PROMISES MADE

Thailand’s Roads Are Deadly. Especially if You’re Poor.

The rules of a highly unequal society extend even to the highways, where have-nots are far more likely to be killed than haves.

Hannah Beech

By Hannah Beech

- 154

Image

Paramedics treat an injured man after a motorcycle accident in Bangkok in April.

Paramedics treat an injured man after a motorcycle accident in Bangkok in April.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

อ่านภาษาไทย

When things go wrong, those in power often promise to make it right. But do they? In this series, The Times investigates to see if those promises were kept.

BANGKOK — The Thai woman was riding on a motorcycle on her way to work when a pickup truck sideswiped her on a rural stretch of asphalt in northeastern Thailand. The truck’s driver was an off-duty police officer. He was drunk.

Orathai Chanhom, the motorcyclist, was catapulted off her bike and killed almost instantly in the crash.

The officer who struck her still has his police job. His driver’s license was not taken away. A court declined to sentence him to prison.

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In Thailand, one of the world’s most unequal societies, even roads have a rigid hierarchy, with the poor far more likely to be killed in accidents than the well-off and well-connected.

And there are many deaths: Thailand had the world’s second-highest rate of road fatalities per capita, surpassed only by war-afflicted, lawless Libya, according to a 2015 report from the World Health Organization. When it comes to per-capita motorcycle deaths, the country is No. 1.

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“I never thought about road deaths until this happened to my mother,” said Chularat Chanhom, Ms. Orathai’s adult daughter. “I had no idea it was such a big problem in Thailand.”

The government vowed at a United Nations forum in 2015 to halve the number of road traffic deaths by 2020. With less than one year to go before the deadline, however, Thailand is a long way from fulfilling that promise, its roads still ranking among the world’s 10 most dangerous, with more than 20,000 preventable fatalities a year.

The country has seen a small dip in road deaths since 2015, and Thailand has in place many of the necessary laws to make its roads safer.

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But what the government has not addressed is the country’s vast gap in wealth, which is the core issue that not only makes its roads so deadly, but has also split the country into two bitterly divided political camps: Thailand’s haves and have-nots.

Image

The aftermath of a traffic accident in Bangkok in June.

The aftermath of a traffic accident in Bangkok in June.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

WHAT WE FOUND

Inequality in Life, and Death

Thailand, named the most unequal country of the 40 major economies surveyed last year by Credit Suisse, has what might be the world’s most toxic combination for traffic safety.

Unlike poorer countries, its roads are well paved and made for speed, and the cars driven by the rich and its growing middle class tend to be new and fast.

But many Thai families can afford only a single scooter or motorcycle, and high-quality helmets are a luxury for many, whatever the law says about their being mandatory to wear.

In accidents on the country’s crowded roads, it’s a devastating mismatch when an air-conditioned SUV collides with a two-wheeler, scattering the detritus of death across the asphalt. And the aftermath of such accidents are a common, macabre sight on Thai thoroughfares: a shredded tire, a mangled frame of steel, a bloodyplastic flip-flop.

Motorcycle accidents can involve multiple fatalities. Because public transportation is limited outside the big cities, it’s not uncommon to see a couple of adults — and even a child or two crammed between them — balanced on a single bike.

Only 12 percent of Thailand’s road traffic deaths involved occupants of cars or other light vehicles, according to the 2018 W.H.O. Global Status Report on Road Safety. Most of the dead were motorcyclists — or pedestrians.

In many Thai towns, there are few wide, easily usable sidewalks because, critics say, they are not a priority for the rich and influential, who prefer not to walk in Thailand’s oppressive heat. When there are wide footpaths, they often overflow with street stalls and even motorcycle traffic, pushing people into the roads.

The country’s economic disparity is not the only reason Thailand’s road deaths are not distributed equally. Justice, too, is handed out unevenly.

For the superrich, or those in positions of authority, the rules of the road may not apply at all. They know they can speed with impunity and drink heavily before getting behind the wheel, with little fear of the consequences.

In 2012, a young man in a Ferrari — the heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune — plowed into a policeman, dragging him to his death. The driver, Vorayuth Yoovidhaya, was intoxicated, according to a test. Seven years later, he has never been prosecuted.

“What is clear in Thailand is that the roads are not safe for all users,” said Evelyn Murphy, who specializes in unintentional injury prevention at the W.H.O. “Whether it’s cars or motorcycles or pedestrians, the safety of all users of roads must be considered, regardless of income level.”

Image

The police giving breathalyzer tests to motorbike drivers at a checkpoint during Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, in Chiang Mai, in April.

The police giving breathalyzer tests to motorbike drivers at a checkpoint during Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, in Chiang Mai, in April.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

WHAT WE FOUND

Weak Enforcement, Compounded by Corruption

Speeding, drunken driving and failing to wear proper helmets are the primary causes of traffic deaths in the country, Thai officials said.

While the laws are there to combat each of those factors, enforcement is not.

Wearing helmets is required on two-wheelers, but fines are rarely dispensed, unless the police need to meet a specific quota during a crackdown period.

Unaccustomed to checkpoints or sirens, speeders or other rule-breakers may not even pull over when caught.

“It’s hard to convince people to stop for us when they are not used to stopping,” said Maj. Gen. Jirasunt Kaewsaengeak, the deputy commissioner of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police.

Then, there is corruption. The rich or well connected know a bribe can often see them on their way if they are nabbed breaking traffic laws.

Bangkok’s 3,000 traffic police make an average of $600 a month for working in broiling heat, monsoonal downpours and suffocating smog, which can make even small payoffs highly appealing, and effective.

Twice a year, during the Thai New Year in April and the Western New Year in January, campaigns warn against drunken driving, complete with billboards of gory crashes. Arrests skyrocket during these periods, but then quickly fall off again.

“If you eat vegetables twice a year and only eat ice cream for the rest of the year, your doctor will think you are crazy,” said Tairjing Siriphanich, the secretary general of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation of Thailand. “But that’s what we are doing with road safety.”

Image

Traffic in Bangkok. The city’s traffic police, who work in brutal conditions, are susceptible to bribes.

Traffic in Bangkok. The city’s traffic police, who work in brutal conditions, are susceptible to bribes.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

WHAT WE FOUND

A ‘Sabai Sabai’ Mind-set

When asked why so many people die on Thai roads, officials here ascribe it to a “sabai sabai” culture.

Sabai sabai is one of those untranslatable phrases, but it denotes a kind of relaxed contentment. Sabai sabai is one reason Thailand is a great place for a beach holiday. But it’s not a helpful attitude when building national safety standards.

“If police enforce the law, rather than just give a verbal warning, then Thai people are unhappy, and they complain that it’s not sabai sabai,” General Jirasunt said.

A prime example of the effect of the sabai sabai way of life on traffic safety is the approach to helmets. Many motorcyclists simply don’t bother.

“People think air pollution is a threat, but they don’t think the same way about drunken driving or wearing helmets,” said Mr. Tairjing of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation. “We have failed to make people understand that they can save their own lives.”

But the authorities can make a difference: In the districts where police are known to hand out fines, helmets are more common.

The government could also do more to educate Thais about helmets, which are often substandard or worn incorrectly.

“When you see someone who makes the effort to put on a helmet without actually strapping it on, it defeats the whole purpose of wearing it,” said Ms. Murphy, of the W.H.O. “It shows a lack of understanding of basic safety mechanisms.”

Image

Taking the driver’s test in Bangkok.

Taking the driver’s test in Bangkok.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

WHAT WE FOUND

Shifting the Blame

In 2016, 32.7 out of every 100,000 Thais died on the country’s roads, according to the most recent W.H.O. estimates. By comparison, the road fatality rate in the United States was 12.4 that year. In Indonesia, a less developed Southeast Asian country with more potholed roads, the rate was 12.2. Across most of Europe, it was a single-digit number.

Since the government made its promise to halve road deaths, a vow other countries have also made, Thailand has barely inched upward, moving from the country with the next-to-worst per-capita death tally to the ninth-worst.

“No political party has made this an issue. No leader wants to do anything,” said Mr. Tairjing of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation. “They just make promises to halve the number of road deaths even though they know it’s impossible. Maybe they think we’ll forget about the promises they made.”

The question of who is at fault for Thailand’s lack of progress draws a lot of finger pointing by Thai officials.

Chayatan Phromsorn, the deputy director-general of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the agency that pledged to the United Nations to halve the number of road deaths, said he was not familiar with the document that detailed Thailand’s promise. (That English-language document was never made available online in Thai script.)

The official who presented the paper to the United Nations in 2015 said she had done so only because her colleague was unable to attend the conference. In turn, that colleague, Usanisa Jikyong, said in an email that her office “is not responsible for a road safety initiative in the national level.”

Ms. Usanisa suggested that another government agency, the department of disaster prevention and mitigation at the Ministry of Interior, was in charge of such matters. But Chayabol Thitisak, the department’s director general, shifted responsibility back to Ms. Usanisa’s office.

Officials at both agencies said that the blame lay primarily with the police.

“The big factor is law enforcement,” Mr. Chayabol said. “We have to make people realize that by violating the law they will face severe consequences.”

But the police refused to accept fault.

“As police, there are many things we cannot do,” General Jirasunt said. “We cannot build more roads and public transportation. We cannot change the number of cars on the road. We cannot change the attitudes of people so they have discipline.”

Image

Mechanics check the road worthiness of cars for a compulsory annual inspection at a test center in Bangkok.

Mechanics check the road worthiness of cars for a compulsory annual  inspection at a test center in Bangkok.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

WHAT WE FOUND

The High Human Cost

The World Bank estimated in a 2018 study that Thailand could lift its per-capita gross domestic product by 22 percent by the year 2038 if it successfully halved its traffic fatalities.

Despite that economic upside, the government — led by a retired military general since a 2014 coup — has done little to address the wealth gap that’s at the core of Thailand’s problem with road deaths.

The country has made a few road-safety improvements. Schools have added road safety lessons to their curriculums, and there has been some progress in setting new vehicle safety standards.

The numbers do show a slight improvement: Road deaths were 7 percent lower in 2018, with 22,491 deaths compared with 24,237 in 2015.

While the enormous macroeconomic cost of all these road deaths can be measured, what can’t be given a dollar figure is the personal toll inflicted on individuals by the inequality and impunity that menaces Thailand’s roads.

The family of Ms. Orathai, the killed motorcyclist, has no lawyer to pursue a civil claim. It did not appeal the decision not to jail the officer. There is no further legal action to take.

“In Thailand, the law does not matter,” said Ms. Chularat, her daughter. “People like us, how can we change anything? Even if we die for no reason, our lives are worthless.”

The Takeaway: For the poor, Thailand’s roads are unsafe at any speed.

Image

A paramedic waits for an emergency call in Bangkok.

A paramedic waits for an emergency call in Bangkok.

Credit

Adam Dean for The New York Times

Ryn Jirenuwat contributed reporting.

Hannah Beech has been the Southeast Asia bureau chief since 2017, based in Bangkok. Before joining The Times, she reported for Time magazine for 20 years from bases in Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok and Hong Kong. @hkbeech

Comments 154

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MoneyRules commented August 20

M

MoneyRules

New Jersey

Hannah -- isn't it the same in America. Like how black people sitting in their cars and minding their own businesses are gunned down by police -- while white people in full body armor and an assault rifle are somehow still apprehended by police without being shot.

1 REPLY

Sci guy commented August 20

S

Sci guy

NYC

@MoneyRules What? Who? I don't think the North Hollywood shootout culprits ("white") were "apprehended without being shot." There are many other examples. What are you referring to?

Owen McGowan commented August 20

O

Owen McGowan

Lampoon Thailand

Excellent reporting. Consider again, please, that it was a policeman who the Red Bull heir killed and still this killer is untouchable. A household servant / slave initially routinely stated he was the driver of the Ferrari. There is a wide price range for motorcycle helmets in Thailand. The poor can never afford the best, only the cheapest at best. The cheapest are useful for avoiding fines but useless for saving lives. In a just society, Thailand’s cheapest helmets would not be on sale. A separate issue is the mad king’s use of the roads. He has a choice between his Cadillacs, his Royces, a fleet of Benzes and Maybachs; people are held up for hours routinely so he can speed everywhere anytime. Luckily for Thais in Bangkok, the king is hardly ever in town since he lives in Germany.

Georges Michaud commented August 20

G

Georges Michaud

Saguenay, Canada

Don't you think that what 's going on in Thailland looks pretty much to what 's going on in the US which is one of the most unequal country in the world

h king commented August 20

h king

h king

mke

My wife and I got off a cruise in Thailand a few years ago and were in our Bangkok hotel, after a long bus ride from the port. The skycap, hauling our bags, was so drunk he was staggering and basically incoherent. When we entered our room, he brought a packet of brochures and tried, slurring his words, to sell us a river cruise. There was no way that hotel management wasn't aware of this guys drunken behavior. If this type of performance is so readily tolerated, what can the road safety be like?

Paul commented August 20

P

Paul

Korat-Thailand

I wish Thai authorities spend half of the money and resources they currently waste on the so-called <>strictly enforcing the TM30 a 40 years+ old law monitoring every moves of dangerous expats here and instead dedicate it for road accidents.I'm confident that they would save more life with that than with this nonsense TM30!!

J House commented August 20

J

J House

NY,NY

I have lived and worked in Thailand since 1996. It isn’t inequality driving the traffic deaths, but the rise of a middle class from one that did not exist 25 years ago and that can afford a vehicle now, whether a car or a motorcycle. Add to it the fact that helmet laws are rarely obeyed or enforced all over the country.In addition, it is silly to believe the Thailand’s wealthy are immune to being killed or injured on Thailand’s clogged roads...it is an equal opportunity phenomenon, even though inequality is still great in Thailand.

J House commented August 20

J

J House

NY,NY

Part of the problem stems from a culture or corruption and bribery. Too often, any traffic violation gets paid ‘on the spot’ and there is never really any incentive not to break traffic laws or improve your driving skills to pass a test, if you can just pay a bribe. Add to it the fact that millions of new car drivers, mixed in with motorcycle drivers, have been added to the roads in the past two decades, due to the upward mobility of Thai society...yes, there is great wealth inequality in Thailand, but this isn’t the main driver for the horrid road accident statistics.

Glenn commented August 20

G

Glenn

new zealand

Disturbing story, but the opening photograph is a masterpiece.

John commented August 20

J

John

Brooklyn

Some comments here show a bad perception of motorcycles. Look at the actual data, in the vast majority of cases cars are the ones that kill people. In my experience, many people perhaps start feeling safe once they get into their SUVs and start to act irresponsibly. Why nobody talks about obscene insurance rates in the US and obscene Manhattan parking rates?

Wayne commented August 20

W

Wayne

Brooklyn, New York

I witnessed some of this myself back in December 2017. I was on a tour bus going from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai through the mountain. the road is treacherous. It's constantly winding. I would fear traveling there at night being there are no street lights. We had a very good driver and I noted that to the rest of the tour. But I thought it would be a miracle to reach our destination without seeing an accident. Not long after we came upon a huge truck that was flipped over on its side. Could have been speeding or just plain bad driving. Parts of the road the driver would need to change to a lower gear, and cut back on speed. Apparently the driver of the truck went down the curve too fast without shifting to a lower gear. Another thing you as a pedestrian don't have the right of way. I joke that NYC is becoming like Thailand. Whenever I cross the street here I make sure to stay withing the crosswalk but as we see in recent videos vehicles have turned full speed into the crosswalks striking pedestrians and often leaving the scene. Yes, that happens right here where I live. But in Thailand when I cross the street I know better and would only cross when the the walk signals give me the right of way.

Matt commented August 20

M

Matt

Australia

I survived 18 months motorcycling out of Chiang Mai. The Thai government collected statistics over the Songkran New Years holiday. The figures were nearly 500 dead and over 29,000 visited ER. The governments solution was to stop publishing the stats. In my experience collectively Thai's are the worst drivers in the world bar none. There are no road rules that are adhered to, no proper driver training or testing. Policing is a joke, and if pulled over you can buy your way out of anything. See Bad Driving Asia on Youtube

1 REPLY

Jay E. Simkin commented August 20

J

Jay E. Simkin

Nashua, NH

@Matt See my comment, below, wherein I explain why Thailand's roads are a "war zone".

Michael Cooke commented August 20

M

Michael Cooke

Bangkok

Having lived or worked in several parts of Thailand for quite a few years, I've seen enormous changes. In much of the rural Northeast, farming is now done with tractors, where twenty years ago buffalo were herded toward fields along country roads. In Bangkok, people have learned the value of queueing, and these days many motorists do stop at crosswalks. The culture is not quite as harsh as a casual reader or visitor might conclude. What is happening in Thailand is rapid evolution from a primarily laid back rural way of life to a country dominated by urban congestion. As a former colleague told me, twenty years ago her village got the first telephone. Now every teenager in the village is connected to the world via smartphones. Would-be drivers now sit through road courtesy instruction, as well as take tests. Still, driving is a horror story, mostly because of the unpredictable movements of motorcycles, and partly because of road designs from another era, except on the modern toll roads. Police here do make sincere efforts to enforce rules with respect to motorcycle safety, especially near schools and universities. But, when roads are already congested so badly that people weave their motorcycles between stopped cars and trucks, the police often can not issue tickets. Plus, much of the road carnage is actually young men, often on big bikes, slaloming on streets and roads crowded with trucks, busses, and ancient contraptions - for the thrill.

Vadid commented August 20

V

Vadid

Bangkok

In a survey, 67% of Thais said road accidents had nothing to do with speeding, drink -driving or cheating red lights, it was karma. It is not wealth inequality that is the problem it is ignorance.

Felix Qui commented August 20

Felix Qui

Felix Qui

Bangkok

The popular drug of choice is alcohol, but instead of taking steps to reduce the massive harm this addictive drug inflicts on Thai families, society and individuals, vast resources are wasted in wars on suppressing, or rather on not suppressing, the sale and use of drugs that are far less harmful to Thai society, such as marijuana, yaa baa and even heroin. As a major factor in the horrific road toll, alcohol is far and away the most serious drug problem in Thailand. It is also the addictive drug that is popular with hi-sos, and the prevailing law is very profitable for mafia groups and corrupt officials.

Steve commented August 20

S

Steve

California

Vorayuth Yoovidhay is a fugitive and wanted. No country has responded to Interpol for prosecution which led the authorities to conclude the case.

Felix Qui commented August 20

Felix Qui

Felix Qui

Bangkok

Good to see that this analysis has been picked up and republished a few minutes ago in the Bangkok Post. Meanwhile, a contributing failure of many decades is the refusal to admit that by far the most serious drug problem in Thailand is alcohol, which is involved in about half of all traffic deaths. Rather than wasting money and law-enforcement resources on wars on drugs that profit only mafia gangs and corrupt officials, again at the expense of the poor, those resources could be diverted to actually saving lives by cracking down on the drugged up drivers killing with impunity.

1 REPLY

Jay E. Simkin commented August 20

J

Jay E. Simkin

Nashua, NH

@Felix Qui Assuming you're correct, the diversion of resources you suggest can occur only if those - who have charge of public affairs - care enough about the carnage. That's not likely. For, if they did, they would long ago have curbed "driving under the influence" (alcohol or other drugs). See my explanation, below, for why the carnage is likely to continue.

SM commented August 20

S

SM

Fremont

Inequality in life and death, weak enforcement, corruption? The situation in India is pretty similar. In 2013 the son of India's richest man is believed to have killed two while speeding in his Aston Martin in the middle of the night. Two security cars following him whisked the young man away, an old employee "confessed" to the crime (a 55 year old employee speeding in his employer's Aston Martin is so plausible, right?) and he was also not arrested or tried, the victims were paid and silenced, the cops and even news media were bought. Case closed. A Bollywood movie star who was drunk ran his SUV up a pavement in the middle of the night. There were people sleeping there and there was a fatality. Eye witnesses saw him switch places immediately with his driver who was in the passenger seat until then. He was convicted but still remains out of prison.

Frank commented August 20

F

Frank

Kuala Lampur

I've lived in Thailand for 10 years, bicycle and motorcycle here, don't have a car. I've never heard the argument that the traffic deaths in Thailand are largely due to the rich-poor divide until I read this article. I'm not sure how true that is although it's an interesting idea. It's not like the author of the article offers any proof, she basically just gives anecdotes except to say that most of the deaths here are people on motorcycles, as if that proves something. Fine, motosais are the transportation of choice for people who don't have a lot of money, but they drive them like maniacs! Girls won't wear helmets cuz it messes up their hair .... it's that kind of place. I really don't get the feeling that all these deaths are being caused by fat cats in SUVs side-swiping motosais off the road. I would guess that most of the deaths are due to people on motosais drinking and driving illegally and recklessly. Not a convincing article, albeit an interesting one.

1 REPLY

J House commented August 20

J

J House

NY,NY

@Frank I agree. I also have been living and working in Thailand since 1996. I would argue exactly the opposite...this is the result the f the economic rise of the poor class, who can now afford a motorcycle or car. Cars and motorcycles are a deadly mix for road accidents. It was inevitable in a country with lax traffic law enforcement. Watch for a similar rise in Vietnam.

Jay E. Simkin commented August 20

J

Jay E. Simkin

Nashua, NH

Thailand is one of the vast majority of countries, wherein public affairs are managed by those at best negligent and at worst murderous. Since 1932, when an absolute monarchy ended, Thailand has often been governed my military juntas or civilian cabinets that "front" for the military. Road safety is NOT rocket science. A short flight from Bangkok brings one to Singapore, wherein road safety is based on science and enforcement. If those, who have had charge of public administration in Thailand cared about their fellow residents, they would long ago have figured-out what traffic rules were needed and how to enforce them uniformly. Thailand is an example of why the U.S. cannot possibly have open borders. Almost all countries are similarly maladministered. Were the U.S. to have "open borders", hundreds of millions - who hope to better their lot in life - would uproot themselves. Nearly all would be law-abiding. But the U.S. would be a very different place with about a billion residents. It would plainly be more crowded and so less pleasant. There's an alternative. For countries ruled by those whose negligence creates death danger for almost all residents - not so in Thailand - the U.S. can and should supply those residents with rifles and ammunition, so they can oust lethally-uncaring rulers. For places such as Thailand, the U.S. can offer help to devise sound laws and help to train enforces. But those in charge need to grasp the need for such help. That's hard for them.

2 REPLIES

MLChadwick commented August 20

M

MLChadwick

Portland, Maine

@Jay E. Simkin No one is arguing for "open borders" in the US, apart from spurious claims to that effect by propaganda outlets.

J House commented August 20

J

J House

NY,NY

@Jay E. Simkin Comparisons to Singapore are inevitable in S.E. Asia, but Thailand is a huge country with a large population, not a city state that is far more geographically manageable and strategically situated for global trade. Thailand’s population and problems dwarf those of Singapore. Even if it had a thriving democracy, Thailand would still have real 21st century challenges to manage.

Laurance Emory commented August 20

L

Laurance Emory

Thailand

A few years ago best friend's wife going to local store on motorbike. T intersection driver pulls out, she hits back then head on into garbage truck. She was 8 months pregnant. She lived about a week. You do not want to go to ICU like I did in Thailand. Man who caused crash worked for government: about $60 in total fines. Police fairly useless here, focused mainly on collecting money to pay for what it cost to get position is general consensus. Foreigners especially popular for shakedowns, as we are all considered rich. I walk, and still not safe on sidewalks. Motorcycles routinely drive against direction of traffic flow (do on streets too). Pedestrians have no right of way, in crosswalk or anywhere. I cringe when I see tourists here who assume cars will stop. Been living here 18 years, FWIW

Peter Jaffe commented August 20

P

Peter Jaffe

Thailand

Go first, look later. That and drunk driving are the causes of so many deaths (mostly on motor scooters) here in Thailand.

Neil commented August 20

N

Neil

Texas

A great report. I have been to Thailand many times but principally to Bangkok. Just watching the traffic in Bangkok where you hardly move - I rarely have been in a vehicle, definitely not on a Scooter or even that tuk tuk. But I can imagine the carnage on the roads outside Bangkok. As to drunk driving, assaults on police, bribing officials - I did not think any one could hold s candle to folks in India and in Mumbai in particular. There, the stories of wealthy, the Bollywood folks driving drunk, letting their minor children drive etc - and then killing folks sleeping on sidewalks - yet escaping any punishment - makes this Thailand report look tame.

Joel H commented August 20

J

Joel H

MA

Cars, these days, get new safety devices every couple of years; motorcycles ...

JP commented August 20

J

JP

MorroBay

As a resident here I can tell you it's all true. Plus Thais have poor driving skills, and they are not generally concerned with other people's safety. They get really upset if you honk at them (loss of face) so you can end up with a fight on your hands. In my area of Hua Hin the traffic stops are primarily aimed at tourists, you'll see 3 12 year olds barefoot with no helmet on one bike role through a checkpoint while 10 tourists are waiting in line to pay their "fine". The minivan tour drivers are notoriously reckless speeders, and truckers can be downright mean, on drugs to stay awake and drifting all over the road. As a driver who grew up driving the LA freeway system, it's terrifying driving here for me. Best to take public transport when possible.

Kenneth Johnson commented August 20

K

Kenneth Johnson

Pennsylvania

This is why I drive a large SUV. I can 'afford' it .....and I can't 'afford' to take any unnecessary chances with my life. Many people in America appear to feel the same way. Or am I missing something here?

left coast finch commented August 20

L

left coast finch

L.A.

After we flew into Phuket, we were taken to our hotel in a rickety open air bus. The journey was crazed and harrowing. The driver seemed to be going awfully fast and did a lot of swerving but drivers around us were going even faster while weaving in and out of traffic. I was mesmerized looking out at the various types of people and things crammed into cars, piled high on motorcycles, and hanging off the backs of other busses. It was also hot, humid, and nighttime which added to the surreality of the experience after flying in from much cooler and, in comparison, seemingly orderly China, itself another surreality with its seas of bicycles moving like swarms of insects through streets during rush hours. Then there were the dozens upon dozens of stray dogs roaming the streets in packs with plates of food left out for them and dotting the landscape, especially in Bangkok where we stayed after Phuket. Buddhism in widespread practice there doesn’t seem to be any better at actually improving the material reality of the poor and suffering than Christianity, once again proving religion is a poor substitute for widespread secular education, basic wealth redistribution in the form of taxes, and adequate law enforcement. A fascinating culture in many ways but I have no desire to ever return when there are so many other countries I’ve yet to experience.

Susan Zingkhai commented August 20

S

Susan Zingkhai

Bangkok

I've lived in Bangkok for 8 years and have seen quite a few accidents. I would just say 3 things. 1: On the road, it's every man for himself -- the guy driving the car doesn't care about the guy driving the motorbike, the guy driving the motorbike doesn't care about the guy driving the car and neither care about the pedestrian. 2: The quality of education is quite low and this kind of education -- life kind of education -- is rarely addressed. 3: Life doesn't seem to have a particularly high value here (hence why life education is not addressed in schools). Thank you for writing about this issue. International attention/pressure is the only thing that can help.

Robert M commented August 20

R

Robert M

Bangkok

Yes, Thailand has a severely unequal society, but economic disparity isn't the reason the roads are unsafe. I have lived in Thailand for four years now, and before relocating from the US, I came to Thailand probably twenty times as a tourist. Perhaps the most realistic interpretation of sabai sabai would be "who cares?" Thais, whether rich or poor, have a lot of accidents simply because they don't care about safety or the law. They care about themselves. What matters is one's own needs and immediate space; everything else falls under sabai sabai. Those Thais we see riding around with their kids on motorcycles, and the kids have no helmets? I'm sure the parents can afford mobile phones (for themselves) but wouldn't dream of spending money to protect their own kids. So why don't the police do a better job of enforcing the law? Well, they don't really care either -- but also, Thais as a general rule don't want to do anything that might cause anyone to lose face. In Thai culture, saving face takes precedence over pretty much everything. Police don't ticket parents if their kids aren't wearing helmets because it might upset the parents, causing them to lose face -- which in turn would cause the police officer to lose face. So it's better just to leave well enough alone: sabai sabai. The problem isn't economic disparity so much as it's the self-absorption, apathy, and humility that are ingrained in Thai culture, which at times is the country's own worst enemy.

1 REPLY

MLChadwick commented August 20

M

MLChadwick

Portland, Maine

@Robert M Sounds like attitudes straight out of Ayn Rand!

Victor commented August 20

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Victor

Sacramento

My group of Peace Corps volunteers and I had been in Thailand for a couple of months in 1992 and were finishing up our in-country training in rural Thailand. We were on a chartered bus taking us to our next training site. Sitting by a window, I saw our bus hit an older woman who was by the side of the road trying to cross the highway. There was a thump but the bus kept going. I craned to look back and remember a seeing a sandal fly and a woman on the ground. I was shocked, stunned. Was I the only one who saw what happened? I ran to the front of the bus to tell our trainers that we needed to stop. But the bus kept going. I was crying my eyes out by then at how seemingly no one cared about the woman that got hit. The trainers later told me that they followed up and learned that the woman was in a hospital but alive. Twenty-seven years later I still have that haunting vision from time to time of the woman being hit. I know what I saw and doubt she survived. Sad to read that things have not changed and are worse as the inequality has grown in Thailand.

Jeff commented August 20

J

Jeff

SF

Having completed two motorcycle tours through northern Thailand I've come away with a few things - If we crashed, there wouldn't be a life flight to come for us and it would likely be over an hour before we got to a hospital. The quality of care is no where near what we have in the US, especially in the rural parts of Thailand. As part of a tour group we were never allowed to ride at night. Too many drunk drivers on the roads at night we were told by the tour guide. I've noticed that in clubs and bars in Thailand the Thais would often have a bottle of Thai rum at there tables (in addition to the beer). I recall seeing stats that Thais consume more alcohol per capita than any other country. I'm not surprised. Still it is by far my favorite country to visit. I can't wait for my next tour.

Bettye Underwood commented August 20

B

Bettye Underwood

Racine, WI

The first time my husband and I traveled to Bangkok in 2010, I asked if we would be renting a car. He laughed for five minutes and told me when I got there I would understand. We went, and I did (and I'm accustomed to driving in Manhattan). I didn't realize there were so many accidents, but with those motorcycles scooting in and out of traffic, I can't say I'm surprised.

Shane commented August 20

S

Shane

California

I'm very sorry the author didn't mention that in the U.S., as well, fatal crashes disproportionately affect people with lower incomes. For example, while 19% of the nation is considered rural, 51% of auto fatalities occur in what are considered rural areas. I hope there will be a follow-up story highlighting U.S. auto deaths.

1 REPLY

Eileen Eulick commented August 20

E

Eileen Eulick

Phuket

The article describes a problem that is particular to Thailand. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the US.

Rjrdmg commented August 20

R

Rjrdmg

Planet Earth

So interesting that the common theme in these accidents is a car and a driver and yet most commentators don’t perceive the car as the problem. Instead, it is the ‘dangerous’ motorcycle, pedestrians forced to walk in the street, the drunk or irresponsible driver. Reduce the number of cars and reduce the fatalities. Pretty simple. I wonder why folks can’t perceive that?

2 REPLIES

Bigfrog commented August 20

Bigfrog

Bigfrog

Oakland, CA

@Rjrdmg. I've spent a lot of time in Asia and the motorcycles do zig zag rather unpredictably in and out and around all other moving and stationary objects that may be in the street, sidewalk or wherever they can possibly (or their driver thinks they can) fit.

Norbert commented August 20

N

Norbert

Chiang Mai, Thailand

@Rjrdmg You are right, cars are a big part of the problem here. The streets were not planned with wide SUVs in mind. And since almost every Thai can get a financed car (thus starting a debt cycle) nowadays, the problem will not simply go away sabai-sabai.

Brooke commented August 20

B

Brooke

Baltimore

I’m a public health researcher. We don’t use the word “accident” as the NYT does in this article. “Accident” implies that there was nothing that could have prevented a traffic incident. We call them road injuries or deaths. Anything besides “accident” to emphasize that policy-level changes, technical innovations, investments in infrastructure, enforcement of laws, and behavior change could have made a difference.

Patricia commented August 20

P

Patricia

Atlanta, GA

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand in the 1980s, and this was a major problem then. My Thai roommate's fiancé and father were both killed in motorcycle accidents. Years later her husband and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident. I am sorry that this problem seems to have gotten worse, not better, in the intervening years.

markS commented August 20

M

markS

Thailand

At major intersections in Thailand 3-5 drivers run red lights every light change. Drivers often drive down roads the wrong way to take short cuts. I have never seen a car seat in the 25 years I've lived here. Children often sit in their parent's lap in the front seat without a seat belt. Although the police are cracking down on motorcyclists without helmets, they do not give out tickets if one of the passengers is a child without a helmet. Outside of town it is common to see children as young as ten driving motorcycles with two friends on back. Three people on a bike, sometimes four, even five is common outside of town where policing is rare. Every day, I see motorcyclists texting, steering with one hand while glancing down at a screen. Two weeks ago, the prime minister proposed raising the speed limit to ease traffic congestion.

bruce commented August 20

B

bruce

Atlanta

Having worked and lived in Thailand off and on for 35+ years, the most useful and often only piece of advice I have given for those intending to visit the country is this: "Look both ways constantly while crossing the street." Wrong-way motorbiking and rarely driving on the edge of one-way lanes are frequent, to avoid long detours to proper U-turns. During my first week in the country, my own life was saved on a busy 4-lane, apparently one-way street when all cars were stopped at a red light about 15 meters to my left. I was fully intending to dash straight across the clear road in front of me, when I looked at a policeman on the opposite side. He nodded his head to me left-to-right, indicating "no". So I changed my mind. I did not want to break any jaywalking laws in the country of my new assignment. An instant later, a bus drove at least 35 kilometers per hour from right-to-left just in front of my nose. It was in a special bus-only counter-flow lane of which I was not aware. I surely would have been smashed to smithereens if that policeman had not been there. Thus, as paint on the London curbs reminds tourists to "Look right", in Thailand, look both ways constantly while crossing any street.

Haiku R commented August 20

H

Haiku R

Chicago

The problem is motorbikes - a lot of Thais can afford a motorbike, but not a car. Yes, SUVs and the rich being irresponsible make it worse, but even in the best of circumstances there would be a lot of accidents. It's 100 degrees out and humid, in the rainy season you get a downpour every day - it's not surprising ordinary people don't want to go out every day & be stuck in traffic in a helmet & appropriate motorcycle clothing (even jeans feel unbearable in this climate). Public transport could be improved, but Thais like Americans love the freedom of having their own wheels.

2 REPLIES

Dave commented August 20

D

Dave

Vermont

@Haiku R If the problem is motorbikes, why do neighboring countries that are similarly full of motorbikes have road death rates that are half of Thailand's or less? The article stated that Indonesia has roughly 1/3 of the deaths per capita that Thailand has. If you've ever been to Indo, you know how many motorbikes are whizzing around there too!

Michael Cooke commented August 20

M

Michael Cooke

Bangkok

@Dave Neighboring Cambodia has a huge problem with motorcycle fatalities. To the extent that the death rate there might be lower than Thailand, I'd guess that is only because the small one stroke bikes in Cambodia just don't have as much force as the popular big bikes in Thailand.

Gwen Vilen commented August 20

G

Gwen Vilen

Minnesota

It’s a dangerous thing to be poor. But it is especially so in a poor country.. that’s why people aspire to be rich. So they can be safe.

loveman0 commented August 20

L

loveman0

sf

Motorcycles are dangerous to ride. In Thailand just a little rain to make the roads slick, and you might see multiple motorcycle accidents. In Chiang Mai the police are doing constant checks to be sure everyone wears a helmet. Having said this, Thailand has a superior taxi service in their songtheuws, pick-up trucks that will take you where you want to go at a reasonable price. The big problem is air pollution, especially Bangkok. Southern climate--solar power will work best here, but like the U.S., one must assume entrenched monopolies are preventing this from happening. Making hybrid/electric vehicles the cheapest, and made in Thailand would change this.

Mary Ellen commented August 20

M

Mary Ellen

Detroit

I lived in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, for just over a year. Besides seeing police drinking while on duty, a drunk police officer also murdered two tourists. One of my co-workers killed a man while operating a motorcycle drunk. After he was released from the hospital, he fled the country. Another co-worker's seven year old son was killed crossing the street. (I was a teacher.) Our housekeeper lost 4 family members in a motorcycle crash. Too much death. The only relatively safe mode of travel is by train, but during the monsoon season, the tracks are often underwater. The roads aren't regulated, and neither are building codes. Electrical wires are not grounded and during festivals vendors simply splice into the higher voltage wires overhead. The home I was renting had no drain attached to the kitchen sink. The owner hired someone who knocked a hole in the wall and extended a pipe outside so the sink drained directly on the ground. Of course we had more visitors like frogs, lizards, ants, and scorpions. The first victims of the Bird Flu were in the Kanchanaburi Province, yet there were still plenty of chickens if you went into the rural areas. I appreciate OSHA, the EPA, the CDC, drunk driving laws, Green Building Standards, Consumer Protections, etc. In the United States, everyday life is generally safe, except for the irrational number of guns and lack of protective gun regulations. Regarding guns, the United States is a third world country.

Subhash commented August 20

S

Subhash

USA

I thought traffic fatality rate in India was the highest in the world but after studying the data I am horrified that Thailand's traffic fatality rate (36.2) is more than twice that of India (16.2)! Even China's fatality (18.8) rate is higher than India's. I avoid traveling by car in India. Traffic is horrendous. Now, I wouldn't take the road in China and definitely not in Thailand.

2 REPLIES

Chuck Burton commented August 20

C

Chuck Burton

Mazatlan, Mexico

@Subhash in general life is much safer in every way in Thailand than in the US. Better not to ride a scooter - in either country. I have traveled all over India in buses and it can be scary. So the alternative is not to go. Not an option for me. If you never leave your house you are certain to die in bed.

D. Arnold commented August 20

D

D. Arnold

Bangkok

Highway driving can certainly been an adventure in anxiety. However the vast majority of my driving is city driving where we never get over 60 kpm , highway driving can certainly be dangerous. After almost 15 years of driving in this country my best guess would be the failure to leave enough space between cars which cause many of the accidents I have witnessed. The vast majority of auto accidents I have seen have been rear end collisions in some cases multiple cars involved in a chain reaction . Some simple measures could be as easy as having public service messages on TV as the US been using for years to educate the public

Chuck Burton commented August 20

C

Chuck Burton

Mazatlan, Mexico

So Thailand has some serious problems. Big whoop. And this is how Americans get such one-sided views about the rest of the world and a totally obnoxious and undeserved sense of superiority, while giving a pass to the host of serious problems of our own society. Thailand is relaxed and friendly. Even chickens and cats do not skitter away. Violent crime, particularly against foreigners, is virtually unknown. I always feel safe 24/7 even in Bangkok. Away from the main highways near National Parks without public transportation access, I have hitchhiked and never had anyone pass me by without stopping. There is plenty of poverty in Thailand if one uses US materialistic standards as a metric, but there is so much food and nobody is hungry. Even the poor dress neatly and all have shelter. You never ever see homeless or beggars in Thailand. Or litter, for that matter. The infrastructure is modern and efficient and everything works. Most of all, Thais seem far more contented with their lives than here in the toxic and bitterly divisive US. I live in Mexico half of each year and regularly visit SE Asia. Coming back to the United States is the most stressful part of my life, but unless I want to give up family and friends, I continue to do so.

9 REPLIES

jh commented August 20

J

jh

dc

@Chuck Burton thailand is nowhere near as rosy as you make. It out to be I have been there 58 times and am traveling there next month You are looking at the country through rose colored glasses or have Thai fever

JP commented August 20

J

JP

MorroBay

@Chuck Burton what part of Thailand are you visiting where the infrastrucure is "modern and efficient"? I will admit that the US is stressful to visit but driving in the states is relaxing compared to Thailand's video game like road hazards. Healthcare is another matter.....Thailand is way better, which is why I live here.

Shocked commented August 20

S

Shocked

NYC

@Chuck Burton I couldn't agree more - you nailed it. However you forgot to mention that they have universal health care, 30 days per year paid sick leave, and that unemployment is less than 1%. No country is perfect. Does Thailand have deadly roads for motorcycle riders? Yes. Is there mass murder in the shopping malls? No.

Sirlar commented August 20

S

Sirlar

Jersey City

I lived in Thailand in the early 80's and can confirm that Thai roads back then were extremely dangerous. One of my students was killed by a car driver and the brother of my good friend was also killed by a car. One was a pedestrian the other riding his bike. Part of this is cultural. When I was there, very few people had cars, and the mentality was, if you were rich, you didn't have to respect anyone poorer than you. Back then, everyone had to use the roads, because especially in rural areas, there were no sidewalks, so grandmothers would be carrying bamboo poles walking on the street, or a young boy herding a couple buffalo. I also was acquainted with a good number of wealthy people, and I couldn't believe their attitude toward their poorer brethren. I also spoke pretty good Thai and I was stunned by the acceptance of the peasant class of their fate whenever the rich took advantage of them, such as getting killed. In Thai culture, you defer to your elders, and you defer to one who has more power, or is wealthier. Back then, there was no punishment for either driver who killed my student or my friend's brother. I was so angry. It was bizarre, because I seemed to be the only one upset and angry by this state of affairs, especially when my 17 year old student was killed and absolutely nothing was done by the police. No inquiry no nothing - just accept the word of the driver.

Jeremy commented August 20

J

Jeremy

Bay Area

I lived in Thailand for about five years at the turn of millennium and am not at all surprised the people are so fatalistic about driving. Bad outcomes tend to be so over-determined that it's almost not worth even thinking about doing the right thing. For example, I know at least one person whose life was nearly ended by a hit-and-run. He now lives with a large crater where his forehead used to be. I was personally involved in two separate cases of drivers bumping into buses and the bus drivers fleeing the scene. People can be incredibly careless. They pile several people onto motorcycles, wear plastic batting helmets instead of something designed for the roads and weave speedily through insanely thick traffic. I was no better.... I used motorcycle taxis virtually every day and rarely wore a helmet. I also witnessed uncountable cases of police malfeasance. That includes one successful bribe of a highway patrolman, numerous incidences of armed police drinking alcohol in uniform and one case of an officer pulling out his service weapon and angrily firing five or six rounds into the air after an argument outside a nightclub. And the well-connected are very quick to announce the forces they can summon when things go badly, especially in cases when intimidating a poor person can preempt any further official action. Even foreigners try to do it ("My rural girlfriend's cousin is a police officer in a remote province. Don't make me call him!") Still, it's a lovely place.

Newfie commented August 20

N

Newfie

Newfoundland

Thailand is still a feudal society at some level. There is a distinct social hierarchy. Every Thai is aware of their place in the hierarchy and can recognize the position of others in the hierarchy. The wealthy want to maintain their privileged position at the top. Thais are conditioned to respect the monarchy at the very top. The Thai royal family is worth $30 billion! The Thai elite use the army to enforce their dominance. The last two popularly elected prime ministers were deposed by the army. There have been 12 military coups since 1932. The unequal distribution of wealth in Thailand is a dark stain over their society.

talesofgenji commented August 20

T

talesofgenji

NY

Lived in Thailand and Cambodia late 60th to early 70th All true. Add that in accident the police tickets go to the one who pays the lower bribe. It is just a lesser form of the inequality on US roads, where drivers that can afford giant SUVs (Cadillac Escalade, GMC Suburban, Nissan Armada etc) will crush a poor person's Honda Fit - every time. And the government does not even require equal bumper height

Vanessa Moses commented August 20

V

Vanessa Moses

Brooklyn

When I visited Thailand, I was in the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. We took these winding roads wrapped around and down a mountain, toward the touristy beachside. The entire time we were surrounded by motorbikes and cars following no discernible traffic pattern. Sometimes entire families would be on a single motorbike, including with infants and small children. No judgement, you do what you need to do within the means afforded to you. But the lack of order was scary with so many people exposed on their motorbikes moving between 1-2 ton vehicles. Sure enough when we got to a traffic jam and edged up, we saw the cause of the bottleneck—a person was laying on the road covered by a white sheet, surrounded by emergency medical workers and onlookers. I was shocked to see a dead body on the road, but the Thai folks in the shuttle were completely unfazed, at least outwardly. The driver just wanted to get through the traffic. It was pretty clear it was an everyday or routine occurrence. I’ve never forgotten that moment.

JoeSanTeach2Thailand commented August 20

J

JoeSanTeach2Thailand

Syracuse, NY

Today the RTG announced it is going ahead with plan to raise speed limits on certain main highways. Top speed on outside lane will now be 120 kph! How will this impact on road safety? See https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1732263

1 REPLY

CooperS commented August 20

C

CooperS

Southern Calilfornia

@JoeSanTeach2Thailand that's just under 75mph. We have that in the US on some highways as well now.

Blackmamba commented August 20

B

Blackmamba

Il

There is a left-wing political fantasy that blames third world economic inequality wholly on colonialism. There is a right-wing political fantasy that touts capitalism as the primary benefit of colonialism. Thailand was not a European nor a Japanese colony. The one and only biological DNA genetic evolutionary fit human race species began in Africa 300, 000 years ago. Humans are driven by their nature and nurture to crave fat, salt,sugar, habitat, water, kin and sex by any means necessary including conflict and cooperation.

Scientist commented August 20

Scientist

Scientist

United States

I’ve commuted daily by bicycle in Lao PDR and the United States, and despite the 13 y olds weaving around on their motorbikes in Vientiane, I felt safer there than I do now in a big American city. I’ve been right hooked and almost taken out by oblivious hurtling SUVs more times than I care to think about. The entitlement most drivers feel is horrifying. We need to increase the legal driving age and get people accustomed to cycling and public transit before we encourage private car ownership and all the climate change, parking lots, sprawl, inequality, underfunded schools, and death that comes with it.

Ted Amley commented August 20

T

Ted Amley

New York

Thanks for sharing this fascinating article. Very intriguing.

G.S.Patch commented August 20

G

G.S.Patch

Tucson

> Compare gun death to crash death. < Let me know which machine kills more people in the USA vs Thailand.

BC commented August 20

B

BC

Phila, PA

I spend part of the year in Bangkok and can agree... the roads are mayhem. It's especially bad in the outer suburbs and rural areas at night. Someone else mentioned it and I totally agree, It's exceptionally hard to see a biker wearing all black, riding a black bike at midnight with no lights on. Thai roads are overall in good shape but they don't light the streets well at all. That, and the Thai tendency to save face and not take any responsibility for the problem by deflecting blame (as the article indrectly, but accurately demonstrates) just makes the problem worse as there's zero accountability.

jon_norstog commented August 20

jon_norstog

jon_norstog

portland oregon

I lived in Thailand most of 3 years back in the '80s and have gone back from time to time, most recently last year. I bicycle. Bangkok traffic is intimidating but if you keep your speed up when it is moving along it's OK. Then split the lanes when it stops. Chiang Mai is a lot easier and I regularly rode rural roads and highways there. Next trip I plan to ride from there to Chiang Rai, then cross into Laos and ride there. Thai drivers are pretty cool about cyclists, but it helps if they have enough time to see you, as when you keep your speed up. Of course I stay off the new high-speed highways that the Chinese are financing all over the place.

Betty Londergan commented August 20

B

Betty Londergan

Atlanta

My 28-year old daughter fractured her skull (despite wearing a helmet -- which I now suspect was not up to safety standards) in March in a scooter accident in Chiang Mai. Another scooter hit her, so thank god it wasn't a car. After reading this article, I'm even more committed to getting her into a car and off a scooter on Thailand's crazy, insane, dangerous roads. I suspected it was not safe; after reading this article, I'll be on my knees praying for her safety every day!

james alan commented August 20

J

james alan

thailand

Reality; there is no middle class thanks to socialism

2 REPLIES

mpound commented August 20

M

mpound

USA

@james alan No, there is no middle class because like most other 3rd world countries, Thailand has proven impervious to benefiting from whatever economic system it embraces due to a long, long history of unstable civilian governments, military juntas and non-stop turmoil. It will never change, and that's why so called "developing" nations are actually never-to-be-developed nations.

Fourteen14 commented August 20

Fourteen14

Fourteen14

Boston

@james alan In socialism there are no ultra-lower or ultra-upper classes.

JM commented August 20

J

JM

NJ

The author has selected a few accidents to highlight -- all of them supporting the perception that drunk rich people are killing poor motorcycle riders in Thailand. Are there no instances in which the motorcyclists are weaving in and out of traffic and cause the accident? No instances in which the motorcycle or scooter riders are drunk themselves, or speeding? The author complains that the laws regarding safety helmets are not enforced. But if they were, and if the poor couldn't pay the associated fines and lost their licenses, the story would be about poor people made poorer by the bureaucracy. Is it wrong that the rich go unpunished? Absolutely. But you can see in America every day that it is not just those driving large air-conditioned vehicles who cause accidents. Sometimes the drivers who are at fault are poor, drunk, speeding or otherwise driving dangerously. Not every issue is about the rich trying to keep the poor down. Sometimes, it's just about bad driving and bad luck.

1 REPLY

Michael Richter commented August 20

M

Michael Richter

Ridgefield, CT

@JM When was the last time you were in Thailand?

Rod A commented August 20

R

Rod A

Los Angeles

Oh yeah. The streets are very wide and the cars don’t pay attention to pedestrians. The sad thing is that the motor bikes also do their best to get hit. Often you’ll see children riding on the handlebars. And they swarm intersections. Still it’s true that BKK is building lots of mass transit and it’s generally affordable for the masses. But I will say this. The guys who take pedestrians to BTS or MRT stations for 20-30 baht? I’d trust them with my life.

elleng commented August 20

E

elleng

SF Bay Area, CA

I was a tourist in Bangkok about 30 years ago. It was scary to even cross the street the drivers were so crazy even then! I would just wait for a group of Thai people running across the street (no crosswalks!) and run with them as fast as I could! I would never chance it to cross it by myself. I guess it's just gotten worse. Certainly won't go back.

LemanSole commented August 20

L

LemanSole

Geneva, Switzerland

In the mid-90's I travelled in rural Thailand and noticed one thing not mentioned in this article: many of the motorcyclists, in addition to not wearing helmets, also rode with their headlights switched off at night. This was in stark contrast to the US, where all motorcycles were required to have headlights on even during the day. When I asked about this, a local told me keeping the headlight off both saved petrol, and kept the headlight from burning out. Since both cost the locals more money, they kept their headlights off except to warn others when they saw another vehicle approaching. I didn't believe either of those reasons were based on fact, and certainly did not help road safety, but they were grounded in the type of income inequality well-noted by the author.

4 REPLIES

Fourteen14 commented August 20

Fourteen14

Fourteen14

Boston

@LemanSole Yes, in Thailand it's also smart to keep your windshield wipers off, otherwise they wear out because it rains a lot.

George commented August 20

G

George

Melbourne

@LemanSole when I lived in Timor-Leste a young woman I knew was killed crossing the road after being hit by a person running without lights. Whether the light was broken or simply off was unclear, but the problem isn't so much the driver as the lack of enforcement of road rules. A lax safety culture exists in many places around the world. You also see it in the United States where speeding is the norm and driving without a seatbelt is common (such that airbags have to be designed differently for the US).

James commented August 20

James

James

Thailand

@LemanSole Motorcycles sold now in Thailand are required to have lights that stay on automatically both day and night.

JP commented August 20

J

JP

MorroBay

@LemanSole True! I asked several people why they drive with motorbike light off, and got the same answer; "saves the light from burning out"! Now who can argue with that logic?

BWCA commented August 20

B

BWCA

Northern Border

If you are drive a car you will most likely be involved in a crash at some point in your life time. In short, it’s a matter of of when, not if. If you ride a motorcycle you will get injured, it’s a matter of when, not if. If you ride a motorcycle one of the injuries will be fatal, it’s a matter of when, not if.

PJM commented August 20

P

PJM

La Grande, OR

While far less lethal, I see the same phenomenon in the US where the wealthy drive everything, up to and including, hummers, in the interest of safety. Woe be the person in their compact car, the best they can afford, who gets rammed by a hummer.

Geoff Thompson commented August 20

G

Geoff Thompson

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hannah Beech's analysis of the road death problem in Thailand is by and large correct, however to try to turn it into a rich vs poor problem, to add a bit of liberal story appeal, is at best unhelpful. Two major problems stand out -- Thailand's sell-out to the auto industry ( economically Japanese, American & European auto assembly is huge business for the country to the detriment of decent public transport systems and ,incidentally, auto pollution controls) -- Secondly, road traffic laws are very very poorly policed. It's all very well to blame poor education, but in most countries if motorists and motorcyclists know they can get away with ignoring speed limits, red lights , traffic lane rules, drink - driving laws , even helmet wearing, etc. , very many will ignore them. One might have hoped , with what is essentially a military run government in place , policing these rules would have been tightened up. But it seems they are as sensitive about becoming unpopular with both rich and poor and the auto industry as a more democratically elected Thai political party might be.....

SeattleGuy commented August 20

S

SeattleGuy

WA

“For the superrich, or those in positions of authority, the rules of the road may not apply at all. They know they can speed with impunity and drink heavily before getting behind the wheel, with little fear of the consequences.” That must be awful to live in a country where the superrich and authorities can do whatever they please.

Selby commented August 20

S

Selby

Minneapolis

"In accidents on the country’s crowded roads, it’s a devastating mismatch when an air-conditioned SUV collides with a two-wheeler, scattering the detritus of death across the asphalt." What a well written, powerful sentence!

artman commented August 20

A

artman

nyc

What percentage of drivers in NYC are arrested or even have their license taken when they kill someone on a bike or a pedestrian? Not even 1% On Wednesday, the family of Aurilla Lawrence, the cyclist killed by a hit-and-run truck driver on Feb. 28 in Williamsburg, learned that the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney won’t charge the driver, once again citing insufficient evidence to convince a jury of the fleeing driver’s recklessness. Drivers routinely escape consequences for committing hit-and-runs by telling police that they didn’t know they hit someone. In late March, police arrested the hit-and-run driver who killed cyclist Chaim Joseph near Times Square, but he was not charged with the more serious count of leaving the scene. Police also declined to charge the truck driver who killed Robyn Hightman. And the truck driver who killed Linda Douglas in April also said the magic words to get out of being charged. After experiencing the life-altering trauma of a hit-and-run collision, Bernadette Karna expected police to charge the motorist who struck her. Investigators made progress and tracked down the vehicle. But then the NYPD legal bureau stepped in and said that identifying the owner of the vehicle did not suffice to file charges. The car owner claimed he didn’t do it, and his word was enough for NYPD. If you want to kill someone in NYC just get in a car or truck and run them over. If the police ever track you down all you have to do is deny doing it and they drop it.

Aristotle Gluteus Maximus commented August 20

A

Aristotle Gluteus Maximus

Louisiana

If America had as many motorcycles and scooters on the streets as Thailand our accident and death rates would be much higher too. There are comparatively very few motorcycles on American streets. We also have corrupt cops and court systems that let cops off easy if they are involved in a drunk driving incident. Perhaps not so visible as related here in this article but it still happens.

Fourteen14 commented August 20

Fourteen14

Fourteen14

Boston

Thailand is a wonderful land of smiles, but also a land of death with many ways to die. I was there for six-months and barely escaped alive. Riding through Bangkok in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) you pass other tuk-tuks recently overturned by the side of the road with people standing around. You will see more than one crashed tuk-tuk during a ten-minute trip. Rode from Bangkok down south on a beat Greyhound bus filled with Europeans. This was an overnight trip and everyone was asleep except for myself. We took a fast turn in the rain and the driver, apparently trying to beat a speed record, crossed that bus up sideways all the way around the turn with the rear end hanging out flying through the jungle. Walk anywhere and you'll hear a "crack" from above. By the time you look up a heavy coconut has embedded itself in the sand beside you. Once while walking through the jungle alone in the moonlight, a huge water buffalo chased me onto the beach, then into sea and would not stop. Wild dog packs live on the beaches and will attack - always carry a big stick on the beach. While riding a scooter you hit turns covered with sand - the bike kicks out and you fly headfirst into the jungle. Paddled an ancient dugout canoe with two traveler friends to some scenic islands. Keel split and we paddled back while circled by sharks, bailing frantically. Two weeks after I left the ferry I'd been on capsized from overloading and twenty-three people died.

HistoryRhymes commented August 20

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HistoryRhymes

NJ

Shocking! I am absolutely aghast. You mean police/rich people in Thailand are not treated like regular citizens? This is a unbelievable. Can you imagine if such a thing happened here, where everyone is equal?

1 REPLY

Nelson commented August 20

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Nelson

JAcksonville, FL

@HistoryRhymes LOL

QED commented August 20

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QED

NYC

Seriously? Thailand is a corrupt country where the right connection or a few well placed THB can get you out of anything? Who knew? Thank you, Ms. Beech. I look forward to you next article about the shocking finding that water is wet. You can pay a few thousand dollars and get off for publicly murdering a bar employee in Thailand, less if said employee was not Thai. I would advise you to never visit Thailand again, as you will probably be given some fairly harsh treatment for any rule infraction you may or may not commit.

mikeH commented August 20

M

mikeH

usa

I will drive in Thailand, have thousands of kilometers under my belt there but I will NOT drive in Krung Thep (Bangkok) or anywhere between there and Pattaya, it's a chaotic madhouse on those roads. One night in Chiang Mai, an older woman on a motorcycle veered in front of our car on a narrow road there. We struck the rear of her motorcycle and she fell - hard - to the ground. I was so worried about here and the possible reaction of the all-Thai group that assembled around us, helped her to rise and made our best efforts to make sure she was not seriously injured. She was nearly desperate in her attempts to leave and I finally recovered enough of my wits to realize that she was concerned because the "rich" falang was going to make HER pay for the damages and the police would not help her at all. Note that neither vehicle was noticeably "damaged", I think one of her hand grips was mangled and her knee was bleeding a bit. She was, of course, not wearing a helmet. I pressed 100 baht into her hand and told her to take care of herself and her motorcycle and she looked at us with a mixture of astonishment and gratitude, the crowd parted and we left with everybody smiling - except me. The incident upset me greatly as it pointed out that, despite my familiarity with Thailand and it's people, our cultures are very different.

3 REPLIES

Joe commented August 20

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Joe

New York

@mikeH you gave her 100 baht? that's 3 dollars...

Abby commented August 20

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Abby

MA

That’s interesting! I lived there for two years (Chiang Rai) and we were always warned that it’s always the falang’s fault no matter the circumstances. I was exxxtra careful!

Gabby B. commented August 20

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Gabby B.

Tucson, Arizona

So you gave her $3 and change? That look wasn’t astonishment, it was revolt.

J commented August 20

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J

O’Keefe

Just back from a visit to Thailand and the article confirms a lot of the observations. What was striking, however, from a stopover in Dubai was that the taxi drivers appeared even worse than in Thailand. Luckily Bangkok has a good public transport system and cities like Chiang Mai are walkable. Lovely people in Thailand so they are doing something right. Observing the number of schoolchildren in carefully pressed uniforms of all colors gave hope about future generations as well.

Dan commented August 20

D

Dan

MA

Lived there for a few years 20 yrs ago and road safety was a big problem. Would be curious if fatality rate higher in city or rural areas. The different sizes and speeds of vehicles always seemed a risk factor. Similar problems in Vietnam.

Suburban Cowboy commented August 20

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Suburban Cowboy

Dallas

Is there mandatory insurance for motorists ? Is there a system of torts ? Are the motorcyclists, bicyclist and pedestrians careful and obedient to traffic signals ?

2 REPLIES

Scott commented August 20

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Scott

Brooklyn

@Suburban Cowboy There's no rule of law, and what exists isn't enforced. So until that changes, it doesn't matter. Traffic signals? In Bangkok and larger cities they usually obey traffic lights. Other than that... I have a friend who lived there for a few years. When I visited he said it's $50,000 to buy off a murder charge. Having been there a few times, that number seems high to me.

Norbert commented August 20

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Norbert

Chiang Mai, Thailand

@Suburban Cowboy The mandatory insurance here covers (in part) the car or the motorbike, not the people using it ...

George whitney commented August 20

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George whitney

San Francisco

Times Pick

Back in 1995, while on a business trip to Thailand, I spent the most dangerous two hours of my life. One evening, together with two other colleagues, I rode in a hired luxury car from Bangkok's airport to Pattaya, for a factory visit. Once we passed through the Bangkok suburbs the highway was no longer divided. Despite our repeated admonitions, our driver acted like an empowered maniac, constantly dodging other vehicles at easily 30 miles per hour over any reasonably safe speed. Slower vehicles of every description and size - 3-wheel farm carts, small trucks laden with poultry, motor scooters carrying entire families - constantly entered and crossed the dark highway. Even then, the contrast that has been made repeatedly here between Thailand's extremely dangerous roads, filled with entitled drivers and mismatched vehicle sizes, and Indonesia's even more crowded, yet safer roads was evident. I would agree that the privilege of wealth is at work here, but I would venture that culture plays an even larger role.

4 REPLIES

Dan commented August 20

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Dan

MA

@George whitney Many scary memories of similar travel experience. Became accustomed to it after awhile. Makes me now appreciate the relative calm on our roads here.

mpound commented August 20

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mpound

USA

@George whitney "One evening, together with two other colleagues, I rode in a hired luxury car from Bangkok's airport to Pattaya, for a factory visit." I know this is the first time I have heard about Pattaya having any sort of factory. 99.99% of the time when men travel there from Bangkok, they are visiting for adult pleasure. That's the only game in town.

George whitney commented August 20

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George whitney

San Francisco

@mpound Meyer Industries Ltd. has had a large facility for cookware production in the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, in Pattaya since the early 1990's. While relatively new in 1995, this facility now handles that vast majority of Meyer's worldwide production. Other than Meyer, you are correct, the sex trade was the only game in town. However, by the time I visited in the mid-90s the sex trade, mostly of European origin, had been devastated by AIDs. The hotels and beaches were empty.

Karyn commented August 20

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Karyn

Bangkok, Thailand

@mpound There are many industrial estates in the area around Pattaya. There is a deep sea port, various oil refineries and all sorts of industry, including automative. There are many expats who live there and work for Thai and multinational companies.

Ben P commented August 20

Ben P

Ben P

Austin

It would be fascinating to see similar analysis with actual facts and figures not just for Thailand but also for US on a by state basis. Those large SUV's that protect their passengers create massive risk for anyone who is not in a similar sized vehicle. Those who can afford it are safe, those who cannot afford it are put at higher risk of injury or death.

1 REPLY

Richard commented August 20

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Richard

Los Angelis

@Ben P I have plenty of $ , I would never own or drive an SUV.

roseberry commented August 20

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roseberry

WA

By inequality, the author means that some people have the means to go fast in larger vehicles while most do not. If the poor had more money, they would join the ranks of those going fast in larger motorcycles and cars, only increasing the carnage. For reducing inequality to help this problem, you would have to make the rich people poor, which only happens in a complete economic collapse. Changing the culture, while difficult and probably only a long term solution, would be better.

1 REPLY

Uan commented August 20

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Uan

Seattle

@roseberry There is more to it. The article points out the inequality in the legal system which allows those with money and connections to escape prosecution. This is a big part of the road danger and other social problems.

Biz Griz commented August 20

B

Biz Griz

In a van down by the river

"Saving face" is a big theme in Thailand as in other Asian countries. Understanding that will explain a lot. It goes hand in hand with the whole "sabai sabai" thing.

Aristotle Gluteus Maximus commented August 20

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Aristotle Gluteus Maximus

Louisiana

When I lived in the Washington DC area I was given a clue by a police dispatcher that law enforcement agencies, cops on the street, very much appreciate that taxi companies were dominated by people from Muslim countries. Most taxi drivers in Northern Virginia are from a Muslim country. I suppose it's similar to lawn care companies being owned and operated by Latinos, which is also characteristic in the Washington metro region. You see, Muslims don't drink. If a taxi driver is involved in an auto accident it's highly unlikely that alcohol had anything to do with contributing to the accident, unless the other driver was drunk. The reason Indonesia has fewer traffic deaths is that Indonesia is a Muslim country.

2 REPLIES

Mickela commented August 20

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Mickela

NYC

@Aristotle Gluteus Maximus interesting point.

Andy commented August 20

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Andy

San Francisco

@Aristotle Gluteus Maximus I would recommend you take a trip to Egypt to see how absurd a statement this is. All of the same dynamics exist – impunity for the wealthy/well-connected, lots of poor people riding motorcycles and no public transportation. Road deaths are shockingly common and, of course, consuming alcohol is forbidden.

Grandpa commented August 20

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Grandpa

Upstate New York

During the Vietnam War I was stationed for 18 months in Southern Thailand at a B-52 base. Even though it’s been 51 years since that time, I remember as if it was yesterday processing onto the base and listening to various people about the perils of driving on Thai roads and in particular getting into a baht (at the time a Thai Baht was worth five cents USD) bus to travel into town. There were also small pickup trucks that maybe held six to eight people in the back that was another means of transportation. It was the Wild West on the roads .... we were instructed if we were in a Thai vehicle off base and it was in a accident to RUN because we would be responsible for any injuries because we “hired” the vehicle that was involved in the accident. Sounds crazy, but that was the “law” at the time.

Sean B commented August 20

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Sean B

Oakland, CA

I was initially surprised that Thailand had so many more traffic-related deaths than nearby Indonesia. The roads in Indonesia are generally a lot worse and there are even fewer sidewalks than in Thailand. The article did a great job in pointing out the reasons why Thailand is more dangerous (better road infrastructure and more cars/capita). Indonesia has a ton of problems, but almost all motorbike riders seem to wear helmets now (at least in Java and Bali). If Indonesia can do it, I don't know why Thailand can't. Lastly, while a driver license might be cheap, the driving test is another opportunity for a bribe. I don't know anything about it in Thailand, but in Indonesia, the test is considered incredibly difficult to pass, so many people just pay a bribe to get a license. And if you don't have a license, but get into an accident, then you just buy your way out of it then...

1 REPLY

Marty commented August 20

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Marty

Bangkok

Yesterday about 10 Thai policemen outside my condo were pulling over motorbike drivers on Sukhumvit, one of the busiest streets in Bangkok. They were citing them for infractions and inspecting their bikes. This happens regularly. This type of enforcement needs to happen more often and across the country it isn’t as if the problem is unknown or being addressed. I suspect that strict enforcement would be hugely opposed by the poor riding motorbikes. In addition, much of the carnage occurs during holiday periods as it it does in every country.

Douglas commented August 20

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Douglas

Portland, OR

Times Pick

I'm a recently-retired pediatrician who has lived in Thailand on and off for 40 years. My husband and I live in the northeast. This author captures some, but not all of the problem. Economic disparity and injustice by police and courts is real. But the people themselves contribute to this problem by not obtaining the inexpensive driver's licenses (many drive without a license), not learning the rules of the road (I've been to 3 driver's education classes getting my licenses and most everyone was sleeping or on their cell phones) and, as mentioned, forgoing helmets or cramming kids/infants/families on motorcycles (only some of which is dictated by poverty -- much by custom). Don't get me started on drunk motorcycle riding or teen racing. In our NE province, I've noticed that the police now have daily checkpoints (two on our 12 mile drive into town) near our two universities and I've noticed a major increase in helmet use by motorcyclists and lower speed by car drivers in the past 5 years. The statistics don't lie and Thailand is clearly a dangerous place to drive for motorcyclists, but the causes and solutions will involve everyone -- riders, drivers, police and economy.

1 REPLY

Douglas commented August 20

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Douglas

Portland, OR

And would someone please develop a decent priced helmet for use in the blazing hot/humid tropics? Most good motorcycle helmets are designed for temperate climate nations and it’s an act of courage for Thais to wear them!

Petunia commented August 20

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Petunia

Mass

Please do more articles on unequal societies in the world. This would make people see how America is still far better. Americans should consider themselves privileged. They have no idea what it's like to live in a country where the government is corrupt, the socioeconomic gap is wide and the laws are not enforced.

5 REPLIES

Max commented August 20

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Max

NY

@Petunia Actually, the article says exactly the opposite: the US fares worse than Indonesia in this area. "In 2016, 32.7 out of every 100,000 Thais died on the country’s roads, according to the most recent W.H.O. estimates. By comparison, the road fatality rate in the United States was 12.4 that year. In Indonesia, a less developed Southeast Asian country with more potholed roads, the rate was 12.2. Across most of Europe, it was a single-digit number."

Ariel commented August 20

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Ariel

New Mexico

@Max Indonesia is a Muslim nation and as a result drunk driving rates are lower. In all other ways, one is very lucky to be in the US vs Indonesia.

Jomo commented August 20

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Jomo

San Diego

@Petunia: 3rd world countries are not the yardstick of what America should aspire to.

CooperS commented August 20

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CooperS

Southern Calilfornia

@Petunia I'd say we're now experiencing firsthand a government that is corrupt.

Siam Scotty commented August 20

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Siam Scotty

Bangkok

@Petunia Sorry I disagree. I have lived in Thailand for 20 years and I would never move back to the US. People here are happier, friendlier, and more polite. Access to excellent health care is much better and much less expensive. There is universal health care and strict labor laws favor workers. The government does not snoop into your business, the cops generally leave you alone, and there is no mass murder in shopping malls.

Don Wiss commented August 20

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Don Wiss

Brooklyn, NY

The word "accident" appears six times in the article. For quite some time now (way more than a decade) the correct word is crash. Despite my writing to The NY Times numerous times, the paper refuses to get on board. Car crashes are rarely accidental. They have causes that could be prevented. Most commonly intoxication, speeding, distractions, and inattention. The NY Times has a short memory: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/23/science/its-no-accident-advocates-want-to-speak-of-car-crashes-instead.html

1 REPLY

Jay E. Simkin commented August 20

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Jay E. Simkin

Nashua, NH

@Don Wiss You're 100% right. The Times - and many other media "voices" - seek to shift responsibility away from a perpetrator. Thus, recent events in the US are "mass shootings". In legal fact, they are "mass MURDERS": the wholly-innocent victims' lives are taken with malice aforethought. A "shooting" can be entirely lawful, if in self-defense against imminent, lethal peril. a "murder" is never lawful. Those, who use "mass shooting" want to shift our attention from the victims, to the device abuse. Further, use of "shooting" implies that the victims (wholly innocent) may somehow have been a threat to the attacker. In almost all cases, that is nonsense. Another example: personal data security is not about "privacy". A breach of privacy suggests embarrassment follows. Allmost all of us suvive "embarrassment". At worst, such events can lead to job loss or even divorce. Almost all of us survive such events, nasty as they can be. For some, personal data security is a life-and-death matter. One - who flees an abusive spouse, ex-spouse, etc., - does not get "embarrassed" if the abuser finds the address of their intended victim. That person may be beaten or murdered. An under-cover police officer, whose true name and address are published, doesn't get "embarrassed". He or she can be murdered. In short, you're absolutely right to point out that word choice can be driven by a social or political agenda.

David Illig commented August 20

D

David Illig

Maryland

Times Pick

I lived in Thailand for 10 years. It is a lawless place, especially for the rich and powerful. Don't look for hope down the road; the job of the military is to pacify and control the population. The great majority are on their own, with no voice and no protection.

4 REPLIES

manta666 commented August 20

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manta666

new york, ny

@David Illig Can confirm.

jim allen commented August 20

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jim allen

Da Nang

@David Illig Ditto in Viet Nam. The purpose of the army and the police is to protect the government from the people

Mary Ellen commented August 20

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Mary Ellen

Detroit

@David Illig I can confirm also.

J House commented August 20

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J House

NY,NY

@David Illig I can confirm too, and would add it applies to many other countries as well. America shouldn’t be too hubristic about it...a suspect with ties to the wealthy and powerful just died in Federal custody.

Pat commented August 19

Pat

Pat

Mich

This points the need for reasoned planning and control of motor vehicles. The vehicle manufacturers will build to suit wild eyed fun seekers who constantly usurp others’ right to a calm and safe passage on public roads. The numbers of cars on the roads has exploded, way outpacing population growth and road building. The Thais are part of the oriental tradition which I think has historically promoted respect and order, traits which are not compatible with unchecked capitalism.

Craigoh commented August 19

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Craigoh

Burlingame, CA

My takeaway: motorcycles are dangerous. Even in the U.S., you are 27 times more likely to die riding a motorcycle than when driving a car. Every day while driving to work, motorcycle accidents are the most frequently traffic delays reported on the radio - but of course motorcycle riders aren’t listening to the radio, they’re busy trying to get ahead of traffic by lane splitting. It’s a deadly choice.

5 REPLIES

SF commented August 20

S

SF

NJ

@Craigoh It's easily observable that motorcycle riding is an inherently more dangerous activity than riding inside a car. But you seem to attribute blame only on motorcyclists for when things go wrong. Yes, there are many who ride dangerously - including between lanes. But there are far more dangerous and inattentive car drivers that cause far more crashes than motorcyclists. I ride and I can say for sure I am a much safer driver because of that - I only wish other drivers held a degree of respect, instead of derision at the supposedly "foolish" choice motorcyclists make by doing something they enjoy. In other words, they got what they deserved by making that choice. No.

Robert O'Keefe commented August 20

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Robert O'Keefe

Bullhead City, AZ

Craigoh, The vast majority of South and Southeast Asians can not afford cars. Motorcycles are a way of life there. Our tour guide in Saigon said there were 9 million motor scooters to serve a metro area of about 11 million people. Perhaps he was exaggerating a bit, but anyone who has experienced Saigon traffic knows that the number of these small vehicles is astonishing. Thailand, currently more wealthy than Vietnam, has many more cars, ensuring greater road havoc.

Abby commented August 20

A

Abby

MA

The main difference is that motorbikes are so ubiquitous there, that they’re on everyone’s radar. Everyone reflexively watches out for them. Here in the US, they’re less common, so more likely to get hit by someone who wasn’t expecting one. Just my two cents after living in Thailand for two years (and yes, we had a bike... loved it so much!).

John commented August 20

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John

Brooklyn

@Craigoh Ugh.. cars are the ones that block traffic in like 95-98% of cases and not motorcycles and especially scooters.

AskingForAFriend commented August 20

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AskingForAFriend

VA

@Craigoh Victim shaming and citing an obvious statistic that doesn't explain the situation does no good. Motorcycles are much more dangerous in general, but if you actually thought about the article, country, and culture you realize that doesn't begin to explain this tragically high rate in Thailand. Neighboring countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have as much or more Moto and scooter use with nowhere near the Carnage. I'm guessing they have some more respect for the law in those countries and don't drive drunk with impunity (Indonesia being a Muslim country it would be much less likely). Regular studies show Lane splitting, when done safely, is better for traffic. But sure, take out your insensitive anger on those that are getting mowed down like lemmings by distracted drivers.

Yes To Progress commented August 19

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Yes To Progress

Brooklyn

30 years ago, many could not afford motorskooters much less than helmets. Quality of life in Thailand is way better than 30 or 50 years ago. Life is good. People do drive crazy there, and accidents happen. This odd way to attack the gap between rich and poor is off base.

1 REPLY

pamela commented August 20

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pamela

point reyes

@Yes To Progress i guess the point was, if you do get in an accident you are more likely to suffer if you are poor.

Evan commented August 19

E

Evan

SF

Just like the United States. 34,000 dead to "accidents" every year.

ml commented August 19

M

ml

usa

I recall traveling in Thailand decades ago, and drivers seemed to feel particularly empowered and aggressive the moment they got behind a wheel, honking unnecssarily as they drove through the peaceful countryside I also sadly recall the status of most women (except for the well-born), which also does not appear to have changed much; as an Asian-American, people even assumed I must be one of the Thai ‘consorts’. I can well understand why it’s considered one of the most unequal societies.