A warning to all road users in Thailand

I feel a little uncomfortable writing about this, but, as I do write a blog about Thailand, I feel it is a cautionary tale that I should share with those interested in learning more about this country.

I was driving to Bangkok, early Monday afternoon. A bright and normal day. Sutiya and baby are strapped in the back, and we are about 15 minutes into our drive. The same journey we have made hundreds of times before.

Quite literally out of nowhere, the bike appeared on my right, he was driving directly into the path of the car.

In most 'typical' Thai driving situations, you have some time to slow, or avoid…..But there was no avoiding this collision, it was going to happen, I knew it as soon as I saw him. The biker had no idea I was there, speeding towards him as he headed straight in front of me.

I did everything I could, I swung the wheel, stamped on the brakes…… but there was nothing more I could do, it happened too fast, split second…. Bang.

On reflection, it was like when a shark hits a seal from the depths of the ocean… The seal doesn't stand a chance, and neither did the biker. He was wiped out. He disappeared… literally flying out of my view.

I skidded to a halt at the side of the road.

Sutiya was wide eyed and shocked.. but OK. Our first panic was baby. Baby was fine. I opened the passenger door to check. Shutting the door, I knew I would be the first to get to the biker.

He lay completely face down in the road. Flat out. He was a fair distance away. His bike lay shattered in the middle of the road. Cars passed by in the outside lane, some stopping... a quick witted guy had stopped and began shooing the cars into the outer lanes. I shouted at another passer by to call for help. They told me they had already.

I didn’t think there was any chance he was alive…he lay eerily still. I crouched and listened, he was breathing, quickly and shallow. Face down, his head was covered in blood, it came from his eyes, nose and ears. The pools had already collected around his face, so much so, I reckon he would have drowned in it had I not tilted his head. I pulled his leg from under him, so he lay sideways. Then all I could do was sit, and talk ….  I think I could see a little confusion in his face, he couldn’t understand this jabbering, worried foreign voice… although in reality I couldn’t tell if he could hear anything at all…  his eyes were half open and stared unseeing straight out in front. I was sitting with a dying man.

Help arrived so quickly that I still cannot believe it.... The paramedics pulled up and we carefully got him on the stretcher. Crowds had gathered, the type you see at the roadside from time to time. What angered me was when, before the help arrived, I had called to some of the bystanders to come and talk Thai to the man, as I thought that might help… but no-one came forward. Maybe they didn’t understand me?….. But I don’t know…

He was quickly away, and I went to the police station. They were very good to me, and very reasonable, despite all the scare stories I'd heard about falang being involved in car accidents in Thailand… They told me this part of the HIghway is a hotspot for this type of accident, as the bikers took the U-turn close by and pulled out in front of cars, sometimes directly, which is basically what happened….. They told me to try not to worry; and that, if he’d worn a helmet, he would be in far better shape right now…

I thank God he survived.

I saw him at the hospital the next day. His family were present, I gave them a note explaining what had happened and how thankful I was that he was alive. Apparently he had fractured his skull, but the prospects for him are better than anyone could have possibly predicted...  he is drinking water, quietly talking and can understand his relatives.. it's likely he will make a full recovery. He is 68 years old.

Comments

[Talen]

That is really scary but thank Buddha he will be ok.

When I drive in Thailand an accident is always in the back of my mind. Ive said it before and it may seem bad but Thai's absolutely cannot drive and should be feared on the road.

To illustrate this point my girl was in a motorcycle accident in a few months ago with another motorcycle. They were both on a deserted road in rural Thailand...how the hell is it possible?

She spent the week in the hospital and arguments ensued over fault. Hopefully you won't get that side of the accident as well.

[Ben Shingleton]

I've never been involved in a bad accident like this one before Talen. I know they occur regularly out here, but this has really 'woken me up'. The responsibility issue is ongoing, in that, one member of the injured parties family would like us to pay money, although, in the eyes of the police it is open and shut.

[Vern]

Wow - thanks for sharing that story. I can't count how many motorcyclists I've seen lying in the middle of the road bleeding shortly after a major accident. Mostly in Isaan... other places, less. Go figure.

[Mike]

Ben I am so pleased you and the family are OK. Also that it sounds like the third party will pull through.

Thats all I want to say for now as it would seem inappropriate to voice other opinions I have about driving here and more particularly about other road users.

Hope everything pans out OK-chock dee.

[Ben Shingleton]

Hi Vern, indeed, it is so regular it seems almost normal. It is surely the worst thing about Thailand, it has helped me to make certain decisions, particularly regarding the boys future.

Mike, thank you. I understand. When will / what does it take for Thai people begin to take the roads more seriously?

[prinzregent]

the U-turn system is SCHEISSE.

I see myself two people die on the street near by a U-turn ...

[Camille]

Thai road rules are horrible and there's atoo much unecessary carnage.
Whenever Thai seem to step on a bike they think they're the only using that particular stretch of raod, with obvious results.

It also seems typical Thai that you need to pay for damage although it's 110% not your fault and there was nothing you could do to avoid it. Strange things.

[Uthen Kamsurin]

Following an accident that I was involved in, also not my fault, I was asked the following day in front of Police in a Police Station if I would change my story and accept blame as then my Insurance Co. would cover their costs! They had no insurance. The Policeman stated that this was quite common but "up to you". I declined.

[Ben Shingleton]

Since the accident I've heard that in Thailand, its sometimes considered the fault of the person who has the bigger vehicle!!!no matter the circumstances.. dont know if there is any truth in that... I probably will give some money, but it depends, as the guy whose pushing for it is getting increasingly aggressive, which fails to work on me... especially as we are not at fault..

Thanks for your comments...

[Martyn]

What an unbelievable country where you were not in the wrong and yet you are being aggressively pressed for compensation. Amazing.

I'm glad you, Sutiya and baby are all okay, that's the main thing.

[Ben Shingleton]

Hi Martyn, judging by some of the stories I have heard we have been very fortunate with everything thus far in terms of the police etc .... We were obviously very lucky to all walk away unscathed... I am also very lucky to have great support from my Thai family here, not sure how it would have played out without them. Thanks for the best wishes...

[malcolm]

Ben, Sooooo glad you and wife and the baby are ok , I drive like something could happen at any min , Ihave even stopped playing the radio and music to be sure thaat i am fully alert when driving , I love driving , but I have to say that it is soooo scary driving in Thailand as they do as they please, when it comes to right of ways enough said I could go on for hours , Again am glad you and family are ok. Malcolm

[Benem]

Besides the tragically accident it is very generous and helpfull from you to share this with us.

Thank you,
Ben

[Ben Shingleton]

Hi Malcolm, I love driving, out on the open road etc, this has definitely shaken me up, reminds me that you can't take any journey for granted.... Thank you for your best wishes.

Thanks Benem.. I wanted to pass on the message... that it's -essential- all Thai road users remain 100% insured, and that everyone should always strap in.... I dread to think what could have happened if Mrs / baby hadn't been properly secure...

[Stephen Cleary]

Wow... that must have been one scarily shocking fiasco. So many road deaths due to not wearing a helmet it's unbelievable - Thai bikers will never learn. Like delinquent teenagers, they try to break as many traffic laws as possible - it's like it's in their blood.

[Mike]

Ben I have cooled down somewhat since first reading this post.

Regarding money, I know its easy for me to say but I would not pay, let them take me to court. Which of course they wouldn't.

MTF on the other hand would no doubt advise payment but she is Thai and has been brought up in a different culture to me where right and wrong don't seem to count for much.

Of course this is Thailand and we are "rich farang" living in their country and things are not always sorted out through legal channels.

Just a practical question now, did the insurance company attend the scene? I have been told we should call them before the police. Although in all fairness the police sounded OK.

[Ben Shingleton]

Hi Mike, the insurance company took a look at the car at the police stn. With the input of the cops they didn't put up an arguement. The damage to the car was evidence itself (right down the drivers front side). Like I say from the stories I've heard since it sounds like we've been lucky, but the cops were spot on in this case, right from the start...

[Justin]

Ben, Sorry to hear of the accident, im sure its been a difficult time. But Aidens all safe and the cyclist is still with us and making a recovery. Whether it was God, Budha or just plain luck, things could have turned out a whole lot worse.

[Ben Shingleton]

Yeah you're exactly right Justin... Very grateful for that...

[Leosia]

Tried to comment on the "Crash aftermath" post but it seems to have disappeared! Sorry about your accident. I'm wondering if since you're being asked to contribute something whether the same request would have been made to a Thai driver - who incidentally would probably have fled the scene anyway.

The danger you have of contributing something in this instance for his recovery - even in good faith - is that the courts could establish later that this is an admission of guilt. Let's imagine you pay something and the old guy dies in a month or two. You could open yourself up to a considerably larger claim. The police will go wherever the money is.

The fact is, the old man should have had insurance and he should have taken care. If not, he shouldn't have been on the roads.

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Leosia, that's an important point that I had not considered. I have to attend the Police Stn soon to put all this officially behind us and will bear that in mind, so thank you.

[Lawrence]

Ben, I think it was very brave of you to post this story. I'm sure all the support expressed here has been a help to you and as you say the police too have been very supportive, which is good to hear and goes against the stereotype.

I'm glad the old man is as OK as can be expected. I hope the whole business gets wrapped up soon and you can put it all behind you.

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Lawrence... The saga continues! Doesnt look like this will be wrapped up as soon as I'd like.. Will possibly blog about soon ...