Motorbikes

Motorbikes. Slightly smaller than motorcycles, certainly less badass, but convenient and quick. Unfortunately, I've only been able to rent a motorbike twice, for a week each time.

When I arrived in MahaSarakham, the demonstration school bought me a bicycle. I'd asked for a motorbike, but they can be expensive, so I am currently the owner of a smallish blue bike. I get a lot of exercise with my bike, so I'm not terribly disappointed.

However, the ratio of motorbikes compared to bikes is overwhelming. Some families don't even own a car, they might have three motorbikes. It's also a popular mode of transportation for students of all ages. Some of the elementary school kids ride motorbikes to school.

In case you missed that statement: Some of the elementary school students ride motorbikes. By themselves.

It's normal to see a family of five, mother carrying a tiny baby, on a single motorbike. No helmets, so safety precautions, Most people don't even have licenses.

I doubt you would see four people on a motorbike together. Form what I've heard, they're rather strict about who can and cannot ride a motorbike, But here, in the country, there are no strict guidelines.

Kevin, another teacher at the demonstration, commented traffic safety in Thailand. He said that he lived in England for 50 years and never knew ayone who died in a car accident. He's lived here for three and known at least 5 people to either die or become seriously injured from an accident.

I've driven around town on a motorbike, and the same can be said about traffic laws: they don't seem to apply. It's normal to go through a red light if there's a gap between cars, few people use turn signals, there are no consistent speed limit postings. I'm half terrified riding around on my bicycle, let alone a motorbike.

Big-C is the equivalent to Wal-Mart. The Big-C in MahaSarakham is located on the outskirts of town. Driving back at the junction, I';ve nearly hit a U-turning car every time I've gone to Big-C. It's horrible.

In short, I curse Thai drivers every time I leave my neighborhood.