How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
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handdrummer
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Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
A deterrent that I use, when being followed to closely, is to turn my lights on & off quickly. The rear lights appear to be brake lights and cause the driver behind to back off. Of course, they may continue to tailgate but it entertains me for a moment.
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Your quote is 'lost in translation'hhinner wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:23 am Overtaking on the left is not illegal. See section 2 in http://driving-in-thailand.com/land-traffic-act/#03.2
Section 34 (500B)
[If the road is divided into two or more traffic lanes in the same direction, the driver shall keep to the outermost left-hand side lane. If the outermost left-hand side lane is a bus lane, the driver shall keep close to the bus lane. Except following situations:
a. there is obstruction on the road
b. the road is prescribed as one-way
c. it is necessary to enter the correct lane upon approaching a junction
d. when overtaking another vehicle
e. when driving faster than vehicles in the left-hand side lane.
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Dannie Boy
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Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Even though I totally disagree that it should be allowed, this infers that overtaking on the left on a multi-lane highway is legal
Section 45 (400-1000B)
[No driver shall overtake another vehicle from the left-side unless:
a. the vehicle to be overtaken is making a right turn or has given a signal that he is going to make a right turn
b. the roadway is arranged with two or more traffic lanes in the same direction.]
Section 45 (400-1000B)
[No driver shall overtake another vehicle from the left-side unless:
a. the vehicle to be overtaken is making a right turn or has given a signal that he is going to make a right turn
b. the roadway is arranged with two or more traffic lanes in the same direction.]
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
I should have written that overtaking on the left is not necessarily illegal, depending on the circumstances.HHTel wrote:Your quote is 'lost in translation'hhinner wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:23 am Overtaking on the left is not illegal. See section 2 in http://driving-in-thailand.com/land-traffic-act/#03.2
Section 34 (500B)
[If the road is divided into two or more traffic lanes in the same direction, the driver shall keep to the outermost left-hand side lane. If the outermost left-hand side lane is a bus lane, the driver shall keep close to the bus lane. Except following situations:
a. there is obstruction on the road
b. the road is prescribed as one-way
c. it is necessary to enter the correct lane upon approaching a junction
d. when overtaking another vehicle
e. when driving faster than vehicles in the left-hand side lane.
In any case the quote here is about keeping to the leftmost lane, rather than overtaking per se.
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
But it does say that you move into an outer lane when overtaking (one of the exceptions of leaving the leftmost lane)
Your original quote/translation. Re-arrange that as "The road is arranged with two or more lanes of traffic"
The implication is that traffic moving in the same direction can move at different speeds. Traffic meaning a constant flow of vehicles. That's the way it is in the west and the way it is here according to the Traffic Cops (who really don't care)
Your original quote/translation. Re-arrange that as "The road is arranged with two or more lanes of traffic"
The implication is that traffic moving in the same direction can move at different speeds. Traffic meaning a constant flow of vehicles. That's the way it is in the west and the way it is here according to the Traffic Cops (who really don't care)
Re: Minivan, bus and road accidents
Opinion editorial by WASANT TECHAWONGTHAM, Bangkok Post:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... -attitudes
Thais need to change shameful driving attitudes
A viral video seen earlier this week has sparked debates about Thais' lack of road discipline yet again.
Any foreigner visiting Thailand for the first time learns quickly that crossing the road here can be hazardous even when you try to be very careful.
Most cars zoom by, oblivious of people trying to get to the other side of the road. Pedestrian crossings just don't seem to slow them down.
In the video clip, a western man is seen sitting in the middle of the road on a clearly marked crossing in front of a passenger car.
Apparently, the foreigner is trying to cross one of the streets at the main complex of the Land Transport Department when a car speeds up to him.
The video description says he wasn't hurt but decided to make a point by sitting down in the road, blocking the car.
The car owner is seen getting down on her knees apologising to him with a wai. But the man would have none of it. He demanded to see police.
One of the onlookers at the scene remarked annoyingly that the owner had apologised. "What more do you want?" he said to the foreigner.
"It's the rule; follow the rule," the foreigner shouted, and looking at the car owner said: "If I'm walking [on the crossing], you must stop."
The video has been shared widely with hundreds of comments on one outlet. It may come as a surprise to some, but most commenters applauded the foreign man for standing his ground. They condemned Thai motorists' lack of respect for pedestrian crossings as shameful behaviour.
One of the countries often cited as a model of discipline and respect for the law is Japan. While Thailand is short on those admirable attitudes, we are about to have one thing in common with that country. We are soon to become an "extreme ageing society".
What this means is that there need to be structural changes -- an overhaul even -- to accommodate the increasing number of senior citizens.
Footpaths, for example, have to be repaved. They must be smoother and wider with fewer obstacles.
Pedestrian bridges need to be knocked down. These are ghastly structures that not only hog footpath space but are ugly eyesores and impossible for the elderly to climb.
Whether intended it or not, pedestrian bridges are a symbol of inequality, reflecting a mindset that put the convenience of car owners above people on foot.
When they were introduced years ago, those who refused to use them were often subject to ridicule or hostile comments. But as the years have passed, we have come to realise the dysfunctions that they have introduced in the environment.
It should now be clear to all that these structures are totally inappropriate for an ageing society.
These bridges are hazardous for healthy people, let alone elderly ones. Their construction is mostly substandard. Steps are steep and not uniform in height and width. Old people can often be seen holding on to the rail for dear life ascending or descending these steps.
Some people have told stories of their elderly relatives taking taxis just to go to the other side of the street.
And if you're in a wheelchair, you can just forget it.
Getting rid of these awful structures would save huge amounts of state budget and restore some aesthetics to the urban landscape. The big question is: How do we ensure people, especially the old and disabled, can cross the street safely?
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has in recent years begun to install traffic light at some crossings and plans to install more in the coming months.
But this has been done without any educational campaign to inform people of how to behave at such crossings and what penalty will be imposed for violations.
Motorists are confused as to where they should stop because no specific line has been drawn, unlike at intersections. Some motorists, but especially motorcyclists, just pretend they don't exist and simply drive through red lights.
Needless to say, there is practically no enforcement. And that's the point. As long as people think there's no one watching or they can get away with thumbing their noses at the law, they will do as they please.
In other words, it's a matter of attitudes and mindset. It doesn't matter if we have the best laid-out and engineered roadways with great signage and traffic lights. Mindless accidents will continue to happen because no one is working on changing people's ingrained way of thinking.
However, changing people's mindsets is one of the most difficult endeavours anywhere, let alone Thailand where people in power including the best educated in society are indifferent to such cultural flaws.
But that's where change has to occur first. Top officials and politicians are good at mouthing statistics and speeches to make people change their ways. Yet they do not believe what they themselves say, otherwise they would have put into action the necessary measures and seen them through.
How long has each of numerous police campaigns to enforce traffic discipline over the years lasted? I can say with certainty that none has lasted more than a few weeks.
Instilling road discipline is not just good for the elderly and the disabled. It will benefit society as a whole.
And I strongly believe that changes in people's traffic attitudes, if they come to pass, will eventually spread to other areas of the Thai mindset as well.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... -attitudes
Thais need to change shameful driving attitudes
A viral video seen earlier this week has sparked debates about Thais' lack of road discipline yet again.
Any foreigner visiting Thailand for the first time learns quickly that crossing the road here can be hazardous even when you try to be very careful.
Most cars zoom by, oblivious of people trying to get to the other side of the road. Pedestrian crossings just don't seem to slow them down.
In the video clip, a western man is seen sitting in the middle of the road on a clearly marked crossing in front of a passenger car.
Apparently, the foreigner is trying to cross one of the streets at the main complex of the Land Transport Department when a car speeds up to him.
The video description says he wasn't hurt but decided to make a point by sitting down in the road, blocking the car.
The car owner is seen getting down on her knees apologising to him with a wai. But the man would have none of it. He demanded to see police.
One of the onlookers at the scene remarked annoyingly that the owner had apologised. "What more do you want?" he said to the foreigner.
"It's the rule; follow the rule," the foreigner shouted, and looking at the car owner said: "If I'm walking [on the crossing], you must stop."
The video has been shared widely with hundreds of comments on one outlet. It may come as a surprise to some, but most commenters applauded the foreign man for standing his ground. They condemned Thai motorists' lack of respect for pedestrian crossings as shameful behaviour.
One of the countries often cited as a model of discipline and respect for the law is Japan. While Thailand is short on those admirable attitudes, we are about to have one thing in common with that country. We are soon to become an "extreme ageing society".
What this means is that there need to be structural changes -- an overhaul even -- to accommodate the increasing number of senior citizens.
Footpaths, for example, have to be repaved. They must be smoother and wider with fewer obstacles.
Pedestrian bridges need to be knocked down. These are ghastly structures that not only hog footpath space but are ugly eyesores and impossible for the elderly to climb.
Whether intended it or not, pedestrian bridges are a symbol of inequality, reflecting a mindset that put the convenience of car owners above people on foot.
When they were introduced years ago, those who refused to use them were often subject to ridicule or hostile comments. But as the years have passed, we have come to realise the dysfunctions that they have introduced in the environment.
It should now be clear to all that these structures are totally inappropriate for an ageing society.
These bridges are hazardous for healthy people, let alone elderly ones. Their construction is mostly substandard. Steps are steep and not uniform in height and width. Old people can often be seen holding on to the rail for dear life ascending or descending these steps.
Some people have told stories of their elderly relatives taking taxis just to go to the other side of the street.
And if you're in a wheelchair, you can just forget it.
Getting rid of these awful structures would save huge amounts of state budget and restore some aesthetics to the urban landscape. The big question is: How do we ensure people, especially the old and disabled, can cross the street safely?
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has in recent years begun to install traffic light at some crossings and plans to install more in the coming months.
But this has been done without any educational campaign to inform people of how to behave at such crossings and what penalty will be imposed for violations.
Motorists are confused as to where they should stop because no specific line has been drawn, unlike at intersections. Some motorists, but especially motorcyclists, just pretend they don't exist and simply drive through red lights.
Needless to say, there is practically no enforcement. And that's the point. As long as people think there's no one watching or they can get away with thumbing their noses at the law, they will do as they please.
In other words, it's a matter of attitudes and mindset. It doesn't matter if we have the best laid-out and engineered roadways with great signage and traffic lights. Mindless accidents will continue to happen because no one is working on changing people's ingrained way of thinking.
However, changing people's mindsets is one of the most difficult endeavours anywhere, let alone Thailand where people in power including the best educated in society are indifferent to such cultural flaws.
But that's where change has to occur first. Top officials and politicians are good at mouthing statistics and speeches to make people change their ways. Yet they do not believe what they themselves say, otherwise they would have put into action the necessary measures and seen them through.
How long has each of numerous police campaigns to enforce traffic discipline over the years lasted? I can say with certainty that none has lasted more than a few weeks.
Instilling road discipline is not just good for the elderly and the disabled. It will benefit society as a whole.
And I strongly believe that changes in people's traffic attitudes, if they come to pass, will eventually spread to other areas of the Thai mindset as well.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Report road offenders to receive rewards: minister
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... s-minister
Citizens who provide evidence of traffic violations by truck and/or public vehicle drivers will receive rewards if their submissions result in a prosecution starting on Dec 9.
The move was announced on Monday by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, ahead of the five-day New Year holiday period, which often sees high numbers of injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic accidents.
"The reward will come from fines imposed on rogue motorists, which range from 200 to 30,000 baht," said Mr Saksayam yesterday,
The transport minister added those who send in evidence of wrongdoing that results in prosecution will be eligible to receive rewards equal to 50% of the fine imposed on the offender.
Mr Saksayam encouraged those who see road safety violations to take pictures and/or photos of said violations -- whether it is vehicles spewing harmful emissions and/or carrying more passengers than their intended capacity, or reckless driving -- and submit them to the Department of Land Transport via its Facebook or its website.
Offenders, said the transport minister, will be summoned to acknowledge charges within seven days after the submission of evidence and ordered pay the fines.
"That said, this does not mean that we are solely focusing on fines," said Mr Saksayam.
"This initiative is intended to encourage everyone to be responsible drivers.
The number of injuries from traffic accidents on Thailand's roads must decrease while "the number of deaths must be zero", Mr Saksayam said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... s-minister
Citizens who provide evidence of traffic violations by truck and/or public vehicle drivers will receive rewards if their submissions result in a prosecution starting on Dec 9.
The move was announced on Monday by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, ahead of the five-day New Year holiday period, which often sees high numbers of injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic accidents.
"The reward will come from fines imposed on rogue motorists, which range from 200 to 30,000 baht," said Mr Saksayam yesterday,
The transport minister added those who send in evidence of wrongdoing that results in prosecution will be eligible to receive rewards equal to 50% of the fine imposed on the offender.
Mr Saksayam encouraged those who see road safety violations to take pictures and/or photos of said violations -- whether it is vehicles spewing harmful emissions and/or carrying more passengers than their intended capacity, or reckless driving -- and submit them to the Department of Land Transport via its Facebook or its website.
Offenders, said the transport minister, will be summoned to acknowledge charges within seven days after the submission of evidence and ordered pay the fines.
"That said, this does not mean that we are solely focusing on fines," said Mr Saksayam.
"This initiative is intended to encourage everyone to be responsible drivers.
The number of injuries from traffic accidents on Thailand's roads must decrease while "the number of deaths must be zero", Mr Saksayam said.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Another scheme to let the BIB sit at their A/C desk, whilst somebody else does their work for them. 
Why doesn't Mr Saksayam tell the BIB to get off their arses and do some proactive policing, instead of enlisting grasses?
Why doesn't Mr Saksayam tell the BIB to get off their arses and do some proactive policing, instead of enlisting grasses?
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd 
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
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Dannie Boy
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Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
What you have said is 100% correct including the fact that nothing will be done about it - the same things have been said by so many other Forum members for years, but we continue with the same old things. The only thing that does seem to have changed is yesterday I had one of my very infrequent trips to Bangkok and it looked to be 100% of motorcyclists we’re wearing helmets - if they do in in Bangkok (presumably because the police enforce it) why can’t they do it in the provinces?mandevilleroger wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2020 12:07 pm The problem has many solutions but none that will be enforced. Many people are stopped that have no license and no insurance - and the police fine them and let them go. So, if you have insurance you have to pay for damage others do. If they are caught without a license or insurance their transport should be confiscated until they can provide them. I have witnessed numerous examples of under age motorcycle riders - and most not wearing helmets and obviously no license. Until the police stop them instead of letting it go there will continue to be numerous casualties and people having to pay on their insurance to repair their vehicles. All the time it continues to be the wild west it will continue to have unacceptable road casualty figures. Car driving bumper to bumper and overtaking to squeeze into a gap where there is no room and making people brake severely is another example of the wild west mentality. It seems to hinge around one upmanship and a total disregard for other road users safety - what is the point of having a car cam if these offenders are not prosecuted by the police. I see every day on Thai news the horrendous accidents due to crazy manouvers done by senseless drivers and motorcycles. Lane discipline is also non-existent and promotes impatient drivers undertaking manouvers that create dangerous scenarios!
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Wearing helmet = no tea money/incentive.
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Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
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Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Everything you've said is spot on and agreed by everyone on this forum. You'll get no argument here as you are preaching to the wrong people.mandevilleroger wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2020 12:07 pm The problem has many solutions but none that will be enforced. Many people are stopped that have no license and no insurance - and the police fine them and let them go. So, if you have insurance you have to pay for damage others do. If they are caught without a license or insurance their transport should be confiscated until they can provide them. I have witnessed numerous examples of under age motorcycle riders - and most not wearing helmets and obviously no license. Until the police stop them instead of letting it go there will continue to be numerous casualties and people having to pay on their insurance to repair their vehicles. All the time it continues to be the wild west it will continue to have unacceptable road casualty figures. Car driving bumper to bumper and overtaking to squeeze into a gap where there is no room and making people brake severely is another example of the wild west mentality. It seems to hinge around one upmanship and a total disregard for other road users safety - what is the point of having a car cam if these offenders are not prosecuted by the police. I see every day on Thai news the horrendous accidents due to crazy manouvers done by senseless drivers and motorcycles. Lane discipline is also non-existent and promotes impatient drivers undertaking manouvers that create dangerous scenarios!
However, your post is welcome and welcome to the forum.
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oakdale160
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Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
It cannot, it will not.
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
One must take into account that most motorcyclists believe they are above the law, so they will ride in the wrong lane against traffic and get upset if you're blocking their way even though you're travelling in the correct direction. They believe that because they only have two wheels, they don't take up much space, and are therefore not an obstruction to people going the correct way.
It always annoys me when I have to drive to Thammasat University in Rangsit - the motorcyclists have taken to riding in the outside lane (which is reserved for four-wheeled traffic) even though there are signs at each entrance stating that motorcycles are not allowed in the outside lane. There is an inner lane for them but they won't use it.
There have also been many near misses when I'm in the left hand filter lane to get to the sports stadium as there is only enough room sideways for one vehicle going one way.
Obviously there are novel solutions to traffic that catch you unawares - the bus that goes the 'wrong' way down the one way street in Sukhumvit in front of Siam Square has caught many visitors and there are known casualties.
Another is the back entrance to Zeer Rangsit - you drive on the 'wrong' side of the road from the Lamlukka junction along the footpath (yes, I'm talking about cars and trucks)..
So the only way to lessen the statistics is to be aware of your surroundings, practice defensive driving, and get as much local knowledge as you can so you yourself do not become a statistic. To hell with the rest of them.
It always annoys me when I have to drive to Thammasat University in Rangsit - the motorcyclists have taken to riding in the outside lane (which is reserved for four-wheeled traffic) even though there are signs at each entrance stating that motorcycles are not allowed in the outside lane. There is an inner lane for them but they won't use it.
There have also been many near misses when I'm in the left hand filter lane to get to the sports stadium as there is only enough room sideways for one vehicle going one way.
Obviously there are novel solutions to traffic that catch you unawares - the bus that goes the 'wrong' way down the one way street in Sukhumvit in front of Siam Square has caught many visitors and there are known casualties.
Another is the back entrance to Zeer Rangsit - you drive on the 'wrong' side of the road from the Lamlukka junction along the footpath (yes, I'm talking about cars and trucks)..
So the only way to lessen the statistics is to be aware of your surroundings, practice defensive driving, and get as much local knowledge as you can so you yourself do not become a statistic. To hell with the rest of them.
วินเชนท์
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Ive just watched this video, which might help newbies understand what they are likely to encounter
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Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: How can Thailand curb its appalling road fatality rate?
Now even aircraft are contributing:
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Towed plane hits aircraft tug, killing driver, at Don Mueang
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... don-mueang
A Nok Air plane hit an aircraft tug towing it to the passenger ramp at Don Mueang airport on Friday morning, killing the driver and injuring another employee.
The accident occurred around 8am.
Nok Air flight DD6458, scheduled to depart to Nakhon Si Thammarat at 8.40am, ran into the aircraft tug pulling it to the parking bay, Sumpun Kutranon, general manager of Don Mueang airport said.
The connection between the tug and the plane became loose and the driver had to stop the vehicle. The plane being pulled continued to move forward and collided with the tug.
The tug driver was severely injured and later died, Mr Sumpun said. Another employee was also hurt and rushed to hospital.
The aircraft involved was grounded and the flight delayed for about one hour. A replacement plane departed the airport at 9.50am with all passengers.
Video posted on TV Channel One31 showing the Nok Air plane hitting an aircraft tug at Don Mueang airport on Friday morning.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Towed plane hits aircraft tug, killing driver, at Don Mueang
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... don-mueang
A Nok Air plane hit an aircraft tug towing it to the passenger ramp at Don Mueang airport on Friday morning, killing the driver and injuring another employee.
The accident occurred around 8am.
Nok Air flight DD6458, scheduled to depart to Nakhon Si Thammarat at 8.40am, ran into the aircraft tug pulling it to the parking bay, Sumpun Kutranon, general manager of Don Mueang airport said.
The connection between the tug and the plane became loose and the driver had to stop the vehicle. The plane being pulled continued to move forward and collided with the tug.
The tug driver was severely injured and later died, Mr Sumpun said. Another employee was also hurt and rushed to hospital.
The aircraft involved was grounded and the flight delayed for about one hour. A replacement plane departed the airport at 9.50am with all passengers.
Video posted on TV Channel One31 showing the Nok Air plane hitting an aircraft tug at Don Mueang airport on Friday morning.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!