Life in the farce lane

When will Thailand ever take traffic laws seriously?

Last week, a lady was killed while walking across the street with the green light for pedestrians in Chiang Mai’s Nong Hoi district. A songthaew driver struck and killed her.

The enforcement of traffic rules is nonexistent. What do I care for police checkpoints who target motorcycle drivers not wearing helmets? I care about drivers who run red lights, who do not stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, who create three or four lanes when there are only two, who make right-hand turns from the far left lane. The list is endless.

Having just returned from Yangon, I saw drivers there coming to a stop when the traffic lights turned orange. My guide explained that there were heavy fines for failure to stop. Consequently, everyone stopped. No 200 baht and off you go nonsense. I know it (traffic law enforcement) can be done here — but will it ?

AFRAID TO CROSS THE STREET