General Reports

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2932179]Somebody died on a flight to Thailand when the plane hit turbulence. You going to stop flying now? [B]LOL[/B].

I still don't know if I am going to wake up each morning. Probabilities are that each day that passes the likely hood of that increases. Doesn't stop me from living my life to the fullest. I'd never live my life based on fear. I live it based on personal preferences and service to others.

[B]EihTooms[/B] Ride on brother! Hell ain't half full.

LOL![/QUOTE]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.

There are lies, damn, lies and statistics.

The absolute numbers you gave do not show me the statistical probability of actually being involved in a motorcycle accident. Makes perfect sense that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident there are more fatalities. Rich people die in weird ways most regular people don't. It does not matter how many people die in ski accidents each year. I don't ski.

Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. That is not my point. My point is: [B]I don't live my life in fear[/B].

What is the expression? If you are scared find the institution that suits you and attend it. LOL!

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2931427]I have ridden bikes in the streets of LOS Angeles and New York. Riding one in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is much safer in every way.

First of all, most of the time there is barely any movement in that area other than the bikes that are maneuvering between traffic lanes to get to the front of the line at the next 3 minute red traffic light stop.

In the 3 years I have been riding my bike through these auto / truck / bus traffic jams day and night I think I saw one minor fender-bender between a couple of cars and no accidents with a motorcycle, much less with an electric bicycle.

I don't use it to travel from Nana to Immigration. Not due to safety, just because the skytrain is now much faster. But I will ride it from Nana to Silom / Patpong (takes about 10 minutes compared to 5-6 times that by skytrain / subway or taxi), to Khaosan Road or Chinatown (25 minutes to Khaosan Road vs an hour or more by car taxi). And zipping around from Nana to Soi Cowboy or from MBK to Ekkamai is a cool snap compared to climbing up and down skytrain platforms, standing in the heat waiting for the next train, squeezing into the crowded train cars.

When I arrive at my destination, it being a "bicycle" I have no problem parking and locking it at the nearest sidewalk bicycle rack right outside the front door of the mall, restaurant or entertainment venue.

The risks of riding a two wheeler in the lower Sukhumvit area where I and most locals would ride a bike in their daily rounds is way overstated, imo. I have seen more pedestrians barely dodging potential serious injury while crossing Sukhumvit IN a crosswalk WITH the traffic light on their side and in a crowd of other pedestrians than I have seen for myself and other bike riders in those same areas.

I now see women in evening gowns riding one of those foldable, stand up electric scooters through traffic on Sukhumvit Road on their way to the bar areas. LOL.

Maximum speed possible with an electric bicycle like mine is about 35 kilometers per hour and most of the time I top out at only 18-20 kph, which I believe cuts way down on the risk of an accident. We're just not going fast enough to get into much trouble from our actions. But certainly faster and literally cooler temperature-wise than walking. Yes, I know some drunk driving a truck can slam into me on the street, having nothing to do with any safety measures I might take. But he could also slam into the taxi next to me, the pedestrian crossing the street or even up and onto the sidewalk.

I don't recommend this option to anyone who is not confident that they can maneuver between traffic lanes without clipping every side view mirror in the line up.[/QUOTE]This is a excellent opinion as to Bangkok!

Hong Kong tourist dies falling off a baht bus on Second Road today.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]And how many of the 15,000 were not wearing helmets? Of the 5,000 that were not motorcyclists, how many were not wearing seat belts? How many were because someone was intoxicated?

Decision is each his own!

Funny, how people will not ahere to safe sex but won't ride a motorbike, then you got those who do ahere to safe sex and take the chance and do, then you got those who would wear a mask but wont wear a helmet. Humans?

I've had over 3 decades association with the transportation system commercially it has opened a lot of door for a guy who missed out academically. I've not touch a motorbike since my late teens due to having my life flash before me on late evening. Not planned but right place at the right time mid 90's I got the opportunity to be properly trained by the CHP in California never in my dream of all the training I got would it benefit me to staying alive in Thailand. I just completed my 3rd 5 year renewal for a Thai motorbike and Car license.

In my 20's, along with other sports I was a road bike cyclist, did rides from San Francisco, along the coast Hwy 1, down to L. A. , did rides around Lake Tahoe a number of times. Here in Thailand a bit over 10 years trained rides to Sattahip, Chon Buri, Rayong, to make self personal satisfying rides to Bangkok 160 KM, once a year along the Sukhumvit traffic to Nana Plaza Hotel for overnight.

I own several vehicles in my years living here car I've made journeys to 70% throughout northern Thailand, current twice a year now North to Sukhothai KM, clock I would say 100,000 by car. What is surprising I also have a number of motorbikes in which my favorite a Honda PCX 150,2012 have logged over 200 KM here in Pattaya alone.

As noted it isn't for everyone but for Pattaya it is by far the best transportation there is if you are willing. As noted by ET, the traveling is very different in Bangkok and outside of it particularly in Chon Buri which Pattaya is a part. Chon Buri, has one of the highest rate of accidents and death. The correct stats are far beyond 15,000 death, it is closer to 30,000, and motorbike accidents account for 80% of the death. The two main causes speeding and drinking add that to poor training and education. The death toll is only the one's who die at the scene there is a huge number of death larger that aren't accounted in the numbers. The cost to the country goes into the billions to care for those who do live.

There are many foreigners who ride and rent act as if it is a toy (a vehicle is a weapon just like a gun) as if it is the first time they learn to ride a bicycle grown men act like kids. Sure as noted it only takes one time that one time here was riding home on the Darkside traveling 30 KM / H slow by Thai standard a dog ran out of the bushes in front of me I hit roll over him I went down lucky I had a helmet on even at 30, it is painful. Driving here is for your own safety my motto is fuck the rest, it needing to get to their grave faster that is on them. Living here, I've seen 6 death and countless accident you never forget the snap and pop of a skull and spine I believe all those were no older than 30. I once witness a big bike on Hwy 7, just be Sukhumvit Thai guy going over a 120 KM / H, suddenly traffic comes to a slow impatient vehicle moves into the shoulder last minute the biker hit the right side of vehicle rider goes flying and cuts himself in half on a light pole.


If not dead today they will die tomorrow that is how I have come to think. My concern is only how my son drives which is taught exclusively by me and me only. If is a individual choice everyone needs to make no argument if one choice is don't. If I live in Bangkok not sure I would ride a motorbike with it's transportation system in place.

Like Mr.E, I dont have a box, but under the seat Im well prepared with full rain and straps if I unexpected want to buy something just place on the back strap it down . Ive got over 200,000 KM on the bike, upkeep painted it myself cut out a special hidden area under the seat for a 16 inch sword.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]And you would think that if someone with any common-sense within this old man's government here in Thailand had done analysis on those figures, they would soon discover that the costs of vehicle / motorcycle accidents to Thai society are immense, approximately 3 - 4% of GPD according to the Thailand Development Research Institute. That's 500-600 BILLION baht! Imagine how many hospitals, decent roads and schools that would buy you?

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932239]Never sell a house and move to any city/country whether it be Frankfurt, AC, Tampa, Tokyo, Bangkok, etc unless you lived there for at least a year first. Rent your house out for a year and try to live in the city/country you want to retire in. Living somewhere is NEVER the same as visiting even if you visit 2+ months every year. A country, its rules, and often its people wear on you if you are continuously there. Now if you're not happy on where you live now then just go for it. Make a call if the housing market will go up or down in your home city before selling your house.

Mister Donut muffin. Too funny.[/QUOTE]Sound advice, everyone thinks they have a plan and the best plan is not much cause you can't plan for everything.

Looking back I was force to sell everything my family home once my mother last surviver went into a home family couldn't wait to sell it.

Looking back if I could buy into a trailer park I do it! My motto today whenever I return home and able to visit my Union hall always get request to speak many know me as very liberal after living here hearing my experience shock I'm conservative now. So much we take for granted you not realize until you live in another culrure and I'm not talking spending time in bars or dipping in pussy. The grass isnt greener somewhere else nor do you ever burn your bridges until it is time. Best advice take it slow until you know of course we all know someone who doesnt listen and when it happens they blame you for giving them the advce.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2932485]Sound advice, everyone thinks they have a plan and the best plan is not much cause you can't plan for everything.

Looking back I was force to sell everything my family home once my mother last surviver went into a home family couldn't wait to sell it.

Looking back if I could buy into a trailer park I do it! My motto today whenever I return home and able to visit my Union hall always get request to speak many know me as very liberal after living here hearing my experience shock I'm conservative now. So much we take for granted you not realize until you live in another culrure and I'm not talking spending time in bars or dipping in pussy. The grass isnt greener somewhere else nor do you ever burn your bridges until it is time. Best advice take it slow until you know of course we all know someone who doesnt listen and when it happens they blame you for giving them the advce.[/QUOTE]For me, with my experiences in my country of origin. I could not wait to get out of there once I discovered how great living overseas could be. For me, the grass is indeed better everywhere that I have lived outside of my country of origin. Goes to show how life shapes your perception.

For perspective, I realize people are literally risking their lives and betting everything that they have in order to get into my country of origin. So, I understand that not every place in the world is better than my country of origin.

But in my perception every place is better than my country or origin because I have choice. I am currently in the process of cutting as many ties to my country of origin as possible. I cannot wait to complete the process. YEA!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]And how many of the 15,000 were not wearing helmets? [/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]Of the 5,000 that were not motorcyclists, how many were not wearing seat belts? [/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]How many were because someone was intoxicated?[/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932611]The Majority.

The Majority.

The Majority.[/QUOTE]Bet that one dead guy on the plane was drunk and no helmet or seatbelt. 555.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932611]The Majority.

The Majority.

The Majority.[/QUOTE]And how many were driving bicycles, not motorcycles, electric or not, in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok between Soi 4 and Ekkamai or as far as Patpong or Khaosan Road from Sukhumvit / Asoke, helmet or no helmet?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2932505]For me, with my experiences in my country of origin. I could not wait to get out of there once I discovered how great living overseas could be. For me, the grass is indeed better everywhere that I have lived outside of my country of origin. Goes to show how life shapes your perception.

For perspective, I realize people are literally risking their lives and betting everything that they have in order to get into my country of origin. So, I understand that not every place in the world is better than my country of origin.

But in my perception every place is better than my country or origin because I have choice. I am currently in the process of cutting as many ties to my country of origin as possible. I cannot wait to complete the process. YEA![/QUOTE]As I noted that is an individual choice, and that is where you come from many like in Thailand the people don't have a clue as to what real choice is nor do they have a clue what freedom is, and that is part of the problem. We have too much freedom and that gets in the way of things at times because as human we at times will not move their opinion or compromise for anything or anyone.

It was noted to me by accident as I was traveling to Thailand to live, a guy told me as long as you don't become " Entrenched " into the culture because once you do it becomes no different than the place you want to leave.

And for me personally, I know a number of expat like yourself who feel the way you do because you have not do as I noted. When I first came here I noticed a lot of stuff it wasn't until I attended an Expat club meeting listening that many of my negative thoughts I kept to myself majority of those who live and members had the same negative view.

I once knew a member of this board met at one of these meeting. Like yourself who kept a distant and he was happy whenever we got together for dinner he ask about what I been doing he was just in shock of things I was encountering never heard stuff lf he didn't know my situation personally would think I was lying.

I say to each his own if you want to burn your bridge it is your choice! Best I can say is good luck and " you been served how you like me now " LOL.

The furthest I intend on immersing myself into Thai culture will be limited to how far my dick can penetrate into Thai Pussy.

I have been outside my country of origin for 12 years. If I have not learned what my preferences are and what I want by now I have been wasting my time.

It know about embedding myself into the local culture. I made that mistake in the Dominican Republic and I am so pleased that I extracted myself from it. I do not plan to make the same mistake in Thailand.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2932665]As I noted that is an individual choice, and that is where you come from many like in Thailand the people don't have a clue as to what real choice is nor do they have a clue what freedom is, and that is part of the problem. We have too much freedom and that gets in the way of things at times because as human we at times will not move their opinion or compromise for anything or anyone.

It was noted to me by accident as I was traveling to Thailand to live, a guy told me as long as you don't become " Entrenched " into the culture because once you do it becomes no different than the place you want to leave.

And for me personally, I know a number of expat like yourself who feel the way you do because you have not do as I noted. When I first came here I noticed a lot of stuff it wasn't until I attended an Expat club meeting listening that many of my negative thoughts I kept to myself majority of those who live and members had the same negative view.

I once knew a member of this board met at one of these meeting. Like yourself who kept a distant and he was happy whenever we got together for dinner he ask about what I been doing he was just in shock of things I was encountering never heard stuff lf he didn't know my situation personally would think I was lying.

I say to each his own if you want to burn your bridge it is your choice! Best I can say is good luck and " you been served how you like me now " LOL.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Stykler;2932484]That's 500-600 BILLION baht! Imagine how many hospitals, decent roads and schools that would buy you?[/QUOTE]That is if people were concerned about hospitals, roads, and schools. I think the masses are concerned about food to eat and a place to live, and the rich people and politicians are concerned about money to line their own pockets.