Thrills and spills, the motorbike riders of Pattaya.
Something show about the many different motorcycle and their riders in a place like Pattaya. We know that Thailand has a lot of them on the road, and most of them are young when they start riding them. Pattaya is a big place, a small city with many strange foreigners driving around, but also many nice and beautiful Thai people who can drive normally. I personally love to see a good looking and nicely dressed Thai woman on a moped. This can be by herself or with her boyfriend or cab driver on the back.
Riding with elegance and the allure of Thai women on motorcycles.
There will be more like me, but I find a Thai woman on a moped very nice and beautiful to look at. I can sit for hours along the road with a drink, take Soi Bua Khao for example, and then I can enjoy hours of what beautiful things drive past.
Of course there has been talk for years about the different kinds of laws and regulations that should be put in place, but if you put in a rule that you have to wear a helmet during the day because the police will check and after midnight it's all no problem because the police are out partying with their "Mia noi. Just to clarify, it is quite normal to have 1 or more wives in addition to your own wife. It is called a 'Mia noi'.
Wait and caught some.
A Thai police officer waits discreetly for individuals during the day, regardless of whether they are wearing a helmet or possess a valid driver's license. The officer patiently anticipates an opportunity to extort a bribe from them, with the intention of indulging in festivities later involving alcohol and companionship.
After a short wait, the police officer in Pattaya has successfully apprehended an individual, and it appears to be a significant catch. The person in question is an attractive young Thai woman, possibly employed in the entertainment industry. There always seems to be something to gain in such situations. It could be monetary compensation, complimentary drinks at the establishment where she works, or other possibilities that can be left to the imagination.
Only a driver should wear helmet.
There was a time somewhere in 2007/2008 when it was agreed that only the driver should wear a helmet. Here's an example of the people who had to check that, of course it turned out to be a fiasco with such a stupid idea.
But we deviate from the topic; the motorcycle's. Most of them are fast 125 cc automatics and almost everyone uses them. To just drive around, to go shopping with the whole family on them, or loaded with goods and you, as a Thai, have to deliver something. You come across very strange situations that make you think: how is it possible that this is can be happening?
Enjoying holidaymaker relaxing on a motorcycle.
A holidaymaker in Pattaya is seen enjoying a leisurely ride on a rented moped as he heads towards the beach. With sunglasses on, wearing a helmet, and a day dedicated to relaxation, he embraces the freedom and tranquility of the moment.
On the streets, where safety takes the lead.
I still don't know what a Thai understands by safety, they all think they are some kind of F1 driver and the most at the way see no danger at all, could it be because of Buddhism and reincarnation! But also the foreigners who have been staying there for a while get those strange thoughts and weird ideas. They do exactly the same and try to move around on a moped with whole families and small children, with and without groceries or other objects. Is it normal or are they people with very little sense, or do they not know any better? Think about it.
About the photo's below.
It's unfortunate to hear about the risky situations involving Thai people, including children, sleeping on motorcycles or not wearing proper head protection. Such practices pose significant dangers and can result in severe injuries in the event of an accident. It's important to promote awareness of the risks associated with these behaviors. Encouraging the use of helmets for all riders, regardless of age, and raising awareness about the potential consequences of not wearing one can help mitigate the risks and enhance safety on the roads. It's essential to emphasize the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations. Education and awareness campaigns can play a significant role in promoting safe practices and protecting the well-being of individuals and families in these situations.
On the way, let's drive!
Harley Davidson among the thai ladies in mid 2000.
It can be rain hard in Pattaya.
In Thailand you never know when and how hard it will rain, but we all know that it can go crazy. It can rain so heavily that the streets fill up in less than ten minutes. If you are unlucky you will get stuck in the water, which I experienced and that your moped has completely disappeared under water, these drivers are just lucky.
Parking on even and odd days.
In 2007, the Pattaya municipality implemented a peculiar parking rule that required vehicles to park on either the left or right side of the road based on odd or even days. This decision seemed puzzling to many, including Thai moped riders. However, due to the confusion and impracticality of such a rule, it was eventually abolished shortly after its implementation.
Too many people on a motorcycle.
Observed instances of multiple individuals riding on a single motorcycle, which can be quite unusual and potentially unsafe. It is surprising to witness so many people, specifically eight boys, riding on a moving moped and actively participating in traffic. Noticed police officers riding on a motorcycle, but in contrast, there are five officers on it. Such observations highlight the unique and sometimes unconventional situations that can occur on the streets.
Driving under the influence and the many accidents.
It is indeed disheartening to hear about the high number of motorcycle related fatalities in Thailand, resulting in approximately 80 deaths per day. The situation is particularly concerning among the youth population, who may engage in excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and involvement in gangs, often accompanied by reckless speeding. Unfortunately, some individuals fail to perceive the inherent dangers they pose to themselves and others on the road.
Visualizing the scenario of driving under the influence, whether during daylight or late at night, without a helmet, is undoubtedly alarming. The consequences can be devastating, with the realization that a person's life can be tragically altered in an instant, leaving nothing remaining of their head upon impact with the unforgiving asphalt. Over the course of 35 years, witnessing numerous distressing accidents undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark, reminding us of the profound impact of such events.
It is crucial to promote awareness, education, and enforce stricter regulations to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all road users.
Only a helmet for the driver,
Around 15 years ago, an incident occurred where an "Important Thai Person" from the Pattaya City Council implemented an unusual regulation regarding helmets for mopeds. Astonishingly, the rule mandated that only the driver of the moped was required to wear a helmet. This decision may have been seen as repulsive and hard to believe, but it was indeed a reality at that time.
Be very careful on the road here.
One valuable piece of advice for navigating the roads in Pattaya is to exercise extreme caution. Given the prevalence of motorcycles as a popular means of transportation among both locals and tourists, it becomes crucial to prioritize safety. Wearing a helmet is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step towards protecting oneself in the event of an accident. Additionally, practicing safe and defensive driving techniques, such as adhering to traffic rules and remaining vigilant on the road, can greatly contribute to reducing the risk of accidents.