Phuket Too Dangerous?

[NCC1701A]

I have been riding my motorcycle ALONE all over Thailand North of Hua Hin with no real problems and having a great time. Just the incredibly dangerous Thai traffic.

But I have read so much about Mafia police, Russian Mafia and scams in Phuket and the islands I am worried about traveling on my motorcycle ALONE.

Am I asking for trouble going to Phuket?

All I want to do is cruise around for a few days, but if I am going to be stopped by Mafia police every day, I will take a pass.

[watcharacters]

.

Phuket's fine as long as you're sure to not ruffle any feathers. But that being said, I don't plan to return there as it's too easy for problems to develop out of nothing. I say let the expats who like it there have it to themselves. 555

[hansgruber]

Is this for real? fear of Russian Mafia while riding?

Steer clear of drugs and borrowing money and you'll never have a problem.

Russian people I have come across are fine, it's the rude and smelly Chinese you should fear. They cough without covering their mouths.

[LivinginKata]

Wear helmet, have DL, road tax, and insurance, no drink & drive - expect no problems.

[hansgruber]

Wear helmet, have DL, road tax, and insurance, no drink & drive - expect no problems.

Not having those things doesnt make it dangerous.

Maybe for the wallet but your safe in general.

[NamKangMan]

The basics, which you probably knew already, have been posted above.

In relation to dangers, specific to Phuket, whilst riding a motorbike, I would suggest you keep your riding at night to a minimum.

Phuket does not have the public transport options other tourists areas in Thailand have, therefore, many locals, tourists, and expats, drive/ride whilst heavily intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs. Obviously, this is more prevalant at night.

Also, I would be very cautious riding along the coast road at night. It's not uncommon for riders to be chased and kicked off their motorbikes by young Thai guys, and then robbed.

The roads are in a poor state of repair here, but if you have traveled around a lot in Thailand, you would be used to that.

Other than what I have mentioned, the chances of you becoming a victim of extortion by police, attacked by a gang, or wiped out by a drunk coming the other way, are minimal.

[schlog]

If you only have 10% of the smartness that Jack Bauer have, then you will be fine.

[NamKangMan]

If you only have 10% of the smartness that Jack Bauer have, then you will be fine.

"If you only have 10% of the smartness that Jack Bauer have, then you will be fine." - and if he had only 1% of the money the guy who plays Jack Bauer has - he would not be riding a motorbike.

[Nemesis7]

use your common sense, and you should be OK.

[SOTIRIOS]

...well...as you may have read...anything is possible....

[bridge2bridge]

Is this for real? fear of Russian Mafia while riding?

Steer clear of drugs and borrowing money and you'll never have a problem.

Russian people I have come across are fine, it's the rude and smelly Chinese you should fear. They cough without covering their mouths.

And RUSSIANS are not RUDE?

[NamKangMan]

Is this for real? fear of Russian Mafia while riding?

Steer clear of drugs and borrowing money and you'll never have a problem.

Russian people I have come across are fine, it's the rude and smelly Chinese you should fear. They cough without covering their mouths.

I would rather be coughed on by a Chinese, than have to deal with the Phuket police, Phuket mafia, or Russian mafia here on Phuket.

[Zumteufel]

I've been living in Phuket for 8 years, and never had the slightest problem. Impatient hotheads on the other hand might find themselves in trouble constantly - but I suppose that's not rescticted to geographical location.

[hansgruber]

Is this for real? fear of Russian Mafia while riding?

Steer clear of drugs and borrowing money and you'll never have a problem.

Russian people I have come across are fine, it's the rude and smelly Chinese you should fear. They cough without covering their mouths.

I would rather be coughed on by a Chinese, than have to deal with the Phuket police, Phuket mafia, or Russian mafia here on Phuket.

If you do nothing wrong then the police are out of play. I come across police daily and they only seem to smile as I go through the checkpoints.

Russians stick to their own kind and most of their crime is against compatriots. Same goes for Thai Mafia. It's with their own people.

Chinese coughing their bird flu and swine flu all over the place as well as not bathing isn't pleasant whatsoever.

Someone should tell them that the shower is included in the room price because it's obvious they didn't get the memo.

I actually don't know anyone who has had trouble with Russian Mafia nor the thai Mafia.

A taxi gang isn't Mafia, they aren't organised well enough, just a bunch of cowards that need their pals around for a fair fight.

They don't worry me in the slightest.

[phuketrichard]

10's of thousand's ride everyday

from 8 year old's to 80

[roggan99]

Me and my wife drived around, following the coust of Phuket. No problem. IF you know the way... ☺ But if you have to ask the direction you will probably get the wrong answer... ☺

[Pomthai]

In addition to the above, watch out for the loose pigs and piglets on the main road just south of the Samkong Tesco Lotus junction.

Also there are buffaloes on the main road south of the airport junction and around Thalang. They do not wear high visibility jackets.

Silver and white mini vans regularly travel at 350kph with a following distance of about 4 or perhaps 5 inches. - Any animosity or anger will be deemed a misunderstanding; unless your at fault and then, well its your fault. It might become your fault even when it isn't. If you go public and make enough noise it will be reduced to another misunderstanding and lots of pointing of fingers and grinning will take place (this also make a good photo opportunity).

Most accidents happen due to the vehicle assuming control from the driver and then forgetting to steer / brake or otherwise pay attention. It is NEVER the fault of the actual driver. Brakes also fail regularly in Phuket. This is because there are hills here and nowhere else in the world has hill except Phuket.

Also please make sure any vehicle you use has a Phuket plate. If it doesn't it means the driver vehicle will be unfamiliar with the road and it will crash. It cannot be helped and is an unfortunate consequence of being registered else where.

Above all, keep you whits about you, drive carefully and sober and enjoy your time.

[roggan99]

Rasism? Russians and Chinese are all same? Not individuals?

[Travel Dude]

You can drive safely in Phuket. No issues with the Police checkpoints.

Be careful of sudden crossing animals just after a hill. A surprise that will have you flying through the air, followed by a painful landing. But I guess with driving around Thailand you are familiar with the traffic dangers here. Have a safe and fun ride!

Edited January 5, 2015 by Travel Dude

[Dustdevil]

If you only have 10% of the smartness that Jack Bauer have, then you will be fine.

"If you only have 10% of the smartness that Jack Bauer have, then you will be fine." - and if he had only 1% of the money the guy who plays Jack Bauer has - he would not be riding a motorbike.

I'll bet I have 100% of the correct grammar that Jack Bauer has.

[NamKangMan]

Is this for real? fear of Russian Mafia while riding?

Steer clear of drugs and borrowing money and you'll never have a problem.

Russian people I have come across are fine, it's the rude and smelly Chinese you should fear. They cough without covering their mouths.

I would rather be coughed on by a Chinese, than have to deal with the Phuket police, Phuket mafia, or Russian mafia here on Phuket.

If you do nothing wrong then the police are out of play. I come across police daily and they only seem to smile as I go through the checkpoints.

Russians stick to their own kind and most of their crime is against compatriots. Same goes for Thai Mafia. It's with their own people.

Chinese coughing their bird flu and swine flu all over the place as well as not bathing isn't pleasant whatsoever.

Someone should tell them that the shower is included in the room price because it's obvious they didn't get the memo.

I actually don't know anyone who has had trouble with Russian Mafia nor the thai Mafia.

A taxi gang isn't Mafia, they aren't organised well enough, just a bunch of cowards that need their pals around for a fair fight.

They don't worry me in the slightest.

"If you do nothing wrong then the police are out of play." - I was thinking along the lines of a Thai crashing into a farang - and it being the farang's fault.

Yeah, yeah - same old argument - it's never happened to me, so how would I know, but I am quite sure it's not an urban myth, and it has happened to some unfortunate people.

So, if a Thai crashes into you, and he badly injures himself, or dies - you are in a vulnerable position to be extorted. Let's leave it at that.

As for the Russian mafia - I agree in some respects, and disagree in others. In relation to violence perpetrated upon a tourist or expat, by Russian mafia, in general, they pose little threat, but in relation to ATM skimming, money laundering, scams and frauds - I am sure they are into it here, and one may become a victim on these non violent crimes.

As for the Thai mafia - well, we are all paying for them, whether it be through the cost of "tea money" being passed onto the consumer, or collusion to set high rents here - which is also passed onto the consumer etc etc - we are all indirectly paying the price of corruption here.

As for young Thai guys that form their own small "crews" that are on ya bah and ice - they are definately a concern, and in my opinion, pose a considerable threat to the safety of locals, tourists, and expats, in the future. Their need for funds to support their recreational habits, or addiction, will increase, considerably, and so will the violence of their crimes.

As for the taxi and tuk-tuks - once again, collusion, and protection of their monopoly, through violence and blockades, basically meets the definition of the word "mafia." They are the reason so many die on the roads here, and why Phuket does not have similar transport options, and prices, to other similar tourist desinations in Thailand. On that basis, they have some power and control over transport, which is an essential service, on Phuket.

So, that leaves the Chinese coughing in public. Most of their coughing is from smoking. In any case, I keep some Tamiflu on hand, and if I come across one with body odour - I move.

I would much rather an interaction with a Chinese cougher, than any of the others above.

[hansgruber]

They op asked about riding around Phuket and whether it was safe to do so.

He didn't ask about Public transport nor taxis. He was under the impression there is a Russian road mafia attacking motorcycles or something which baffles me.

Good to see nomadjoe is back liking posts but I wonder why he isn't posting. Wish he would join the dolphinarium thread with some input.

[NamKangMan]

They op asked about riding around Phuket and whether it was safe to do so.

He didn't ask about Public transport nor taxis. He was under the impression there is a Russian road mafia attacking motorcycles or something which baffles me.

Good to see nomadjoe is back liking posts but I wonder why he isn't posting. Wish he would join the dolphinarium thread with some input.

The lack of public transport on Phuket is DIRECTLY related to many of the dangers on the road here, so, definately on topic.

The OP asked about police, Thai and Russian mafia - to which I commented on in my post, so, also on topic.

Now, what has the dolphinariam thread got to do with this thread, or Chinese people coughing, for that matter????

Is there a dolphinarium mafia and a Chinese coughing mafia that are making the roads dangerous here?

Edited January 5, 2015 by NamKangMan

[hansgruber]

They op asked about riding around Phuket and whether it was safe to do so.

He didn't ask about Public transport nor taxis. He was under the impression there is a Russian road mafia attacking motorcycles or something which baffles me.

Good to see nomadjoe is back liking posts but I wonder why he isn't posting. Wish he would join the dolphinarium thread with some input.

The lack of public transport on Phuket is DIRECTLY related to many of the dangers on the road here, so, definately on topic.

The OP asked about police, Thai and Russian mafia - to which I commented on in my post, so, also on topic.

Now, what has the dolphinariam thread got to do with this thread, or Chinese people coughing, for that matter????

Is there a dolphinarium mafia and a Chinese coughing mafia that are making the roads dangerous here?

I explained why. He lurks liking posts but doesn't contribute anymore.

I want his expertise on that topic just like you're the go to man on Phuket's public transport situation.

[NamKangMan]

They op asked about riding around Phuket and whether it was safe to do so.

He didn't ask about Public transport nor taxis. He was under the impression there is a Russian road mafia attacking motorcycles or something which baffles me.

Good to see nomadjoe is back liking posts but I wonder why he isn't posting. Wish he would join the dolphinarium thread with some input.

The lack of public transport on Phuket is DIRECTLY related to many of the dangers on the road here, so, definately on topic.

The OP asked about police, Thai and Russian mafia - to which I commented on in my post, so, also on topic.

Now, what has the dolphinariam thread got to do with this thread, or Chinese people coughing, for that matter????

Is there a dolphinarium mafia and a Chinese coughing mafia that are making the roads dangerous here?

I explained why. He lurks liking posts but doesn't contribute anymore.

I want his expertise on that topic just like you're the go to man on Phuket's public transport situation.

There's nothing like a bit of abuse to draw out a lurker.

NJ - post something, ya daft bastard.

[KamalaRider]

"If you do nothing wrong then the police are out of play." - I was thinking along the lines of a Thai crashing into a farang - and it being the farang's fault.

Yeah, yeah - same old argument - it's never happened to me, so how would I know, but I am quite sure it's not an urban myth, and it has happened to some unfortunate people.

So, if a Thai crashes into you, and he badly injures himself, or dies - you are in a vulnerable position to be extorted. Let's leave it at that.

As for the Russian mafia - I agree in some respects, and disagree in others. In relation to violence perpetrated upon a tourist or expat, by Russian mafia, in general, they pose little threat, but in relation to ATM skimming, money laundering, scams and frauds - I am sure they are into it here, and one may become a victim on these non violent crimes.

As for the Thai mafia - well, we are all paying for them, whether it be through the cost of "tea money" being passed onto the consumer, or collusion to set high rents here - which is also passed onto the consumer etc etc - we are all indirectly paying the price of corruption here.

As for young Thai guys that form their own small "crews" that are on ya bah and ice - they are definately a concern, and in my opinion, pose a considerable threat to the safety of locals, tourists, and expats, in the future. Their need for funds to support their recreational habits, or addiction, will increase, considerably, and so will the violence of their crimes.

As for the taxi and tuk-tuks - once again, collusion, and protection of their monopoly, through violence and blockades, basically meets the definition of the word "mafia." They are the reason so many die on the roads here, and why Phuket does not have similar transport options, and prices, to other similar tourist desinations in Thailand. On that basis, they have some power and control over transport, which is an essential service, on Phuket.

So, that leaves the Chinese coughing in public. Most of their coughing is from smoking. In any case, I keep some Tamiflu on hand, and if I come across one with body odour - I move.

I would much rather an interaction with a Chinese cougher, than any of the others above.

Is this specific to Phuket? **So, if a Thai crashes into you, and he badly injures himself, or dies - you are in a vulnerable position to be extorted. Let's leave it at that.**

Is this a danger in Phuket traffic? **As for the Russian mafia ________ in relation to ATM skimming, money laundering, scams and frauds**

Is this specific to Phuket? **we are all indirectly paying the price of corruption here **

Is this specific to Phuket? **As for young Thai guys that form their own small "crews" that are on ya bah and ice**

I NEVER thought I would defend and tuk tuk driver in Phuket, but I have to now **As for the taxi and tuk-tuks _____ They are the reason so many die on the roads here.**

SIMPLY NOT TRUE, In fact it's very rare for them to be involved in any accident, it happens but it seems they are driving better and better for each year. (better = not involved in accidents)

Don't comment on the chinese bashing, don't recognize the description of them. Yeah, sure a few of them, but not the majority.

To comment on if Phuket is safe to go with a MC, absolutely not but there's no difference from the rest of Thailand, like so many other have said, use helmet, keep you DL with you, drive safe, not too fast or too slow, follow the traffic rhythm, yeah I know, sounds like there is one and it does, go, stop, wait, go, stop, wait, go, stop, wait, almost always in that order.

[NamKangMan]

"If you do nothing wrong then the police are out of play." - I was thinking along the lines of a Thai crashing into a farang - and it being the farang's fault.

Yeah, yeah - same old argument - it's never happened to me, so how would I know, but I am quite sure it's not an urban myth, and it has happened to some unfortunate people.

So, if a Thai crashes into you, and he badly injures himself, or dies - you are in a vulnerable position to be extorted. Let's leave it at that.

As for the Russian mafia - I agree in some respects, and disagree in others. In relation to violence perpetrated upon a tourist or expat, by Russian mafia, in general, they pose little threat, but in relation to ATM skimming, money laundering, scams and frauds - I am sure they are into it here, and one may become a victim on these non violent crimes.

As for the Thai mafia - well, we are all paying for them, whether it be through the cost of "tea money" being passed onto the consumer, or collusion to set high rents here - which is also passed onto the consumer etc etc - we are all indirectly paying the price of corruption here.

As for young Thai guys that form their own small "crews" that are on ya bah and ice - they are definately a concern, and in my opinion, pose a considerable threat to the safety of locals, tourists, and expats, in the future. Their need for funds to support their recreational habits, or addiction, will increase, considerably, and so will the violence of their crimes.

As for the taxi and tuk-tuks - once again, collusion, and protection of their monopoly, through violence and blockades, basically meets the definition of the word "mafia." They are the reason so many die on the roads here, and why Phuket does not have similar transport options, and prices, to other similar tourist desinations in Thailand. On that basis, they have some power and control over transport, which is an essential service, on Phuket.

So, that leaves the Chinese coughing in public. Most of their coughing is from smoking. In any case, I keep some Tamiflu on hand, and if I come across one with body odour - I move.

I would much rather an interaction with a Chinese cougher, than any of the others above.

Is this specific to Phuket? **So, if a Thai crashes into you, and he badly injures himself, or dies - you are in a vulnerable position to be extorted. Let's leave it at that.**

Is this a danger in Phuket traffic? **As for the Russian mafia ________ in relation to ATM skimming, money laundering, scams and frauds**

Is this specific to Phuket? **we are all indirectly paying the price of corruption here **

Is this specific to Phuket? **As for young Thai guys that form their own small "crews" that are on ya bah and ice**

I NEVER thought I would defend and tuk tuk driver in Phuket, but I have to now **As for the taxi and tuk-tuks _____ They are the reason so many die on the roads here.**

SIMPLY NOT TRUE, In fact it's very rare for them to be involved in any accident, it happens but it seems they are driving better and better for each year. (better = not involved in accidents)

Don't comment on the chinese bashing, don't recognize the description of them. Yeah, sure a few of them, but not the majority.

To comment on if Phuket is safe to go with a MC, absolutely not but there's no difference from the rest of Thailand, like so many other have said, use helmet, keep you DL with you, drive safe, not too fast or too slow, follow the traffic rhythm, yeah I know, sounds like there is one and it does, go, stop, wait, go, stop, wait, go, stop, wait, almost always in that order.

It's not specific to Phuket, but the OP's post asked about Phuket, so, he was told it can happen here as well.

The OP also asked about the presence of Police, Thai and Russian mafias - so I also commented. Read again, you will see I stated, in general, the Russian mafia pose no threat of violence, police may extort you if involved in an accident - even if it's not your fault, and young Thai guys may kick you off your bike and road you. Sure, this could happen anywhere in Thailland, but IT IS SPECIFIC to the coast road, on Phuket, late at night.

I posted why the lack of transport options here makes the roads more dangerous, particularly at night, maybe you missed it, read again - I never commented on the driving skills, or lack thereof, tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.

I never "bashed" the Chinese - another member did.

By the way - how do you get home after a night out drinking????

[Mangkhut]

I was in the south of Thailand and Phuket as well last month - riding alone on my motorbike. I experienced no problems whatsoever.

As usual when there is a traffic control by the police and they see a farang on a big motorbike with a decent helmet and decent riding gear - they just waved me past and through the line.

Safe riding!

[KamalaRider]

I live here in Phuket since more than 8 years now and I get stopped in check points now and then, maybe 10-15 times during my years here and had to pay 300THB once for not wearing helmet, that's it.

Never had any problem with any russian in traffic, in fact never had any problem with russians at any point in time. Have no clue where the Russian mafias are located.

Have had some altercations with the Thai mafia on a few occasions, they've had opinions about where I parked my car, motorbike and my MC, but that's concentrated to the west coast only, Kata, Karon and Patong.

The roads are mostly good to very good but there are sections along the coast where they definitively could be improved but mostly it's a dream to drive around along the coast.

Beautiful scenery, nice serpentine roads to swerve through, less traffic on the west coast compared to the east side of Phuket, which is flat anyway.

Just drive as you usually do everywhere in Thailand, expect everything and anything, u-turns on the steep hill roads between Kathu and Patong, between Chalong and Kata, 2 lane roads connecting the east to the west.

And most importantly, DON'T use your bikes front brake in curves, could be a lot of dust or sand in them, sometimes difficult too see.

Apart from that, I think Phuket is one of the most beautiful places for driving a bike, from Naithon beach in the north all the way down to Rawai, following the east coast, simply gorgeous driving.

Patong is the only one you can't go beach road if you go from north to south, reverse the direction and you will be able to cruise Patong beach road too, but it might not be a pleasant drive, depending on the traffic, go early, no traffic.

Kamala doesn't have much of a beach road, nor does Surin, Bang Tao or Chern Thaley (Laguna).

Edited January 5, 2015 by KamalaRider

[Bogan Koori]

I find a baseball bat perfect for Russians, Tuk Tuk Drivers, taxis and all the other pests. It sorts them right out in a heartbeat