Today as we were driving back from Bangkok from Bumrungrad hospital I saw what I say is "I can't believe it."

 

We were on a Bangkok expressway that divides so 2 lanes go off to the left, 4 lanes continue straight ahead. We were going to the left and traffic for those lanes were at a standstill. So we waited in one of the lanes that go left for the road to open. Soon cars were passing us and started to make another lane to turn left in one of the lanes that were to go straight, not go left. Soon a 4th lane and then a 5 lane were made to go left until all the lanes that were to go straight were blocked by traffic that was to go straight. So now no one is going to go anywhere. If those that wanted to turn left would have just got into lines that were to go left, we would have had a back up but the 4 lanes that were to go straight would have been fine. Nope, the rules of the road in Bangkok.................

That's one of the things I like about Thailand. If they're not enforced, then there's no such thing as rules. Just make up your own. If what we make up causes problems for the rest of the people trying to drive, who cares?

 

That's the way it seems to be.

Rules of the road in Thailand, now that is an oxymoron.

 

Driving here reminds me of the ads for the Outback Steakhouse in the US of A. "No Rules, Just Right".

I was going to the airport from Pattaya one time and the taxi driver passed the turnoff. Just as we passed it he realized it. So he just backed up down the expressway about 100 meters and went on his merry way. I jokingly covered my eyes and squealed "AH!!!!!". He just laughed.

Did someone mention rules and law? How about jungle?

The same applies to one way streets. It's one way, all right . . . my way. I have never seen anyone fined or even stopped for going the wrong way on a one way street, running traffic lights, jumping traffic lights, running stop signs (although there are not many of those), or much of anything else within cities. The only time I ever see city police doing anything is when they stop the helmetless motorcycle drivers or set up road blocks. Other than that, it's a free-for-all.

 

The same applies to one way streets. It's one way, all right . . . my way. I have never seen anyone fined or even stopped for going the wrong way on a one way street, running traffic lights, jumping traffic lights, running stop signs (although there are not many of those), or much of anything else within cities. The only time I ever see city police doing anything is when they stop the helmetless motorcycle drivers or set up road blocks. Other than that, it's a free-for-all.

Once I was coming from BKK by taxi and the female taxi driver jumped the light coming off Sukumvit Rd. to Theppasit Rd. and the police got her and fined her 300 baht on the spot.

As unimpressed as I have been regarding driving standards in Thailand I believe them not to be the worst I've seen. Cairo doesnt seem to have any lanes or any rules at all on the road. Those of us who are taught rules on the standard of "mirror, signal, manoeuvre" will always have difficulty with the revised "beep beep, swerve" version operating in Asian or African countries.

Walk across the street in Hanoi or HCMC. That is the best cardiovascular exercise you will ever get. It is recommended to just set out and fearlessly walk across without hesitating. The thousands of motorbikes and fewer cars will avoid you. Have faith!

The same applies to one way streets. It's one way, all right . . . my way. I have never seen anyone fined or even stopped for going the wrong way on a one way street, running traffic lights, jumping traffic lights, running stop signs (although there are not many of those), or much of anything else within cities. The only time I ever see city police doing anything is when they stop the helmetless motorcycle drivers or set up road blocks. Other than that, it's a free-for-all.

 

 

It is not just one way streets. Driving down Third Road and South Pattaya on my motorbike, I have to dodge other motorbikes driving in the wrong direction.

I have to dodge other motorbikes driving in the wrong direction.

That's the truth! It's anything goes, any direction, anywhere. I have personally witnessed, more than once, motorcyclists killed when they come zooming out of a side soi onto Sukhumvit Highway without even looking.

 

Another favorite pastime is when cars coming in the opposite direction come into my lane because they can't wait two seconds to pass the car in front of them. They seem to think nothing of it. I've had a hell of a lot of narrow escapes from those potential head-on collisions.

 

I've said this before and I'll repeat it now. Something my driver's education instructor said, many moons ago when I was in high school learning to drive: "Always expect the unexpected."

 

Those words stuck with me and have saved me from many accidents, and also probably saved my life, more times than I can count.

 

I don't have a problem driving in Thailand, but I have yet to drive anywhere, ever, without some sort of a near miss, and quite often more than just one.