bander Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Its deteriorating into a 3rd world country.. Into...??? .....a banana republic? alt=giggle.gif> Yes, before, now, and in the future it's always going to be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerome2 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 one day I followed my boy's schoolbus,to see how they drive .....he passed a sugarcane charger in third position in a turn.....with one brakelight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just1Voice Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 He said the bus driver attempted to overtake another car at the curve, but skidded off the road. Why would you decide to overtake a car at the curve on a dangerous mountain road? What in god's name was he thinking? And then turn around and blame it on the brakes... That driver is directly responsible for killing 32 innocent people! What in god's name was he thinking? You're giving him far too much credit for having the ability to have cognitive reasoning capabilities. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillChildress Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Its deteriorating into a 3rd world country.. Into...??? .....a banana republic? alt=giggle.gif> How 'bout a "4th world country"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomtomtom69 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Another tragedy and yet again no reaction from authorities. I do not work for Fox news but I am not shy to say SHAME ON YOU THAILAND. Again, again and again: No control + no authority + no standard + failed State + No police + corruption + laxity = TOTAL ANARCHY! * Road Safety * Tourism scams * Poor Construction Standards * Food poisoning (by abuse of chemicals and pesticides) * Pollution (Oil slicks, illegal dumps etc...) And so on and so on, just name it. Thailand DECADENCE I think if I were that Fox news reporter I would use this opportunity to say Thailand sucks and the Thai authorities are jerks. Why? Because unlike in the case of the radar data of missing flight MH370 flying over southern Thailand after vectoring off course, which the Thais eventually provided the Malaysians and international community with (and in any case, the suspected crash site is thousands of km south in the southern Indian ocean so not the responsibility of Thailand) this particular case smacks of irresponsibility and stupidity and something needs to be done to point out just how ridiculous this is becoming, the constant bus crashes with dozens of casualties...I wonder how the Thai authorities would react if someone from Fox News pointed this out? Of course this is very unlikely to make the news there, hence why nothing will be done. Anyway, many of Thailand's neighboring countries are quietly protesting against many of the things you have mentioned above. A long-time expat friend of mine living in Vientiane (who seems to have a great dislike of anything made in Thailand) has pointed out the following: In Vientiane, Thai seafood products are slowly disappearing in favour of better tasting, fresher and safer Vietnamese seafood products. Back in the 80s lots of old Thai rubbish cars were dumped in Laos but by the early 90s the Lao government banned right-hand drive cars altogether to stop the smuggling. Because of some idiotic Thai motorcycle riders who got into crashes, didn't give proper compensation or didn't do the proper paperwork at the border (see gt-rider.com for more details), it is becoming more difficult to enter Laos on a Thai registered motorcycle. Generally if you have a 250cc bike and enter at the larger, busier ports you'll get across (but only if you come in a small group) but with a smaller bike or at other ports it's virtually impossible unless you go on a tour and get permission in advance. Hilux pickup trucks are increasingly coming from South Africa rather than neighboring Thailand. Huh? You might say, given the larger distances for transport for what is essentially the same product, but with no local industry to protect (in Laos) and thus no differences in import tax rates, as well as a perception of higher quality, the end result are Hilux trucks that are not much more expensive than their Hilux VIGO counterparts coming out of Thailand. The same applies to many other types of vehicles sold in Laos and you'll find a very fragmented market there, with all sorts of cars available that are simply not available in Thailand. Vietnam refuses entry to all Thai vehicles. Their excuse being that because the steering wheel is on the right, it's too dangerous to drive in their country considering they drive on the right. In reality, I suspect their authorities don't want Thai tour buses, many of which could come through from Mukdahan to central Vietnam in a manner of hours careering through Vietnam at high speed, not to mention private cars doing the same thing (in Vietnam, few vehicles speed as the authorities there are VERY tough on speeding and mete out heavy fines and even confiscate vehicles at the scene if no payment is forthcoming) and causing accidents etc. This is a good measure because I can only imagine the types of international incidents that would occur if Thai buses (in particular) were allowed to enter Vietnam. The Thai authorities occasionally lobby the Vietnamese to allow access, but it's always unequivocally refused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnytuc Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Sickening just sickening but all post must know what ever they say, zilch will be done by any authority in this sad corrupt country . Maybe the only answer is for some sort of awareness to be highlighted by the countries tourist come from on the devastation that occurs daily on the roads here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bander Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Very sad news. Bus crashes seem to happen weekly. I've seen the way some drivers are on the road. It seems like a race track to them.Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Can anybody answer me why Thais always want to pass you when you drive within the speed limit? I'm not only talking about pickup trucks but minibuses, tourist buses and 18 wheel trucks. Is there some kind of reward to Thais when they get in front of the next car? Or is it just the excitement if they can make it without hitting a meeting car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo the Face Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Its deteriorating into a 3rd world country..Where are you from - Thailand is a 3rd world country! It's only smoke and mirrors that gives the impression that it is 2nd world - anyone that thinks it is 1st world has mental health issues.Where are you from? Thailand is considered an upper middle income country. They no longer receive funding assistance from organizations like the ADB because they are not considered under-developed which is synonymous with the definition of 3rd world.The World Bank classifies all low- and middle-income countries as developing. Low income countries had GNI per capita of US$1,026 or less. Lower middle income countries had GNI per capita between US$1,026 and US$4,036. Upper middle income countries had GNI per capita between US$4,036 and US$12,476. High income countries had GNI above US$12,476. According to the UN's human development index (HDI) Thailand is considered upper mid level. Mid level development examples are Cambodia, Bhutan and Laos. Low development examples are Pakistan, Burma and Nepal. Saying Thailand is a 3rd world country based on traffic accidents is clearly taking it out of context. Get your facts straight before denigrating a country otherwise you look pretty 3rd world yourself. Very impressive post smileydude. Now do you have as impressive stats on Thai Driver Ability/Driver knowledge category??? After living here 25 + years, I am of the opinion that of the people moving some type of vehicle on the streets and roads of this country {note I don't say driver} I would say about 80 % do not have basic knowledge of driving rules/laws, and probably 25% do not even know that there are rules for driving.... May those involved in or have friends and relatives affected by this tragedy rest in peace or find solace in the upcoming days. ....and pray that some of you reading this are not involved in the bus wreck of next week. But if you are , please know I wish you to rest in peace also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brewsterbudgen Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 The accident, like all similar accidents, is very sad and most likely an avoidable tragedy. Quite why it's necessary to condemn Thailand and Thai people as sad, corrupt, 3rd World etc etc is also sad. Why live (or visit) here if it's such a horrible place? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo the Face Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Its deteriorating into a 3rd world country.. I am not sure it ever stopped being a 3rd world country, but it certainly seems to be going backwards in every possible respect. .....backwards ??? Correct....... we used to have a semi-functioning government...now look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomtomtom69 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Isn't this so sad and depressing? I have been travelling on long haul buses for ten years in Thailand and had my fair share of accidents and incidents that have scared me: broken suspension going down a mountain, driver falling asleep, failing brakes, steering wheel stuck, drivers using mobile phones while driving, driving at 100kms per hour, less than 15 feet behind another bus and so it goes on. Surely Thai people, especially those in important positions are not saying "mai bpen rai", though that is what it seems to me! In May I have to travel to Chiang Mai from Khon Kaen and return, a journey I have made a few times but I don't want to do it again. It's a long way round but I will go by train via Pitsanaluk. What else can I do? I don't have a car. Occasionally trains here derail too - although for the most part due to the extremely slow speeds trains in Thailand travel at (you can thank the early 20th century technology that hasn't been upgraded) chances are you'll escape with no more than a few cuts and bruises. I'd say why don't you rent a car then? Who said anything about owning a car? You can rent a car on a daily rate for little more than the one way bus fare between the two cities mentioned plus fuel costs and you're in control! There are plenty of car rental agencies in Khon Kaen - the airport is a good place to start, with AVIS, Budget, Thai-rent-a-car etc. represented. Or you could also fly. I believe there are flights now between Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai, but most of the time it's still quicker to go via Bangkok first as there are more flight options, or you could try Nok Air between Udon Thani and Chiang Mai. There are many options, but I gave up bus travel in Thailand a long time ago. Not only because I think traveling by bus is for suckers (no offense but in the States for example, no reasonable person would be caught dead on a bus) but also because I like my own freedom and independence. Seeing thousands of other people around me driving, I have to be like them too. So even before I bought my latest car, I always rented a vehicle and drove myself. In some rare cases I flew. But bus trips, apart from a short Bangkok-Bang Saen trip a couple of years ago (and that was on a government bus which are always better than any private ones) have been something I avoid. In fact, even remembering back about 6 years now to a trip on a university bus, I think in future I would insist on driving my own car along with the group rather than sitting on the bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottocus Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 The accident, like all similar accidents, is very sad and most likely an avoidable tragedy. Quite why it's necessary to condemn Thailand and Thai people as sad, corrupt, 3rd World etc etc is also sad. Why live (or visit) here if it's such a horrible place? Because it's true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgarfriendly Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 dont worry everyone, its just the worlds deadliest roads... the incompetence, lack of thought/consideration/planning, greed, 'face', dishonesty & yup stupidity wont cause thousands upon thousands more deaths. its the deadly roads! Chai Yooooooooooooooooo.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychic Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Last time I was in a mini-van people carrier I saw the guy hit 150 kph on a busy freeway at night. I've been on buses that swayed so much at high speed I was nearly sure the wheels on one side were off the road. If these companies/drivers can't control themselves they need to be controlled. Of you are on the business of moving people your vehicle needs to have a governor installed to top out the speed at something approaching the legal limit on a highway. It won't stop the rest of the stupidity like 15 lane changes to advance 2 cars on front before hitting traffic again or complete disregard to right of way and the concept of lanes but at least when the accidents happen they'll be at a speed that might allow some survivors. You'd think that a country that is consistently billed as amongst the most dangerous in the world would have some interest in saving its citizens lives. But there is no money to be made from it so it'll be ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamariva1957 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I am in mourning as we had a friend on board and still do not have word if she is a fatality or not. So I am venting here! It really is not the buses or the drivers of them... but rather that dam road itself! The one that they want to make into the artery from Burma to Vietnam! It is a joke! Between the Thai driving techniques which go beyond stupidity and the corners through the 'passes' in the mountains that were designed for carts and not anything larger... it is not a stretch to the imagination that things like this happen and will continue to happen no matter how good the buses or the drivers are. Yes, they add to the 'problem', but it is the road crews and those in charge of them that should also be investigated. Over 25 deaths at once should open all of our eyes and theirs to the issues! But still the Minivans have the worst records! So... some advice... wear the seat belt it might just save you the next time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just1Voice Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Thailand is always striving to be "first" at something, so instead of striving to the #1 as the World's Safest country in regards to road accidents, they decided to be #1 in World's Least Safest. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomtomtom69 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Very sad news. Bus crashes seem to happen weekly. I've seen the way some drivers are on the road. It seems like a race track to them. Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Can anybody answer me why Thais always want to pass you when you drive within the speed limit? I'm not only talking about pickup trucks but minibuses, tourist buses and 18 wheel trucks. Is there some kind of reward to Thais when they get in front of the next car? Or is it just the excitement if they can make it without hitting a meeting car? Yes but strangely on the only two true intercity motorways/expressways in Thailand, the Bangkok-Chonburi motorway and the Bang Na-Bang Pa-In eastern outer ring road where the speed limit is 120km/h for cars and pickups you tend to have a lot of idiots driving like grandmas hovering along at 90 or 100km/h in the fast lane thinking they are doing the right thing when in fact they are holding up traffic. That is a bad and annoying habit - if the speed limit is 120, then for gods sake do 120, especially in the fast lane! On the other hand, these same idiots go onto a much more dangerous road, which are your average 4-lane (or occasionally 6-lane) highways with u-turn bays etc. and then they do 150 when the speed limit is just 90, as if those roads were safer than the aforementioned motorways! The logic of drivers here escapes me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DekDaeng Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 "27 dead in a bus accident." Wot, is it Tuesday already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just1Voice Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 What I find somewhat amusing is that I'll take the bike somewhere, park it, get off, be walking with full body armor, carrying an expensive helmet, and then have guys asking me: "You want tuk tuk, taxi". Excuse me! You think I dress like RoboCop just to take a tuk tuk or taxi? Ahhh, Thai Logic. All you can do is smile sometime. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirchai Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Just think a family member, or good friend sat on this bus. Reminds me of taking the time for my friends before time's taking them away from me.- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomtomtom69 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I am in mourning as we had a friend on board and still do not have word if she is a fatality or not. So I am venting here! It really is not the buses or the drivers of them... but rather that dam road itself! The one that they want to make into the artery from Burma to Vietnam! It is a joke! Between the Thai driving techniques which go beyond stupidity and the corners through the 'passes' in the mountains that were designed for carts and not anything larger... it is not a stretch to the imagination that things like this happen and will continue to happen no matter how good the buses or the drivers are. Yes, they add to the 'problem', but it is the road crews and those in charge of them that should also be investigated. Over 25 deaths at once should open all of our eyes and theirs to the issues! But still the Minivans have the worst records! So... some advice... wear the seat belt it might just save you the next time! Typical Thai optimistic thinking, with all this AEC nonsense that none of it's neighbors care about. Vietnam refuses entry to Thai vehicles, since December 25th, 2013 Thai vehicles can't even enter Vietnam if they go with an escort, like was previously possible (only for cars of course as Thai buses and trucks have never been able to enter Vietnam). The reality is this east-west road is just a way of claiming it's something more than it is perhaps for more investors to come in. Sure, now Myanmar has finally opened up overland travel from Mae Sot to it's coastal city of Mawlamyine (I've traveled on this road) but for now you still need to change vehicles at the border unless you go on a car or motorcycle tour, which requires advance permission. Currently only Laos allows Thai vehicles to enter without restrictions (except motorcycles) so this east-west road link is far from a reality as it will take many years (if ever) before all countries along this corridor agree on cross border traffic. As I mentioned in another reply, I'm pretty sure the Vietnamese don't want Thai buses hurtling down their highways even after AEC takes hold. They have enough traffic issues of their own, but in their own way are actually doing something about it! For example, provincial authorities in some tourist cities have been instructed that only foreigners with Vietnamese driver licenses can rent motorcycles and scooters and the Vietnamese police regularly hand out large fines to drivers of buses/trucks that are speeding, overloaded, have expired registration etc. In the latter case in particular, such vehicles are confiscated until such time that large fines are paid and the issues leading to the confiscation are corrected. In Vietnam, a driver of a car is typically hit with a $50 or perhaps even $100+ fine for speeding, not a slap-on-the-wrist 100 Baht fine like in Thailand (or in many cases none at all). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DekDaeng Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 The whole country is simply an accident waiting to happen. The whole country is simply an accident, happening. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertthebruce Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Like a fellow member quoted, I too have said to my Thai Partner about the Carnage on the roads, and i get a look like ''Whats the problem'" ??? I find that difficult to fathom out, Life is cheap as chips here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janpharma Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Another tragedy and yet again no reaction from authorities. I do not work for Fox news but I am not shy to say SHAME ON YOU THAILAND. Again, again and again: No control + no authority + no standard + failed State + No police + corruption + laxity = TOTAL ANARCHY! * Road Safety * Tourism scams * Poor Construction Standards * Food poisoning (by abuse of chemicals and pesticides) * Pollution (Oil slicks, illegal dumps etc...) And so on and so on, just name it. Thailand DECADENCE And above all...how did they ever obtain a drivers-license? Driving like monkey's makes monkey-business...functioning on M150 and alcohol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Just another day here. So sad. Saw a mini van crash on Facebook today, maybe 1 or two lived, but the rest were dead and tossed all over the road and the van was broken into 100s of little parts like legos. Didn't even make the news, but an eye witness caught it on video and put it on his facebook account. At least 6 - 8 are dead, horribly, and it wasn't even news worthy. THAT is how bad the roads are here, that they can't even report on all the carnage. When I first arrived, and had my first experience of a speeding van, likening it to "pod racing" (Star Wars) ... I said to my gf (now ex gf) .. that I will take the train next time, because the van drivers are lunatics. She stared blankly. The next week there was a fatal crash, total disintegration of vehicle, all dead. The images showed a mess of metal and flesh, with a pool of vehicle and human body fluids. I showed her the pictures. She looked and said: "Van to Takhli?" My reply: "No" Her final comment: "Why you worry?!" ... bored with my concern. Good enough reason to be your ex gf. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emster23 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 "Thailand's roads are among the world's deadliest and accidents are common, especially on buses travelling late at night." Then report said happened at 8:40 at night, not late in my book. glimmer of hope regarding government officials on bus, but later said they were "retired". Out of sight, out of mind. Also brought to mind report week or so ago that bus drivers can get licenses without ever demonstrating they can drive a bus! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ppmacready Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Look. Any publicity is good publicity. Thailand has the silver in the most dangerous rds in the world competition. Now they have something they can legitimately claim they are no 2 in the world at. Without the normal governmental lies, they could quite possibly of won the gold! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hullupullo Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Lots of pictures of the bus from this morninghttps://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=427157774094533&id=100004009436821 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arminbkk Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Although it does not go unnoticed here, this type of news does not have the societal impact here as it would in a Western country, where it would be called a national disaster, a silent march in the planning and maybe even a national day of mourning. Here it is similar to if you as a Westerner here, would be reading about another missile strike in Israel (and not being a Jew and from that area of course): a negative news item, but not on your mind 10 minutes later. Sad for the unnecessary loss of lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stickylies Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Like a fellow member quoted, I too have said to my Thai Partner about the Carnage on the roads, and i get a look like ''Whats the problem'" ??? I find that difficult to fathom out, Life is cheap as chips here... says a lot about her... and you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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