SONGKRAN ROAD CHECKPOINTS

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I have just driven from Korat to Buriram. Along the route I counted 23 temporary checkpoints. These comprise a large plastic canopy beneath which are tables and chairs and the "cannot do without" TV. 2 checkpoints were unmanned, 1 had only one person who was asleep across the table whilst the remainder were "staffed" by between 2 and a dozen or so assorted men and women.

As I drove past each checkpoint I noticed that not one person was observing the traffic. they were talking, eating and/or watching television.

Shouldn't they be stopping cars at random, and the numerous motorbikes where the driver and passenger(s) are not wearing helmets?. Well they did not!

Can anyone tell me what the point of these "checkpoints" is other than yet another scam for the incumbents to be paid for supposedly working!

[Dave the Dude]

Were do I sign up?

[Vombatus]

No point at all.

[manupete]

NICK,NICK,NICK  .......ever thought about joining the Tourist Police   

[Dave the Dude]

"for the incumbents to be paid for supposedly working"

I work for the Lord and do more than ceremonial duties. 666

Look around you!

[nookiebear]

Are these actually all 'checkpoints' OR 'Rest Areas'......As water is available to anyone who needs it

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Are these actually all 'checkpoints' OR 'Rest Areas'......As water is available to anyone who needs it

Some have a notice showing "Checkpoint", others have nothing. If they are Rest Areas why are they not designated as such? And besides not only are most  situate in locations where to stop and "rest" would be dangerous. but there is no forewarning, and you are past them before you know it.

If indeed some are Rest Areas, why does it need so many people to dispense water? There are plenty of 7/11's and other convenience shops, most of which have toilets which are equally as important as water!

What is needed over Songkran and New Year is random checks of cars and motorbikes, for licences, insurance, helmets, and alcohol drinking drivers. and anyone not complying with the law will have their vehicles impounded.

Penalties should not be 100/200bt but 10,000/20.000bt + loss of licence in many cases. That would make people obey the law, and there would be a few more people alive next week!

[nookiebear]

My info ;re rest areas comes from the local obertor boss who speaks very good English

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Why waste officials time and government money handing out water -if that is indeed what they do. Wouldn't it be better to empower them to stop vehicles, check for licences etc, and ensure the drivers are not under the influence of alcohol and that all motorcyclists are wearing helmets?

Let them take their own bloody water. I DO!!!

[nookiebear]

The problem is most of these 'villiage idiots' who sit at these places in their uniforms & big boots dont have the brains of a jellybaby between them....It sis all to do with getting 'paid for doing nothing'