Seriously, how bad will it be over Songkran?
- Thread starter yychow0812
- Start date
Hi Brian, the simple answer to your question is that, that man is missing riding with you.
present thread is about what to do with the bike during Songkran, that's why I am on bicycle s and scooters.
present thread is about what to do with the bike during Songkran, that's why I am on bicycle s and scooters.
Day 3 Songkran Madness: 173 dead!
Charupong cracks whip over road toll
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/345390/death-toll-from-holiday-break-on-the-rise
Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has ordered officials to put more effort into reducing the death toll from accidents during the Songkran holiday, as revellers will soon be on the roads again on their way back home.
The instruction came after officials reported the number of deaths is on its way to breaking last year's record.
From Thursday to Saturday, or close to halfway through the ``seven dangerous days'', 173 motorists had been killed, the Road Safety Centre reported. In the first three days of Songkran in 2011, the centre had recorded 144 deaths.
The "seven dangerous days" campaign ends on Wednesday.
Last year 320 motorists died during the seven-day holiday period. Before Songkran began this year, the government vowed to bring down the toll.
Mr Charupong told officials in a video conference to all provinces to adopt better measures to reduce the figure, but he said no one would be punished if provinces failed to do so.
The minister stressed the need to better regulate traffic on main highways as 70% of the 1,447 road accidents over the three days had taken place on main roads.
"I want to insist that those provinces which have a high number of accidents and deaths find measures to prevent more loss of life," he said.
Some people are expected to return to Bangkok and other working places from their hometowns on Monday.
Government offices will open on Wednesday after the official holiday announced by the government ends on Tuesday. Many businesses will still be closed on Wednesday.
The government deployed almost 70,000 officials and set up 2,339 checkpoints across the country during the holiday.
On Saturday, 72 people were killed and 688 injured in 656 accidents.
Nakhon Si Thammarat had the highest number of accidents at 25.
Prachuap Khiri Khan was the next worst province with a death toll of five. The highest number of injuries, 27, was recorded in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The only province without road accidents was Trat.
Almost half of the accidents were caused by drunk driving, followed by 24.09% from speeding and 15.55% from dangerous driving on motorcycles.
Most of the accidents, 82%, involved motorcycles, followed by 10.36% for pickup trucks and 4.14% for private cars or taxis.
People across the country were still celebrating Songkran on Sunday in popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and major centres in other provinces. Officials expect the celebration, which peaked on Saturday, Thailand's traditional New Year, will continue on Monday in some places.
Charupong cracks whip over road toll
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/345390/death-toll-from-holiday-break-on-the-rise
Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has ordered officials to put more effort into reducing the death toll from accidents during the Songkran holiday, as revellers will soon be on the roads again on their way back home.
The instruction came after officials reported the number of deaths is on its way to breaking last year's record.
From Thursday to Saturday, or close to halfway through the ``seven dangerous days'', 173 motorists had been killed, the Road Safety Centre reported. In the first three days of Songkran in 2011, the centre had recorded 144 deaths.
The "seven dangerous days" campaign ends on Wednesday.
Last year 320 motorists died during the seven-day holiday period. Before Songkran began this year, the government vowed to bring down the toll.
Mr Charupong told officials in a video conference to all provinces to adopt better measures to reduce the figure, but he said no one would be punished if provinces failed to do so.
The minister stressed the need to better regulate traffic on main highways as 70% of the 1,447 road accidents over the three days had taken place on main roads.
"I want to insist that those provinces which have a high number of accidents and deaths find measures to prevent more loss of life," he said.
Some people are expected to return to Bangkok and other working places from their hometowns on Monday.
Government offices will open on Wednesday after the official holiday announced by the government ends on Tuesday. Many businesses will still be closed on Wednesday.
The government deployed almost 70,000 officials and set up 2,339 checkpoints across the country during the holiday.
On Saturday, 72 people were killed and 688 injured in 656 accidents.
Nakhon Si Thammarat had the highest number of accidents at 25.
Prachuap Khiri Khan was the next worst province with a death toll of five. The highest number of injuries, 27, was recorded in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The only province without road accidents was Trat.
Almost half of the accidents were caused by drunk driving, followed by 24.09% from speeding and 15.55% from dangerous driving on motorcycles.
Most of the accidents, 82%, involved motorcycles, followed by 10.36% for pickup trucks and 4.14% for private cars or taxis.
People across the country were still celebrating Songkran on Sunday in popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and major centres in other provinces. Officials expect the celebration, which peaked on Saturday, Thailand's traditional New Year, will continue on Monday in some places.
Much ado about nothing I reckon- just ride as you normally do, assuming everyone is out to kill you, and you'll do just fine 
On the ~9km ride from my house to Mulligans on Sukhumvit Soi 11 we got hit twice, and it felt great!
Of course, as the afternoon wore on things got crazier, but we were on foot for all of that.
Once the sun goes down and temperatures drop the water play pretty much stops. Rode home without getting splashed once.
Sawasdee Pii Mai Krup! Happy New Year everyone! :happy1:
On the ~9km ride from my house to Mulligans on Sukhumvit Soi 11 we got hit twice, and it felt great!
Of course, as the afternoon wore on things got crazier, but we were on foot for all of that.
Once the sun goes down and temperatures drop the water play pretty much stops. Rode home without getting splashed once.
Sawasdee Pii Mai Krup! Happy New Year everyone! :happy1:
Today, normally the last of the big days for Songkran in Chiang Mai.
Called at Keiths house bright and early, my Nouvo SX
Keith modern stable, he has more bikes round the corner.
Keith leading on the Nouvo Elegance and his visiting friend on his CRF 250, me bringing up the tail on the Nouvo SX.
A brisk pace around the town, no hazards and around the Samoeng loop. Little bit cool, some views, air felt clean, first stop the usual photo point by the police box.
Then as usual on to the viewpoint, the little bikes buzzing along, very free and easy riding, full speed around most of the corners, Keith elbows down.
Not the most organised of shots at the viewpoint
And on the the X Centre for coffee, successfully dodging a couple of youngsters whose aim with the buckets was not too good.
Then to Sausage King for a great breakfast. On the way a few happy revellers, with the money trees etc, some gentle water fighting of the more respectful kind, but we all got through with barely a drop, now warming up, so would not have minded a bit, having protected the valuables.
Home from there by 10.30am. No problems on the way.
So over Songkran, I have managed to get in one serious journey, a couple of days before, and have had early outings each of the 3 main days with no worries. In fact on a scooter, if you know what is going to happen, keep safe your phone etc, and when you see the water ahead, slow down, develop a few dodging techniques and enjoy the cooling, it can be fun.
Happy New Year and stay safe on those 'normal' days on the road.
Called at Keiths house bright and early, my Nouvo SX
Keith modern stable, he has more bikes round the corner.
Keith leading on the Nouvo Elegance and his visiting friend on his CRF 250, me bringing up the tail on the Nouvo SX.
A brisk pace around the town, no hazards and around the Samoeng loop. Little bit cool, some views, air felt clean, first stop the usual photo point by the police box.
Then as usual on to the viewpoint, the little bikes buzzing along, very free and easy riding, full speed around most of the corners, Keith elbows down.
Not the most organised of shots at the viewpoint
And on the the X Centre for coffee, successfully dodging a couple of youngsters whose aim with the buckets was not too good.
Then to Sausage King for a great breakfast. On the way a few happy revellers, with the money trees etc, some gentle water fighting of the more respectful kind, but we all got through with barely a drop, now warming up, so would not have minded a bit, having protected the valuables.
Home from there by 10.30am. No problems on the way.
So over Songkran, I have managed to get in one serious journey, a couple of days before, and have had early outings each of the 3 main days with no worries. In fact on a scooter, if you know what is going to happen, keep safe your phone etc, and when you see the water ahead, slow down, develop a few dodging techniques and enjoy the cooling, it can be fun.
Happy New Year and stay safe on those 'normal' days on the road.
I'm back from Nan after a very enjoyable few days on the road.
Took the following route
12/04 Bkk - Lom Sak - Phitsanulok (wanted to ride Route 12)
13/04 Phitsanulok - Nam Pat - 1339 (including ferry crossing) - Nan
14/04 Nan
15/04 Nan - Nam Pat (1339 again - what an amazing road) - Petchabun
16/04 Petchabun - Saraburi - Thanyaburi - Bkk
General comments
- road conditions were fine. Not too much traffic and at no time felt in any danger
- lots of people playing water by the sides of the road. Decided to enjoy the event and slowed down for most of them. Was in fact very enjoyable, especially those stops with girls in wet T-shirts. They were mostly delighted that a fully geared rider on a biggish bike would actually stop for them
- there was only one unpleasant incident on the way back when an idiot threw thickish red gunge. It splattered on my visor and impaired my vision signficantly. I got off the back and strode menacing back towards them. Most of the others ran away but the guy in question stayed there. I walked up to him and just said "nam" and pointed to my visor. He offered me a bucket of water but I made him clean my visor as well. The others were having a good laugh at him as was I inside as I believe I made him lose a lot of face, having to wash off my visor while I stood practically head and shoulders above him
- Phitsanulok has arguably the biggest share of pretties. Boy oh boy. There is also a very happening bar/pub in the Amarin Nakorn hotel (which itself is a dump)
- Nan surprisingly was quite lively as well - there is a place called Channel X and another place with lots of pubs (similar to Khaosan road)
- Petchabun was not too bad either. Went to a place (forget the name now) that had a very good live band and the atmosphere was great and lively
Route 12 Lomsak to Phitsanulok and route 1339 made the trip worthwhile, just for the sake of riding. The ferry crossing was quite interesting but a bit pricey at Thb 100 per way. Ate at one of the two restaurants (Nan side) and the fish was just superb. I had a steamed fish plus a plate of deep fried fish, plate of rice and a large bottle of coke - pricey as well at Thb 350 but so, so good. There were quite a few people waiting to cross so the ferry guys (and one very cute girl) told me to go and have lunch first and they will come to get me when it's my turn, which was the way it worked out exactly.
Had one nervy moments. One was on the way up, just outside of Saraburi. I turned off the highway 2 I think and felt the bike wobbling a bit more than usual. Stopped to check and could tell the tire was slightly deflated. Pull off at a petrol station, there was a guy filling up his bike tyres and he kindly showed me the way to a repair shop. Unfortunately, he didn't have the necessary tools to repair big tyres so he gave me directions to a car tyre repair shop. Got there, but they didn't know what to do so they called, guess who? the first guy
. So between the two of them plus some big spanners and air drills, they got my tyre off, vulcanised and patched it and sent me on my way. I must admit to being quite nervous the next few days, in case of sudden deflation so took it fairly easy on the twisties
Took the following route
12/04 Bkk - Lom Sak - Phitsanulok (wanted to ride Route 12)
13/04 Phitsanulok - Nam Pat - 1339 (including ferry crossing) - Nan
14/04 Nan
15/04 Nan - Nam Pat (1339 again - what an amazing road) - Petchabun
16/04 Petchabun - Saraburi - Thanyaburi - Bkk
General comments
- road conditions were fine. Not too much traffic and at no time felt in any danger
- lots of people playing water by the sides of the road. Decided to enjoy the event and slowed down for most of them. Was in fact very enjoyable, especially those stops with girls in wet T-shirts. They were mostly delighted that a fully geared rider on a biggish bike would actually stop for them
- there was only one unpleasant incident on the way back when an idiot threw thickish red gunge. It splattered on my visor and impaired my vision signficantly. I got off the back and strode menacing back towards them. Most of the others ran away but the guy in question stayed there. I walked up to him and just said "nam" and pointed to my visor. He offered me a bucket of water but I made him clean my visor as well. The others were having a good laugh at him as was I inside as I believe I made him lose a lot of face, having to wash off my visor while I stood practically head and shoulders above him
- Phitsanulok has arguably the biggest share of pretties. Boy oh boy. There is also a very happening bar/pub in the Amarin Nakorn hotel (which itself is a dump)
- Nan surprisingly was quite lively as well - there is a place called Channel X and another place with lots of pubs (similar to Khaosan road)
- Petchabun was not too bad either. Went to a place (forget the name now) that had a very good live band and the atmosphere was great and lively
Route 12 Lomsak to Phitsanulok and route 1339 made the trip worthwhile, just for the sake of riding. The ferry crossing was quite interesting but a bit pricey at Thb 100 per way. Ate at one of the two restaurants (Nan side) and the fish was just superb. I had a steamed fish plus a plate of deep fried fish, plate of rice and a large bottle of coke - pricey as well at Thb 350 but so, so good. There were quite a few people waiting to cross so the ferry guys (and one very cute girl) told me to go and have lunch first and they will come to get me when it's my turn, which was the way it worked out exactly.
Had one nervy moments. One was on the way up, just outside of Saraburi. I turned off the highway 2 I think and felt the bike wobbling a bit more than usual. Stopped to check and could tell the tire was slightly deflated. Pull off at a petrol station, there was a guy filling up his bike tyres and he kindly showed me the way to a repair shop. Unfortunately, he didn't have the necessary tools to repair big tyres so he gave me directions to a car tyre repair shop. Got there, but they didn't know what to do so they called, guess who? the first guy
I don't know if this is considered thread jacking, so please let me know. I am planning a ride from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen shortly after Songkran 2014. How are the roads just east of P'lok? I'm looking at Google Maps, and it indicates that the shortest route is 11 from CM to P'lok and 12 from P'lok to Khon Kaen. I'm asking because I'm considering renting a large scooter as opposed to a sport bike for comfort and for the ease of carrying my stuff under the seats as opposed to my back or having to spring for a tank bag or saddle bags. If there are no major mountains, then I'm really leaning toward a scoot. Thanks.
Highway 12 between Pitsanulok and Lom Sak is under construction and best avoided at this time- they are widening the road and it's a dusty unpleasant mess. If it gets wet it will be very slippery. East of Lom Sak highway 12 is in fantastic condition all the way to Khon Kaen.