Riding on the sidewalk.

[NoshowJones]

I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk. I have had a couple of near misses from M/Cs while walking on the side walk over the years. What I would like to know is this. If I am injured by a M/C while walking on the sidewalk, do I have a claim of any sort?

[bazmlb]

Riding on the sidewalk is illegal, if you are hit by a bike, the bike should have CTPL insurance (Compulsory Third Party Liability) which has limited cover.

If you are hit and injured the matter should be reported to the police for negotiation with the rider to pay for any injuries if there is no insurance.

[namdocmai]

Yup and tell them you want to go to Bungumrad hospital on their costs. Their fault now they have to pay it.

[ATF]

Bless you I'm sorry your guide book didn't inform you that sidewalks are motorcycle lanes. In Thailand only peasants walk. Regarding compensation just kindly ask the offending motorcyclist to immediately call his insurance company so you can file a claim. It's usually pretty quick, only takes 15-20 mins for the insurance assessor to arrive. However Thailand provides a special service if you are knocked unconscious. You will be transported free of charge to the nearest government hospital where you will receive treatment. Unfortunately when you come to pay the bill you may find your wallet and credit cards have disappeared along with your Rolex watch.

[JimSiam]

Bless you I'm sorry your guide book didn't inform you that sidewalks are motorcycle lanes. In Thailand only peasants walk. Regarding compensation just kindly ask the offending motorcyclist to immediately call his insurance company so you can file a claim. It's usually pretty quick, only takes 15-20 mins for the insurance assessor to arrive. However Thailand provides a special service if you are knocked unconscious. You will be transported free of charge to the nearest government hospital where you will receive treatment. Unfortunately when you come to pay the bill you may find your wallet and credit cards have disappeared along with your Rolex watch.

I thought the meat wagons took you to the private hospital that offers the highest bounty, not a govt hosp.

[ATF]

Bless you I'm sorry your guide book didn't inform you that sidewalks are motorcycle lanes. In Thailand only peasants walk. Regarding compensation just kindly ask the offending motorcyclist to immediately call his insurance company so you can file a claim. It's usually pretty quick, only takes 15-20 mins for the insurance assessor to arrive. However Thailand provides a special service if you are knocked unconscious. You will be transported free of charge to the nearest government hospital where you will receive treatment. Unfortunately when you come to pay the bill you may find your wallet and credit cards have disappeared along with your Rolex watch.

I thought the meat wagons took you to the private hospital that offers the highest bounty, not a govt hosp.

Sure if you look cashed up you're going private 5 stars all the way!

[AhFarangJa]

You will likely be billed for damage to the bike...

[wantan]

> I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The OP obviously has been long time in thailand

[denkiblue555]

The only people who have been upset out my sidewalk escapades have been tourists.

You only have to look at the hundreds of bikes parked on the sidewalk - they don't fly there!

[ATF]

You will likely be billed for damage to the bike...

It's called the Arab defense. The accident wouldn't have happened if you weren't in the Country, so it's your fault!

[RubberSideDown]

A popular bumper sticker in the States:

[tiffanystoyz]

I got a couple near hit's of me being the victim both time's an police officer saw it and ticketed the drivers. But since this happened close to where I live the police got to know I was local so that might have been the reason too. It is best you have your own medical insurance so you don't get rude awaking. Who do you think will pay if driver has no insurance? Can't squeeze blood from a turnip but you can bleed a farang as the saying goes.

[glassdude007]

Good topic I almost started it myself a few weeks ago......

While walking on the sidewalk at Patong beach with my 3 year old son,

He was almost hit by one of many motor bikes driven on the sidewalk there happens all the time,

beating the one way traffic.

I jumped between him and the bike almost took us both out.

I cursed at the Big Eassan Buff woman driving the bike (sure she not know what I say)

and she just continued on her way as if nothing happened.

Land of smiles my asssss.

[Dakling]

Good topic I almost started it myself a few weeks ago......

While walking on the sidewalk at Patong beach with my 3 year old son,

He was almost hit by one of many motor bikes driven on the sidewalk there happens all the time,

beating the one way traffic.

I jumped between him and the bike almost took us both out.

I cursed at the Big Eassan Buff woman driving the bike (sure she not know what I say)

and she just continued on her way as if nothing happened.

Land of smiles my asssss.

So your in the south of Thailand and you assumed she was from Issan because she was a poor driver?

Seems an odd mental jump to me unless you knew her or heard her speak or are perhaps picking up some of the prejudices of our local hosts.

I am pretty sure there are some non-Issan Thais riding motorbikes on sidewalks.

[gerry123]

issan/ nissan/tissan/missan/ same same no one really gives a toss about riding on pavements or anywhere else when it comes to it

cant stop /wont stop must keep on the move

[NoshowJones]

You will likely be billed for damage to the bike...

It would not surprise me.

[NoshowJones]

Riding on the sidewalk is illegal, if you are hit by a bike, the bike should have CTPL insurance (Compulsory Third Party Liability) which has limited cover.

If you are hit and injured the matter should be reported to the police for negotiation with the rider to pay for any injuries if there is no insurance.

I don't think it is illegal, why are so many of the sidewalks lowered at junctions? Certainly not for wheelchairs, nor for floods, the water will go on the road anyway.

[NoshowJones]

> I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The OP obviously has been long time in thailand

Eight years in Thailand, and the first time I was walking down the sidewalk with my girlfriend, her sister, and her sisters 7 year old daughter. A motorbike came down the sidewalk and I stopped him and tried to pull him off, and my girlfriend kept shouting at me "no, no, you go to jail" or words to that effect.

[NoshowJones]

The only people who have been upset out my sidewalk escapades have been tourists.

You only have to look at the hundreds of bikes parked on the sidewalk - they don't fly there!

Are you saying you regularly ride on the side walk? Are you a Farang? If so, I hope some tourist clocks you one. Forget about whether it is illegal or not, what about common sense?

[tifino]

It's not just the m/c's to worry about:

Pattaya, Soi 7 - near its Beach Rd end, a Camry car tried the footpath escape from a slow m/c, right where we were walking. His Left mirror was headed straight for me, but as I had no where to really escape - I let the mirror take the impact on my arm.

Flapping mirrors make a great noisy commotion when they flip in and back

I didn't even look back...

The car couldn't stop as it was being pushed along by a small ute following right behind it

[ATF]

> I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The OP obviously has been long time in thailand

Eight years in Thailand, and the first time I was walking down the sidewalk with my girlfriend, her sister, and her sisters 7 year old daughter. A motorbike came down the sidewalk and I stopped him and tried to pull him off, and my girlfriend kept shouting at me "no, no, you go to jail" or words to that effect.

Most falungs and Thais ride their bikes on the sidewalk. It's an alternative to to sweating off your testicles in a traffic jam. You're lucky you listened to your girlfriend otherwise an m/c taxi gang would have kicked your a**. This is not Ireland it's Thailand and the sidewalks belong to bikes. Next thing you'll be complaining about the potholes!

[NoshowJones]

> I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The OP obviously has been long time in thailand

Eight years in Thailand, and the first time I was walking down the sidewalk with my girlfriend, her sister, and her sisters 7 year old daughter. A motorbike came down the sidewalk and I stopped him and tried to pull him off, and my girlfriend kept shouting at me "no, no, you go to jail" or words to that effect.

Most falungs and Thais ride their bikes on the sidewalk. It's an alternative to to sweating off your testicles in a traffic jam. You're lucky you listened to your girlfriend otherwise an m/c taxi gang would have kicked your a**. This is not Ireland it's Thailand and the sidewalks belong to bikes. Next thing you'll be complaining about the potholes!

You come down a sidewalk on a motorbike near me, and there are no witnesses, I will personally pull you off it. I am not just being a keyboard warrior here, I really mean it.

[ATF]

> I believe it is not against Thai law to ride a motorcycle on the sidewalk.

The OP obviously has been long time in thailand

Eight years in Thailand, and the first time I was walking down the sidewalk with my girlfriend, her sister, and her sisters 7 year old daughter. A motorbike came down the sidewalk and I stopped him and tried to pull him off, and my girlfriend kept shouting at me "no, no, you go to jail" or words to that effect.

Most falungs and Thais ride their bikes on the sidewalk. It's an alternative to to sweating off your testicles in a traffic jam. You're lucky you listened to your girlfriend otherwise an m/c taxi gang would have kicked your a**. This is not Ireland it's Thailand and the sidewalks belong to bikes. Next thing you'll be complaining about the potholes!

You come down a sidewalk on a motorbike near me, and there are no witnesses, I will personally pull you off it. I am not just being a keyboard warrior here, I really mean it.

Sorry to break this to you Paddy but different countries have different cultures. I wouldn't walk around in Ireland with a Union Jack T-Shirt or profess my love of Iain Paisley. Sounds to me like you've been living on the farm too long eating bugs and your trip to the Bright Lights was spoiled by this M/C incident. You are really putting yourself in mortal danger if you try any such shenanigans. Know that bikes use the sidewalk and keep out of their way or buy a car. I would like to nuke every M/C sidecar shop because they stop and turn without warning, but how can I do it?

[NoshowJones]

I would not walk anywhere in a union jack t-shirt, and I have no love of Ian Paisley. Yes, different countries have different cultures, but no matter what country you are in, you are entitled to walk the sidewalks in safety from those idiots who speed along on motorbikes with no regard for anyone but themselves.

I don't know if your a family man, but what if your child walked out a doorway or alleyway into the path of one of those halfwits speeding along the sidewalk and was seriously injured or killed. I bet you would change your tune then.

If you think it's OK to risk innocent peoples lives, then you are entitled to your opinion. We will just have to agree to differ, and thanks for the compliment of calling me Paddy.

[gerry123]

I would not walk anywhere in a union jack t-shirt, and I have no love of Ian Paisley. Yes, different countries have different cultures, but no matter what country you are in, you are entitled to walk the sidewalks in safety from those idiots who speed along on motorbikes with no regard for anyone but themselves.

I don't know if your a family man, but what if your child walked out a doorway or alleyway into the path of one of those halfwits speeding along the sidewalk and was seriously injured or killed. I bet you would change your tune then.

If you think it's OK to risk innocent peoples lives, then you are entitled to your opinion. We will just have to agree to differ, and thanks for the compliment of calling me Paddy.

nice one PAT you tell em as it is

[gerry123]

I would not walk anywhere in a union jack t-shirt, and I have no love of Ian Paisley. Yes, different countries have different cultures, but no matter what country you are in, you are entitled to walk the sidewalks in safety from those idiots who speed along on motorbikes with no regard for anyone but themselves.

I don't know if your a family man, but what if your child walked out a doorway or alleyway into the path of one of those halfwits speeding along the sidewalk and was seriously injured or killed. I bet you would change your tune then.

If you think it's OK to risk innocent peoples lives, then you are entitled to your opinion. We will just have to agree to differ, and thanks for the compliment of calling me Paddy.

nice one PAT you tell em as it is

[ATF]

I would not walk anywhere in a union jack t-shirt, and I have no love of Ian Paisley. Yes, different countries have different cultures, but no matter what country you are in, you are entitled to walk the sidewalks in safety from those idiots who speed along on motorbikes with no regard for anyone but themselves.

I don't know if your a family man, but what if your child walked out a doorway or alleyway into the path of one of those halfwits speeding along the sidewalk and was seriously injured or killed. I bet you would change your tune then.

If you think it's OK to risk innocent peoples lives, then you are entitled to your opinion. We will just have to agree to differ, and thanks for the compliment of calling me Paddy.

Sidewalks and Zebra crossings are danger zones. Buddhists believe in re-incarnation and this is mainly responsible for their Laissez-faire attitude to life or death. Because most Thais would prefer to be re-incarnated as something better. As I said I ride the sidewalks when traffic dictates but I would never endanger anyone.

Please don't get into fights with Thais. You will only lose. Saw a falung get a broken leg over a 20 Baht Tuk-Tuk fare. We only have one life so spend it wisely.

[NoshowJones]

Now there is one thing we are going to agree on, you never get involved in any fights or arguments with a Thai, as it is almost certain you will need to take on six of them, and as you say, you would only lose.

Please remember, although you say you would never endanger anyone, there are people dead because of other people who said they would never endanger anyone.

All those half wits that ride on the wrong side of the road and force you into the path of oncoming traffic, are also people who think they would not endanger anyone.

This country has about the 3rd highest fatalities involving traffic in the world, and people who ride along sidewalks contribute to that.

[ATF]

Now there is one thing we are going to agree on, you never get involved in any fights or arguments with a Thai, as it is almost certain you will need to take on six of them, and as you say, you would only lose.

Please remember, although you say you would never endanger anyone, there are people dead because of other people who said they would never endanger anyone.

All those half wits that ride on the wrong side of the road and force you into the path of oncoming traffic, are also people who think they would not endanger anyone.

This country has about the 3rd highest fatalities involving traffic in the world, and people who ride along sidewalks contribute to that.

OK driving on the wrong side of the road is 100% wrong shoot those monkeys for me.

Thailand is actually No.2 in the Worldwide road fatality stakes. I honestly don't know if this includes sidewalks. But Roadkill definitely No.2.

I promise and assure you I am a very safe, considerate and polite sidewalk driver. I even stop for pedestrians!

I don't fight with Thais just give them some money and bugger off! Cheaper in the long run. God Bless.

[NoshowJones]

Now there is one thing we are going to agree on, you never get involved in any fights or arguments with a Thai, as it is almost certain you will need to take on six of them, and as you say, you would only lose.

Please remember, although you say you would never endanger anyone, there are people dead because of other people who said they would never endanger anyone.

All those half wits that ride on the wrong side of the road and force you into the path of oncoming traffic, are also people who think they would not endanger anyone.

This country has about the 3rd highest fatalities involving traffic in the world, and people who ride along sidewalks contribute to that.

OK driving on the wrong side of the road is 100% wrong shoot those monkeys for me.

Thailand is actually No.2 in the Worldwide road fatality stakes. I honestly don't know if this includes sidewalks. But Roadkill definitely No.2.

I promise and assure you I am a very safe, considerate and polite sidewalk driver. I even stop for pedestrians!

I don't fight with Thais just give them some money and bugger off! Cheaper in the long run. God Bless.

One last thing, and then we can just agree to disagree about riding on the sidewalk, I am going to ask you a question. About what is the top speed you ride at along the sidewalk? Please tell the truth.