Songkran holiday: 'Seven dangerous days'
The Thai roads are dangerous, especially around Songkran when a real population migration takes place. The government tries every year to reduce the number of road casualties during the so-called 'seven dangerous days', but hardly succeeds.
From today until Monday, the police will strictly monitor compliance with the traffic rules. There are more checkpoints again this year. Drivers under the influence are stopped and their vehicle is temporarily taken off the road. This year there is also a check on the loading ban. A maximum of six people can be transported in the back of pickup trucks.
The Probation Department is campaigning against reckless driving and drunk driving this year. Last year it asked the court to punish offenders with at least 48 hours of public service. So far, 6.750 convicts have helped in emergency rooms and morgues and 4.325 in hospitals.
About 24.000 people die on Thailand's roads every year. According to a 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) study, Thailand ranks second in terms of deaths per population.
For Daniel Kertesz, the World Health Organization representative in Thailand, not wearing a helmet is a major factor in explaining the high death rate in the country. Motorcyclists are involved in almost three-quarters of fatal road accidents.
Source: Bangkok Post
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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We've talked about it here several times but nothing changes the way from pakham to nangrong the 348 no control. the road from nang rong to buriram no control whatsoever
A lot of chatter in space but nothing happens as always
There are some checks, but they don't really mean anything. They only asked my girlfriend: "Do you have a driver's license?" The answer “yes” was enough to continue driving.
Even during the hottest part of the day (between 12 and 17 pm) the officers prefer to sit out of the sun; so little control.
I think that the population itself is also behaving irresponsibly. Many just get drunk behind the wheel.
What annoys me is the following: when visiting acquaintances or family, drinks are offered too enthusiastically. Drinking one glass is not possible. If your glass is empty, the answer "no, I have enough" is seen as a reason to just fill your glass 4 times.
Some weird farang is muttered if you don't drink alcohol.
So I'm in a dilemma; what is more social?
Consuming unwanted drinks while I still have to drive. Or, keep pouring drinks at a guest who doesn't like it?
For my own convenience, I only drink water when I visit, not even one glass of beer. This is to prevent unwanted refilling.
Riding along is not a solution, because they don't know BOB here.