My Thai
In many places Britain is seen as the home of ‘scooter culture’ but, as Stan discovered on his recent trip to Thailand, there’s plenty of room for variety on a theme.
In many places Britain’s seen as the home of ‘scooter culture’ but, as Stan discovered on his recent trip to Thailand, there’s plenty of room for variety on a theme.
THE DEALER’ S STORY
I’ve visited many scooter dealerships over the years but nothing had prepared me for Watchara Marine and its affable owner Taned (aka ‘Mr Oui’).
Describing Watchara Marine as one of Pattaya’s largest motorcycle dealers is missing the point entirely. This is a unique dealership and one that reflects Thailand’s unique approach to two-wheeled fun. There’s no doubt that Taned has a clear philosophy and it’s one that will resonate with many British scooterists. “I believe that social media has been misused,” he began. “It should have been a force for good, uniting people and enabling them to organise their lives. Instead it’s driven them apart and become a substitute for real life experiences. I want to bring people back into the real world, to have real experiences and form real friendships. Out of friendship comes respect and respect is the most important quality on Earth. My dream is that if my customers stick a pin in a map I should be able to provide the means to get them there.”
Looking around the showroom he’s close to achieving that ambition. His Scomadi display was impressive but it was a line of jet skis that first caught my attention. Around another corner was a selection of all-terrain buggies while elsewhere, canoes, windsurfers and surf boards were seeking new owners. All of this was set against a backdrop that wouldn’t be out of place in central London, New York or Milan.
As we sat at his coffee bar, Taned explained why his business operates this way. “Thailand is very different to Europe,” he began. “We don’t take long holidays. Here it’s mostly about the weekend and family activities. I’m proud to say that a community has formed around Watchara Marine. One weekend we’ll go sailing, another we’ll go off road and after that maybe to the beach. It’s a lifestyle that starts with purchasing a motorcycle but becomes much more.” When I pointed out that many of the ‘toys’ on offer were out of most consumers’ reach, Taned is quick to t correct me. “I remember being a young man with not n much money but a big sense of adventure. Most things t can be rented and if the customer needs some s help we can provide instructors.”
Another innovation is the showroom’s exterior. The building is on several levels, each linked by a series of ramps and open spaces. “These give new riders confidence,” said Taned. “Many dealers teach the basics in an open yard but that’s not reality. Here we practice hill starts, tight corners and even how to pick a bike up should it be dropped.”
As a group gathered outside the shop for a Saturday S afternoon ride-out to the beach I was surprised to see everything from 50 cc scooters to high-powered sports bikes. It’s a mixture not often encountered in the UK but, as Taned explained :“In Thailand it doesn’t matter what someone rides, so long as they ride with passion.” When I pointed out hat there was one method of transport missing from Watchara Marine inventory, Taned laughed and replied: “Actually we do have an aircraft, I just can’t land it at the showroom!”