Thread: Dutch National Mr. Mark Henkel Dies in Pattaya Motorcycle Acci

PATTAYA – Pol Maj Kittipong Srichamnan in Pattaya has reported that Dutch National Mr. Mark Henkel, a popular ex-pat and member of the Pattaya Sports Club, was killed when he lost control of his rented motorcycle and crashed in Pattaya on Saturday.

According to witnesses he was driving his motorbike at a high rate of speed and appeared to lose control of his rented motorcycle and crashed head first onto the road.

Rescue Workers who rushed to the scene to assist Mr. Henkel tried to save his life however he was pronounced dead-at-the-scene.

A police investigation showed that Henkel had been riding the motorcycle along the road at high speed. He lost control of the bike and it skidded along the pavement for more than 20 meters.

Pol Maj Kittipong Srichamnan said they were in contact with The Dutch Embassy in Bangkok and relatives.

Dutch National Mr. Mark Henkel Dies in Pattaya Motorcycle Accident | Chiang Rai Times English Language Newspaper

Although the article doesn't mention the size of the bike, I suspect it may have been bigger than the typical wave 100cc as the bigger bikes are readily available for rent in Pattaya. It's ironic that on the Chiang Rai Times page with this article, there's an advertisement for 'Chiang Rai Big Bike Rentals' right next to the story.

I used to ride big bikes before I came to Thailand. At times I still think about getting a bigger bike, but then the reality of this country reminds me that I might not last very long. I'd be too tempted to go faster than I should, and then there's the dogs, Thai drivers, tractors, potholes, small motorcycles, wrong way drivers...

Speeding probably on a wet road as well, not the safest thing to do is it.

And of course one can't discount the high probability the man was drunk.

Originally Posted by Sumocakewalk

and then there's the dogs,

Dogs are quite smart. Be very worried if you spot a goat !!

Hmmm? Long time resident on a rented motorcycle?

Is the Songkran festival still underway in Pattaya?

Today is THE day.

If you missed the mayhem it's just started at prapradeang Bkk, the mon (short for mongrel?) do theirs a week later. Went to Bangsaeng on Friday, utter bedlam, never again. This stupidity will end up being April 1st, good day to start it to April 30th.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

Originally Posted by Sumocakewalk

and then there's the dogs,

Dogs are quite smart. Be very worried if you spot a goat !!

Fortunately, dogs usually seem to be inclined towards self-preservation, but it's the sheer numbers and the possibility of an unexpected encounter that worries me. In my home country over many years of riding motorcycles and driving in 4 wheeled vehicles, not once did I encounter a dog running unexpectedly in front of me. Here it has happened several times, resulting in both near misses and hits. Fortunately none of the hits have occurred while on a motorcycle, yet.

Haven't had any close vehicular encounters with goats yet, but there are a few running loose in the community where I now live. No where near as many as the dogs though.

I sold my Cb1300 super Four....best move I've made so far here, imho