Went to work this morning on the bike as normal. one difference though. wifes sisters husband is a traffic cop in Bangkok so asked him to get me a traffic cop body warmer to keep me safe on the bike.

Put it on this morning, put on my full face helmet and gloves (its cold here) an set off.

It was the most pleasant bike ride yet. I have been riding to work for 4 years now and it opened my eyes.

riders coming from the left normally don't look and come right ahead causing me to brake hard. today they looked, seen me and stopped.

trucks,pickups and cars who do a u-turn from the opposite lane normally see me and then just come ahead. once again causing me to brake hard and curse at them. today, they began to come and then hit the brakes and waited for me.

cars and trucks overtaking me from behind pass very close and I get pulled into the drag. today lots of room, no vehicles coming close.

So, its obvious to me now. thai drivers know what they are doing on a normal day is bad manners and against the law. But I am but a lowly bike rider and of no consequence. However, today I look like a cop and so get the courtesy and good manners, commonsense and law abiding drivers.

Strange but not surprising.

needless to say, the body warmer will be worn at all times now.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by thequietman

I do believe that if the traffic laws in the west weren't so draconian it would be exactly the same or maybe even worse.

Why do you think that warning systems for traffic radar are outlawed.

Yermanee

Got to get myself one of those body warmers. Sounds like it's almost equivalent to having armour on the bike.

I do believe that if the traffic laws in the west weren't so draconian it would be exactly the same or maybe even worse.

Why do you think that warning systems for traffic radar are outlawed.

Yermanee

Oh, I agree. I have no problem with the citing of dangerous drivers and drunk drivers, etc., but by far most revenue collected for traffic infractions is just another tax on the citizenry.

The only good thing to say is that the West doesn't have the chaos of LOS but I don't think that's entirely due to fines. I think it's more cultural and that far fewer fines would get similar results.

That is an Interesting observation, quietman; they see but they just don't care.

The general standard of driving here is appalling, they know the law and they disregard it, only when socirty here decides to change will it change, you cannot count on the police to enforce it can you? Yet they could make a fortune in fines, shall we tell them?

Just don't get done up for impersonating an officer.

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

It's only worth what it's worth because they don't hand them out like sweeties but only to close friends or relatives.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by Trembly

Can just buy one right?!

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

It's only worth what it's worth because they don't hand them out like sweeties but only to close friends or relatives.

Tosh.

Anyone can buy one.

I have seen the shops selling a the police gear but assumed they wouldn't sell to a westerner?!

the true colors in one will all appears when one is behind the wheels

Just watch out for Ferraris.

I have seen the shops selling a the police gear but assumed they wouldn't sell to a westerner?!

They'll sell to anyone.

Rather sad when you have to impersonate a police man,just to ensure your daily commute to work is a safe one.

If only I could get my hands on a post mans uniform,I might get my mail on time or at all.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by stoneyboy

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

It's only worth what it's worth because they don't hand them out like sweeties but only to close friends or relatives.

Tosh.

Anyone can buy one.

Can't be the ones I'm thinking of then . . . . quite often they're unit / department specific and are usually made to order in batches, not dissimilar to class graduation rings.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by Trembly

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

It's only worth what it's worth because they don't hand them out like sweeties but only to close friends or relatives.

Tosh.

Anyone can buy one.

Can't be the ones I'm thinking of then . . . . quite often they're unit / department specific and are usually made to order in batches, not dissimilar to class graduation rings.

Try the shop in the compound of Police Headquarters.

Just don't get done up for impersonating an officer.

Yep its sure to happen

Yeah Ive got my brother in laws Police jacket. Nice fit, silk lined, with Police written on the back that tucks in the jacket. My wife says when she rides with it on, no cops pull her over and like you say other motorists are careful.

Wonder what its worth?

It's only worth what it's worth because they don't hand them out like sweeties but only to close friends or relatives.

Tosh.

Anyone can buy one.

Are you serious that anyone can buy 1? I didnt know that. I know copies can be bought.

Yes, I'm serious.

Friend who collects cop paraphernalia just bought a big haul the other day.

The only thing that can't be bought is the actual lozenge-shaped badge that cops wear on their left breast.

Edited January 9, 201313 yr by NewlyMintedThai

Try the shop in the compound of Police Headquarters.

Which will have distinguishing marks for the all the unique specific unit / year / class permutations all in stock . .. . riiiiiiiight. I'll say it again . . . made - to - order.

I do believe that if the traffic laws in the west weren't so draconian it would be exactly the same or maybe even worse.

Why do you think that warning systems for traffic radar are outlawed.

Yermanee

That would depend on how much "you" value your life and not "them"

Try the shop in the compound of Police Headquarters.

Which will have distinguishing marks for the all the unique specific unit / year / class permutations all in stock . .. . riiiiiiiight. I'll say it again . . . made - to - order.

They'll be happy to order for you whatever they don't have in stock.

I'm trying to make a helpful suggestion for those interested. If you don't want to check it out, fine.

Congratulations to the OP

I don't remember anyone ever posting a topic like this. Good to see something new.

I would be interested in getting one of these bodywarmers.

The only thing is that most of the police uniforms that I see are at least 2 sizes too small (except on the women )

Do they actually manufacture these in a size bigger than would fit a stringbean?

Just don't get done up for impersonating an officer.

Yes, thought about that also but wife said as long as I dont take bribes, blow a whistle for no reason, sit on my arse all day and actually do a proper days work, then i should be fine. They can't accuse me of impersonating then can they ??

I am looking for a 4 star Generals outfit with lots of badges, I have also got some to swop to make sure I have a colourful display, this way I also get the full police escort as well, so you lot can move over when I hit town!

PS Big C out of stock, how unusual.

Just don't get done up for impersonating an officer.

What does an officer look like and do? I have seen people in brown fancy dress pretending to be police officers though!