Irish tourists warned of motorcycling dangers in Far East

The Department of Foreign Affairs today warned travellers to Thailand and Cambodia of the dangers of riding motorbikes in the wake of three serious accidents involving Irish tourists since the beginning of the year.

The Department said riding a motorcycle or scooter in either of the two countries was dangerous and urged people to take the same precautions as they would in Ireland.

While Thai law demands motorcyclists wear a helmet, it is widely ignored, new advice on the Department’s website says.

An average of 38 people die each day in motorbike accidents in Thailand.

According to the DFA, the dangers are made worse in Cambodia by roads in poor condition and erratic driving.

Cattle can stray onto roads and after dark vehicles often drive without lights.

Overloaded vehicles and erratic driving makes road traffic accidents the greatest danger to Irish tourists in the South East Asian country, the Department warned.

There have been three accidents causing severe injury and death to Irish tourists in Thailand and Cambodia already this year.