not looking again

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:57 am

They had stopped by our house on the way to ask my wife if she wanted to go but she was too busy....

Blimey, makes you think don't it...

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:17 am

It is a sad fact of life here that most locals have no comrehension of the accepted meaning of 'safety'

Most actions are left to the good luck of Buddha or whatever and things will NEVER change.

As for SRT - they are so seriously underfunded and when funded - corrupt, it's no wonder that nothing improves or it's incredibly slow.

I have worked on many SRT signalling and safety schemes here and I can assure you that this state of affairs will carry on ad nausium.

For your own sake - always stop and look both ways and re check before you cross these non barriered crossings. It's not just normal trains you should worry about - sometimes the track maintenance crews, on motorised trollies, zip along faster than the trains, and there have been serious accidents with these too.

Post by **Nereus** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:37 am

Randy Cornhole wrote:That's terrible news.
What never ceases to amaze me is the way Thais in general deal with such a thing. Its almost matter of fact to them... Like it was Buddhas will, and was meant to happen. Wheras westeners grieve for months or longer. I wonder who is better off?

Not a train, but exactly what you are saying, Randy.

From StickmanBangkok weekly column.

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/StickMark ... eScene.htm

Post by **crazy88** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:47 am

Just a suggestion .Why don't the locals in that soi buy some reflective strips and a couple of level crossing signs and put them in positions where they would give good warning ? Got to be worth a couple of thousand baht to do something that might save lives .May be best to seek permission from the local PYB first and let him think it is his idea so he can take the credit .If you play it right you may find the chance of getting his face in the local papers will spur him to show off and do something even more effective .

Crazy 88

Post by **splitlid** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:15 pm

Terry wrote:

I have worked on many SRT signalling and safety schemes here.

arrrrrrr...so its all your fault

Post by **hhfarang** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:38 pm

For your own sake - always stop and look both ways and re check before you cross these non barriered crossings. It's not just normal trains you should worry about - sometimes the track maintenance crews, on motorised trollies, zip along faster than the trains, and there have been serious accidents with these too.

Since the accident I posted about earlier, I (and I have instructed my wife to do the same) stop at unprotected crossings, turn off the sound on the stereo, and roll down the front windows. The Takiab crossing in particular is somewhat blind from the southerly direction because of a curve and if they don't trim the weeds regularly it can be blind in both directions. You have to depend on your ears as well as your eyes to keep you safe.

Post by **PJG** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:55 pm

The little spirit house to the left of the crossing facing the beach at Khao Takiep wes put there years ago to commemorate all the people who have died at that crossing. I have been a Takiep resident for about 20 years and there has been at least one fatal accident evfery year!!!!!!

Post by **steve/m** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:20 pm

Many good points have been made regarding my post,and i think reflective signs,etc are the first starting point on this.
I was planning to speak to the mayor regarding other ideas i have been thinking about.
If i can get back to LOS in Dec,i will suggest something regarding this rail crossing.
If i have no joy on this matter then..........

i will do something myself about it.
change is possible,even if only in small ways.

stand up and be counted i say.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:59 pm

I'll contribute a Hi-vis jacket and a lollipop for you steve.

Post by **steve/m** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:44 pm

Dont forget the (get out of jail free card)

Post by **margaretcarnes** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:53 am

I've heard this 'ghost' theory before re the rail crossings. Any such accidents are tragic from the farang perspective, but the 'ghost' cause is self perpetuating. I.E more accidents - more 'ghosts' - more accidents -because it's the fault of ever increasing numbers of ghosts!
I'm sorry if this sounds flippant - it really isn't meant that way - just the reality of the Thai way of thinking. Hence the spirit houses.
Thai people really do believe in 'pi' and can be very accurate in identifying places where people have previously died. Maybe its a sense that westerners don't have. Whatever. I don't think they will consider that spending money on lights and signs will make any difference under the circumstances.
It's commendable that farangs are willing to do something positive at the problem crossings, but I wouldn't expect any of their Thai neighbours to see the need.