Driving a motorcycle in Pattaya Thailand
Driving a motorcycle in Pattaya Thailand
Driving a motorcycle in Pattaya Thailand
Hiring a motorcycle in Pattaya is relatively easy affairand one can be easy obtained virtually anywhere. The production of a valid passportwill suffice for short or long periods of hire.A licence is not normally asked for, but an international licence can be obtained prior to your trip. Remember to inform your travel insurance beforehand as the insurance company will want to know if you drive a bike over 250cc or even as a passenger. It is not a very good idea to hire powerful superbikes in Pattaya they are difficult to contol in the busy traffic and small soi's and also a problem topark. The show of short bursts ofspeed along Second or Third Road willimpress no one this also includes perhaps the women you might want to impress the most.
Importantly check the overall condition of motorcycle for any damage before driving away as you will be held fully responsible for its condtionon its return.Most limit the use of the motorcycle within a 50 kilometre of Pattaya.Obviously some sort of basic familiarity of driving a motorcycleis a mustbefore the idea of hiring a bike is contemplated and not for the faint hearted.
A crash helmet is a legalrequirement in Thailand but is generally ignored by the local Thai's, howeverthe police are more strict in Pattaya than other parts of Thailand and will always stop a tourist without a helmet and an immediatefine of 400 baht is payable. In most cases the keys or motorcycle is confiscated until payment is made. It isalso a requirement for motorcyclists to have their headlights on at all times although riders of older bikes ignore. Newer models have the headlight permanently on, with no switch to turn it off overcoming this problem. Driving is on the left hand side as in the United Kingdom and road signs are similar andcan be understood. The main exception is the stop sign written in Thai but it is easy to remember and should not be a problem. However now the similarity stops, the standard of driving in Pattaya as elsewhere in Thailand is quite simply appalling, and Thailand has many hundreds of motorcycle accidents each year.
In the event of an accident loss or injury you as a foreigner will be held responsible even if you are completely innocent of any wrong doing. There is no exception to this rule and written in stone, ifyou feel it is unjust then don't drive. Even if you call the police they will not side with you and will cost you more in the long run. Just remember no one will not side with you and in all cases you will not win, this cannot be overstated. Better to pay for the damage there and then and leave if the damage to bike will alllow providing no one is hurt.. If you hang around too long, make too much of afuss, someone will find more for you to pay.
The object of all motorcycle riders in Pattaya is to get between two points as quickly as possible. That might mean driving the wrong way in traffic, using a pavement or walkway, this is very common, and and you will see this often. At first it is disconcerting to see a motorcyclist coming directly at youon the wrong side of the road. The unspoken rule is to pass so the motorcycleist passes on your near side. Care has to be taken at all times especially on turning left you would think that thisstraight forward enough,but regretfully no. motorcyclists will often overtake on near side just as you are about to complete the turn, constantly check mirrors before making any turn left of right.
Traffic light areof anoverhead type and have a countdown facility down to go at zero you can proceed. The Thai's inpatient nature generally mean that traffic moves before this point is reached. Another oddity to take note of is turning left at lights when the lights are red, no one stops although illegal not do do so.If you do stop as you should other road userswill blow their horns at you. It is better to complete the turn looking to the right and take utmost care. Thai's get away with this practice, a foreigner if spotted by police would not be so lucky.Very few motorcyclists will have any insurance at allor even a validlicence to drive. It is very common to see young children using motorcycles to travel to school with their friends. They will drive with total disregard for other users and weave in and out of cars, In such circumstances hold back and keep your distance.
As in most countries drink driving is illegal but a very big problem within Pattaya as elsewhere within Thailand. The police try to control and have check points at night to combat this problem. Utmost care must be taken a night when driving and be vigilant.
It goes without saying never ever be tempted to drink and drive, the consequences of killing a pedestrian or anyone else whilst drunk is too horrible to even contemplate. Without any doubt it would result in long term of imprisonment and may evenresult in you never leaving Thailand, you have been warned.
Night driving can be hazardous in rain, the smaller roads have many pot holes and cannot easily be seen when flooded with water. Manhole covers of which there are many are particularly lethal when wet and it is very easy to loose control. Many Thai's will drive motorcycles at night with defective or no lights which is another problem to be aware of, this is even worse in the outside districts of Pattaya.
Flashing of lights by other vehicles is not as in the UK an indication of giving way and for you to proceed. It is the complete opposite meaning "get out of the way I am coming through". Driving a motorcycle in Pattaya is not impossible but serious due care and diligence is required at all times.Expect the unexpected check mirrors indicate and drive slow.
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