Obscure Thai Driving/Road rules

**Bung** · 08-06-2010, 03:54 PM

When I did the test for my 5 year license some of the questions that were translated to English on their little computer simulator ranged from amusing to downright dangerous. On one it was apparent that the correct answer was that you needed to give way to the left. When I pointed out this could not be correct he was adamant that in Thailand you give way to the left. I told him that if that was the case then Thailand is unique in the world with that rule and he seemed quite chuffed that Thailand was indeed unique in this.

I still don't know but give way to the right. Roundabouts are a free for all, enter at your own risk.

**Dilligaf** · 08-06-2010, 03:55 PM

Flashing lights in the u.k. means I am letting you go first , unless it has changed .

**dirtydog** · 08-06-2010, 04:05 PM

^Under UK traffic laws flashing headlights is used as a warning.

**dirtydog** · 08-06-2010, 04:08 PM

110

Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
111

Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.

direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/

**AntRobertson** · 08-06-2010, 04:08 PM

In NZ it's either a general warning, telling you to dip your lights from highbeam, or a specific warning that there's a police speed-trap ahead. Usually the latter.

**HollyGoodhead** · 08-06-2010, 04:23 PM

hmm, my driving instructor in the UK advised me to flash a bus that was indicating to pull out from a stop... everyone flashes each other to proceed anyway, guess no one cares what the highway code says.

**Bobcock** · 08-06-2010, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by Nawty

and we both know why you don't want a car here hey !!!!!....

we do?....this is one of your usual you know things about me that I don't???

**superman** · 08-06-2010, 05:19 PM

I believe it to be illegal not to wear a shirt whilst driving.

**Stinky** · 08-06-2010, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

A well known story in Soi 4 in Bangkok is about one of the lads from that area was driving his motor bike through a narrow sub soi with cars parked on either side and a Thai male ran out in front of him.

They collided, the Thai male was killed and the farang broke his colorbone, suffered head injuries and ruptured his spleen.

Whilst in hospital he was accosted not only from the dead guy's family but by the police so he asked for a private investigator to question any witnesses.

As already reported to the police the guy who died had just robbed a shop, was making his escape by fleeing out onto a soi and was hit by this guy.

Apparently none of the eye witness reports mattered and the farang was charged with manslaughter (he was not drunk nor speeding) fined and had to pay 500k to the robbing bastard's family.

He met with them after leaving hospital, threw all the money at their feet and told them to get fvcked, packed his bags and vowed never to return to the Land of Smiles.

I cant say as I blame the guy for spitting the dummy over this, it must one of the most extream cases of Thai hypocrisy I've ever heard of.

Originally Posted by Bower

Originally Posted by Black Belt Jones

This country is not what you know, but who you know. That's how things are dealt with.

This man is a genius, applause please!

Originally Posted by The Master Cool

packed his bags and vowed never to return to the Land of Smiles.

That was mature.

I would probably do the same, there's nothing quite like being forcibly buggered.

Originally Posted by HollyGiveshead

hmm, my driving instructor in the UK advised me to flash a bus that was indicating to pull out from a stop... everyone flashes each other to proceed anyway, guess no one cares what the highway code says.

Did he say that with his hand on your knee?

**aging one** · 08-06-2010, 05:36 PM

Fuck me, this just happened to me and I just got home. I pick my kids up from school every day and come home the same way. This involves driving on a military road that has some civilian access of which I have. I live in a very nice muban but its mostly Air Force land.

So I am almost home and I have to go through a chicane to keep those not allowed out. Just as I am to go through I am cut by a motorcycle taxi who gets brushed by me as I did not even see him coming passing on the left. The girl on back jerked and screamed as she was about my kids age 12. I bobbed my head and kept on. Stopped about half a kilo up the road to buy Strepsils for the kids as they are coming down with colds and have a rough throat.

Coming out here is this maniac. Turns out he is about 45 and still at like corporal in the AF. He is a motor bike driver and he was bringing his boss's kid home. He is screaming and yelling that I am crazy and almost killed him and the girl. I can understand some but not all. But my kids are out of the car as well and can get everything.

He grabs his phone and calls his boss. Blah Blah Blah, I get sick of this and even sicker when the kids tell me its a scam. So I say turn around lets go back one K to the main Don Muang Police Station. He is surprised but agrees. I let him follow me back to the station. I place a call to my next door neighbor who is Pu Yai Ban for the whole area. The former supreme commander of the Thai military. ACM, General, Sirmyut Boonsiriya. A close friend who retired at 65 and turned his back on the bullshit. He also has seen my kids grow up and loves them. I explained and then one kids explained what she had heard. " I will be there in 10 minutes".

So we arrive and the Boss is there. They are both jabbering away and ushering my kids and I into a vacant room. Soon there is a cop and they are having a gay old time telling about how I tried to kill them.

Then there is a hush in the station. Everybody is standing up. I can see through the glass. A higher rank walks in and grabs the one policeman threatening us. It a rare honest Thai my friend Pi Muay, and the whole station is bowing down to him.

End result asshole apologies, Boss is cussed out by Pi Muay and the police are very very happy.

Sometimes who ya know does help.

Sure I will remember more as the adrenalin wears off. A big beer helped. Whoooo.

**PaulBunyon** · 08-06-2010, 05:41 PM

Thailand is a pain in the ass. I wouldn't buy a car here unless you are looking for risk. The more I live hear and the more I read posts about this place, I feel stupid for staying here. There are no rules when it comes to accidents. Like they say, the farang is likely to get screwed so avoid accidents and keep on driving if you see one. Sounds like a terrible thing to do but in some cases it might be the best thing to do. Do yourself justice, avoid the justice system.

Another negative about buying a new car is that sooner or later fuel prices are going to go up again.

**Norton** · 08-06-2010, 05:53 PM

When a car or truck has a problem and bi mai dai, do not pull off the road. Stop in the middle of the lane, go find a big bush, place it 2 meters behind your vehicle to cushion the blow when others smash into your rear end.

**aging one** · 08-06-2010, 05:58 PM

^ killer, same goes for a hole in the road, or a broken sewer line.

**Bung** · 08-06-2010, 06:00 PM

When you ride a scooter down the wrong side of the road, there is no need to stop for a car trying to turn into that road even though the driver will only be looking at the oncoming traffic before turning, just ride right on buy it and give the driver a dirty look if he nearly knocks you over.....

**Humbert** · 08-06-2010, 06:13 PM

On two lane sois the area immediately in front of somtom and noodle shops is designated 15 minute parking zone for taxis.

**aging one** · 08-06-2010, 06:28 PM

Ahhh... The boss turned out to be an older say 55 year old high non commissioned officer. Shit i was older than him. There is no Pi Nong shit when a farung is involved.

So when Pi Muay walked in it was just over for the assholes. Hell the Police Chief is at his house a couple of times a month for coffee. Which believes me the chief brings.

Luckily today I was home early and left from home to pick up the kids. I saw him as i was leaving, practicing chipping on his front lawn. We chatted and said see you when you get back. So i damn well knew he would be at home. Played my trump card.

One of the main reasons i moved here was the lack of black and white, things can get done. For the first time in a while I felt vindicated. End of story.

**dotcom** · 08-06-2010, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Loy Toy

A well known story in Soi 4 in Bangkok is about one of the lads from that area was driving his motor bike through a narrow sub soi with cars parked on either side and a Thai male ran out in front of him.

They collided, the Thai male was killed and the farang broke his colorbone, suffered head injuries and ruptured his spleen.

Whilst in hospital he was accosted not only from the dead guy's family but by the police so he asked for a private investigator to question any witnesses.

As already reported to the police the guy who died had just robbed a shop, was making his escape by fleeing out onto a soi and was hit by this guy.

Apparently none of the eye witness reports mattered and the farang was charged with manslaughter (he was not drunk nor speeding) fined and had to pay 500k to the robbing bastard's family.

He met with them after leaving hospital, threw all the money at their feet and told them to get fvcked, packed his bags and vowed never to return to the Land of Smiles.

Not T.I.T. But O.I.T. Only in Thailand.

In the West; Headline: "Hero Runs Down Bank Robber During An Escape"

Blah blah blah ... the perp run between parked cars out into the road where he was hit by Mister Jones. The robber later died in hospital. The money was recovered. Great ending. Mayor awards medal.

**Wallalai** · 08-06-2010, 07:34 PM

As a Wave motosai driver I'll say: Look at your rear-view mirror at least once every 2 seconds. Never trust the traffic lights, never trust anybody on the road.

**crippen** · 08-06-2010, 07:38 PM

THERE ARE NO RULES!

**Bogon** · 08-06-2010, 08:24 PM

Your 16 wheel tanker has broken down on a 2 lane highway at night?
No problem!
Brake a branch off the nearest tree and set it approx 3 meters behind your trailer.
Every car will see this highly visable illuminated piece of foliage from miles away and will not smack into you at 100kmh.

**Mr Earl** · 09-06-2010, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by HollyGoodhead

Not exactly a road rule, but I was told if another car flashes me (if I'm waiting to pull out) it means don't go???

Actually what that means is the stupid fucker sees you and you can go ahead and pull out and give the asshole a chance to test his fucking brakes.
Only do this with newish looking vehicles. Don't trust a raggedy rusted out 30 years old POS to have any brakes at all.

**Mr Earl** · 09-06-2010, 05:42 PM

If they're driving a brand new S class merciless-benz they own the fucking road.
Word to the wise don't tangle with those guys. Stay out of their way by jeezus!

**superman** · 09-06-2010, 06:47 PM

^The same could be said for any motorcyclist in Thailand.

**aging one** · 09-06-2010, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by superman

^The same could be said for any motorcyclist in Thailand.

Dont fuck with a guy from a rank, if ya do and drive the same route you may have problems. Those fuckers are like ants they way they stick together right or wrong.

Genetic makeup comes into play though.

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