The Pitfalls, Loopholes and Risks of Riding a Motorbike in Thailand [S6.E35]

Greg and Ed take up the somewhat grim topic of motorbike
accidents in Thailand. As this episode is essentially the
Songkran episode for this year, the timing could not be more
appropriate because more people die in road accidents during the
'7 dangerous days' around the holiday than during any other time
of the year.


Ed takes the lead and tries to break down the situation. First,
Thai roads in general are just more dangerous than almost
anywhere in the world, most likely due to lax enforcement of
driving laws. So even if you are not on a motorbike, be very
aware anytime you are near or crossing roads. Second, riding on
the back of motorbikes is extremely common throughout the
country, but especially in Bangkok and on tourist islands. But
commonsense reveals that on a motorbike, you are considerably
less protected than when in a proper automobile.


Next, many foreigners choose to rent motorbikes and drive them
themselves. This creates additional risk, unless you are someone
very familiar with operating motorbikes or motorcycles. To make
matters even worse, for many different reasons, health insurance
often does not cover injuries that are a result of motorbike
accidents. Possible reasons include blanket exceptions, not
wearing a helmet, or not being properly licensed. The result can
turn a dream holiday into a literal health and financial
nightmare for tourists and expats (as well as their families).
Read this story that Greg's friend Karla wrote for CNN about her
motorbike-from-hell story when she first visited Thailand.


The Bangkok Podcast implores listeners to tell all their friends
visiting Thailand to either avoid motorbikes entirely or to
guarantee they have proper health insurance coverage. 


Have fun this holiday but always be safe. :) 


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