The Road Less Traveled
By Pattaya Pete
This column has always been about examining from different perspectives, the experience of those people who have decided to walk "the Road Less Traveled" by living or even enjoying their holiday here in Thailand, The Land of Smile(s). When the situation presents itself, I have sacrificed my own experiences when I believe it will contribute in some kind of small way to the integrity of the column. It is with that intent in mind that I share the following experience with you the Reader of this column.
I had always dreaded the idea that some day it could happen. In actuality when you look at it from a probability factor, chances are, it is almost inevitable that if you live here will find yourself in a situation involving a road accident in Pattaya. If you factor in an automobile as one of your transportation devices, then you could even factor in a higher probability quotient. I was coming back from seeing a Client and had enjoyed a few glasses of wine during the course of our 2 1/2 hour evening. I only mention this fact to be completely accurate in my accounting of that evening but not because it was a factor in any significant way to the incident itself.
In fact, at the time of the incident, the Police opted to not administer an alcohol test even though I mentioned I would be more than happy to take one. I was on my way home from work and making a left off of Soi Buakhao on to Soi Chaiyapoon. I remember distinctly looking not just the way of opposing traffic but as I usually do even looked at traffic coming from Chaipoon, making a right turn down the wrong side of the road especially being as late as it was. As I proceeded across the intersection I was hit by a motorcycle Rider so hard it seemed like I was hit by a freight train.
The Rider had no helmet, was obvious from the damage to my vehicle that he was driving at a relatively high speed and perhaps, although this could not be substantiated, with no lights. When I saw the bike on the road there were no lights on but perhaps someone turned off the bike and subsequently the lights.
When I parked my vehicle and ran over to the young kid on the road it was obvious he was injured severely. I went to feel his pulse and although it was there, was slight. As the crowd started to gather, there was energy and movement around me from the locals that made me feel for the worse and even perhaps that my physical body was being threatened. It was then that I made my big mistake; I decided to leave the scene of the crime. Actually, to tell you the truth, it didn't feel like a decision at all but rather a reaction.
After, driving for a couple of minutes I do remember thinking that I would go home contact an Attorney and a friend and then report myself to the Police Dept. but it never got to that point as I was apprehended not far away. I suppose if there was any thought involved at all it was a memory of having discussions with my German friend years ago in Bangkok who told me as someone who had been living at the time for over 15 years here to never under any circumstance stop when either witnessing or being involved in an accident but rather do as the locals usually do.
I remember disagreeing with him at that time which makes it even more confusing that I took that action initially. Luckily for me at the time, there were no news Reporters lurking around as most times you can be sure you will be on the next news report there in Pattaya for anyone who actually watches this local Drama for all those to see.
The company I represent came down from Bangkok to lend their support as did several of my friends in person and on the phone. A report was taken but I was not charged, the Insurance Company was contacted. I stayed there in the lobby of the Station for about 12 hours which was still better than staying in the hole. My truck was impounded and I was eventually released.
The next day I proceeded down to the hospital to check on the victim only to find out that he was transferred from Memorial to Chonburi and was in a coma. The day after that I discovered he had passed on. I was asked to come back down to the Police Dept. and my fear of needing to stay inside for the long holiday weekend made me dress comfortably and I even brought a paper back book.
I remember from experience from visiting my friends doing brief stays in Soi 9 to make sure that the book was something more uplifting than something like The Damage Done for example. When I came down to the Station, I was introduced to the victim's family and it became obvious that I was there to negotiate a settlement with the family.
The Insurance pledged the maximum settlement which was 200,000 BHT and I offered to pay those costs associated with the transportation of the body, funeral costs and incidentals in the amount of 30,000 BHT. The amount wanted is significantly higher and above my means at 500K. Presently, we are awaiting a call from the insurance company on when they will be arriving with the settlement and when I will again meet the family to explore my own settlement options.
This has been a major challenge in my life and besides the fact that I had never been involved in an accident that took another person's life, has created a challenge in my very existence here in country. It has shown me, as anything like this usually does, which people rise up to the challenge of support and although I always try to look at the silver lining behind the cloud have yet to find one at this point.
This too I know will pass but not before the heart ache and suffering of the experience. This is indeed the other side of the experience of living here and should be taken into account by everyone. I suppose you could call it, The Road Less Traveled-thoughts from the other side.
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