xTired of being a target for opportunity

[OmegaRacer]

Now now, let's not attack the OP.

Maybe he doesn't have much experience riding, is of a certain age or just plain unlucky.

It's true though that riding here requires a whole new set of skills. The metaphor of the water was a good one I think. To some extent you have to learn the way Thais ride...ie go with the flow.

If you insist on the Western riding style, you'll soon loose your passion and in a worst case scenario your life.

[carter1882]

Too true.....it is the land where if you went through green lights at the start of the sequence on a bike it would be less than a day before you were creamed by those going thru the red. When people have accidents here it is usually because they dont know the special conditions that prevail. Its frightening when you hear the TV biking experts blathering on about riding skills when few of them are worth jack poo when compared to local knowledge.

[Jaggg88]

I met a nice Farang lady that volunteers at a pet shelter.

She told me she was limping because a tuktuk driver hit her while she was walking on the side of the road, then he pointed at her, laughed, and drove off.

I could see she was seriously hurt and did not get any impression she was making up this story.

At Rama 4 in front of the big railway station, I've seen the tuktuk drivers drinking beers.

I wouldn't doubt if many were on drugs too.

Sadly tourists feed these overpriced tutktuks all over the region.

A 200 baht ride is nothing to a Westerner, but they don't know you can take an air conditioned metered taxi for 50 baht.

Even I was a sucker once.

My Thai GF avoids tutktuks too.

For fun, when the tuk tuk driver asks me if I want a ride I will ask how much. Then when he says 200% more than an air conditioned taxi, I stop walking and ask why I would pay that when I could ride in comfort for less. Then I wait for an answer. Then they typically start walking away, mumbling insults in Thai, while me and the GF cool off in a taxi. Ahh the simple pleasures in life....

I've done that too in BKK - great fun. They need to replace the stinking, noisy, polluting tuk tuks with electric ones.

[Salthegal]

I met a nice Farang lady that volunteers at a pet shelter.

She told me she was limping because a tuktuk driver hit her while she was walking on the side of the road, then he pointed at her, laughed, and drove off.

I could see she was seriously hurt and did not get any impression she was making up this story.

At Rama 4 in front of the big railway station, I've seen the tuktuk drivers drinking beers.

I wouldn't doubt if many were on drugs too.

Sadly tourists feed these overpriced tutktuks all over the region.

A 200 baht ride is nothing to a Westerner, but they don't know you can take an air conditioned metered taxi for 50 baht.

Even I was a sucker once.

My Thai GF avoids tutktuks too.

....................."Even I was a sucker once.".......................

Well I am not going to be suckered, not this time. I don't believe a word of your anecdote regarding the nice farang lady who volunteers at the animal shelter and the evil tuk-tuk driver.

Only a matter of time before you turn on the air conditioned taxis.

[Mickey Cohen]

Op maybe you should learn how to drive first

[Salthegal]

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

[Slain]

Salthegirl. You have my admiration for your calm elegance in telling your story. I hope you will recover fully.

[brfsa2]

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that this unfortunate thing happened to you.

I truthfully hope you recover and someday be able to ride again.

[macknife]

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that this unfortunate thing happened to you.

I truthfully hope you recover and someday be able to ride again.

OR... with only 2 posts.... was this account made just to back up a story that sounds very improbable to me having lived here for well over a decade?????

[Salthegal]

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that this unfortunate thing happened to you.

I truthfully hope you recover and someday be able to ride again.

OR... with only 2 posts.... was this account made just to back up a story that sounds very improbable to me having lived here for well over a decade?????

[Salthegal]

Good afternoon macknife

Funny how folks find it impossible to believe I was run down, the driver drove off laughing, and no one assisted me.

The hospital Drs believe me, as do the orthopods, physios, pain management specialists, surgeons,and acupuncturist

I have had excellent treatment at huge cost as mentioned, but not once has anyone ever questioned the authenticity of my accident story.

I was asked to come on here, to show that sometimes bad things do happen to a sober, educated, caring and watchful person who happens to be a westener.

I have been a reader of Thaivisa for some months, but the reason there are only two posts is that I was invited to mention this story just last night.

Sorry you don't believe me, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Its been a long, painful road, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

I do not intend to try and convince you or any other doubter. I live with the result of the accident, that is enough stress for me

Thank you for your comment

[seedy]

Hmmmm - mikemac and macknife

Do I see a pattern ?

Sorry for your trouble, and wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

[macknife]

Good afternoon macknife

Funny how folks find it impossible to believe I was run down, the driver drove off laughing, and no one assisted me.

The hospital Drs believe me, as do the orthopods, physios, pain management specialists, surgeons,and acupuncturist

I have had excellent treatment at huge cost as mentioned, but not once has anyone ever questioned the authenticity of my accident story.

I was asked to come on here, to show that sometimes bad things do happen to a sober, educated, caring and watchful person who happens to be a westener.

I have been a reader of Thaivisa for some months, but the reason there are only two posts is that I was invited to mention this story just last night.

Sorry you don't believe me, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Its been a long, painful road, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

I do not intend to try and convince you or any other doubter. I live with the result of the accident, that is enough stress for me

Thank you for your comment

Yes sorry I did notice afterwards that your account was created quite some time ago, so I'll admit I was wrong there. You have no idea at the amount of problems we've had on these forums with certain members creating fake accounts.

[Salthegal]

Thank you sir.

I had enough trouble starting one post, to have fake accounts would just be toooo difficult.

Some things I am good at, technology is not one of them.

Cheers

[ll2]

L

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that if it is true.

And you did not report it to the police?

I am sure they found him if you did as millions of camera all over sukhumvit.

A tuk tuk hitting a farang in the middle of sukhumit and continue diriving with a laughter and no one did anything about it you say?

Edited December 7, 2014 by ll2

[AllanB]

Been here 8 years and ride everyday. Only once I had a pickup stopping in front of me in the middle of the road and slowly reversing into my bike, damaging the front fender. They apologized, followed me to my trusted bike shop and paid the bill in advance.

Had a few close calls but nothing I couldn't avoid. So far so good.....Touch wood

Yes, touch wood, I'm the same, driven cars and rode motorbikes in Thailand for nine years and never an accident, I am a big critic of Thai drivers and motorcyclists, about 90% of them are not fit to drive or ride, mostly due to very little intelligence.

I would say that if you make a point of never speeding, watching for other drivers mistakes and lack of intelligence, and always being aware of what is going on around you, then I would say you have a 99% chance of not being involved in an accident, apart from someone hitting you while you are stationary.

It's not due to little intelligence, it's lack of driver's education and a history of not following or enforcing rules and driving standards.

Many developing countries have the same issues.

Quit blaming Thailand's problems on "low intelligence."

That's just a way to make you feel superior.

@ duanebigsby - Reading your comment made me think of something, in the last eight years I have read countless comments from Western posters who love to make comments regarding the Thais having little or no intelligence (compared to the mentally superior westerner)

At the same time I have read so many stories about foreigners coming to grief, for one reason or another (it is never their fault, always the evil Thai's fault) and I am sure that a certain percentage of these "incidents" occurred due to the westerner's "lack of intelligence".

I wonder if the two ever overlap ?

PS - Anyone who lives in a foreign country and spends their time making comments on a forum about the locals lacking intelligence is really showing their lack thereof.

You are absolutely right, it is not about intelligence, it is about culture and the different way we are all brought up.

Half the farangs who come out here fall for the oldest trick in the book, "you are a very handsome/sexy man", from a 20 something stunner to an wrinkled old prune, well past his sell by date, but with a few bob. How unintelligent is that, following the subsequent redistribution of wealth that takes place?

Then there are the boy racers, riding 3 times as fast as everyone else, knee down on the bends, who then wonder why the truck driver failed to see them.

I am afraid you have to ride according to the prevailing conditions, you are the ones who have to change, you choose to live in their country, so learn, or go home.

[Salthegal]

L

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that if it is true.

And you did not report it to the police?

I am sure they found him if you did as millions of camera all over sukhumvit.

A tuk tuk hitting a farang in the middle of sukhumit and continue diriving with a laughter and no one did anything about it you say?

[Salthegal]

L

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that if it is true.

And you did not report it to the police?

I am sure they found him if you did as millions of camera all over sukhumvit.

A tuk tuk hitting a farang in the middle of sukhumit and continue diriving with a laughter and no one did anything about it you say?

Good afternoon.

It is irrelevant whether or not this accident was reported to Police, that is not the point at all and not for public knowledge on TV.

No amount of compensation (or punishment to the driver) will give me back my full mobility.

Lets keep it to the original post.

The post was to point out that the accident did happen as described, neither the driver or his passenger helped me, nor did any the passing pedestrians, unfortunately.

I will add further information in that I was able to hop (yes, hop), into a small business nearby. The owner allowed me to sit there for a while and not only did he get a taxi to take me to hospital...he actually went with me and stayed until I was taken through to the Doctors, and X-ray

I am forever grateful for his assistance and kindness.

My original post was to describe the incident and lack of immediate assistance at the scene.

I could have jumped on TV and whinged and moaned for the last 14 months about this, I have not. Suffice to say it has changed my life. At least I can venture out a little now, after many months of treatment.

I shall continue to sit in the shadows and read TV for the varied subjects and comments, but probably will not post again.

I was warned those in the 'Bike' forum were a tough lot.... But I posted, as requested.

Thanks to those who were supportive in believing my story.

[ll2]

L

In reply to Mikemac,

I am the lady who was indeed knocked down by a tuk tuk driver.

I was walking along Sukhumvit rd, approaching soi 7, and saw the tuk tuk . We made eye contact, he made a wide sweep into soi 7 and as I reached the middle of the road, he collided with me

His passenger jumped out to see if I was injured, and I was, so he jumped back in the tuk tuk and they drove off, the driver laughing his head off

The thing that I thought odd about this driver, is that he was laughing as he drove into the soi, I mean really laughing. Did he hit me deliberately...who knows.

I have major injuries and still struggling with these injuries 14 mths later, and incurring huge medical costs.

There are good and bad people everywhere, but he is not my favorite person.

So there you go Mikemac, its a true story. Unfortunately, due to my injuries, I can no longer ride a motorcycle.

Sorry to hear that if it is true.

And you did not report it to the police?

I am sure they found him if you did as millions of camera all over sukhumvit.

A tuk tuk hitting a farang in the middle of sukhumit and continue diriving with a laughter and no one did anything about it you say?

Good afternoon.

It is irrelevant whether or not this accident was reported to Police, that is not the point at all and not for public knowledge on TV.

No amount of compensation (or punishment to the driver) will give me back my full mobility.

Lets keep it to the original post.

The post was to point out that the accident did happen as described, neither the driver or his passenger helped me, nor did any the passing pedestrians, unfortunately.

I will add further information in that I was able to hop (yes, hop), into a small business nearby. The owner allowed me to sit there for a while and not only did he get a taxi to take me to hospital...he actually went with me and stayed until I was taken through to the Doctors, and X-ray

I am forever grateful for his assistance and kindness.

My original post was to describe the incident and lack of immediate assistance at the scene.

I could have jumped on TV and whinged and moaned for the last 14 months about this, I have not. Suffice to say it has changed my life. At least I can venture out a little now, after many months of treatment.

I shall continue to sit in the shadows and read TV for the varied subjects and comments, but probably will not post again.

I was warned those in the 'Bike' forum were a tough lot.... But I posted, as requested.

Thanks to those who were supportive in believing my story.

Sorry. Hard to believe such a story happening the the midddle of sukhumvit and the fact that no one helped you.

No polive involved? No ambulance?

I always believe truth is two sided.

But of course i want to believe your story and get well soon then.

Edited December 7, 2014 by ll2

[Salthegal]

Good evening ll2,

Understandably, I was in shock after being struck, and it was as much as I could do to find help in the nearby business.

An ambulance would have been handy, yes, but I was grateful to be comforted and then taken by taxi to hospital.

Hard to believe at 5pm on Sukhumvit Road? I would have thought so too, as I am VERY aware when crossing road, but it still happened.

I had no witnesses willing to give me their names, so have only the business owner who was involved after the event and was aware of the injuries sustained.

Thank you for your kind words. I think positive as much as possible, but it is a very long recovery. I'll get there.

[DogNo1]

Today, as I walked back from Phantip, I saw a long line of about 40 tuktuks sitting idle at the side of the street. Later, I did see one tuktuk drop off a female western tourist in front of my hotel. I didn't overhear how much she paid. It was the only tuktuk I saw in operation in the city today!