Road Lore in Thailand

Thai style of riding can differ to a certain extent from region to region. One noticeable aspect is the laid back, slow 'drift' style that the many thais seem to favour when out riding. For example, a Thai rider may want to change lanes, he/she will usually not signal but will instead 'drift' (without looking at mirrors or behind them) slowly into that lane or path.
This contrasts most western riders who may signal their intentions, check their mirrors and finally do a 'lifesaver check' by looking behind them before performing the maneuver.

Thai folk are often described as a nocturnal people. It is no doubt that at night it is more fun to out on the streets than during day-time when the blazing heat drives people into the shade. This aspect can mean night-riding is more of a blast and you can see headlights from miles away, but can also mean more danger from drunken thais and farangs who've been on the piss. While no-one can see behind them all the time try and be more careful and cautious when out from 2200 hrs to 0600 hrs. If you're out to burn rubber and fly like the wind then going fast and furious is safer (in my opinion) in the day-time hours because people are usually more sober, safer and less likely to pull out in front of you.

Intersections are a killer out here if you overcook the speed and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thai style can be to just pull out and not necessarily look right for danger.

In the solo bike accidents, motorcycle rider error tends to be the no1 factor; A slideout and fall due to overbraking or running wide on a curve (due to excess speed or under-cornering) is one grim outcome.

Although horrific high speed crashes out of town get the big publicity in the newspapers, it is more likely to have an accident in an urban area.