Quote:

Ethnic minorities help make Burma a land of dazzling human diversity

And the current Burmese government is doing anything in its power to end that situation.

Stickman wrote:

Question 3:  I take umbrage with the farang who wrote asking why Thai drivers are so bad.  If nothing else, they are predictable, which is more than I can say for farang drivers here: some are insecure and drive far too slowly; some fear the police and drive much too cautiously; some seem to forget to drive on the left side of the road or are drunk and drive too fast or recklessly.  A more important question is: Why are farang always held responsible for all costs pertaining to traffic accidents?  Perfect example: I was on my motorbike turning right into a parking lot when another motorbike tried passing me on the right.  He crashed into me and sustained injuries and damage to his bike.  My motorbike was confiscated by police and I was made to pay all damages as well as hospital bills and a “fine” to police.  Several months later, I was passing traffic in the right hand lane (just within or on the dividing line) when a motorbike in front of me began turning right.  I crashed into him.  (Identical accident but my role was reversed).  We both sustained bodily injuries and damage to our motorbikes.  I AGAIN had to pay for everything PLUS pay a “fine” to police.  Does justice exist in Thailand?

Mrs. Stick says:  I think you know that the police are selective about who they target and how they are treated here.  If I get stopped by the police even if I drive too fast or badly I never get a ticket and I never pay a fine.  I can talk sweetly to them and smile and apologise and they always let me go.  But I think for men it is more difficult and I think for foreigners the police know that you have money so they can make you pay.  They think if you pay it will hurt you less than if the other person pays.  I know this is different from your country and I know that many foreigners do not like or understand the Thai police style.  Did you know that the police also pick on vehicles with licence plates from the countryside?  So it is not only foreigners who get blamed for accidents.

Mr. Stick says:  It is my understanding that in a situation like this that you should call your insurance company and they will sort everything out including any payment.  They have a schedule of payments for all situations and in this case I believe any payment should have been covered by the personal liability aspect of your insurance policy.  All you should be paying is a fine to the police, official or otherwise.  Of course if you have no insurance then that is another situation all together.

The less expensive version has apparently arrived!
                    
                                      
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Music: "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," by Tor+.  From his album, Piano and I, Volume II.