Video of Thai bus driver dangerously overtaking truck causes outrage

[Fookhaht]

Ha Ha Ha....You think this is bad here in Thailand, try driving in Cambodia....10 times worst then here.

Anecdotal evidence doesn't match up to the statistical evidence. Among 200+ countries, only Libya is worse than Thailand.

[Ace of Pop]

The Bum who posted that is dumb ,plenty of room on his LHS. Like most of those Dash Cam Clowns they drag as much out of nothing for their You Tube posting

And if there wasn't ' plenty of room ' LHS ?

Someone driving on their own side of the road has to react to an idiot driving on the wrong side of the road because if they didn't ... !

Get an Eye Check ,even my Mrs wouldn't whinge

[Bluespunk]

And since when has it become acceptable to endanger life because you are flashing your headlights.

Seen it happening since 1996 when I was in Q8...

[Fookhaht]

"A spokesperson for Nakhon Chai Air Company reportedly told Thairath that the company is currently in the process of calling the driver in for a serious meeting and investigation."

A serious meeting. jeeeeeez he should be put in jail.

They also intend, supposedly, to contact the passengers for feedback as part of an evaluation of the driver and IF HE FAILS he's out.

If he fails ?? The company's reaction suggests they're looking for a reason not to take much in the way of action against him so maybe they regard his standard of driving as pretty much the norm and anyway there wasn't an accident

I wonder how they can locate the passengers and just how many would have been awake ?

That is exactly how I read it, I mean this video should be enough. Why contact the passengers at all ?

Because the longer you drag out an investigation, the more chance everyone will just forget about it, and everything will eventually fade away.

Ergo: driver back on the road, and "all is well" again...

Edited March 12, 2016 by Fookhaht

[robblok]

The Bum who posted that is dumb ,plenty of room on his LHS. Like most of those Dash Cam Clowns they drag as much out of nothing for their You Tube posting

And if there wasn't ' plenty of room ' LHS ?

Someone driving on their own side of the road has to react to an idiot driving on the wrong side of the road because if they didn't ... !

I agree 100% Ace of Pop is probably also an crazy driver if he thinks it acceptable behavior. If I am on my side of the road they should just not overtake and force me to the side even if there is enough room. Because next time maybe there is not enough room.

[robblok]

"A spokesperson for Nakhon Chai Air Company reportedly told Thairath that the company is currently in the process of calling the driver in for a serious meeting and investigation."

A serious meeting. jeeeeeez he should be put in jail.

They also intend, supposedly, to contact the passengers for feedback as part of an evaluation of the driver and IF HE FAILS he's out.

If he fails ?? The company's reaction suggests they're looking for a reason not to take much in the way of action against him so maybe they regard his standard of driving as pretty much the norm and anyway there wasn't an accident

I wonder how they can locate the passengers and just how many would have been awake ?

That is exactly how I read it, I mean this video should be enough. Why contact the passengers at all ?

Because the longer you drag out an investigation, the more chance everyone will just forget about it, and everything will eventually fade away.

Ergo: driver back on the road, and "all is well" again...

I fear you might be right.

[Mackstask]

Wake up Thailand ! This is an everyday occurrence on Thai roads. I have a dash cam, i think i'll start uploading some of the footage i have of outrageous maneuvers performed by Thai drivers.

[Linesy]

The Bum who posted that is dumb ,plenty of room on his LHS. Like most of those Dash Cam Clowns they drag as much out of nothing for their You Tube posting

And if there wasn't ' plenty of room ' LHS ?

Someone driving on their own side of the road has to react to an idiot driving on the wrong side of the road because if they didn't ... !

. Well you react your way. I would have eased left and not cried in me beer over sweet <deleted>.

Agreed, in this case there was room to manoeuvre and the occupants lived to upload the video, another location they could be dead and unable to upload the video.

[arrowsdawdle]

Farang mai kow jai. Sabai, sabai, mai pen rai.

[jpinx]

well -- the reason for most bus speeding incidents is likely to make up time to get back on Schedule -- so you might like to try blaming the company for penalising drivers on late arrival. That driver had started to overtake and got caught out -- lack of acceleration, suddenly appearing oncoming car, it happens every where. His flashing lights were a warning not a threat, and he can see that there is stacks of room on the shoulder. Would the perfect driver please stand up?

[LannaGuy]

"a serious meeting" what a joke and why ask passengers to "evaluate" Thais just don't get the 'responsibility gig' at all

[Ace of Pop]

Wake up Thailand ! This is an everyday occurrence on Thai roads. I have a dash cam, i think i'll start uploading some of the footage i have of outrageous maneuvers performed by Thai drivers.

. So have I got a cam,but i don't use it like a pen pusher to put down another driver unless it warrants it..rather be with the Bus Driver on a run than that trouble maker.Vids too short to see if the truck pulled out from a side road as they do

[robblok]

well -- the reason for most bus speeding incidents is likely to make up time to get back on Schedule -- so you might like to try blaming the company for penalising drivers on late arrival. That driver had started to overtake and got caught out -- lack of acceleration, suddenly appearing oncoming car, it happens every where. His flashing lights were a warning not a threat, and he can see that there is stacks of room on the shoulder. Would the perfect driver please stand up?

He could still go back and abort the the whole thing, those flashing lights are not a warning.. they are a threat. I have seen them often enough to know what they mean.. "Here am I get out of my way even if its your right of way".

So if you know so well that late arrival is punished .. how much is the punishment and is there a sliding scale ? Or are you just guessing not even knowing if this driver was late or not.

[selftaopath]

I'm sure all of us with dash cams could flood the internet with the exact same videos. Not only buses but cars and trucks as well. I see it every time I get out on the road.

Once I figure out how to download video from my dash cam I want to show others.... the more information made available to individuals (world wide) the better the chance of seeing change. The status quo thrives on ignorance. and secrecy.

[Fookhaht]

Wake up Thailand ! This is an everyday occurrence on Thai roads. I have a dash cam, i think i'll start uploading some of the footage i have of outrageous maneuvers performed by Thai drivers.

Have enough memory card capacity to get it all??

[Fookhaht]

Wake up Thailand ! This is an everyday occurrence on Thai roads. I have a dash cam, i think i'll start uploading some of the footage i have of outrageous maneuvers performed by Thai drivers.

. So have I got a cam,but i don't use it like a pen pusher to put down another driver unless it warrants it..rather be with the Bus Driver on a run than that trouble maker.Vids too short to see if the truck pulled out from a side road as they do

[cooked]

So whats unusual about his driving, just a normal day in Thailand.

Actually I count on Nakhon Chai air as a means of safe transport as usually they don't drive like this. There have been a couple of accidents recently involving them including a fatality and my faith is dwindling.

[alanferdi]

Good Video, thank for the contribution. For those who feel a little bit touched by all this exposure, particularly those who have the power to change. This is nothing new. its Thailand normal and the only way you are going to change this is to do the following.

CHANGES

1. Trucks and Buses to stick to their lanes of traffic on the highway. Its hideous to see a tour group getting police escort using the fast lane..... what is this? why dont they take a helicopter or go by plane. This is not the purpose of a police force...even if it means, it was the police Dept on a summer holiday. Trucks and Busses only 80Kmph and no road hogging. Distances between trucks and busses should be atleast 3 cars, so that it makes overtaking easier for other motorist. Who have no intention of overtaking a 1 km Colony of busses escorted by the police!!!.

2.Trucks with Trailers or Skips or Containers should only be given time frames to move about and certain days no truck traffic at all. Such is the case in Europe on Sunday (Germany) can only come on to the roads after 22:00. This helps a lot with the weekend traffic.

3. Truck stops and controls... no driver should exceed a time limit on the road driving.... this is only asking for an accident.

4. Light trucks should not carry people in the back without any protection or seat belts. Speed limits or prohibition a must!

5. Most busses and Trucks know they have weight and size and hence use that to push on coming traffice off the road with flashing of lights. NONSENSE.... They should wait their turn or the truck or bus in front should seek a park place and let traffic ease by if not detected by the police. Roads need to be monitored and controlled for flow of traffic. Not presence of police dressed to only watch traffic not control it. Perhaps someone should take a video of traffic control and send it to the police of its efficiency. NEEDs to be ADDRESSED.

6. Speeding should not only be fined!!! The person or bus should be detained for an hour before proceeding. Those who try to make it to the airport or hospital could do so by proper means.... Ambulance or leave early. (hmmm looks like some of you are the culprits)

GOOD OBSERVATIONS

1. I have noticed Police control of Mini Busses from Bangkok to Pattaya for over speeding

2. Have seen several Police patrols on the Highway 7 from Chonburi to Bangkok, controlling poorly secured trucks, over weight and person carriers and pick ups that are not properly secured with luggage. Good, Very Good keep up this work.

3. Have noticed proper maintainence of roads on 331, 304 and the 24 going North, proper night controls for speeding and for security.

4. Noticed less police harrassment of foreigners in outstation post, very polite and vigilant. The city and Costal areas.... still need to change.

[jpinx]

well -- the reason for most bus speeding incidents is likely to make up time to get back on Schedule -- so you might like to try blaming the company for penalising drivers on late arrival. That driver had started to overtake and got caught out -- lack of acceleration, suddenly appearing oncoming car, it happens every where. His flashing lights were a warning not a threat, and he can see that there is stacks of room on the shoulder. Would the perfect driver please stand up?

He could still go back and abort the the whole thing, those flashing lights are not a warning.. they are a threat. I have seen them often enough to know what they mean.. "Here am I get out of my way even if its your right of way".

So if you know so well that late arrival is punished .. how much is the punishment and is there a sliding scale ? Or are you just guessing not even knowing if this driver was late or not.

The perfect driver has spoken -- and sadly there are a few "likes" :S

Aborting would involve chopping in front of the vehicles behind the truck, without really knowing if there is room. You like that idea better than a warning flash for the oncomer to move onto the shoulder where there is LOTS of room?

Every company in other countries has a little bit different system, but there are numerous cases of drivers being hauled over the coals for late arrivals -- until the Unions get involved. Unfortunately the drivers don't have anyone to defend them in such cases here.

[Frederickxx]

I'm sure all of us with dash cams could flood the internet with the exact same videos. Not only buses but cars and trucks as well. I see it every time I get out on the road.

ME too.

[kennw]

Like others I have experienced this type of event numerous times, at lest in this case it is a bus with a company name on the front, often it is just it is a large truck passing in the same manner.

[wabothai]

Proof of mental condition of the average thai driver.

This happens hundreds of thousands of times every single day.

And absolutely nothing is done about it. Also proof of mental condition.

[jucel]

Something actually worth protesting over, yet no groups ever do it en masse.

It should not be deemed political, even if those in power have their fingers in these businesses, and couldn't give a flying fig.

[Jessi]

The Bum who posted that is dumb ,plenty of room on his LHS. Like most of those Dash Cam Clowns they drag as much out of nothing for their You Tube posting

And if there wasn't ' plenty of room ' LHS ?

Someone driving on their own side of the road has to react to an idiot driving on the wrong side of the road because if they didn't ... !

. Well you react your way. I would have eased left and not cried in me beer over sweet <deleted>.

Please ignore The Ace of Pop. ..................He is having one of those moments again.

[craigt3365]

The Bum who posted that is dumb ,plenty of room on his LHS. Like most of those Dash Cam Clowns they drag as much out of nothing for their You Tube posting

Same thing happened to me a few years ago. Was ran off the road onto the shoulder where there was a huge hole. Almost caused me to end up in the ditch. Cars are not meant to drive on the shoulder and buses are not suppose to overtake like that.

[Jessi]

As with most Thai drivers its all about

me, me, me, me,me, me, me, me,me, me, me, me

Never mind anyone else.

[ThaiKneeTim]

well -- the reason for most bus speeding incidents is likely to make up time to get back on Schedule -- so you might like to try blaming the company for penalising drivers on late arrival. That driver had started to overtake and got caught out -- lack of acceleration, suddenly appearing oncoming car, it happens every where. His flashing lights were a warning not a threat, and he can see that there is stacks of room on the shoulder. Would the perfect driver please stand up?

He could still go back and abort the the whole thing, those flashing lights are not a warning.. they are a threat. I have seen them often enough to know what they mean.. "Here am I get out of my way even if its your right of way".

So if you know so well that late arrival is punished .. how much is the punishment and is there a sliding scale ? Or are you just guessing not even knowing if this driver was late or not.

The perfect driver has spoken -- and sadly there are a few "likes" :S

Aborting would involve chopping in front of the vehicles behind the truck, without really knowing if there is room. You like that idea better than a warning flash for the oncomer to move onto the shoulder where there is LOTS of room?

Every company in other countries has a little bit different system, but there are numerous cases of drivers being hauled over the coals for late arrivals -- until the Unions get involved. Unfortunately the drivers don't have anyone to defend them in such cases here.

Buses in Europe have speed limited and drivering hours are limited to a maximum of 9 throughout a 15 hour working day, with a maximum number of working hours per week prior to taking 2 days off.

Fleet operators have licences that can be revoked if they fail to ensure drivers abide by regulations, fail to plan manageable routes or if they put pressure on drivers to flour the law.

If it can be done in Europe then why is it so difficult to place the safety of passengers above all else in Thailand? Even if the lawmakers and enforcers are unwilling to do anything I'm pretty damned sure the insurance companies will sting the operators with increased premiums.

[scorecard]

A spokesperson for Nakhon Chai Air Company reportedly told Thairath that the company is currently in the process of calling the driver in for a serious meeting and investigation.

I am sure they don't mean to be this harsh. They are just over reacting.

Actually many Thais will tell you Nakorn Chai air is very serious about safety (way above any other bus company) and always listen very carefully when they get a rare complaint from a customer.

[robblok]

well -- the reason for most bus speeding incidents is likely to make up time to get back on Schedule -- so you might like to try blaming the company for penalising drivers on late arrival. That driver had started to overtake and got caught out -- lack of acceleration, suddenly appearing oncoming car, it happens every where. His flashing lights were a warning not a threat, and he can see that there is stacks of room on the shoulder. Would the perfect driver please stand up?

He could still go back and abort the the whole thing, those flashing lights are not a warning.. they are a threat. I have seen them often enough to know what they mean.. "Here am I get out of my way even if its your right of way".

So if you know so well that late arrival is punished .. how much is the punishment and is there a sliding scale ? Or are you just guessing not even knowing if this driver was late or not.

The perfect driver has spoken -- and sadly there are a few "likes" :S

Aborting would involve chopping in front of the vehicles behind the truck, without really knowing if there is room. You like that idea better than a warning flash for the oncomer to move onto the shoulder where there is LOTS of room?

Every company in other countries has a little bit different system, but there are numerous cases of drivers being hauled over the coals for late arrivals -- until the Unions get involved. Unfortunately the drivers don't have anyone to defend them in such cases here.

Maybe the fact that i got likes should tell you something about your opinion.

Your now telling me that maybe there is no room to go back (assumption) telling me that i should not assume there is room to go back but at the same token you assume he guy is late and making up time.. hmmmm different standards apply to you ?

Now you are saying, that you don't know if there is a late penalty but you just assume it.

Loads of assumptions to justify his behavior.

I am far from the perfect driver but forcing others of their lane so I can overtake is not something I ever do. I am more often on the receiving end of idiots like that. Especially when I drive a motorbike because then they seem to think they can do it all. I get it too when i drive the car but less. Its just crazy that people force you of your lane because they WANT to overtake and CANT wait for a safe time to do so.

So yes I condemn this kind of behaviour.

[razer]

If there were serious penalties and these penalties were enforced, traffic deaths in Thailand would be cut in half.