Walking in Thailand

The true threat to a Farang’s life in LOS! (LOS = Land of Smiles)

One hears many rumors and half-truths about the hazards of coming to LOS.

The media has been full of stories about Farangs being drugged, robbed or murdered by Thais hooligans. It’s one of the major topics discussed on many Pattaya heterosexual male-orientated websites.

First-time visitors are voicing concerns about the current violence which is merely the result of more numbers of Farangs and more outlets wiling to print accounts of the crimes.

The most dangerous thing however, is not the above but something more common and “pedestrian” : - ).

It’s walking down the street and crossing same.

The driving direction is different than it is in the States and some Western nations. That’s the first danger as most of us are taught to look both ways but in reality look only for approaching traffic in one direction, the direction in our native countries.

Quite a few hapless Farangs unknowingly get hit simply because they are not used to the direction of traffic in Thailand. But that’s not the only factor, the other being the Thai car driver and motorcycle rider.

Apparently many Thais don’t’ even have driving licenses and fake ones are easy to obtain. And the traffic police are of no help and enforce the laws only sporadically.

Overloaded cycles with no one wearing a helmet and children merely clinging to the handlebars is common. Hauling large heavy objects on the back seat is a sight to behold. Trucks with many passengers riding in the cargo area are also common.

Obeying stop signs, traffic signals and lane indicators are only observed when desired. Common trick for cycle-riders is to do a left turn into the bisecting street, execute a u-turn, then another left and continue down the road.

Cycles commonly use sidewalks and pedestrian walkways as short cuts to go against traffic.

Cycles also go down the wrong way down a one-way street for as long as they can get away with. One must assume that a cycle will come careening around a blind corner at any time.

Notice how many cycles and cars driving without the headlights on? They will not stop or slow down for pedestrians. Defenses for the pedestrian include peering over one's shoulder frequently on sidewalks after attuning one's ears to the sound of a motorcycle’s 4-cycle engine and chain.

Keeping in shape is a great idea as it’ll enable you to spring out of the path of a careening cycle. Wearing at least one light clothing item makes you more visible (or a better target) to oncoming traffic.

Carrying a small LED flashlight to turn on and flash around the frequently dark sections of the sidewalk is a proactive way to prevent more sidewalk collisions.

Petitioning for the construction of pedestrian overpasses on Pattaya 2nd road is long-overdue.

Related Story - Some Useful Tips For Pattaya Visitors

Reader's comments:

Indians should avoid Pattaya. They are very racist. Most of the bars will not admit brown skinned or Indians. You will be stopped at the door and with a cheeky smile told that its a private members club. You Too bar on soi 3 and many others are like that. If Indians have any dignity avoid Pattaya. Tell your tour companies to change destination to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. You will have better time basking in some ancient indian culture and good time. Added by: Dravid    Report abuse

Traffic look mad, but its OK, coz everybody going safely and all cars and motos moving on good speed. No traffic jams, I v been amazed!! And cops really doing his job -- they help drivers! So I don t see any problems, maybe because I live in Moscow, Russia -- our traffic is mad too :-) Added by: RussianGuy    Report abuse

My friends told me when I got to Bangkok. When you get ready to cross a street is to follow close behind a Thai. They aim for farang. They are more likley to break for a Thai. Added by: robert dallas    Report abuse

When crossing a one-way road in Thailand, one is well advised to look SIX WAYS. Look in all four directions laterally, as vehicles can come from any direction, look down to spot potholes or open drains, etc., and look up to watch for low-hanging signs, awnings, etc. Good luck to all when crossing any road in Thailand. Added by: Jimmy    Report abuse

this is very true, especially on 2nd. rd. always better to take ur time and look for a safe crossing instead of stressing like one is at home :P Added by: anthony    Report abuse

Right on target with this topic. I see exactly that everyday here in Bangkok. Added by: Peter in BKK    Report abuse

i agree 100%,try to cross the street in pattaya at night,wow it is a nightmare.i had many close calls,i have been to thailand 10 times and is getting worse every year.see u next time,same place. Added by: john meyer    Report abuse

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