Prakhonchai Nick
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I am sorry Dennis but I have to disagree with you................... although I do agree that smart people can make stupid decisions.
As a generalisation the Thais (of our acquaintance) are not smart - individually or collectively. There is little evidence of their ability top learn any lessons from 'mistakes' such as these. Surin is right, you come back to Thailand from overseas and it does not take long to see some carnage on the roads. No, it doesn't happen in the west, statistics prove that, world rankings for road traffic deaths evidence that over the years; Songkran and New Year death tolls evidence that. Next to nothing has been done to rectify the causes of the problem.
I also disagree with Mario; if it was a poor decision it was a decision made when they set off. The ability to nominate a 'designated driver' is beyond the Thais. "We have all been there..." - no we haven't, not in these number. In the States in the 50's/60's (and the UK) you may get a car load of youngsters who had been drinking - sometimes there were tragic consequences, but never in the numbers that these incidents in Thailand seem to produce.
For f**k's sake Thailand Wake UP! Appropriate legislation, properly enforced, together with driving skills training and real testing is necessary. In addition there needs to be some shift in culture and mindset............ trusting in Buddha (especially after a skinful of alcohol) and a mai bpen rai attitude does not cut it.
Could not agree more with CO-CO's comments.
The majority of Thais in my village are far from smart, and in fact most are plain stupid, when it comes to driving. I regularly drive through my village and regularly come across the same people who every time just pull out of side sois without slowing/stopping or even looking. They get a sharp blast form my horn every time (done instinctively without being aware at the time who they are). They just smile, but never correct their actions. There is one woman who seems to ride round the village all day, and I have repeatedly had to brake quickly to avoid hitting her. I have even remonstrated with her, all to no avail. I actually saw her at a social event last night and remarked to the wife that she was still alive!
There is no reason to believe that this group of Thais are not fairly representive of most Thais in the Isaan area.
Recent newspaper reports seem to differ on what, if any restrictions are in place for riding in the bed of a pick up. My own recollection was that it was initially banned for a few days , but due to a public outcry, the ban was lifted and discussions were to take place to consider allowing a limited number of people (possibly 6) to sit in the back. Never recall hearing any more.
So the suggestion at the time was it is OK for 6 people to be propelled from the back and die in the event of an accident, but not more!
Lets see a total ban. Now is a good time as it will allow the Thais a couple of months to make alternative transport plans when millions return from Bangkok and elsewhere over the upcoming New Year. Wishful tthinking of course, as it will almost certainly not happen.