Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Thailand News clippings => Topic started by: Admin on April 13, 2011, 10:18:46 AM
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Total of 59 Deaths So Far During Songkran Holiday
Tan Network 2011-04-13
In the "7 Dangerous Days" campaign during the Songkran holiday, a total of 59 deaths have resulted from road accidents. Authorities are reporting that 893 accidents have caused 976 injuries.
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Thats a lot less than previous years
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It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?
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It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?
29 on the first day,30 on the second day .Lets hope it stays low for the next 5 days pray1
Last year the death toll for the 7 days was 361( I believe ) :(
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It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?
Last year the death toll for the 7 days was 361( I believe ) :(
That was indeed the figure quoted....How accurate is it??
Far more traffic on the 24 overnight & this morning...........Already had to big bangs at the traffic lights in Nong Ki!!
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Songkran road toll rises to 116
Published: 14/04/2011 at 12:13 PM
Bangkok Post:Online news:
A total of 116 people were killed and 1,760 injured in 1,626 road accidents from April 11 to 13, the first three days of the “seven Songkran dangerous days”, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Thursday.
On Wednesday, 733 road accidents took place, killing 57 people and injuring 784 others, according to the department.
The department reported road toll at 59 yesterday.
Drunk driving and speeding were major causes of the accident, said Phaichit Warachit, permanent secretary for public health and vice chairman of the road safety centre.
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Most roads leading out of Buriram are now being upgraded to 4 lanes. Parts are complete. But the majority of drivers will not keep to the nearside, even when there is nothing in front of them. Flash them and they won't budge. This necessitates overtaking on the inside but some will overtake on the outside using the oncoming lane, which is highly dangerous. Saw a lot of this yesterday.
In addition, in every town/village between Buriram and Korat, dozens of kids/youths -most drunk - were playing with water - occupying most of the road, and causing havoc with their childish games. One yobbo was standing on a chair in the middle of a 2 lane road with a hosepipe. I powered towards him with headlights on full. Never seen anyone move so quickly! Took his chair with him! runningdog
Is it any wonder that the accident and death rate is so high?
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Most roads leading out of Buriram are now being upgraded to 4 lanes. Parts are complete. But the majority of drivers will not keep to the nearside, even when there is nothing in front of them. Flash them and they won't budge. This necessitates overtaking on the inside but some will overtake on the outside using the oncoming lane, which is highly dangerous. Saw a lot of this yesterday.
In addition, in every town/village between Buriram and Korat, dozens of kids/youths -most drunk - were playing with water - occupying most of the road, and causing havoc with their childish games. One yobbo was standing on a chair in the middle of a 2 lane road with a hosepipe. I powered towards him with headlights on full. Never seen anyone move so quickly! Took his chair with him! runningdog
Is it any wonder that the accident and death rate is so high?
Not when it is potential manslaughter - as in your case ! bike038
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I was awaiting that response from someone.
let me assure you and anyone else that not knowing what his reaction would be,I was in full control of my vehicle, and had ample time to come to a complete halt if necessary.
The point I wanted to make was that not everyone out and about wanted to play stupid games. I had a 350km return journey to make, and could not be arsed with clowns. There is one thing in playing with water pistols from the side of the road and quite another in taking control of the road, If the police were not prepared to take action (I doubt they would have even had the been there) , then as usual, I am prepared to take vigilante action. I think I scared the shit out of him, but can assure all that never was he in any danger.
Songkran and the water festivities are all fine if played by willing people, Not everyone should be targeted, and all major roads should be no play areas in my view.
Normally I would not venture out over the holiday period, but I had no choice this year!
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I am sure that the clarification was not necessary - and I can vouch for your driving skills.
I also agree that Songkran (the water throwing version) should not be compulsory and roads (other than in town and in the village) should be freely passable.
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The clarification may have been necessary for others.
As you know I do not suffer fools lightly. slapfight swordfight
The whole Songkran saga (10 days in Pattaya) proves to me what a country Thailand really is. Take away Songkran and I love it! party5
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I believe it should be better controlled and not held on Major Roads.
When are they going to stop telling us what we already know?
Have a safe Songkran everyone
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The clarification may have been necessary for others.
As you know I do not suffer fools lightly. slapfight swordfight
The whole Songkran saga (10 days in Pattaya) proves to me what a country Thailand really is. Take away Songkran and I love it! party5
Edited by Admin.
Any particular reason ?
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It seems an expression was used that was one step up from banana!!!
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It seems an expression was used that was one step up from banana!!!
hahaha :)
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It seems an expression was used that was one step up from banana!!!
Monkey ???
Mai khao jai !
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You will have to use your imagination Coco - in the context of what I wrote
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You will have to use your imagination Coco - in the context of what I wrote
In the context of what you wrote "fcuked up" would fit
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Ah but would it relate to bananas......................Don't answer that! party3
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Ah but would it relate to bananas......................Don't answer that! party3
Anything from "fantastic" to "Third World" would seem to fit.
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Indeed!
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Indeed!
Another 'non-answer' !!!
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I do not wish to incur Admin's wrath. Perhaps the latter would fit the bill.
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I do not wish to incur Admin's wrath. Perhaps the latter would fit the bill.
3rd world country.
I thought somebody may be offended by it. slapfight
Maybe I was too fast. love5
Apologies. snow1
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I think most members (Nookie might say -except Jimbo) are made of sterner stuff. You can never please everyone Admin wave1
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Perhaps a little off topic, but the never ending water throwing which led to the use of the phrase Third World Country, has led me to look into the various meanings of the term. Some members might appreciate this response I found:
What make Thailand a Third World Country? (perhaps should be the subject of a separate post)
1) some people that have power in Thailand only care about themselves; they are not prepared to invest in a first class educational system that would be necessary to have people that can make Thailand a 'first world' country. I teach in a university in the first world and there are hardly any Thai students compared to the huge number that come from China - also the Chinese students study a lot more diligently than the Thai students who seem to spend most of their time with other Thai students cooking food for themselves and their friends and generally avoiding studying.
2) Thailand's culture places a great deal of importance on 'sanook'. If hard work gets in the way of sanook then sanook wins. Maybe this is OK in some ways but to be a first world country people have to be prepared to work really hard (as well as being educated).
3) Thai culture is quite fatalistic meaning people take the attitude that 'what will be will be'; karma. In a first world country people work to make their destiny and don't leave it to fate.
4) Thai people like to criticise people if they 'kit mak'. Unfortunately, to build a first world country and keep it as a first world country quite a lot of serious thinking is required in terms of planning and in Thailand thinking seriously about things is uncool.
5) Kon Thai chob gin kanom - I mean financial snacks. With so much corruption it is hard to invest in the economy to make it grow because so much money has to be spent to make politicans, police, army happy so they don't take away a businesses licence or make some other problem for business.
6) Thailand isn't a meritocracy - living in Thailand all about who you know - how can friends help you. All countries have some of this but in first world countries there is more opportunity for genuinely talented people to get to the top of society without being born into an important family. In a first world country people generally get jobs and are promoted based on merit/skill/talent rather because of who they know.
7) In Thailand the military is very powerful. A country can never be a first world country if the military is so strong that they can remove a democratically elected government.
8) Maybe you are not like this but many Thai people do not like to receive advice and suggestions from foreigners about the problems that they need to solve to become more successful. Rama V employed many foreigners to help modernise Thailand but nowdays the view of many is that the only people who should look at and discuss Thailand's problems are Thai people.
wildman
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Very interesting Nick,very true too
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An interesting description of Thai culture. It makes it all the more remarkable that the number of fatalities this Songkran is so far lower than previous years (to get back to topic!).
The sanook and non-confrontational aspects of Thai culture are high up among the reasons why most farangs like living here. Turn Thailand into a 'first-world' country, and I guess we wouldn't like it any more!
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I dont think the traffic this year along the 24 has been nearly as heavy as the last 3 years!
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Just wait till the weekend Nookie. Everyone will be returning over 2 days. Many made a whole week of the holiday so travel was staggered from last Friday till Tuesday.
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The sanook and non-confrontational aspects of Thai culture are high up among the reasons why most farangs like living here. Turn Thailand into a 'first-world' country, and I guess we wouldn't like it any more!
Not really sure those are the reasons. More importantly perhaps are the cost of living, the weather and for most of us the Thai women!
I believe many farangs would like to see more attention paid to law and order, especially when lack of it endangers them and their families personally.
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I agree, Nick, that cost of living, weather, and women (or boys) are the attractions which make us come here. But I think when we are here, the sanook and non-confrontational attitudes are things which make life more pleasant.
Yes, indeed, we would like to see better law enforcement.
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i'LL HAVE A JOB TO WAIT UNTIL THE WEEKEND!!
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An interesting description of Thai culture. It makes it all the more remarkable that the number of fatalities this Songkran is so far lower than previous years (to get back to topic!).
The sanook and non-confrontational aspects of Thai culture are high up among the reasons why most farangs like living here. Turn Thailand into a 'first-world' country, and I guess we wouldn't like it any more!
Maybe "Second-World country" is a happy compromise for all ? Especially, if it starts to take out corruption and introduce 'more appropriate' education.
Certainly worthy of a separate topic and if 'Thai bashing' can be avoided we could see a balanced view of the Farang appraisal of Thais/Thailand.
Not that it really matters - as mentioned earlier, third party views are not usually welcome,.
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The Second World is Communism, isn't it?
Death toll 148 after four days... sounds not so bad as usual (can't really say 'good'!).
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Songkran road toll rises to 188
Published: 16/04/2011 at 11:54 AM
Bangkok Post: Online news: Local News
A total of 188 people were killed and 2,786 others injured in road accidents from April 11 to 15, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Saturday.
On Friday, 40 people were killed and 470 others injured in 443 road accidents, according to the department.
The department reported the road toll for the first four days of the “seven dangerous days” of Songkran festival at 148 yesterday.
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Good news again compared with what it might have been. About 30% down on last year.
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NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Revellers set new 'human wave' record
By OLARN LERTRATANADAMRONGKUL,
SOMPOCH SOMBAT
The Nation 2011-04-16
More than 50,000 people counted at Khon Kaen party; road toll down 30%
At 7pm yesterday, some 50,208 people got together to break the Guinness World Record by taking part in the Human Waves NOAL World Record on Khao Niew Road as part of the Songkran celebrations in Khon Kaen.
Infrared devices placed at both ends of the road counted the number of participants.
A similar record was broken on this very road last year, when 42,652 people took part in creating the human wave, which is part of the campaign to ensure a booze-free Songkran, explained Nirut Utha, director of the centre for limiting alcohol consumption. This "human wave" phenomenon was first held in 2009.
This year's participants were crowded in a 800-square-metre part of the road, while another 50,000 revellers celebrated the events nearby.
Meanwhile, some 148 deaths and 2,316 injuries have been reported after four of the "seven dangerous days of Songkran", road safety officials said yesterday.
The death toll was 64 lower or 30 per cent down on the previous year. The number of people injured was down by 418 or 15 per cent.
The number of accidents - 2,141 - was down by 374 or 15 per cent, Kamol Rodklai, deputy permanent secretary for Education, told a press conference yesterday.
Bangkok topped the four-day death toll with eight, followed by Suphan Buri and Chiang Mai, which both recorded seven deaths.
Nakhon Si Thammarat had the most injuries with 103, followed by Chiang Rai with 100. Nakhon Si Thammarat had the most accidents at 97, trailed by Chiang Rai at 93, he said.
Kamol said on Thursday alone, there were 515 accidents, which killed 32 people and injured 556 people across the country.
Drunk drivers were still the major cause of accidents at 45 per cent, and 81 per cent of crashes involved motorcycles, he said.
The major cause of injuries and deaths in the North and Northeast was drunk driving at 50 per cent, while in the Central region travelling without wearing safety helmets was the prime concern (42 per cent). So, police had been told to strictly enforce motoring laws to deter people from driving over the speed limit, driving while drunk or riding without helmets.
"We've told bus transport companies to provide two drivers per bus if the bus travels more than 400 kilometres - so they can take turns driving.
"And all drivers are not allowed to drink alcohol. Anyone violates the ban will be jailed for up to three months or face fines of Bt2,000-Bt10,000. Moreover, [bus] companies will be fined Bt40,000 as well, which will affect renewal of transport licences," Kamol added.
Vocational institutions have set up 250 centres to help provide vehicle checks and basic repairs on primary and secondary roads nationwide free of charge. People were told to call 1156 for information about these.
With Songkran, the traditional New Year festival, officially ending yesterday, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and bus companies are offering extra trips to help travellers get back to Bangkok this weekend.
SRT will add 12 Bangkok-bound train trips from the North and Northeast to support an expected 40,000 passengers per day from Saturday to Monday (April 16-18), SRT public relations division chief Nuanla-ong Wongchan said.
The extra train trips include the 962 departing Sila-ard at 7.30pm, arriving in Bangkok at 04.45am; the 976 departing Si Sa Ket at 4.30pm, arriving in Bangkok at 3.30am; the 936 leaving Udon Thani at 8.40pm and arriving in Bangkok at 8.30am; and the 934 from Ubon Ratchathani, leaving at 7.45pm and arriving in Bangkok at 8.10am.
The SRT had over 250 train trips for travellers for this year's Songkran break, she said, but reminded passengers to beware of thieves and not to hang on to steps while travelling due to the risk of injury from falling off moving trains.
Holiday-makers were seen queuing up to buy tickets for Bangkok and elsewhere at the bus station in the southern transport hub of Hat Yai. Tickets for all 35 buses scheduled daily for Bangkok from Hat Yai were fully booked till today (Sunday). This prompted the state Transport Co to prepare extra buses so people would not be stranded. In the northeast province of Si Sa Ket, private bus firms were also reported to have added eight more daily trips.
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229 people were killed in traffic accidents in the first six of the 'seven dangerous days', a decrease of about 30% on last year's figure. This is pretty amazing considering the Government were only targeting a 5% decrease.
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I HEAR ON THE NEWS IN BKK, THAT SONGKRAN WAS DECLARED THE BIGGEST WATER GAME IN THE WORLD, NOW IN THE GUINESS BOOK OF RECORDS.
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229 people were killed in traffic accidents in the first six of the 'seven dangerous days', a decrease of about 30% on last year's figure. This is pretty amazing considering the Government were only targeting a 5% decrease.
Since the average daily fatality rate from road accidents throughout the year is somewhere between 40 and 50, this is pretty good.
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Certainly worthy of a separate topic and if 'Thai bashing' can be avoided we could see a balanced view of the Farang appraisal of Thais/Thailand.
HA! HA! That would be a trick, Ray. The subjectivity would never be compromised. wildman
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229 people were killed in traffic accidents in the first six of the 'seven dangerous days', a decrease of about 30% on last year's figure. This is pretty amazing considering the Government were only targeting a 5% decrease.
Since the average daily fatality rate from road accidents throughout the year is somewhere between 40 and 50, this is pretty good.
YEP! QUITE THE SUCCESSFUL SONGKRAN IT WAS!!!
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I HEAR ON THE NEWS IN BKK, THAT SONGKRAN WAS DECLARED THE BIGGEST WATER GAME IN THE WORLD, NOW IN THE GUINESS BOOK OF RECORDS.
Thailand Breaks Guinness World Record for Water Pistol Fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Y-m31sL28#)
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Trivia are of course always more sanook than road fatalities,,, which this thread is supposed to be about. Total for the seven days was 271, 25% down on last year. We should congratulate the authorities for the measures they took (which must have had some effect).
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One of those 271 must be the Thai Guy who lives nearly opposite me,,,,,,He rode this old m/c selling ice cream ,it never had a light front or back.They are just fetching his body from Buriram Hospital
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Sad, Nookie. The one who lives nearby always makes you feel worse than a hundred in Bangkok.
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Sad, Nookie. The one who lives nearby always makes you feel worse than a hundred in Bangkok.
Very True IB..........I've lost count of the times I had seen him riding along the 24 in the pitch black
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Damn, but why didn't you warn him, Thais don't see the danger most of the time, if I see a (Thai) friend with broken lights I always inform them and hope they do something with the information.
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Damn, but why didn't you warn him, Thais don't see the danger most of the time, if I see a (Thai) friend with broken lights I always inform them and hope they do something with the information.
DB,I told him so many times you wouldn't believe it..........I told my lass also,,,her reply ,'you not understand Thailand ,Up to him!!!'.......
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There is really no excuse for this. Thailand is negligent and has no policy for road safety. Vietnam is spending millions of dollars bringing in experts! I have given lectures all over the word in roads safety yet Thailand doers not respond.
It costs the country millions in hidden costs so it is in Thailands interest to sort this problem. This is of course applying logic but Thailand does not have proper politicians with the long term interest of the country at heart!
It all goes back to corruption; if no money can be made for it, instantly then forget it. And, what's in it for me attitude!
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It's not as good news as you'd think! Thailand is well known for manipulating RTA statistics. The WHO and UN have clearly laid out templates for collecting such DATA but Thailand doesn't use this. As an example, anyone who dies within 30 days of an RTA is recognised as an RTA. However, Thailand doesn't adhere to this. Add to that many RTA's go unrecorded with illegal drivers and vehicles they are unlikely to call the authorities after an accident!
The UN/WHO believe Thailand (as well as others) massage the figures by about 30%. Is is a co-incidence that Thailand has just published a 30% improvement? Which means nothing has changed!
If Thailand allowed internationally trained Road Safety Specialists (like me) to take part in the process then the real figures would come out!
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So what your saying Jamie is the figures could be wrong every year then :blink:, and then be used by the Government in power to show they are doing a good job when if fact it's the same or even worst than before. :ohmy:
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There is the truth for public consumption and the real truth! Quite common. I worked in an Arabic country for 5 years and they refused to adhere to UN/WHO conditions for the same reasons.
It is not all done with malice but it's about control. It is very difficult for the Thai Government to gain proper realistic statistics. However, Thailand will not allow international observers, such as me. I have contacted them and offered help but I've not had the dignity or decency of a reply. So I provide this service to other countries in Asia! Like most things in Thai society, nothing scares them more than the truth!
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I don't believe the statistics either, nor do I think anybody believes Thai statistics. What I think may well be true, however, is that the statistics every year are biassed in much the same way, so the year-to-year comparison is a reasonable one. But I wouldn't put any money on it!
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Damn, but why didn't you warn him, Thais don't see the danger most of the time, if I see a (Thai) friend with broken lights I always inform them and hope they do something with the information.
DB,I told him so many times you wouldn't believe it..........I told my lass also,,,her reply ,'you not understand Thailand ,Up to him!!!'.......
Absolutely true. You are wasting your time giving any advice to a Thai. They know better than anyone.
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Have been watching M/c's come & go tonight,so many with no rear lights!!
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Damn, but why didn't you warn him, Thais don't see the danger most of the time, if I see a (Thai) friend with broken lights I always inform them and hope they do something with the information.
DB,I told him so many times you wouldn't believe it..........I told my lass also,,,her reply ,'you not understand Thailand ,Up to him!!!'.......
Is your wife's englisch that bad Nookie? mhihi
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My wifes English appears to be better than your own!! punk punk
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
Tolerance, my friend. knuppel2
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Is it November the 5th already?
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Is it November the 5th already?
...behave
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
The only thing worse than a 3 day funeral is a 5 day funeral.....that Violin Music tends to grate after a day or two !!!!
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
The only thing worse than a 3 day funeral is a 5 day funeral.....that Violin Music tends to grate after a day or two !!!!
I rather enjoy the first day of it, but 3-5 days is OTT. Consider the benefits though, one can always crash the drinking get-togethers that accompany every bladdy sort of tamboon. party16
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A friend of mine is presently in Vietnam carrying out a Road safety audit for the Government. He has terminated the audit as the figures had been clearly massaged!
A report will be sent to the UN/WHO and recommendations. However, at least you have to give it to Vietnam for trying and allowing this. Thailand is insular and won't allow independent verification.
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
The only thing worse than a 3 day funeral is a 5 day funeral.....that Violin Music tends to grate after a day or two !!!!
I rather enjoy the first day of it, but 3-5 days is OTT. Consider the benefits though, one can always crash the drinking get-togethers that accompany every bladdy sort of tamboon. party16
And don't forget the Gambling nono
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
The only thing worse than a 3 day funeral is a 5 day funeral.....that Violin Music tends to grate after a day or two !!!!
I rather enjoy the first day of it, but 3-5 days is OTT. Consider the benefits though, one can always crash the drinking get-togethers that accompany every bladdy sort of tamboon. party16
And don't forget the Gambling nono
They won't, that's for sure.
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My ears are hurting ,,,,,I hope they burn this guy soon
The only thing worse than a 3 day funeral is a 5 day funeral.....that Violin Music tends to grate after a day or two !!!!
I rather enjoy the first day of it, but 3-5 days is OTT. Consider the benefits though, one can always crash the drinking get-togethers that accompany every bladdy sort of tamboon. party16
And don't forget the Gambling nono
They won't, that's for sure.
Only after a family member has paid the right amount not to be raided ::)
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25 percent fewer deaths this Songkran
By The Nation
The Nation 2011-04-23
The death toll from road accidents during the "seven dangerous days" of Songkran this year showed a 25percent drop compared with the period last year.
The director of the Road Safety Centre, Dr Thanapong Jinwong, said yesterday that 271 had been killed this year compared with 361 during last Songkran.
"The numbers of road accidents and of victims with serious injuries have also dropped."
He said the number of road accidents had dropped from 3,516 to 3,215, and victims with serious injuries from 3,802 to just 3,476.
Thanapong said the number of accidents had dropped because relevant officials and organisations had strictly enforced laws against drunk driving, speeding and the failure to wear crash helmets.
Drunk driving accounted for 38.7 per cent of the road accidents during this Songkran, while speeding was blamed for 20.5 per cent and 15.6 per cent were related to reckless driving by motorcyclists.
Up to 4,910,038 vehicles, or 497,159 more than last year, were flagged down for checks this Songkran. Of the vehicles stopped, 646,837 were fined for violating traffic rules, including 202,956 motorcyclists who were caught not wearing crash helmets.
Thanapong hopes that safety campaigns and strict law enforcement will ensure that all motorcyclists and passengers wear crash helmets.
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If the 646,837 motorists who were fined for violating traffic rules, including 202,956 motorcyclists who were caught not wearing crash helmets were given hefty penalties - 10,000bt+ with licences suspended for anything other than trivial offences, then not only would the money collected have paid for the Police overtime over the holiday period, but might - just might make the law breakers think twice about breaking the law again. Net result - fewer accidents and less lives lost.
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The true measure of any campaign is its success1 These figures cannot be believed and in any case why do people today still drink and drive and still not wear helmets? Quire simple. the deterrent does not work.
Road Safety is a complex subject however, those countries that adopt the UK formula of the 3 'E's, Education, Engineering and Enforcement; in that sequence with the correct balance, will have success. All 3 are either weak or non - existent in Thailand!