commie Joe Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I went out on the motorbike to do alittle shopping after which I entered the main drag of the road home. As usual the road was jammed up & I just took my time riding along .About 50 yards in front was trafic lights on red so no need for me to up the speed .By the time I was 10 yards away the lights changed this is when a Thai driving a mini bus with some old dear sat next to him starts bibing his horn for me to move over so he could get in the space I had which I call braking distance between me & the car in front. Also at the junction was ballards coming out from the left hand road into & to the end of the first lane that I was in ,these was there so the trafic didn't have to force its way onto the road I was on. So there I was riding in the centre of the lane moving to the outside so as to move into the second lane to go straight forward & this clown was still at it on the horn. I just carried on across the junction & further down the road could move back to the inside lane all the time with this idiot sounding the horn. He moved along side me & opened the passenger window & started mouthing off in Thai . I gave him the bird & invited him to the curbside then he drove over to the 5th lane so he could go over a bridge. So what is it that they must get that 5 metres to the point where they are pulling their hair out. I have seen so much of this behavior that I wonder what the thought process is. Bibing the horn when stuck in a traffic jam as if the entire mass of cars will disappear at the sound of a horn. This is probley the only country in the world that has a sign to say <deleted> to other drivers by flashing headlights to say you Im not slowing to let you in/cross . They dont even give way for old people or children. Thais seem to turn into just horrible <deleted> behind a wheel. End of rant 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedtripler Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 they dont even give way to ambulances rushing to an accident never mind normal traffic ........ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rucus7 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Sounds like just another day in paradise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seastallion Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 It's dumb, yeah. I went for a long drive with the GF's brother. He drives like a maniac, and on this trip the road was quite empty. So, cruising along at a leisurely 120kmph, on an open straight, a car pulls onto the road in front of us perhaps a km ahead. Unacceptable! I could see his face and he just wasn't going to have someone be in front of him, so foot goes down and he speeds up to 160 just to make sure he could overtake....once in front, he slowed down to 120 again. But to be fair, the West has it's fair share of drivers that need to "be in front" no matter what speed the lead car is doing and no matter if both cars will inevitably come to a halt somewhere ahead. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JLCrab Posted March 11, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 11, 2014 As I've said before, you can be right and dead at the same time. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ste860 Posted March 11, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 11, 2014 when a thai is behind the wheel or on a bike its the only time ive ever seen them in a hurry 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namdocmai Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I had the same experiences with minibus-drivers, i hate them. They just cut you off like you are nothing to them. They can do whatever they want, all people in BKK know they are maffia and protected by police. They also jam very busy highways here while they are waiting for SomJing to come to their van, causing huge trafficjams. Nobody dares to horn to them, that's how scared they all are. They also park in rows at busy points waiting for customers so the normal bus has to stop on the middle of the road to let passengers in/out. Then the taxi's park behind that bus and chaos is complete. Minibus drivers are the most selfish people on the roads. They feel safe behind their dark windows and even have a small curtain to hide their face. I will never use them but many girls do. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post drx13 Posted March 12, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 12, 2014 Stop the bike, lift hands in air apologetically, laboriously dismount and hobble exaggeratedly around the bike, smiling and waing as u go. Get down very awkwardly and slowly beside the bike and poke and prod at the engine etc, with signs of puzzlement, continually smiling. If the driver gets out, give thumbs up and stagger up and around to the bike restart and go as lights change to red again. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa al Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 (edited) I try to follow the advice of the Dali Lama in these situations: just laugh: Messenger: The Chinese are burning the temples and raping the nuns! Dali Lama: Ha ha ha ha. Edited March 12, 2014 by papa al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmh8 Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 you may be a responsible motorbike driver. Usually often a motor bike will weave in and out of traffic and plant themselves in front of you. Thats right slow down take a look at a girl in the inside lane then cut in front without so much as a look. I have little patience for motorbikers on roads here any more. they seem uninterested in their own safety, hopefully they will be removed from the road by natural selection. why you may be a responsible driver most are not. I guess the driver had had enough of motorbikes cutting in front and spoiling the rythym 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commie Joe Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 you may be a responsible motorbike driver. Usually often a motor bike will weave in and out of traffic and plant themselves in front of you. Thats right slow down take a look at a girl in the inside lane then cut in front without so much as a look. I have little patience for motorbikers on roads here any more. they seem uninterested in their own safety, hopefully they will be removed from the road by natural selection. why you may be a responsible driver most are not. I guess the driver had had enough of motorbikes cutting in front and spoiling the rythym However I had been in the inside lane & he was the one that moved to the inside lane . He just wanted that extra 5 metres. I like to think I am a safe rider as I never have to rush as I dont work or have anything to rush for. I always look to the side of me ,mirror signal & manover . I apply the same logic as driving my car. I always try to stick to the left however with soi dogs ,carts & cars that get parked almost six feet away from the curb & the taxis that very rarely pull in to stop for a fare & just pull up & block the lane (once I had one pull up in the second lane right along side of me & the fare had to cross the inside lane to get in blocking the inside lane with the door so 2 lanes blocked.). I see almost every day a accident . The taxi's empty driving like they are in a GP race passing me then only to see a little further down the road them parked up . The rush isn't to get a fare but to park up. Im sorry for once again ranting about driving/riding here but I just dont understand them . They will never change unless they are educated about the dangers & the correct way to drive. It would also help if the police stopped inside lanes from being blocked people sticking boards with flashing lights in the middle of the road & informing security guards that they have no right to walk out & wave a flag to stop all the traffic in favour of someone from the village they are guarding. rant no 2 over hahahahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namdocmai Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 It will also help if they made better roadsigns. Many people almost mix their exit of the highway and then suddenly steer. No indicator or nothing, just steer. And then the holes or bumps in the roads, many motortaxi's won't ride on that so they just take the opposite lane. Yep it is a big chaos on the roads and i agree the thai motorbike drivers are very dangerous. They still amaze me how they can go fast between the rows of cars without touching the mirrors. I also do that but not as fast as the Thai and then it is even more dangerous for me because they come from the back as well. Today my friend in his car did the same route as me, it took him 3 hours and i was at the destination in 20 minutes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcharacters Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 you may be a responsible motorbike driver. Usually often a motor bike will weave in and out of traffic and plant themselves in front of you. Thats right slow down take a look at a girl in the inside lane then cut in front without so much as a look. I have little patience for motorbikers on roads here any more. they seem uninterested in their own safety, hopefully they will be removed from the road by natural selection. why you may be a responsible driver most are not. I guess the driver had had enough of motorbikes cutting in front and spoiling the rythym However I had been in the inside lane & he was the one that moved to the inside lane . He just wanted that extra 5 metres. I like to think I am a safe rider as I never have to rush as I dont work or have anything to rush for. I always look to the side of me ,mirror signal & manover . I apply the same logic as driving my car. I always try to stick to the left however with soi dogs ,carts & cars that get parked almost six feet away from the curb & the taxis that very rarely pull in to stop for a fare & just pull up & block the lane (once I had one pull up in the second lane right along side of me & the fare had to cross the inside lane to get in blocking the inside lane with the door so 2 lanes blocked.). I see almost every day a accident . The taxi's empty driving like they are in a GP race passing me then only to see a little further down the road them parked up . The rush isn't to get a fare but to park up. Im sorry for once again ranting about driving/riding here but I just dont understand them . They will never change unless they are educated about the dangers & the correct way to drive. It would also help if the police stopped inside lanes from being blocked people sticking boards with flashing lights in the middle of the road & informing security guards that they have no right to walk out & wave a flag to stop all the traffic in favour of someone from the village they are guarding. rant no 2 over hahahahaha . No dig intended whatsoever, but if you own a car, I suggest you use it and leave the bike at home. I frequently tell my wife to only drive the car. It's just safer that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commie Joe Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 you may be a responsible motorbike driver. Usually often a motor bike will weave in and out of traffic and plant themselves in front of you. Thats right slow down take a look at a girl in the inside lane then cut in front without so much as a look. I have little patience for motorbikers on roads here any more. they seem uninterested in their own safety, hopefully they will be removed from the road by natural selection. why you may be a responsible driver most are not. I guess the driver had had enough of motorbikes cutting in front and spoiling the rythym However I had been in the inside lane & he was the one that moved to the inside lane . He just wanted that extra 5 metres. I like to think I am a safe rider as I never have to rush as I dont work or have anything to rush for. I always look to the side of me ,mirror signal & manover . I apply the same logic as driving my car. I always try to stick to the left however with soi dogs ,carts & cars that get parked almost six feet away from the curb & the taxis that very rarely pull in to stop for a fare & just pull up & block the lane (once I had one pull up in the second lane right along side of me & the fare had to cross the inside lane to get in blocking the inside lane with the door so 2 lanes blocked.). I see almost every day a accident . The taxi's empty driving like they are in a GP race passing me then only to see a little further down the road them parked up . The rush isn't to get a fare but to park up. Im sorry for once again ranting about driving/riding here but I just dont understand them . They will never change unless they are educated about the dangers & the correct way to drive. It would also help if the police stopped inside lanes from being blocked people sticking boards with flashing lights in the middle of the road & informing security guards that they have no right to walk out & wave a flag to stop all the traffic in favour of someone from the village they are guarding. rant no 2 over hahahahaha . No dig intended whatsoever, but if you own a car, I suggest you use it and leave the bike at home. I frequently tell my wife to only drive the car. It's just safer that way. I find driving a car in BKK at perticulars times a nightmare so use the bike & then when the roads are clear I think bike. I only really use the car if going a fair distance or need it to carry things. My GF don't like to use any even though shes got licences. I think she feels intiminated by crazy drivers. So she uses public transport & them crazy minibus's. The car is coming up to 4 years old & has only done 22k kilometres. It is rare that I ride at busy times this case being more the exception than the rule I usually wait till the roads get quite & then I like the wind in my hair . Maybe I should buy a convertable but the prices are scandlous . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Beetlejuice Posted March 12, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 12, 2014 As I've said before, you can be right and dead at the same time. Only one line but you make the most sense of all. Why do some posters think that there is not a lot of rage on Thailand`s roads? Answer: because there is a high chance that someone will jump out of their vehicle and beat the crap out of you, or mow you down with their vehicle or attack with a knife or even a gun. This happened to a German motorcyclist in Chiang Mai last year when he gave a pick up driver the two fingered salute. Shot at point blank range, did not live to tell the tale. When I use my motorbike, I always keep in mind that other than a cyclist, I am next up for being considered as the lower form of life on the roads, it`s an unwritten rule that in Thailand, the small vehicles must always give way the the big boys, and I try to keep as close to the kerb as possible and avoid taking up any bigger vehicles space on the road, especially at traffic lights and in traffic jams, including giving way to large trucks even if I have right of way first. For those who insist on standing up for what they consider as their rights of way on the roads and like to challenge other motorists fighting for justice and all that is considered as etiquette behaviour on the roads, then good luck to you, but please ensure you have your wills and life insurance policies up to date and please leave a phone number on here so as we may contact the widow if the worst should happen. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundrenched Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 If only they were in as much of a hurry while walking! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottocus Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 they dont even give way to ambulances rushing to an accident never mind normal traffic ........ Probably because they want to get there first so they can see all the broken bodies and take some photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannot Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 As I've said before, you can be right and dead at the same time. U mean "deadright" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmh8 Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 you may be a responsible motorbike driver. Usually often a motor bike will weave in and out of traffic and plant themselves in front of you. Thats right slow down take a look at a girl in the inside lane then cut in front without so much as a look. I have little patience for motorbikers on roads here any more. they seem uninterested in their own safety, hopefully they will be removed from the road by natural selection. why you may be a responsible driver most are not. I guess the driver had had enough of motorbikes cutting in front and spoiling the rythym However I had been in the inside lane & he was the one that moved to the inside lane . He just wanted that extra 5 metres. I like to think I am a safe rider as I never have to rush as I dont work or have anything to rush for. I always look to the side of me ,mirror signal & manover . I apply the same logic as driving my car. I always try to stick to the left however with soi dogs ,carts & cars that get parked almost six feet away from the curb & the taxis that very rarely pull in to stop for a fare & just pull up & block the lane (once I had one pull up in the second lane right along side of me & the fare had to cross the inside lane to get in blocking the inside lane with the door so 2 lanes blocked.). I see almost every day a accident . The taxi's empty driving like they are in a GP race passing me then only to see a little further down the road them parked up . The rush isn't to get a fare but to park up. Im sorry for once again ranting about driving/riding here but I just dont understand them . They will never change unless they are educated about the dangers & the correct way to drive. It would also help if the police stopped inside lanes from being blocked people sticking boards with flashing lights in the middle of the road & informing security guards that they have no right to walk out & wave a flag to stop all the traffic in favour of someone from the village they are guarding. rant no 2 over hahahahaha yeah, just to stress you may be a responsible driver, but if the emotion catches up on a driver, - I remember reading a stat on a common cause a accidents happening when someone has just had an argument with spouse- then they will not be thinking about the responsible driver. I would not risk the bkk roads on a bike, I've seen too many results of it. I even remember one morning an empty road, except for taxi next to bike and 3 bodies with heads covered, at 5 am, not even congested, what can you do about the illegal u turn? truck ignores fast moving traffic and slowly obstructs entire road to make that turn, in a car at least I know I have some protection and thank modern tech that lets the emergency breaking work without a slide even in rain. with a bike what are you going to do? only option is to bail out sideways in the hope that friction saves you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikecwm Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 A girl friend once told me that if I was out of work I could always get a job as a taxi driver - that was my style of driving - changing lanes to try and get ahead. But, this year in Thailand (I'm 66 now and retire to our land there in less than 2 years) I decided to pretend I was retired with all the time in the world. Instead of wanting to be in the fast lane - I do still enjoy driving fast, I moved into the slow lane, slowed down to 80 or 90 kph and just tootled along. (I'm talking about Petchabun province where route 21 is 4 lane, has little traffic, and is well maintained). Wow - this is so relaxing. No need to worry about the "Top Guns" screaming up behind me, lights flashing, wanting to blast past in their Mercedes and Fortuners at 150 or more. Took very little longer to get to places, gave me much better mileage and I could relax. Can't wait to retire now and enjoy Thailand full time. Maybe I should have slowed down years ago. It's fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wym Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 Yes except for very long road trips of many hours, pushing the limits and driving aggressively actually saves very little time. But does take years off your life expectancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim armstrong Posted March 17, 2014 Share Posted March 17, 2014 Golden rule about farlang driving in thailand - if there is a problem - it will usually be your fault, so swallow your pride and let it go. Better to be safe than dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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