Hi all, l am informed, perhaps false info, that if an accident between a motor cycle and a car or truck occurs the car is at fault regardless because it's bigger, and if a farrang is at the wheel major problems, screwed by the cyclist and the police.
My question is has any of you had this problem and what was the outcome ?. My Thai wife has heart attacks when we are out on the road fearing if an accident happens, even if it's not my fault that l will be dragged off to jail until big sums are paid to the police. l have, l am told, the best cover insurance, but who knows. Appreciate any feed back.
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Farrang Road Accident
Started by transam, 2009-11-08 12:00
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45 replies to this topic
#2
MJo
Super Member Posted 2009-11-08 12:18:37
No they are not out to get you.
Quite common though is that the one with better insurance will cover. Not unheard of wealthier party to pay for 10 to 20k hospital bills for the other party just out of good heart. I know quite a few cases where wealthy thais have paid for everything even if it was not their fault. Edit: good to keep in mind that just purchasing insurance does not necessarily cover you. Things like failing to provide local driving license might see you paying it all from your own pockets. Not to mention being drunk, speeding etc etc. Edited by MJo, 2009-11-08 12:24:06. #3
sbk
Mistress Whiplash Posted 2009-11-08 12:25:47
My (Thai) husband's truck was hit by a motorbike driven by an American as he was making a right hand turn with his indicators on.
The police made the guy only pay a portion of the costs for repairing the truck even tho he was at fault. The guys excuse for overtaking a vehicle with its indicator on? "Oh I thought you were overtaking the motorbike in front of you" 
#4
stingray
Super Member Posted 2009-11-08 13:26:07
I don't know in other parts of Thailand, but in Pattaya for sure, when ever a farang with a car get involved with a motorcycle in accident, there is only onerule: The Farang is wrong and is respansabile and have to pay all. Even if the driver of the morotcycle has no license, tax or registrationplate. Doesn't matter even if he comes the wrong way or passes the redlight, because maybe you can't aprove thet you had a green traffiglight. Beleve me, 5 motorcycle taxis will say that you past driving on the retlight, not him, they will lie and help the Local on the motorcycle. I talk here about espriences, not about law. It is like this, therefore NEVER drive any car without a correct insurance. I recomment to all car owner to buy a recording camera for your car. Easy can get in Tuk Com. This camera is very small, cost about 2'800 Baht, can fit like a GPS, on the windscreen of your car, has a 2 megabite chip inside, similar like a mobilephone. Poweplug for cigarette lighter. The recording chip overwrites automaticly when the memory is full. So you never need to delete the files as in older camera models. This investment safes you a lot of troubles when it comes to an accident. For example you have evidence when someone passes the red traffiglights or if somebody cut you in the front of your car. Of course, in case of a accident, never hand out the recordingchip to the police, only to your the insurance guy.
Edited by stingray, 2009-11-08 13:27:59. #5
Lost in LOS
Super Member Posted 2009-11-08 13:36:19
my friend was making a legal U turn on sukhumvit and there was a motorcycle going the wrong way on sukhuvit in the turn lane trying to sneak on the highway. my friend has a large SUV and ran over the guy and his bike. the guy was OK as he was thrown off but the bike had to be pried from underneath the car. the police came, and my friend, speaking in fluent Thai, with witness coming forward, told his story and the cop arrested the Thai guy on the bike and let my friend go. there are some honest bib out there
#6
transam
V8 RULES Posted 2009-11-08 13:53:07
my friend was making a legal U turn on sukhumvit and there was a motorcycle going the wrong way on sukhuvit in the turn lane trying to sneak on the highway. my friend has a large SUV and ran over the guy and his bike. the guy was OK as he was thrown off but the bike had to be pried from underneath the car. the police came, and my friend, speaking in fluent Thai, with witness coming forward, told his story and the cop arrested the Thai guy on the bike and let my friend go. there are some honest bib out there #7
ScubaBuddha
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-08 14:01:02
This isn't necessarily a farang thing. The hi-so Thai's complain about it also. The old story of "You are farang, if you weren't here, accident not happen." while this certainly has happened on occasion, it is largely an urban legend. Plenty of instances of reasonable outcomes for the farang posted on Thaivisa, even of the cops taking farang side. When my Dad took out Somchai near the entrance to my driveway, he paid like 2000 baht and was on his way, and it was my Dads fault.
Usually your insurance, if good, will handle everything. Call them first. They usually send a representative out to the accident scene within in minutes. It is true though that Thai custom is if rich person hits poor uninsured unlicensed person, rich person usually helps out the poor out of jai dee. This is often communicated to and facilitated by the police to the farang because "farang don't know our ways." and it seems like a shake down to us. Again, isn't necissarily because you are farang, it's because you have a car and thus probably have more money. Unlike where we are from where fault determines who pays. And honestly, if they are truly indigent, I wouldn't mind paying a little, unless the guy was being a real idiot on the bike. But I have 1st class insurance on all my vehicles so I don't think I will need to do this. Remember the police are not interested in distributing any fairiness, they are lazy and currupt, and only interested minimizing their work or finding a way to make money out of the situation. They are looking for the easiest sulution so they can get back to whatever they were doing before. (Ok, with maybe 1 or 2 exceptions) If you feel firmly in the right, smile a lot, politely decline/insist, and wait for your insurance guy. Never get short or angry, or you options will vanish quickly. Edited by Scubabuddha, 2009-11-08 14:04:36. #8
transam
V8 RULES Posted 2009-11-08 14:02:58
I don't know in other parts of Thailand, but in Pattaya for sure, when ever a farang with a car get involved with a motorcycle in accident, there is only onerule: The Farang is wrong and is respansabile and have to pay all. Even if the driver of the morotcycle has no license, tax or registrationplate. Doesn't matter even if he comes the wrong way or passes the redlight, because maybe you can't aprove thet you had a green traffiglight. Beleve me, 5 motorcycle taxis will say that you past driving on the retlight, not him, they will lie and help the Local on the motorcycle. I talk here about espriences, not about law. It is like this, therefore NEVER drive any car without a correct insurance. I recomment to all car owner to buy a recording camera for your car. Easy can get in Tuk Com. This camera is very small, cost about 2'800 Baht, can fit like a GPS, on the windscreen of your car, has a 2 megabite chip inside, similar like a mobilephone. Poweplug for cigarette lighter. The recording chip overwrites automaticly when the memory is full. So you never need to delete the files as in older camera models. This investment safes you a lot of troubles when it comes to an accident. For example you have evidence when someone passes the red traffiglights or if somebody cut you in the front of your car. Of course, in case of a accident, never hand out the recordingchip to the police, only to your the insurance guy. #9
transam
V8 RULES Posted 2009-11-08 14:06:14
This isn't necessarily a farang thing. The hi-so Thai's complain about it also. The old story of "You are farang, if you weren't here, accident not happen." while this certainly has happened on occasion, it is largely an urban legend. Plenty of instances of reasonable outcomes for the farang posted on Thaivisa, even of the cops taking farang side. When my Dad took out Somchai near the entrance to my driveway, he paid like 2000 baht and was on his way, and it was my Dads fault. Usually your insurance, if good, will handle everything. Call them first. They usually send a representative out to the accident scene within in minutes. It is true though that Thai custom is if rich person hits poor uninsured unlicensed person, rich person usually helps out the poor out of jai dee. This is often communicated to and facilitated by the police to the farang because "farang don't know our ways." and it seems like a shake down to us. Again, isn't necissarily because you are farang, it's because you have a car and thus probably have more money. Unlike where we are from where fault determines who pays. And honestly, if they are truly indigent, I wouldn't mind paying a little, unless the guy was being a real idiot on the bike. But I have 1st class insurance on all my vehicles so I don't think I will need to do this. Remember the police are not interested in distributing any fairiness, they are lazy and currupt, and only interested minimizing their work or finding a way to make money out of the situation. They are looking for the easiest sulution so they can get back to whatever they were doing before. (Ok, with maybe 1 or 2 exceptions) If you feel firmly in the right, smile a lot, politely decline/insist, and wait for your insurance guy. Never get short or angry, or you options will vanish quickly. #10
Soutpeel
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-08 14:30:35
I don't know in other parts of Thailand, but in Pattaya for sure, when ever a farang with a car get involved with a motorcycle in accident, there is only onerule: The Farang is wrong and is respansabile and have to pay all. Even if the driver of the morotcycle has no license, tax or registrationplate. Doesn't matter even if he comes the wrong way or passes the redlight, because maybe you can't aprove thet you had a green traffiglight. Beleve me, 5 motorcycle taxis will say that you past driving on the retlight, not him, they will lie and help the Local on the motorcycle. I talk here about espriences, not about law. It is like this, therefore NEVER drive any car without a correct insurance. I recomment to all car owner to buy a recording camera for your car. Easy can get in Tuk Com. This camera is very small, cost about 2'800 Baht, can fit like a GPS, on the windscreen of your car, has a 2 megabite chip inside, similar like a mobilephone. Poweplug for cigarette lighter. The recording chip overwrites automaticly when the memory is full. So you never need to delete the files as in older camera models. This investment safes you a lot of troubles when it comes to an accident. For example you have evidence when someone passes the red traffiglights or if somebody cut you in the front of your car. Of course, in case of a accident, never hand out the recordingchip to the police, only to your the insurance guy. Jeez...do your suggestions come with prescription medication for paranoia as well. ?... I have been driving here for 8 years (many thousands of km driven) and this "farang is to blame all the time" is an urban myth in my experience....Have a Thai license and have the correct insurance and you will be ok #11
Spoonman
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-08 14:42:15
I don't know in other parts of Thailand, but in Pattaya for sure, when ever a farang with a car get involved with a motorcycle in accident, there is only onerule: The Farang is wrong and is respansabile and have to pay all. Even if the driver of the morotcycle has no license, tax or registrationplate. Doesn't matter even if he comes the wrong way or passes the redlight, because maybe you can't aprove thet you had a green traffiglight. What a load of bullshit. Ive had two accidents here*, one my fault one not, i only had to sort the one i caused. *Pattaya. #12
metisdead
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-08 14:46:13
@ transam, google search: dashboard camera for cars in Thailand , for some ideas.
#13
transam
V8 RULES Posted 2009-11-08 14:50:10
I don't know in other parts of Thailand, but in Pattaya for sure, when ever a farang with a car get involved with a motorcycle in accident, there is only onerule: The Farang is wrong and is respansabile and have to pay all. Even if the driver of the morotcycle has no license, tax or registrationplate. Doesn't matter even if he comes the wrong way or passes the redlight, because maybe you can't aprove thet you had a green traffiglight. Beleve me, 5 motorcycle taxis will say that you past driving on the retlight, not him, they will lie and help the Local on the motorcycle. I talk here about espriences, not about law. It is like this, therefore NEVER drive any car without a correct insurance. I recomment to all car owner to buy a recording camera for your car. Easy can get in Tuk Com. This camera is very small, cost about 2'800 Baht, can fit like a GPS, on the windscreen of your car, has a 2 megabite chip inside, similar like a mobilephone. Poweplug for cigarette lighter. The recording chip overwrites automaticly when the memory is full. So you never need to delete the files as in older camera models. This investment safes you a lot of troubles when it comes to an accident. For example you have evidence when someone passes the red traffiglights or if somebody cut you in the front of your car. Of course, in case of a accident, never hand out the recordingchip to the police, only to your the insurance guy. Jeez...do your suggestions come with prescription medication for paranoia as well. ?... I have been driving here for 8 years (many thousands of km driven) and this "farang is to blame all the time" is an urban myth in my experience....Have a Thai license and have the correct insurance and you will be ok #14
transam
V8 RULES Posted 2009-11-08 14:53:03
@ transam, google search: dashboard camera for cars in Thailand , for some ideas. #15
mca
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-08 18:45:16
Thanks for the camera info. Unfortunately l am in the North East and l see that Tuk Com is a shopping centre in the south. There's a Tuk Com in Khon Kaen. #16
junkofdavid2
Super Member Posted 2009-11-08 19:26:27
I recomment to all car owner to buy a recording camera for your car. Easy can get in Tuk Com. This camera is very small, cost about 2'800 Baht, can fit like a GPS, on the windscreen of your car, has a 2 megabite chip inside, similar like a mobilephone. Poweplug for cigarette lighter. The recording chip overwrites automaticly when the memory is full. So you never need to delete the files as in older camera models. This investment safes you a lot of troubles when it comes to an accident. For example you have evidence when someone passes the red traffiglights or if somebody cut you in the front of your car. Of course, in case of a accident, never hand out the recordingchip to the police, only to your the insurance guy. Great idea. Anyone know where or how to get it in Bangkok? Is it simply called "dashboard camera"? How do I make sure it's the brand/model which continually records and overwrites old video? 
#17
Brigante7
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-08 22:00:21
Driving in Hua-Hin at night last year in a pick-up looking for a space to park, saw a space and so I indicated left and stopped just passed the space to paralllel park, waited for all the cars behind to pass (Plenty of room for them to pass), checked my rear view and side mirrors one last time, saw they were all clear and so started to reverse in to space using my mirrors and the next thing there is an almighty bang from the back of the truck, turns out some spotty 16 year old delivery boy on a 50cc putt-putt thought it would be a good idea to dress all in black at night and ride his bike with no lights on, needless to say the missus started panicking and going on about me remaining calm and not losing the head and that she would sort it out, fair enough I said and so she goes and speaks to the guy on the bike, turns out it isn't his bike, his is in getting repaired after he crashed it, he hasn't a licence or insurance but it's ok because the "Rich Falang" will pay for it, oh how I laughed, then I told him, through the wife that he should try switching his lights on, looking at the road ahead, not just 10 feet in front and that he's not getting a penny and he's lucky I don't call the police. In the end the wife felt sorry for him and gave him 200 baht, her money so up to her, moral of the story, stick to your guns.
Brigante7. P.S. He initialy demanded 5,000 baht, he musn't have realised I'm Scottish and so I'm tighter that a camels arse in a sandstorm. Edited by Brigante7, 2009-11-08 22:03:53. #18
pianoman
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-09 08:29:05
I have lived and driven here in Thailand / Isaan for the past 8 years... During that time have been involved in two accidents, both of which my vehicle was struck by a Thai driver, once a truck and once a motorbike... In both cases the officers had the other drivers either pay for the repairs to my vehicle, or "promise" to pay, which was the case with the motorbike driver although of the 6K baht repair bill he has only paid 2K in the last 6 months...
Both of these accidents were up here in Isaan, one in Kalasin with the local police, and one on the Highway with the "Highway" police... Pianoman #19
Pitbullman1
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-09 09:45:46
Well I've heard all of these stories before! I have been told by my Insurance that should I ever be involved in a vehicle accident, grab my keys and if possible the other driver's vehicle keys to prevent him/her from fleeing the scene, and immediately call the 24 hour Insurance service number which is on the tax disc holder on the inside of my windscreen. They will travel to the scene of the accident immediately, and sort the matter out without me being involved in making any payments or bribes.
Pay nothing! Say nothing! Edited by Pitbullman1, 2009-11-09 09:47:52. #20
eTiMaGo
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-10 21:23:59
good advice above mostly, let the insurance handle it if it's a pretty major accident. I've been in a few scrapes myself with motorcycles, once which was my fault, insurance worked it out but I did give the kid on the bike a couple thousand to cover his hospital visit and the emotional trauma...
#21
stingray
Super Member Posted 2009-11-11 00:24:43
@ transam, google search: dashboard camera for cars in Thailand , for some ideas. There is actually No brand (some kind of chinese thing). Bought it in one of the Alarm and Monitor Stores in the 3rth floor. There are differet models. I'll upload some pictures of the item tomorrow. #22
Bobr
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-13 06:49:00
No it's not true. I managed to hit a police officer on a motorcycle. The only thing they demanded to know was whether or not I had been drinking (I had not). After that they were downright civil, even polite about the whole thing. It was handled by Insurance, and I don't know if any money was paid. The best protection you can have is GOOD insurance from A good and reputable company. They will come to the scene immediately. Do not buy cheap insurance, it's worthless paper.
#23
MrWiggle
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-13 09:44:59
Had an accident, not my fault, another car hit my rear.
I was driving on another country licence. No problems with insurance or police. The other party asked for us to do the 'nice' thing and as I could afford it and they could not....admit to being wrong and then my insurance would cover it all. I said....fcuk you sunshine, your fault, you pay. #24
quiksilva
Posted 2009-11-13 13:02:53
Been in a few accidents over the years, only one was my fault, and never had to pay out of pocket when I was innocent (apart from the cost of a replacement rental car while mine was being fixed)
#25
junkofdavid2
Super Member Posted 2009-11-16 12:10:05
@ transam, google search: dashboard camera for cars in Thailand , for some ideas. There is actually No brand (some kind of chinese thing). Bought it in one of the Alarm and Monitor Stores in the 3rth floor. There are differet models. I'll upload some pictures of the item tomorrow. Hello Stingray! Any pictures yet? I wana get one for my car... although I live in Bangkok, I can look for something similar. |
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