Travel safety on the roads in Thailand

[leggo]

Quote by TAT governor "In a society where one motorcycle carries an entire family, this is not a safety culture. A society where a two-year-old boy is put in front of a steering wheel [on the lap of the driver] is not a safety culture and no government can do anything about that," he said.
If this is the attitude no wonder things are so bad in Thailand - have they ever thought of enforcing the law - unfortunately now this way of travelling is so
embedded into Asiatic life they will never be able to change it. The WHO recently put Thailand as the second most dangerous country in the world to drive in. The laws are broken every second, changing lanes at high speed,overtaking on the inside, no seat belts, no helmets, no speed limits, drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs and worst of all no traffic cops doing anything about all this. The only solution to all this is to start a massive advertising campaign, educating all schools,a much stricter driving test and all of this in conjunction with a huge clampdown by the authorites. Personally I don't think it will ever happen and the carnage will continue. I travel on the road between Rayong ,Sattahip and Pattaya and back once or twice a week and every journey I fear for my life!

[pitchag]

Try taking the short cut past the winery and avoid the 8 inch deep potholes been like it for weeks

[lonelyrw]

The education on driving are 0.

Blind people in useless cars in the traffic!

I nearly had an accident yesterday when a driver of a Toyota came from a joining road. Just crossed over in front of me by 1 meter from an accident. Also a pickup overloded with junks going to fast and had a rear tyre puncture, rolled ower, but driver was able to climb out unhurt through the door window. Something have to be dunn to the traffic situation in Thailand

[Habs]

The only way to travel safe on the roads in Thailand is to stay off them!

Edited November 22, 2013 by Habs

[impulse]

Thai roads are very dangerous by world comparisons with "back home".

But that has to be tempered by the fact that 99.9???...% of passengers arrive at their destinations in one piece. A little lighter, perhaps, from sweating bullets, but safe and sound.

Still, I hate driving in Thailand and my vehicle leaves the apartment parking lot only to get out of BKK a couple of times a month. I may feel different if the first 5 km of every journey were not in the Asoke/ Rama 4 area.

[Rob8891]

Went out with gfs family recently..... cousin's hubby had a few Hong Thongs then got behind the wheel of a less than well-maintained car.... 140kph (minimum), passing either side of vehicles.... I did gently enquire whether he'd like me to drive, but he didn't seem to hear me. Maybe it was hard to get the voice to carry abobe the rattling and clanking of our trusty steed, or may I was using most of my energy clenching buttock muscles and did not expend energy doing anything else.

Lane changes were frequent, erratic and sometimes unplanned as the car lurched out of potholes and was thrown haphazardly across the road.

We arrived at our destination in one piece, and I guess the upside of it was that the drive did for me what recent and massive doses of laxative could not.

[socksy01]

F*****g Hell!

If Thailand is second in the World I would love to see (but not drive there) the worst country

[loxley99]

I understood it was the 3rd for road deaths - 38 per 100,000 - the top two Eritrea and Dominican Republic - I agree with all the above ...education and a commitment by the police to implement the laws they have been entrusted with ! Re education, considering the numerous hoardings and signs along the road have why not some sort of regulation that requires them to also carry a community message ..ie Riding with no helmet kills ...drink driving kills ...speeding kills ...there are many ways ...just drive on Aussie or UK roads ..and you will see them ... UK 2.7 and Aus 6 per 100,000 ...even Loas at 20, Cambodia at 17 have better statistics.

I am saddened that it seem acceptable that so many, predominantly young, people are allowed to die in such numbers!

[CharlieH]

It would be great if they had someone to enforce what laws they do have, but maybe thats just dreamin!

A police force that enforces the law, what a novel idea, instead of the uniformed gangs or corrupt thugs!

[peterbkk9]

The education on driving are 0.

Blind people in useless cars in the traffic!

I nearly had an accident yesterday when a driver of a Toyota came from a joining road. Just crossed over in front of me by 1 meter from an accident. Also a pickup overloded with junks going to fast and had a rear tyre puncture, rolled ower, but driver was able to climb out unhurt through the door window. Something have to be dunn to the traffic situation in Thailand

"Also a pickup overloded with junks going to fast and had a rear tyre puncture"

It was the tyre's fault

[Dimpys Dad]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

[A1Str8]

No government can do anything about it he said. He might as well just close his mouth as he made it clear that he has no idea what's going on. The government has everything to do with it. Maybe if the government did its best to improve the system so that most people would not be forced to live in poverty..maybe if they stopped robbing people..then maybe thais could afford more than one motosai for the entire family and would have more money in general to improve their lives regarding to safety issues.

[01322521959]

Went out with gfs family recently..... cousin's hubby had a few Hong Thongs then got behind the wheel of a less than well-maintained car.... 140kph (minimum), passing either side of vehicles.... I did gently enquire whether he'd like me to drive, but he didn't seem to hear me. Maybe it was hard to get the voice to carry abobe the rattling and clanking of our trusty steed, or may I was using most of my energy clenching buttock muscles and did not expend energy doing anything else.

Lane changes were frequent, erratic and sometimes unplanned as the car lurched out of potholes and was thrown haphazardly across the road.

We arrived at our destination in one piece, and I guess the upside of it was that the drive did for me what recent and massive doses of laxative could not.

Cheers, mate. Laughed my head off. Made my afternoon, though must say it would be funny if it wasn't so serious...

[khunano]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

Couldn't agree more with you! Though you may experience one or the other adrenaline rush if encountering a situation you did not quite expect, I find it much more fun to drive in Thailand than on the roads of my native country in central Europe. As you said, keep your senses, look ahead and be prepared, of course experience helps, in my case in almost 20 years in Thailand and probably close to 500K kilometres on its roads, but never involved in much more than a fender bender. However those who feel insecure or are even fearful of driving here, should indeed better stay off the roads.

[bbbbooboo]

In Thailand I suggest there is an ingrained wilful "unawareness" in regard to motor safety and road rules generally. Even when explicitly shown safer more sensible ways do things they will not listen. So in the end you give up and let them continue needlessly slaughtering each other(and sometimes non-Thais)

[NoshowJones]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

I love Thailand and I love the people. I also love the way I can walk about in safety in Bangkok and Pattaya. I never walk about in the early hours of the morning. I never drink alcohol and always mind my own business, BUT, the Thai mentality on the roads is dreadful and absolutely disgraceful, I am not a Thai basher, but the truth must be told.

[Dimpys Dad]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

I love Thailand and I love the people. I also love the way I can walk about in safety in Bangkok and Pattaya. I never walk about in the early hours of the morning. I never drink alcohol and always mind my own business, BUT, the Thai mentality on the roads is dreadful and absolutely disgraceful, I am not a Thai basher, but the truth must be told.

Thank you.

I agree that there are those drivers who have no regard for safety, which is (one of the reasons) why I practice defensive driving. I would rather put it this way..."The mentality of some Thais on the roads is dreadful and disgraceful", perhaps this is what you meant. I have seen the very same in the U.S. and refrain from painting all drivers as such. I believe the majority of drivers in Thailand are just as concerned with protecting life, limb and property while driving as anywhere else. By the way, ever been to Mexico? Talk about crazy drivers.

That said, I believe that education and social pressures will have the desired effect to reduce traffic accidents but maybe not fast enough to suit some. I once had to ride in a car with my brother-in-law. The experience caused me to refuse to ride in a car he was driving ever again. I commented (not in a condemning manner) to my wife that his driving caused me great discomfort and she promptly informed the entire family of my comments. He did not appear to be offended and I will assume that perhaps it has had an effect upon his driving habits. But he does not ask to drive anymore when I am along. Social pressures do have an effect when done in a considerate manner, especially among Thais.

[NoshowJones]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

I love Thailand and I love the people. I also love the way I can walk about in safety in Bangkok and Pattaya. I never walk about in the early hours of the morning. I never drink alcohol and always mind my own business, BUT, the Thai mentality on the roads is dreadful and absolutely disgraceful, I am not a Thai basher, but the truth must be told.

Thank you.

I agree that there are those drivers who have no regard for safety, which is (one of the reasons) why I practice defensive driving. I would rather put it this way..."The mentality of some Thais on the roads is dreadful and disgraceful", perhaps this is what you meant. I have seen the very same in the U.S. and refrain from painting all drivers as such. I believe the majority of drivers in Thailand are just as concerned with protecting life, limb and property while driving as anywhere else. By the way, ever been to Mexico? Talk about crazy drivers.

That said, I believe that education and social pressures will have the desired effect to reduce traffic accidents but maybe not fast enough to suit some. I once had to ride in a car with my brother-in-law. The experience caused me to refuse to ride in a car he was driving ever again. I commented (not in a condemning manner) to my wife that his driving caused me great discomfort and she promptly informed the entire family of my comments. He did not appear to be offended and I will assume that perhaps it has had an effect upon his driving habits. But he does not ask to drive anymore when I am along. Social pressures do have an effect when done in a considerate manner, especially among Thais.

Yes, I have driven in Mexico, also in California, Nevada and Nashville, and in Canada, as well as all over the UK, and in my experience, the Americans are easily the most considerate and safest drivers. Do you really believe the most Thais are concerned with protecting life etc on the roads? I will respect your opinion, and assume you have not been in Thailand very long, I drive regularly by car and motorbike, and I stand by what I say, as far as the roads are concerned, the Thai mentality is dreadful. I stick up for Thais all the time on this forum, but never where driving or riding motorbikes are concerned.

[phitsanulokjohn]

Travel safety on the roads in Thailand?= Zilch-there isn't any.

[phitsanulokjohn]

Travel safety on the roads in Thailand?= Zilch-there isn't any.

[Rob8891]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

If that was a shot at me, you'll have to better, son.

I got into the car voluntarily and (fully??) aware of the risks I could be taking. I too love Thailand and the Thais and am living here of my own free will. My comment was in no way denigrating Thailand, just having a laugh about the gf's cuz's hubby's demon driving.

Ironically, we were stopped the next day by the BiB....gf not wearing seat belt....but the cuz knew him, so we all had a blether...and off we went all smiles.

.......and no, (rebel that I am) I was not wearing a seat belt on either occasion.

[Mudcrab]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

If that was a shot at me, you'll have to better, son.

I got into the car voluntarily and (fully??) aware of the risks I could be taking. I too love Thailand and the Thais and am living here of my own free will. My comment was in no way denigrating Thailand, just having a laugh about the gf's cuz's hubby's demon driving.

Ironically, we were stopped the next day by the BiB....gf not wearing seat belt....but the cuz knew him, so we all had a blether...and off we went all smiles.

.......and no, (rebel that I am) I was not wearing a seat belt on either occasion.

What's a "blether"?

[chrissables]

I understood it was the 3rd for road deaths - 38 per 100,000 - the top two Eritrea and Dominican Republic - I agree with all the above ...education and a commitment by the police to implement the laws they have been entrusted with ! Re education, considering the numerous hoardings and signs along the road have why not some sort of regulation that requires them to also carry a community message ..ie Riding with no helmet kills ...drink driving kills ...speeding kills ...there are many ways ...just drive on Aussie or UK roads ..and you will see them ... UK 2.7 and Aus 6 per 100,000 ...even Loas at 20, Cambodia at 17 have better statistics.

I am saddened that it seem acceptable that so many, predominantly young, people are allowed to die in such numbers!

Riding a bike without a helmet does not kill, driving with no seat belt does not kill! Being knocked off your bike by a drunk drive may well do, falling into a meter deep pot hole may well do. If the government concentrated on stopping the causes of accidents, that would reduce deaths. Not making people wear "protective" wear in the stupid hope that it keep you from death when run over!

[Dimpys Dad]

We sure do want Thailand to be like "home". Regulated, taxed, controlled in every conceivable way. No risk allowed whatsoever. Everyone has to be made to obey and bend to somebody else's will and concept of what the world ought to be like. The Western mantra is "There ought to be a law", and their lawbooks show it.

Roads have to be pothole-free, police have to be everywhere watching to make sure no one steps out of line, etc. etc. Some control freak who lives life full of fear of something being out of their control is making sure everyone else is living an "approved" lifestyle. We believe that the government is the source of all comfort and peace so we grow it until it consumes our livelihood through every conceivable form of taxation and regulation.

Why do people move to Thailand in the first place if it is so horrid a place to live, work, eat and drive? For instance, ever hear of defensive driving? I drive everywhere and yes, I have to keep my senses alert, but I can see trouble coming and work to avoid it. And I have never come close to having an accident and do not fear going out onto any road in Thailand.

There are many poor in Thailand and some families have only one motorbike. They use that one bike to move their family. I wouldn't do it but I certainly understand why Thais do it and I admire their determination to make the most out of what they have.

I love the Thais, I've read their history, I love living in Thailand and accept it for what it is. I do not belittle them and their customs and their attitudes toward life. But I do try to live by example and not moan, complain, whine and denigrate when I see something I don't like. God love the Thais for doing so much with the little they have.

I love it here and it is tiresome when I hear those who don't seem to.

If that was a shot at me, you'll have to better, son.

I got into the car voluntarily and (fully??) aware of the risks I could be taking. I too love Thailand and the Thais and am living here of my own free will. My comment was in no way denigrating Thailand, just having a laugh about the gf's cuz's hubby's demon driving.

Ironically, we were stopped the next day by the BiB....gf not wearing seat belt....but the cuz knew him, so we all had a blether...and off we went all smiles.

.......and no, (rebel that I am) I was not wearing a seat belt on either occasion.

No, no, I'm not taking shots at you. If I was taking shots at anyone, there would be no mistake. And, if you are old enough to call me son you must be a pretty old codger

Please understand, and I will try to explain. I chose to live in Thailand after careful consideration of what life would be like here because my money will take me further here than back home. But there are other important aspects that make Thailand attractive to me and if certain of those aspects disappear it may not be so attractive and then it will be incumbent upon me to make the choice whether to stay or leave.

But in choosing this country, I also accepted it as it is, warts and all. I decided that the minuses here are outweighed by the pluses. If I want to live in someone else's home then I need to accept how the owners do things. If they give me the conditions of living there so that I am fully aware of them before moving in, I made a choice to accept those conditions before moving in. I am frustrated by complaints by those who after moving in, assuming they did it with their eyes open, make it a studied effort to try to change everything they object to or find offensive.

I will continue to be concerned about foreigner's attitudes toward the Thai people and their culture. I will live here, blend in as much as a foreigner can, act in accordance with my beliefs and understandings and be as good an influence on my hosts as possible.

Thank you for your response sir.

[ozyjon]

At least in this country people drive fairly slow at junctions and everyone seems to get through, the worse country i have driven in has to be Portugal, i am a native of that country and hate driving there, the locals are really agressive,, at least i don't see that here, slowly, slowly everyone get's through (but have a look at the expressways) it's an F1 driving track.

[recom273]

No government can do anything about it he said. He might as well just close his mouth as he made it clear that he has no idea what's going on. The government has everything to do with it. Maybe if the government did its best to improve the system so that most people would not be forced to live in poverty..maybe if they stopped robbing people..then maybe thais could afford more than one motosai for the entire family and would have more money in general to improve their lives regarding to safety issues.

Its not the one bike families who jump the red in their new 4WD pickup, it aint the 15 year old kids of these famlies tear themselves up on a weekly basis on charged-up 125cc bikes. Its people with a bit of cash.

The kid who died by launching himself from his fino over the bonnet of a car at 90 km/h without a helmet, his old man was one of the trusty BiB, minimum wager ? .. not.

I would say, money does play a part, but in reverse.

[leggo]

Thanks to all for the great replies. Just to reply to one comment 'Not wearing a helmet doesn't kill ' All I can say is that if you wear a helmet and are involved in an accident your chances of head injuries are reduced considerably.(except of course if you're wearing a Thai helmet which probably won't protect you from anything!! ) No seriously helmets and seatbelts save thousands of lives every year.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[myluckythai]

They just don't care much about you or another. this is easy to see in all day life and so this reflects in their way of driving too. of course they are terrible drivers,but they just don'tcare about others as much or consequences of their actions as you might be use to back home. at least that is my belief about their anti social way of driving, me me me....oh there are others too?

Edited November 23, 2013 by myluckythai

[janpharma]

You just can't drive "safe" in Thailand; Thai drive like buffalo's, even worse...because buffalo's aren't drunk...When I went for my Thai drivers license a couple of years ago I saw people who came for the 7th time and didn't succeed. But they came driving their own pick-up and went on the road again...without license. Don't ask yourself how they can do it...It's the National corruption game at any level.

[Dorkers]

Sweeping statement coming - all comes down to education.

Education of safety issues, education about how to drive, education about problem solving, education about being considerate for other people.

And the Thai government could have a massive impact on that if they wanted to.

Personally, I don't think they want to educate the vast majority of the population because they (the politicians) are too busy with their hands in the honey pot. If they opened up Somchai's thought process to begin to work to it's full potential they might get someone coming through would could upset the applecart. They don't want that.

Keep the masses down, keep them killing themselves on the road.

Side issues, I feel sorry for those people who don't have their own transport and have to rely on Mini buses for transport. If there is ever a fix needed on safety it has to be the drivers of those coffins on wheels.