Motorcycle

How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand

How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand cmbadmin

How to Buy a Motorbike in Thailand

Step by Step Guide of the Rules, Regulations and procedures of How to Buy a Motorbike in Chiang Mai Thailand. This article covers buying new motorbikes from a dealer or a second hand bike from Thais or Westerners.

No question, if you are going to settle in Chiang Mai (or anywhere in Thailand) for a period of time longer than 6 months, it begins to make practical and economical sense to purchase a motorbike over renting one.

Who can buy a Motorbike in Thailand?

Anyone can buy a Motorbike in Thailand – it just takes money! But to register a Motorcycle in your own name, Foreigners will need confirmation of their ID (passport) and of their local Address (Certificate of Residency).  Generally this confirmation is obtained with a Non O Visa showing that you are living in Thailand. If you are buying a new bike, usually the dealer can get your name on the registration papers if you only have a tourist Visa, but this process is a little more difficult when buying second hand but still easy enough.

For these documents you must present the originals, not just photocopies, at the vehicle licensing office.

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1) Buying a New Bike from a Dealer

Motorbike Dealer Thailand

This is the easiest way to purchase a motorbike and comes with a few advantages …

The Bike is new and in sound mechanical condition
The Bike is under Warranty The place you buy will become your mechanic
The Bike shop will take care of your Transfer of Ownership (Greenbook)

Most (but not all) larger brand name dealerships have someone who can speak English.  Shopping for a motorcycle is a simple process, you walk into a shop, see what you like, take it for a test drive, provide the required documents and pay the money.

The staff at the dealership will take care of all the rest.  It might take a few weeks for the Dealership to process the necessary paperwork especially if there is no license plate on the bike.

Documents Required:

  1. Your Original (to show) and copies of your passport including
    a. Photo Page
    b. Departure Card
    c. Visa and end of stay stamp
  2. Residency Certificate (see here for how to obtain this)

That is pretty much it!

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Buy a Motorbike in Chiang MaiChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
There is a price advantage of taking a Thai person along with you when you are shopping for a Motorbike.  Many dealerships do not display the price of the bike, on the bike itself.  This is because no matter what price they are selling it for, the Westerner customers wants to get a discount for paying cash (even though this is the only way they can purchase).  You can take one of our staff along with you to negotiate the price (the Thai price) which could end up saving you thousands of Baht.

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2) Buying a Secondhand Bike

Most people end up buying a secondhand motorbike, usually from a westerner who is leaving or from a local Thai person.  Often Motorbikes are available with no Greenbook.  Either the bike was previously sold and ownership is not transferred from the old to new owner, or the motorcycle could have been stolen and comes without the option to transfer ownership.  If you are intending to Register your bike and/or have it for longer than a year make sure you get the Greenbook.

The seller will have to provide you with the following documents to proceed.

The Motorbike: You must take the Motorcycle to the Transport Office. You should plan on being without the vehicle for the whole day if possible. The paperwork takes 2 business day to process, so the updated title book and receipts for payment will need to be picked up later when scheduled
(Note: If the vehicle is being transferred out of the province of registration, the registration needs to be changed over first, which also takes 3 business days. You do not need to take the vehicle for this, but will need the title book, owner’s documents.

The vehicle’s Green Book (motorcycles)

Ownership transfer Form signed by the seller and buyer  Form Link

Signed copies of the owner AND buyer’s personal documents:

Buying From Foreigners
1) Passport:
Copies of the photograph page, current visa stamp, and tm (departure) card.
AND one of following:
2) Work Permit:
Copies of every page (with writing, and one blank page following, don’t forget to check for pages in the back) of your work permit.
OR
2.1) Certificate or Letter of Residence issued by Thai Immigration 3 Office, located across from Promenada Mall (cost is 500 THB, usually takes 2 days to process, and is only valid for 30 days).
OR
2.2) Affidavit of Residence from your Consulate/Embassy –  The cost is 1500 THB – and is valid for up to 1 year

Buying From Thai People

1) ID card (Baht Pracha Chon)
Copy of front and back on one page
2) House Registration Document (Tabien Baan)
Top part is house info, second part/page is the individual’s name in the book (a book can have several pages of names in it).  This is not always required

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3) Changing the Ownership Procedure (Chiang Mai)

If you are elsewhere in the country, the process will be similar to the following which is based in Chiang Mai.

Your will be going to the

Provincial Land Transport Office of Chiang Mai (Nong Hoi Branch)
405/2, Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Road,
Tambon Wat Ket,
Amphoe Mueang
Chiang Mai

Google Map Location

1 The Motorbike Check entrance is behind the main building at the front. Go to the Main Office with the counters.

2 Go to the official (receptionist) awaits you. Say “Buy Sell a motorbike” and she produces a form for you to sign and you present the documents above.

3 The official lets you sign all papers and returns them to both of you

4 Enter with your bike into the ‘Motorbike Check’ and place the bike in one of the yellow marked
boxes on the ground.

5  Give the staff your paperwork and wait.

6 The official will check the bike and will pass the papers to the wooden office in the same hall

7 The checked papers are then (typical Thai operations) taken by someone to another office.  You will do your best to sit and smile and wait (patiently)

8 Your papers will be returned to you with the seal of approval (your motorbike is safe). Take your bike and park in in the parking spots

9 Go back into the Office to the receptionist

10 They will give you a queue number and you wait until your number comes up on the electronic board
with the counter number to go to.

11 Hand over all your papers and wait while they are checked

12 When checked and signed pay the fee (about 185 Baht)

13 The official will give you a queue number and tells you when to come back (usually between 13:00 and 16:00 or sometimes the next day)

14 At the appointed time (later that day or the next) go to the receptionist and show your number. They will  send you to the counter (usually number 5) where you will receive the green book with your (the Buyer’s) name entered.
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How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai

How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai cmbadmin

How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai

A residence certificate is a document made by immigration to certify where a foreigner lives. You can obtain this from your Embassy (if located in Chiang Mai, Bangkok or a larger city with a consulate)  but the cost is much higher (1700 Baht).  The immigration satellite office is supposed to issue these for free (and will do but it can take 2-8 weeks) or for a gift donation of 500 Baht it will be available the next day.

Getting your Residency Certificate is a straight forward and simply process.  The office is located about 10 kilometers outside of town and you have to go there twice. Once to drop off your application and the next day to collect it.

A Residency Certificate is good for 30 days after the date of it’s issue

The Immigration Satellite office, is located off the Super Hwy across from the Promenada Mall. Do NOT go to the Immigration office near the airport – they no longer process residency certificates. As of this time, the Immigration Department have not advised Google Maps of their location.  The exact location is listed on the map as the ‘Namber one garage’

Location of the Chiang Mai Immigration Department: Residency Certificates

The Building looks like this
Chiang Mai Residency Certificate Immigration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will need to take:

1. Two (2) Color Photo’s 1.5 in x 2.36 in (4 cm x 6 cm)
2. Copy of Passport (1st Page; VISA Page; TM6). Bring your original Passport also.
3. Proof of Residence (Rental Contract or Yellow Residency Book or Letter from your Landlord)

Photocopiers and Photographs can be obtained at the office, as can the Thai Residency Certificate Form.  But it is better to be prepared and have these done.

Once you arrive you will take your completed documents to room 4, and will usually be asked if you want this the next day which will require a ‘gift fee’ of 500 baht.  While requesting this fee is illegal – just smile and hand over the money.  You will be told to come back the next day after 1pm.

If you are in no hurry for your certificate – the look on the Staff’s face when you tell them you will wait 2 (or 3 or 4 weeks) is priceless.  But when all said and done, you usually need your residency certificate in a hurry – so you pay the fine.

 
Want Help Getting Your Residency Certificate?

Chiang Mai Buddy will head down to the Residency Office (Twice) to get this application processed for you.

2000 BHT

 

The Next Day The next day after lunch (opens at 1pm) you want to go to the window at room 2 and show them your receipt and/or tell them your name.  Be patient and polite, you may see your application photograph being passed a few times as the staff look.  If you feel a little bit confident with your Thai language you can say “Ning Nai Krap/Ka” which means “There it is”.

Do not lean over the window or enter the room unless you are invited to do so.  If you see your photograph on the file and the immigration staff have gone past it – DO NOT put your hand in and point.  Thai manners are essential here, you will always smile and laugh and everything is your fault. – even them not finding what is plainly obvious to you

Collecting your residency certificate is a relativity easy process (the 2nd or 3rd time you do it). The first time like any Thai government department – it can be confusing.  If you do not speak Thai, try and take a Thai friend along with you.
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Renting a Motorcycle in Thailand

5 Tips for Renting a Motorbike in Thailand

5 Tips for Renting a Motorbike in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Travelers looking to hire or lease a motorcycle in Thailand will find an abundance of places to choose from.  Most of the resorts, backpackers hostels and monthly accommodation places either have their own bikes or with a quick phone call can have one delivered. While Thailand is regarded as one of the most dangerous places to ride a motorbike in the world, hiring a motorcycle or scooter is without doubt one of the best ways to get out and have the adventures worthy of telling to your kids and grandchildren.

It is difficult to put an accurate number on this, but I would say your can reduce your chances of becoming an accident statistic around 65% by knowing and following a few simple rules about how to ride a motorbike in Thailand., and maybe 20-25% by hiring the right motorcycle.  Thai people drive differently, there is no getting around it, you should also adapt your driving style and be aware of how to ride a scooter while you are here.

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motorbike rent in chiang maiHow to hire or lease a motorcycle in Thailand

5 Tips for renting a Motorbike in Thailand.

1) Where to Hire your Scooter

Almost every village, town, city, island or accommodation type in Thailand will offer the facility to hire a scooter, as will travel agencies and even street stores.  At each of these places the price and quality of motorbike will be different as will the standard of care on maintenance between leasing them.  If you are at a major hotel or resort you can have a higher level of confidence in the quality of the motorbike.  Many smaller resorts run by westerners will also have a higher interest in providing safer bikes for their customers.  The Thai attitude of ‘Mai Ben Rai” (no problem, no worries, forget about it) often also extends to the attitude of the staff working at the business (including the mechanics).

If you decide (or are required to) walk around and search for a motorcycle hire shop, you will need to take a little extra care.  Do not assume just because it is a motorbike leasing business that the staff have your safety at all in concern.  Preform the safety checks listed further down, and do not be afraid of walking away if nothing is available.  You life is at stake, and while it might be easy to give into temptation and rent a motorbike because it is getting hot – This should be a thought out and careful decision.

Try to avoid places that do not speak English.  Sure you may feel fantastic at your gallant efforts at miming and hiring, but you know nothing about the insurance conditions or will be able to get help when you break down.  The bottom line is, if someone starts a business hiring motorbikes and does not appreciate the language of their customers – what else is lacking?

2) Cost, Insurance and Security Deposit.

Security Deposit
You will need to pay in advance and leave either your passport for a deposit or between 3000-5000 baht with a copy of your passport. It is now illegal to be without your passport so it is highly recommended that you leave the cash deposit.

Cost of Renting a Motorbike in Thailand
The company will usually charges per 24 hours when you are renting for the day.  The cost will vary depending on where you are in Thailand, whether the bike is older or new, and an automatic or a manual. Some places will offer a discount for a weekly lease, most will for a monthly hire term.  Although many smaller Thai owned places do not understand the concept of bulk buying as we do in the west and will (especially in peak seasons insist on a daily rate for however many days you hire.

Automatic motorbike – (120 baht – 250 baht / day, 2500 baht – 3500 baht a month)
Semi-automatic motorbike – (120 baht – 250 baht / day, 2500 baht – 3000 baht a month)
Off-road motorbike – (600-1000 baht / day, 6000 baht – 10,000 baht a month)
Older Bikes – 500 baht less per month than a newer scooter.

Insurance
Some places will offer you damage insurance for a 20-200 baht (depending on how long you hire), and it is always worth paying the extra minimal fee. But be aware, most insurance for leasing your motorcycle will require you to pay for the repairs, or in the case of worse damage purchase the bike and then claim the insurance when you return home.  Ask what the procedure is if you need to claim insurance before you rent the bike.

Many people who hire on a daily basis are forced to pay for a bike and then leave the country before the insurance can be sorted out – leaving a 35,000-60,000 baht extra expense. Get the insurance but make sure it is full coverage and does not require you to pay in advance and then claim back later.

Get the name and number or business card of the company in case of breakdown.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you are hiring your motorbike from any of the selection on offer at Chiang Mai Buddy, we have arranged a 1000 baht security deposit with a copy of your Passport.

 

3) Type of Scooter you can Rent

There are three types of scooters available for hire at most motorbike rental places in Thailand.
1) Automatic (with no gears)
2) Semi Automatic (with 5 gears but no clutch.)
3) Manual (5 gears with Clutch)

The automatic is the easiest bike to ride for beginners, yet with a little effort most people can master the semi-automatic in less than a day which offers the rider much more control especially riding mountainous, windy roads.

CC Rating
Typically bikes will range from 110cc, 115cc and 125cc with the newer bikes having fuel injection (125i).  Obviously the larger engine provides more power and comes at a higher rental cost.  If you weight 80kg or more, or if you are planning on traveling around the countryside (or mountains up north) get the bigger cc rating.

Older vs New
A new bike is one that is less than 2-3 years old.  Typically an older bike will be about 500 baht a month less to rent (but the same daily rate).  Generally a newer bike will have more power and much better fuel efficienty.  If you your hiring for the day this is not so much of an issue, over the savings in gas that you will incur over a month.  But and this is a BIG BUT,  this is a safety issue.  The newer bikes will have better brakes, tires (usually thicker), more power (for escaping hazards) and save you gas over the longer term more tan the extra rental price.  Ask yourself here Is my life worth paying 500 baht a month for? Or in the case of a daily rental you are paying the same anyway.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you are hiring your motorbike from any of the selection on offer at Chiang Mai Buddy, each bike is a Automatic 125cc (usually fuel injected) and new.  Each bike is well maintained and optimized for the westerner.  While there are choices for leasing a motorcycle available in Thailand – there is no choice with us.  We feel so strongly about these issues, we wont allow our customers to make a substandard choice.

4) Safety Inspection and Checks

Before you set off, make sure you give a thorough check of the motorbike. The company will usually go over the bike and make a list of any dents, scratches and damage it might already have which you will be asked to witness.  Pay attention when this is done as the contracts you are about to sign says that you hired the bike in prime condition. If it comes back with any additional marks you will be charged for this and be careful some companies make alot of extra income this way.

Here are things you should check for.

1) Inspect the bike for existing damage and take photo’s on your phone
2) Sit on the bike and bounce up and down – make sure the suspension is working
3) See if the mirrors adjust and you can see behind you.  Thai drivers hardly ever use their mirrors – but you do!
4) Ride the bike and check for size comfort (your knees should not be forced to stick out)
5) Ride the bike and test the brakes (some bikes have rear and front, some combined – know what you have)
6) Check the acceleration – sometimes you will need to get out of the way of some idiot quickly
7) Opt for bikes with thicker tires – thin tires and gravel will be your No one reason for an accident
8) Helmet – Get as good as you can and wear it.  Seriously wear it – I know some people don’t but think of your mother!

5) Breakdown and Repairs

Sometimes it happens, you might have a small accident or get a flat tire (especially on the thinner tires).  If our bike breaks down completely don’t worry, you have the number of the place you hired it (lets hope you choose a place that speaks English).  This is Thailand there are small one man motorcycle repair shops all over the place (I know never where you actually break down though).

You can usually get a tire inflated for free or repaired for 100-150 baht.  If you do any minor damage such as break a turn signal or bulb, and have the time it is worth going to a repair shop and getting it fixed yourself.  If you do not have total coverage with no payment insurance, you can be assured the price the rental place thinks it will cost to repair is more tan you will pay yourself.

If you lose your helmet you can get a new one for a few hundred baht – don’t let the company you hired from tell you they are 1000 to replace.

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Riding a scooter is likely to be not only a necessary but also a highly enjoyable part of your stay in Thailand.  It can also be the most dangerous part of your trip. Make sure you learn how to ride a motorbike in Thailand – find out the differences and types of hazards you are likely to face here.

If you are planning on coming to Chiang Mai, we are only too happy to provide you with a rental bike.  This service is free when you purchase our arrival package or we can arrange it for you in store or via our online concierge service for 200 baht

How to ride a motorycle in Thaialnd

How to ride a Motorbike in Thailand (and Survive)

How to ride a Motorbike in Thailand (and Survive) 538 218 cmbadmin

How to Survive when you ride a Motorbike in Thailand

Driving a motorbike or car in any Asian country is one of those experience that if survived becomes stories you tell your friends over a beer. In Thailand many westerners often wonder how most of the people driving managed to get a driver’s license. The reality is most of them don’t!

If you ride in Thailand you are very likely to have an accident. It happens to everyone at some point. Whether or not you survive with your life will depend greatly on following the suggestions and guidelines detailed below. I would go as far as stating … Make them your Rules!

asian driversA common mistake people make is that Asians are bad drivers. They are not. They manage to survive in a chaotic traffic system with more hazards than a reality TV show. It is more accurate to say that they are inconsiderate drivers, but even saying this is based on making false assumptions, based on western culture.

Important: Understand Thai Drivers Mindset

One of the biggest factors (in my humble opinion) that plays a part in how the Asian population drive differently is rooted in the language and lack of time tenses. Bear with me here, as your understanding of this point will allow you to remove your internal common sense expectations of how people ‘should drive’.  Your past expectations of how others should act on the road allows you to drive or ride on auto pilot.  If you do not adapt and change this assumption here in Thailand you seriously increase the risk of having an accident.

In Asian language, it is rare to define a sense of past, present or future tense. In the English language we state everything in an exact frame of time. In Thailand if someone was to say “I am a Teacher” it could mean they used to be, they are studying to be, they are currently, or they will be in the future. The language we use contributes greatly to an individual’s conscious thoughts and makes up our reality. When your primary language system does not place an emphasis on time as a major construct – your ability to grasp future consequences from a single past or present experience, is reduced.

How does the lack of ‘time’ constructs affect Thai drivers?
One of the biggest hazards you will find driving on Thai roads is that almost no one will look for on coming traffic before pulling out of a street, turning a corner or changing lanes.  If you (or I) were to turn from a side street into a major road and have an accident or near miss. Anxiety kicks in and we will adapt our behavior and in future slow down, look for on coming traffic, use your turn signals and proceed with warranted caution.

If a Thai person was to do this (and they do all the time) there conscious process (due to the lack of time concepts in the language) is … “I could have died, but I did not. I have good luck” and that is the end of it. Next time they approach the same situation the anticipation of it happening again is just not there.

Please note that this is a blatant generalization and I do not mean to apply it to every Thai person. But if you assume it does apply you will always be aware of what to look for when riding here.

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So let’s examine how to ride a motorbike in Thailand to survive.

1) Have a Safe Motorbike

Many places that rent motorbikes in Thailand are run by under paid and unskilled staff. The maintenance on the bike and especially the brakes can be lacking. Older motorbikes you hire will have a reduction in it’s ability to accelerate with speed and stop quickly.  Many places also never change the mirrors from stock which are suited to smaller framed people. The difference in rental price of an old and smaller cc rating bike compared to a new and larger engine is about 500 baht a month. Pay the extra $15 and get a good, new, bigger and safer bike. If you are in Chiang Mai, check here for exactly this

What to look for when you hire a motorbike:

125cc motorbike. Westerners are bigger and heavier and need the extra power

New vs Older Bike: Older bikes not only use more gas, they lack acceleration power and sometimes you will need it to avoid an accident.

Extended Mirror: Not many Thai people even use the mirrors. They just do not check behind them before swapping lanes. We do, make sure you can see behind you.

Check the brakes: This is an essential requirement but not one many rental places are able to comprehend the importance of.

Thicker tires: A common reason many people have accidents is when the wheel slips from under the bike when riding over sand or gravel on the road. Using a thicker wheel helps maintain stability and prevent this.

2) Wear your Helmet!!!

How to ride motorbike in Chiang MaiYou will notice that many local people and tourist do not wear helmets when riding a motorbike in Thailand. If you get stopped by the police the instant ‘gift’ fine is only 200 baht (about US $6) and it is tempting to justify ‘when in Rome….’

This abundance of freedom (that makes western road rules and law enforcement seem like a nanny state) is alluring to some.  The more adventurous (I will go as far as weak minded and easily influenced) gravitate towards experiencing this new freedom and ride without a helmet.  If you do this your an idiot – plain and simple.  Remember, chances are high that if you ride a motorbike in Thailand you are going to have an accident. Not wearing your helmet IS the difference between a few scratches and your loved ones having to arrange for your body to be shipped home.

Bear this in mind: The Thai transport cleanup crew does not like to touch internal organs (it is a cultural thing). As someone living here I can guarantee you, pieces of your brains will remain on the lamp post you hit until they dry up, rot and blow away. Try Goggling an image search ‘motorbike accidents Thailand’ to see pictures of brains and body parts splattered around the road to reinforce this point. Just wear your helmet!!!

Many people look around them and can justify not using common sense because it seems as if  ‘everyone else does it’. Despite any justifications you can tell yourself, for those people who have lived here long enough to see the result of westerners not wearing a helmet .. you might as well be wearing a t-shirt that says “I am too stupid to live” because that’s what most people are thinking when they see you.

3) Drive at a reasonable speed

We all know speed kills, this is nothing new.  It is very easy on the automatic scooters in Thailand with the room to ride through traffic to do it at speed.   I have a bigger bike, and I am constantly looking at my speed and asking myself “If I crash now will I live”? And I do this because I have seen the end result of people who are too relaxed when they ride.  You need to remember that the chances of someone else pulling out in front of you or switching lanes without looking or stopping mid traffic are many many times higher in Thailand than what you are used to in your home country.

The ability to swiftly zip in and out between cars is easy here. The motorbike gives you much more opportunity to bypass the congestion of cars in traffic. In fact doing this will become second nature to you. Just always be aware as you are riding between cars, chances are someone else will pull out in front of you as they move into the space between cars. And they will not be looking for you coming.

No one in Thailand is in a hurry. You do not need to be either.

4) Drive next to the center white line

On a two lane road, in most countries it is suggested that you ride on the left side of the lane. This is to avoid cars coming up behind you at faster speeds and being hit from behind. In Thailand this is dangerous because (not sure I mentioned this or not before) people will pull into your path without looking. They will come from the side streets on your left and pull out from parked positions from your left. Riding on the left side of the lane makes you a closer target, and gives you less room to avoid them.

Riding the center line gives you the opportunity to look ahead and see potential danger.  It also allows you to smoothly transition between and around cars on the road. Most Thai vehicle drivers will leave enough space on the left and right hand side of their vehicle for a motorbike to get by. And at stopped traffic they will usually leave room between the cars front and rear for you to zig zag your way around the cars and through traffic.

Do not ride the center line when ….

When you are on a major freeway – Freeways seldom have cross streets where someone can pull out on your left.  The cars are going faster and there is no reason for you to take up a whole lane. The far left of the road is the safest place to be.

When you are on a single and narrow road with curves you can not see around. Expect cars and motorbikes coming in the opposite direction to be in the middle of the road. Give yourself room to be out of the way.

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Other hazards to watch for

Riding a motorbike in Thailand is not a time or place you want to mentally relax and enjoy the view. You will need to be 100% consciously aware of everything happening to you and within the next 100 meters. You will soon realize once you start to ride here that things are different. The traffic while chaotic has a flow and a system about it. You will need to focus on what is ahead and anticipate several possibilities.

Lack of Accident Media Coverage:  They do not like to report in the Thai media anything that might hinder the tourist perception of Thailand. Road accidents (especially non Thai’s) are not reported so it is easy to forget that this country ranks in the top 5 of most dangerous places to ride.  Don’t let the lack of you noticing the accident rate fool you into a sense of security.

Painted Lines on the Road:  When it rains or a shop owner has washed the front of their store and the road is wet – the painted road markings become very slippery.  Avoid riding close to them and if you are turning and crossing the path of a a painted piece of road, slow down and use as gradual turn as you can manage.

Chinese Tourists:  Watch out for Chinese tourists, easily spotted because the woman on the back of the bike will have an open map and they are all over the road looking for sites to stop at. The Chinese tourists have a tendency to just stop where ever they want, including right in front of you without looking. When you spot them, move to the left or right and do not follow directly behind them

Do not look at the view:  When riding (especially in Chiang Mai) there are many things that can distract your attention. Temples are everywhere, the 3 or 4 cute child monks walking along the road. The incredibly beautiful women on the side of the road or on the motorbike next to you. The food stalls, and the Elephants and Buffalo that can be on the roads. You need to focus 100% on what might happen on the road in front of you – not how amazing everything is on the sidelines.

Gravel and sand:  One of the biggest causes of non fatal accidents in Thailand is when the motorbike wheel skids out of control and the bike skids. This usually happens when riding too close to the left side of the road or when pulling over to stop somewhere.Look out for the condition of the road and especially watch out for sand and gravel on the sides of the road and entrance ways to parking lots.  A lot of sand or stones tends to be safer than just a little bit.  Be careful either way.

sand on roads in Chiang Mai

Sand and gravel on the side of the road, a sure fire way to topple your motorbike

Use your Mirrors:  Thai people as a rule do not use them. You should monitor behind you on a regular occasion. But also be aware than the person in front of you will not. They will not see you coming if you decide to pass them. Give yourself enough space to avoid them moving directly into you as your passing.

Do not assume green means GO:  The general rule seems to be a yellow light means speed up, and when the red light turns on it means the 5th car behind you will have to stop – but you are OK to go.   Again no one looks, they will keep going through a red light. If you are in the front of the cue and the light turns green, just look and make sure no one is coming. Chances are they will be.

Lane changing without turn signals. It is very common for both car drivers and motorbike riders to change lanes without signaling. For the motorbike rider you are constantly swapping lanes and driving between cars because you can. Often the blinker light will stay on because the turn was not sufficient to auto switch off, and it becomes easier to not use the indicators for lane changes.  Cars will often switch lanes or just drive in the middle of one for a while and then move over.Be aware that anyone in front of you or to your side can and probably will move without looking or warning.

Song Thao Stopping mid street to pick up pedestrian

Song Thao Stopping mid street to pick up pedestrian

Tuk Tuk’s and Songthaews:  These will stop anywhere suddenly to pick up passengers. If you see a Tuk Tuk ahead of you that is empty expect it to stop suddenly or slow every time it passes people on the side of the road. The same is true for the two row trucks (Songthaews). Often the reason cars are driving in the middle of the road or traffic comes to a stop is because of the public transportation.

Police:  Not sticky a hazard, the police in Thailand do not get paid much, and it is common for them to supplement their income with ‘instant fines’ at road side check points.  Westerners are targeted simply because we have money and are likely to be breaking the law.

thai police checkpointNot wearing a helmet is an instant 200 baht fine (US $6), not having a valid drivers license 400 baht.  Possession of drugs – instant jail for a very very long time.  The police will usually ask for more, but these figures are usually accepted unless you have a wallet full of cash.

Police checkpoints are just part of the scenery here, and after the Coup more common.  You will no doubt feel indignant and feel like you are being singled out – smile politely admit your wrong doing, apologize and bear it.

Western Attitude: We in the west have a culture that inflates our perception of our own importance and rights.  As such we naturally tend to take almost anything as an attack on our sense of ego, and we attempt to defend ourselves.  In Thailand, this attitude is seen as a sign of an immoral and disgusting person.  Here you do what you can to avoid losing face (embarrassing yourself or others).  Raising your voice, disputing statements made (calling someone a lair) pointing, arguing etc are all behaviors that quickly erode any respect Thai people will give you.  And they show their contempt by smiling and laughing (they will not lose face displaying conflict or anger).

If you are pulled over at a check point, or involved in an accident, or have someone cut you off, your fault or theirs the response is always the same.  You politely nod your head (to younger people) or perform a Wai (hands to the head and bow) to older people or officials and say “Mai Ben Rai”. This roughly translate to No problem, No worries, It is OK, and once it is spoken, it ends the matter.

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