Learning

Top 10 Bad Habits of Thai Drivers – How to Survive Traffic in Thailand

If you live in any Thai city other than Bangkok, the easiest way to get around is with your own set of wheels. Motorbikes are particularly well-suited to Thailand’s climate and an urban lifestyle. But riding a bike always comes with a higher risk of injury in an accident. Unfortunately, your chances of getting in an accident are increased by the bad habits of all the other drivers on the road.

When driving in Thai traffic, you need to always be aware of everyone else around you and expect the unexpected.

You also can’t be in a hurry to get anywhere. Driving needs to be treated as an exercise in getting from point A to point B and nothing more. If you get impatient or start having too much fun, you’re likely to get distracted just long enough to not brake in time for an obstacle that suddenly appeared from nowhere.

The internet is full of traffic accident videos these days, and Thai people in particular seem to like sharing them. One can only hope that by seeing the dangerous effects of bad driving, people will start to use their brains more when they’re behind the wheel. In the meantime, here are 10 stupid, dangerous, or annoying habits of Thai drivers that you should look out for.

1. Driving Through Red Lights

Driving through red lights is both dangerous and inconsiderate. At large intersections, many selfish drivers won’t slow down when the light turns yellow. Just the opposite—they’ll speed up to try to get through the intersection so they don’t have to wait for the next green. In many cases, this means that they’ll be moving quite fast when the light actually does turn red, so of course there’s no way they’re going to stop, even when the other side has a green light. When the roads are crowded and traffic is moving slowly, it’s not unusual to have to wait for 4 or 5 cars to cross in front of you after your light has just turned green. Drivers who only think of themselves figure that if they’re close enough behind a car that went through the light they can too. So you’ll end up with a train of cars who all think the red light doesn’t apply to them.

What this means for you is that you can NEVER simply accelerate when your light changes from red to green. Always take a glance at the direction of the traffic that had the green before you to make sure there’s not some idiot trying to barrel through a red light.

2. Turning out into the Road Without Looking

This is a bad habit that I’m truly amazed by. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve seen a driver (usually on motorbike) pull out in front of me suddenly from a side street or parking lot without slowing down or even turning their neck slightly to check if there are any oncoming vehicles. It seems that they just assume anyone in the road will slow down to avoid hitting them. As a driver, this means you have to stay mindful of entrances to side streets at all times.

3. Pulling a U-turn where it’s Prohibited

This habit is more annoying than dangerous. Motorbikes are allowed to make U-turns in more places than larger vehicles due to their smaller turning radius. But you very often see drivers of pickup trucks trying to make a U-turn where they’re not supposed to in order to avoid having to drive further out of their way. This usually results in them blocking two lanes of traffic as they have to stop and back up at an angle to make the turn. As a driver, you mostly just have to be aware that cars and trucks might try to do a U-turn where they shouldn’t, and if they do then you need to just have a little patience to wait for them to make a Y-turn, since they don’t have the tight turning radius needed to make a U-turn.

4. Crossing Multiple Lanes to make a Turn

This is a habit that’s just plain idiotic. A driver needing to make a left turn will stay in the right lane until the last second, and then suddenly cut across two lanes of traffic to do so.

If you happen to be driving in Chiang Mai, you also need to be aware of Chinese tourists driving rented motorbikes who will try to turn right from the left lane—thus cutting in front of anyone in the right lane who planned on going straight. I know they drive on the right side of the road in China, but I can’t fathom why that would make them think they shouldn’t slide over to the right lane before making a righthand turn.

5. Never Use Turn Signals

Quite often, you’ll see someone turn or change lanes suddenly without bothering to use their turn signal to notify the drivers behind them of their intentions. Equally as bad are the drivers who do use their turn signal, but not until they are already half-way into the next lane. As a driver, you need to be aware that someone might suddenly shift into your lane ahead of you with no warning.

6. Stopping without Warning

This is especially true of song-thaew (pickups with bench seats in back that act as mini-buses) in Chiang Mai. They will stop anywhere and everywhere they want in order to pick up a new passenger, drop off a passenger, or just holler down some pedestrians that aren’t even looking for a ride. If you’re driving behind a song-thaew you need to be aware that they could stop at any given second. And trying to drive around them after they’ve stopped could be dangerous if traffic is moving quickly in the other lane.

7. Drifting into Your Lane

Thai drivers respect the lanes of traffic much better than drivers in India, for example. But there are still many who’ll drift across the dividing line and hog up two lanes of traffic. For some reason, many drivers also seem to drift into other lanes when going around corners. In particular, I notice that when driving around the interior road by Chiang Mai’s moat, many Thai drivers in the outside lane will cut way into the inside lane when turning a corner. It’s like they just don’t trust their own ability to handle a curve, so they overcompensate.

8. Parking in a Driving Lane

This habit is one that’s more selfish and inconvenient than dangerous. It’s not unusual to see a car or truck parked in the middle of a lane intended for driving. As long as they flip on their hazard blinkers they figure it’s no big deal because they don’t plan to stay there more than 5 or 10 minutes. If it’s a truck making a delivery to a shop, this might be the case, but another thing entirely happens in the late afternoon near any large school—dozens of parked cars will be blocking the road from parents coming to pick up their kids directly from school. I’m not sure why so many parents feel the need to come to their kid’s school each afternoon, but if you’re driving in the afternoon, it helps to be aware of the locations of large schools in order to avoid traffic jams.

9. Inefficient 4-Way Intersection System

This is one’s not so much a driving habit as it is a stupid practice of traffic management. At most medium and large sized 4-way intersections, only one side is allowed to go at a time. This means that when the traffic coming from the north has a green light, the traffic heading in the opposite direction from the south has to wait at a red. Surely you’d think that traffic could flow better if the two opposite sides were allowed to go at the same time, incorporating green arrows for those making right turns. But maybe it’s just too much to expect the people who want to turn and those who want to go straight to be able to get into the correct lanes before coming up to the intersection.

10. Drivers in a Hurry to get to the Next Red Light

This bad habit is mostly just kind of funny, but also annoying and potentially dangerous. It has happened many times that I’ve been driving my motorbike and a car or pickup behind me will beep their horn because the driver thinks I’m too slow and need to get out of their way. Then after shifting over to the next lane, the car will roar past at a high speed…only to come to a complete stop 300 meters down the road behind a long line of cars waiting at a red light. Then since I’m on a bike, I can always pass them up by squeezing between the cars to get to the front of the line. I always wonder why people are in such a hurry to wait longer at the next red light.

11. Using the Phone while Driving

OK, this was supposed to be a list of 10, but this is the bonus bad driving habit, and it’s one that Thailand certainly shares with many other countries. Just put the phone away while you’re driving. If you’re typing a text on your iPhone with one hand and trying to drive your motorcycle with the other, I don’t want to be anywhere near you on the road.

And as a final word of warning—If you’re driving a motorbike in Thailand, please don’t forget your helmet, because you’re just stupid not to wear one. Not wearing a helmet is also the only bad habit that the traffic police seem to care about. It might mess up your hairstyle, but you know what…so will a shattered skull.

By Ryan Zander
Siam and Beyond

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Learning

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the UK Property Market

Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.

Understanding Your Financial Position

The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.

2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.

3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.

4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.

Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.

Deciding What You Want

Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:

1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.

3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.

4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?

Starting the Property Search

With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:

1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.

2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.

3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.

Making an Offer

Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.

2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.

3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.

The Legal Process

If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:

1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.

2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.

3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.

4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.

5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.

Moving In

Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:

1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.

2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.

3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.

Settling In

Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.

Here are a few final tips:

1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.

2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.

3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.

Conclusion

Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!

Learning

5 Health Benefits of Regular Pedicures

There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!

Smoother Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.

After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.

Softer Skin

After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.

Healthier Nails

After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.

Increased Blood Circulation

While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.

Reduced Infections

A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.

These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.

Learning

Commercial Boiler Installation Services London

For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.

The Importance of Professional Installation

When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:

Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.

Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation

When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:

Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.

Choosing the Right Installation Service

Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.

In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.

Conclusion

Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.

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