1

Epic post! What are your thoughts on the safety of other trucks out here? Are there any that do match Euro safety standards? What of the Fortuna? I have always thought them safe, but then again until your post I thought a Toyota truck was safe. What is the safest 4x4 for a family out here? Really interested to get your advice thanks.

[laurentbkk]

what to expect when the majority of the population doesnt know how to drive ! the worse is that they think they are the best driver in the world .. get a proper training ..those powerfull cars are not to be given to anyone who doesnt even have a bit of knowledge of driving . sorry to say that , but Thais are among the worse drivers in the world .... I can already see the replies of that comment LOL .... I assume 100% what I say , I am driving here for nearly 20 years and witnessed so many accidents ....

[HaleySabai]

Thai-Man drinks beer, the cans are recycled to make trucks so the Thai-man can go and buy more beer.....keep it in the "loop" as they say.

Unfortunately, it is difficult not to have silly statements generated from the insanity of daily activities in this very

serious(ly-corrupt) country. But life will go on,with or without you.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Post # 6 said:

.... when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue?

I would say it's a miracle. Where does this passenger load fit into this report?

[jackspratt]

Given that the new Toyota Hilux you buy in Australia is made in Thailand, and Australia has very strict vehicle safety standards, I am not sure what to make of MEL1's posts in this thread.

[chiangmaicharlies]

Why do some people post messages such as (quote) "I'm getting tired of commenting on these tragic accidents they happen so often these days" Don't add a quote! I guess it's just to boost their number of postings. I won't say this again, promise.

[MEL1]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

MEL1

Epic post! What are your thoughts on the safety of other trucks out here? Are there any that do match Euro safety standards? What of the Fortuna? I have always thought them safe, but then again until your post I thought a Toyota truck was safe. What is the safest 4x4 for a family out here? Really interested to get your advice thanks.

Take a little peak at the sources I deal with:

http://www.euroncap.com/results/ford/ranger/2012/450.aspx

A Ford, compared to these results:

http://www.euroncap.com/results/isuzu/d-max/rodeo.aspx?class=b9daf426-e95a-43af-bea9-c5d2e7388aef&dontlaunchmobile=1

The D-Max.

I'd safely say go with a western brand, and I am only a designer and safety engineer..... not a salesman.

These results speak for themselves. The Ford Ranger is a 5* Euro Ncap car - meaning you as an occupant are fully covered, as best can be of course in all circumstances. against frontal, rear and side impact. Ford, and the likes, haven't been doing what they have been doing for years for nothing.

Isuzu became a buyer and controller of Thai Rung Union car, which was my first port of call to Thailand in the mid-90s, as they needed a decelleration expert when doors were flying open (they didn't know about door latch balance vs release handle G forces).

Thai Rung cars are incredibly unsafe, but with the joint venture with Japan had financial input to create Isuzu, safety regardless.

It's a long history, but based upon the Euro crash test results I have provided in my area of expertise I would hope that, and for the same price, persons would seriously consider investing in western designed vehicles, such as for a pick up the Ford Ranger - which will save you legs and chest in any comparable circumstance to an Isuzu or Toyota 4x4.

-mel.

[MEL1]

Given that the new Toyota Hilux you buy in Australia is made in Thailand, and Australia has very strict vehicle safety standards, I am not sure what to make of MEL1's posts in this thread.

Depends upon where it was crash tested, the model supplied, the level of materials in that particular vehicle and so on. It does go on that vehicles are not called off-line for testing, but initial prototypes are tested abroad to international standards. An offline car called for test will be modified, I've seen it done.

I have nothing to gain from this. I am simply giving you an inside view of what can, and does indeed, go on with regard to Asian manufactured vehicles.

-mel.

[necronx99]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

MEL1

Epic post! What are your thoughts on the safety of other trucks out here? Are there any that do match Euro safety standards? What of the Fortuna? I have always thought them safe, but then again until your post I thought a Toyota truck was safe. What is the safest 4x4 for a family out here? Really interested to get your advice thanks.

Take a little peak at the sources I deal with:

http://www.euroncap....r/2012/450.aspx

A Ford, compared to these results:

http://www.euroncap....tlaunchmobile=1

The D-Max.

I'd safely say go with a western brand, and I am only a designer and safety engineer..... not a salesman.

These results speak for themselves. The Ford Ranger is a 5* Euro Ncap car - meaning you as an occupant are fully covered, as best can be of course in all circumstances. against frontal, rear and side impact. Ford, and the likes, haven't been doing what they have been doing for years for nothing.

Isuzu became a buyer and controller of Thai Rung Union car, which was my first port of call to Thailand in the mid-90s, as they needed a decelleration expert when doors were flying open (they didn't know about door latch balance vs release handle G forces).

Thai Rung cars are incredibly unsafe, but with the joint venture with Japan had financial input to create Isuzu, safety regardless.

It's a long history, but based upon the Euro crash test results I have provided in my area of expertise I would hope that, and for the same price, persons would seriously consider investing in western designed vehicles, such as for a pick up the Ford Ranger - which will save you legs and chest in any comparable circumstance to an Isuzu or Toyota 4x4.

-mel.

The last Hilux tested by ancap gave it 4 stars and that was the 2005 model. What are you basing your Toyota comment on?

[unanimosity]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

North America prohibits any passengers in the back of pickups. Has for years. It is illegal. And the same goes for dogs sort of. A dog must at least be tethered to prevent him bouncing out.

[MEL1]

It is sad, of course. But when is Thailand going to grow up regarding passenger and car safety.

I worked in the car industry for 20 years, as a chief designer and safety consultant.

I will advise that these Isuzu pick up trucks, we all know them, are incredibly unsafe in crash situations. The front cab, and rear stowage space are two separate entities, not linked in any structural format way, apart from being seated on a long chassis which will twist and crumple unaccordingly to any impact; front, rear or side impact, and the cab has no strengthening struts whatsoever.

The Toyota vans are made of inferior steels, as are the Isuzus, and have no chance of sustaining impact which pertains to console safety.

Added to that, and until these matters of construction are made illegal, when will Thai authorities realise that 264 people in the back of a truck is a huge safety issue? Would it be seen in the west? - NO WAY! You'd be stopped 100m down the road!

The manufacturers put a big 3.0Ltr engine in these fatal traps, and away you go - no problems..... so they think!

I saw a scrape in a garage, filling station, where at 5mph a Nissan was scraped by an Isuzu 4x4. The Nissan was untouched, but the Isuzu was crumpled to pieces all along one side. It made me shudder, as once the paperwork had been exchanged, 10 got into the Isuzu and off he went, like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Until Thailand realises that FMVSS and Euro-Ncap are standards for specific reasons, i.e. passenger safety, we will continue to read about these sad losses.

Thailand needs to create its own crash, safety, and occupant laws to reduce or eliminate such crashes as these. However, they just don't have the knowledge, nor seem to want it - as in most other areas of safety.

How sad!

-mel.

MEL1

Epic post! What are your thoughts on the safety of other trucks out here? Are there any that do match Euro safety standards? What of the Fortuna? I have always thought them safe, but then again until your post I thought a Toyota truck was safe. What is the safest 4x4 for a family out here? Really interested to get your advice thanks.

Take a little peak at the sources I deal with:

http://www.euroncap....r/2012/450.aspx

A Ford, compared to these results:

http://www.euroncap....tlaunchmobile=1

The D-Max.

I'd safely say go with a western brand, and I am only a designer and safety engineer..... not a salesman.

These results speak for themselves. The Ford Ranger is a 5* Euro Ncap car - meaning you as an occupant are fully covered, as best can be of course in all circumstances. against frontal, rear and side impact. Ford, and the likes, haven't been doing what they have been doing for years for nothing.

Isuzu became a buyer and controller of Thai Rung Union car, which was my first port of call to Thailand in the mid-90s, as they needed a decelleration expert when doors were flying open (they didn't know about door latch balance vs release handle G forces).

Thai Rung cars are incredibly unsafe, but with the joint venture with Japan had financial input to create Isuzu, safety regardless.

It's a long history, but based upon the Euro crash test results I have provided in my area of expertise I would hope that, and for the same price, persons would seriously consider investing in western designed vehicles, such as for a pick up the Ford Ranger - which will save you legs and chest in any comparable circumstance to an Isuzu or Toyota 4x4.

-mel.

The last Hilux tested by ancap gave it 4 stars and that was the 2005 model. What are you basing your Toyota comment on?

Ancap is Asian crash standard safety, it is in no comparison to FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) nor EuroNcap (European New car Assessment program). Ancap creates its own laws, according to back handers from China and so on. I need say no further.

Of course the rules will be bent in Ancap, to accommodate production and incomes and positions for the politically bent, overseeing the real safety issues.

As for the Hilux, enjoy the shocking news: http://paultan.org/2008/02/29/shocking-euroncap-pick-up-truck-crash-tests/

You're in my area of expertise now, so keep'em flying. Asian vehicles are a safety disgrace, and you only have to see the OP to see the resultants.

-mel.

[slapout]

I am going to give mel the benifiet as I do not think the trolls we see, would have put in the effort to enlighten others with this info, in a false manner. Thanks for the input and info/sources.

My only disappointment is, I was not surprised at 'mels' input.

[necronx99]

As for the Hilux, enjoy the shocking news: http://paultan.org/2...ck-crash-tests/

-mel.

I'm shocked. They didn't test it.

It gets the sane sort of fmvss ratings as the ranger?

Edited March 29, 2012 by necronx99