TIPS ON DRIVING IN THE SNOW

[PeteC]

Below bulletin was just issued in anticipation of a colder than normal winter season this year. Or, in case too many ice cubes fall out of glasses and on to the street. Pete

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Speed limits drop when chain-control measures apply. It's 50 kph on expressways, and 30 kph on rural and city roads. All vehicles must carry chains.

R-1 CONDITIONS: Chains or snow tread tires are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles.

R-2 CONDITIONS: Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tread tires on all four wheels.

R-3 CONDITIONS: Chains required on all vehicles. Highways often are closed before an R-3 is imposed.

CHAIN INSTALLERS: Installers are not government workers. Ask for a receipt that includes the installer's badge number. Chain installers aren't allowed to sell or rent chains.

IF STRANDED: Stay in the car. Run engine infrequently to conserve fuel. Pack a portable radio.

IN THE CAR: Carry flashlights, blankets, gloves, extra clothing, food and water. And an extra key -- many motorists lock themselves out while installing chains.

IN THE TRUNK: Pack a shovel, a broom to scrape off snow, and sand or kitty litter to help get traction. <<< That one is for Jaime

AND: Add antifreeze coolant as needed.

[STEVE G]

Hi Pete, one day last winter I had to drive across the airport here in the early hours when it was closed. On getting to the entrance the whole expanse was covered in about a foot of snow, you couldn’t see runways, taxiways, roads or anything. I had to get to an aircraft, so I just guessed where the road should be and started driving. After about a hundred meters I drove past a snow-plough that was obviously lost, and the cheeky bastard started following me!
I think it was about midday before anyone worked out that the access road was about fifty meters away from where it was supposed to be.

[PeteC]

I have under good authority heard that it is going to snow here in Thailand on Christmas Eve. We shall see if it comes true!

I have heard of snow here, or slush more like it, on the higher peaks in the north near Chang Rai.

Very cold as well, so everyone please be a bit generous when you start to see pleas for blankets for those poor folks up there this time of year. It happens every year and many old people and young children actually die from exposure in the countryside. I believe Queen Sirikit has a foundation for donations specifically for cold weather clothing and blankets for those people. Pete

[Guess]

Yes I have heard the rumor too. I have seen some evidence too. I was down by the fishing pier last week and there were a couple of patches of snow from a snowfall during the night. The fishermen are happy as it will save them fortunes by not having to buy ice.

By the time I had woken up the next afternoon it had all melted. People were trying to fob me off with a incredulous story that I found incredulous and was that we had had a brief shower in the morning.

In told them them that this was the middle of the dry season but it fell on deaf ears.

[Jaime]

Yes I have heard the rumor too. I have seen some evidence too. I was down by the fishing pier last week and there were a couple of patches of snow from a snowfall during the night. The fishermen are happy as it will save them fortunes by not having to buy ice.

By the time I had woken up the next afternoon it had all melted. People were trying to fob me off with a incredulous story that I found incredulous and was that we had had a brief shower in the morning.

In told them them that this was the middle of the dry season but it fell on deaf ears.

Post of the year. It's all about timing innit Khun Guess? Thanks for brightening up my morning