Thread: Dangers of riding motorbikes in Thailand

iceman that is really good of you, some nice people on here.

Way to go Ice Man.

If he's still there when I arrive, I'm coming. I'm from the states as well. Be there in a few days. Damn shame.

I've seen a lot of bad wrecks on bikes.

No doors, two wheels, not much of a contest.

Ice Man you are a hero!!! The only thing I can do or say is you have been greened for one of the nicest deeds I have seen in a while.

You are quite right. Three weeks ago I was on my MB headed for Ban Phe, to get a boat to Ko Samet. Half way there me and a thai woman riding in front of me were hit by a bus. She went down at about 60 KPH and I slowed down to about 50 KPH before I hit her bike, which was bouncing back and fourth between the bus that side swiped us and the curb. Before I crashed I was freaking out about the woman in front of me, she had no chinstrap and her helmet went flying across the highway. It was either her, her bike or the bus, which was travelling next to me. I braked as much as I could but it was too late, I was on the floor before I heard a noise. The traffic was very heavy and I just jumped to my feet, amazed I was not dead or worse. I walked in a panic for a moment to be sure I wasn't falling apart. I picked up both bikes, which were still running of course. The woman had crawled to the side walk, she was rather unhurt for such a nasty fall. I bruised some ribs (I guess) and got road rash on my ankle, elbow. The bus finally stopped about 100 meters (metres) later the driver and his co-pilot came walking back, only stopping to light up two cigarettes. They got to me first, gave me an unfriendly look and went to see the woman and have a smoke. She started screaming at the driver as everyone passing by stared the way people do. I smiled at the woman to make sure she was alright, she smiled back and nodded. I got on my bike and went to Ban Phe. When I woke up on Ko Samet the next day I realized that my ribs were bruised and that it sucks to walk on the beach with a limp.

Originally Posted by johnsonspot

I know exactly what he's talking about. All this talk about politeness and being nice people, then get on the road and literally not care whether you kill someone or not. It's all about being first to the light and first to....well....wherever the hell it is that these people go.

I've heard people say that the traffic "system" in Thailand is overwhelming at first, but it works and everyone follows it. What a load of crap. No one follows any traffic law consistently because no traffic law is enforced consistently. And the consequences are very dangerous roads and people not caring what happens to other drivers as a result of their actions. Really, it wouldn't be that difficult to enforce traffic laws but it would cut out on police bribes. I understand...

This is heart-wrenching.

I'm on my way to visit Brian now.

I have a 6pm class and time for a visit.
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I'm writing this from my mobile, i should be in brian's room around 4:30, call and say hi - 0869855920
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update - 4:30pm Bangkok time


I'm in Brian's room now - he's in surgery at the moment,

checking for infection and cleaning the area of the wound.


I dropped off a teddy bear and some snacks ...

and talked with Khun Dew and Khun Kay.

They are lovely ladies and are taking

very good care of Brian.


One additional note:


Phyathai 2 Hospital is located near Victory Monument BTS,

it's about 10 or 15 minutes if you walk it, 2 minutes or so by taxi.

Correction - bts sanam pao is nearest - room 2253

Thanks for posting the room number. I should get in there on Friday with some CDs and a video or two. I have some stuff you can't get easily over here. Maybe some reading material too.

I've seen for myself recently how some drivers here think nothing of running over anything/anyone in their path and it sickens me. I don't suppose anyone thought to do a drink/dope test on the truck driver.

short update reposted to page 4 of this thread

He's doing very well under the circumstances. He was a bit surprised to see me...
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He's cracking jokes in Thai.......
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He's cracking jokes in Thai.......
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Pretty awesome guy, Brian is.

I'm gonna get off here for a few.....
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Still here...Brian's been around Thailand for a few years, in BKK, Ayuttaya, and recently one month in Ang-Thong. Most of these people in the room are from there.

He said he's been riding bikes for 20 years. So I guess don't think your invunerable after a certain point riding.

He seems to know a lot about Thai legalities, anatomy, etc. -basically everything that's going on. He went into this surgery...-he's teaching the pronunciation of "prosthetic" just now. -...with only local anesthetic. He was completely numb from the waist down.

He didn't want to be put under because of the after effects. He was thinking about being in full faculty in the next few days. Smart...and brave.
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The accident occured on Friday. He's had three surgeries.

The truck wheel rolled up onto his leg. The guys jumped out and looked around on the wrong side of the truck. Then they came around, finally, hearing him screeming get it off me!!! -- then they rolled the wheel FURTHER OVER HIS LEG.

wait---I gotta go i'll be back

They're all talking about food..he's still holding forth he's got all these Thai's IN STITCHES!!!!!

this is great heart felt thanks to all who have been to see him. Hope his folks get here soon and all can be worked out for the best.

What a trouper he must be to have the Thai staff at awe with his composure. Again this is ajarn.com at its best.