Traffic?

[NikkiSixx]

I've just come back from Spain where the motoring skills(though probably not fatality stats) are absolutely appalling and very frustrating!
Though more incompetant rather than dangerous.

[buksida]

Though more incompetant rather than dangerous.

That sounds familiar.

The ability to command a vehicle and the ability to read a road are two entirely different aspects of driving, unfortunately the latter is somewhat non existant in Thailand.

[STEVE G]

When driving around in Spain more than 20 years, I was much impressed by their complete disregard of all parking regulations. Double parking on the inside of roundabouts was considered quite normal. They also had the ability to get amazing speeds out of small Citroen vans that resembled sheds.

[Jaime]

Yeah, they have a big problem with hit and runs by badly parked vehicles over there! I drive considerable distances whenever I am in either Spain or Thailand. There is just no comparison - the driving in Thailand is out of the stone age. Fleeing the scene of an accident is the norm - it says everything about a widespread total disegard for others on the road and lack of personal responsibility. Mrs Jaime is soon to take her test here in the UK. She spent most of our last trip to Hua Hin winding down the passenger window and shouting at her countrymen to use their indicators, mirrors, stay in lane, drive on the correct side of the road, put a helmet on, take the baby out of the shopping basket, overtake on the outside etc etc etc. They think they are invincible until its too late for them or, worse, too late for you. A bad attitude exists on the road in Thailand.

[lomuamart]

That just about sums it up for me as far as driving in Thailand is concerned - no consideration.
I'd hate to be on the back of a motorcycle taxi at any time of day or night and meet Mrs Jaime tearing down Petchkasem and shouting abuse at my rider

[Jaime]

OK, maybe I exaggerated Mrs Jaime's antics a touch but you get my drift!

[Guess]

She spent most of our last trip ..........winding down the passenger window and shouting at her countrymen to use their indicators, mirrors, stay in lane, drive on the correct side of the road, put a helmet on, take the baby out of the shopping basket, overtake on the outside etc etc etc. They think they are invincible until its too late for them or, worse, too late for you.

Does she do the same in Cardiff?

[STEVE G]

Earlier this year, my girlfriend had to get a driving license as her name is on the insurance documents for the truck, and apparently you need a license to make a claim, even if you are not driving.
She explained this situation to the driving school in Hua Hin, and they taught her to pass the driving test in about 8 hours without ever going on the road. I went to watch one morning and they just had her maneuvering around cones at about 10 kmh and practicing how to park. It was successful, she now has a license.

[Jaime]

Does she do the same in Cardiff?

Only if they let us in! She passed her driving theory test here today (in English - no Thai version) so she's all smiles at the moment.