Minivan, bus and road accidents

[PeteC]

Yes, written by Jonathan Head. He lives here and has for a long time. He knows the score.

[Dannie Boy]

Yes, written by Jonathan Head. He lives here and has for a long time. He knows the score.

Yes it was obviously written by someone with firsthand knowledge rather than hearsay!!

[caller]

If the problem is there, but meets the Thai Ministry of Transport legal limits, unless you enquire about it, would a Thai mechanic tell you of the non-problem (in Thailand)? Why would he even look for it

Yes, for me, in any case. The first inspection, even before the car was up on the ramp was by the guy that managed the service operation, and he would let you know about things like brakes and tyres, and at least once I recall him comingto see me, as the mechanic had spotted something else.

[Big Boy]

My point is though, worn in Thailand, is not the same as worn in the UK. Thailand is a lot more relaxed than a country such as the UK. Therefore, if you aren't asking for a specific check, unless the mechanic is looking to make a fast buck, how will the Thai mechanic even know what he is looking for, unless he was trained in the UK?

[Big Boy]

Back on to the subject of the recent bus disaster, disgusting, but how very Thai https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... cident-pay

[Dannie Boy]

Almost as bad as those trying to ban school trips rather than deal with the safety issues!!

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/sp ... ety-debate

[Big Boy]

Yes, I had just read that. It could actually resolve some of the problem by default. If there's no customer for the unsafe vehicles, they just may vanish through non-use. However, Thailand being Thailand, the cheaper buses may undercut the safe buses, forcing them off the road instead.

[caller]

My point is though, worn in Thailand, is not the same as worn in the UK. Thailand is a lot more relaxed than a country such as the UK. Therefore, if you aren't asking for a specific check, unless the mechanic is looking to make a fast buck, how will the Thai mechanic even know what he is looking for, unless he was trained in the UK?

We have obviously had different experiences.

[Big Boy]

Oh dear, only 5% of buses meet the current standards.

https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/tick ... laze/54999

[Big Boy]

They've charge 3 people in regard of this terrible accident so far. I just hope they actually reach out and charge the corrupt officials that allowed the death bus on Thailand's roads. IMHO they are the real problem, because how many other similar vehicles have they allowed to travel on the roads? More timebombs waiting to explode.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ts-charged

[Big Boy]

So much for all of the safety checks following the recent bus tragedy - did anything really change?

Tour bus inferno in Lampang sparks fresh safety concerns

All passengers on Bangkok-Chiang Mai service escape unharmed but fire comes just months after one of country’s worst bus tragedies.

A tour bus burst into flames in Lampang on Sunday, sparking fresh fears over the safety of Thailand’s bus fleet.

The Transport Co bus was travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai when it caught fire in Koh Kha district at around 8pm. All passengers were safely evacuated from the vehicle, which belonged to Viriya Tour, a Transport Co joint venture.

bus.jpg (56.03 KiB) Viewed 3506 times

I see another round of safety checks coming, until its forgotten again. Nothing actually changes.

[Gregjam]

Saw the after effects of the usual u-turn incidents just before Makro outbound on Phetkasem yesterday morning (30th) around 0745. Box van hit by outbound vehicle, perhaps the usual result of flashing your headlights bring less effective than using the brakes and travelling at a reasonable speed.
Another good reason to avoid the roads over the new year if possible while Bangkok drivers are around complete with their inability to handle more open roads.

[Dannie Boy]

I had to drive to Petchaburi on Saturday morning - the journey there was uneventful but the return journey was the complete opposite, heavy traffic and far too many speeding impatient drivers lane swapping to gain a few extra seconds off their journey. Although I didn’t see any accidents, it wasn’t for their trying!!

[hhinner]

Saw the after effects of the usual u-turn incidents just before Makro outbound on Phetkasem yesterday morning (30th) around 0745. Box van hit by outbound vehicle, perhaps the usual result of flashing your headlights bring less effective than using the brakes and travelling at a reasonable speed.
Another good reason to avoid the roads over the new year if possible while Bangkok drivers are around complete with their inability to handle more open roads.

It's a 60kph limit there and even though there are speed cameras near soi 10 and a bit after Makro this doesn't seem to deter those that think 90 kph (and faster) is a more appropriate speed.

[Big Boy]

Yes, I agree - but try coming out of Hua Hin Hospital or Makro, and aim for the next U-turn whilst sticking to the speed limit, and not risking a collision. Fixed cameras are quite effective, but a uniformed body with a pulse stood there with a speed gun aimed at oncoming traffic would be a lot more effective. It wouldn't be 100%, but a much better deterrent.