Quote: (12-26-2015 10:19 AM)Brodiaga Wrote:
Kamaki
I read your post. You were with a Thai girl. Imagine what would happen if you were alone.
Only one accident so far, although I've had tourists lose control and hit me; twice in Koh Chang and once in Phuket, but I wasn't injured. That said, I doubt I would have a problem if I was involved in an accident riding or driving solo.
Hypothetical situation - Brodiaga is riding a scooter or motorbike in Thailand and the assumption is that you are licensed to to do so (International or Thai driving permit). You're involved in an accident. It's not your fault, are injured and your bike is damaged.
I should also note that basic insurance is included, medical too, with the registration and plate on motorbikes and covers whoever is riding the bike. I also carry first class insurance on my car (100% liability and comprehensive, no deductible, and anyone can drive). It's super cheap for the coverage.
What happens next may vary, but if the Thai person that hit you is not rolling in cash, they will probably try to flip the situation around and blame you. They aren't trying to scam you, but rather are in serious fear of what it will cost to treat an injured 'farang' in a private hospital. Many Thais really do think all 'farangs' are rich and it will cost them a lot of money if we are accidentally injured or die and it's their fault.
If this happens in Pattaya, Patong etc, they may be trying to scam you. This is another reason to stay away from tourist traps that are crawling with pros and unsavory Thai's anyway.
The first thing you should do, and this is important - don't panic. Calmly ask them why they were driving like that and be firm, but polite if they try to blame the accident on you. If they don't speak English, get someone to translate and then call the police.
After you call the police and are waiting, ask to see his/her driving licence. I don't know the percentages, but close to 40 or 50% of Thais that ride motorbikes don't even have a licence. If they don't have a licence, you have just put them immediately on the defensive. When the police arrive tell them exactly what happened. Don't worry too much about the other guy's story, Thai's, especially police, are incredibly adept at reading each other or a situation and can usually filter out bullshit.
I never have problems dealing with cops here, even if they do have a reputation for corruption. Unlike cops in Canada, they don't take themselves too seriously. I used to go out drinking with a couple of cops in Chiang Rai - major drunks and pussy hounds who made sure I got a nice piece of ass when we were out together. Get stopped occasionally at check points in BK and CM, along with everyone else, to verify if I have a licence or have been drinking. In fact, I was stopped twice at check points recently; Christmas day and the 30th. Usually on my way in less than 10 seconds and half the time they just wave me through without checking my licence when I speak Thai to them.
Basically it's much easier to deal with this stuff (accidents, violations, police) in Thailand than Canada or the U.S, where the police are genuine cunts.