Well, I've just returned from a quick day and a half visit to Thailand.
I have A LOT of my smsf in MIK now and just wanted to do a 'touch and feel' to see how it's looking first hand.
In a word (or a few words really), get there if you can!
This IS NOT an MOU, or potential, it's very, very real. Richard was kind enough to show me around, from the gantry and overpass reader installations, to the fantastic setup that is Kollakorn, to the actual tags being mated to vehicle identities at the DLT.
Here are some big takeaways for me:
1. FACT: the accident rate for public transport vehicles (the first ones to be fitted with tags) has PLUMMETED TO ALMOST ZERO since tagging and public awareness have been ramped up. This incredible statistic was on the back of a horror run a multiple smashes each with multiple fatalities.
2. The DLT are delighted with the system, even if I feel they are still grappling to understand the full implications and benefits of it. Kollakorn appear to be suggesting the ways that the system may be employed.
3. With the exception of a few people that are complaining that their trips are taking longer, the population seems to be VERY SUPPORTIVE of the introduction based on it's immediate effect on road deaths. (I was concerned about community support).
4. Kollakorn is a very professionally run organisation with talented, innovative people at the helm.
5. The software has been designed to be modular and could be implemented by customers as a full suite of products or parts.
6. MY OPINION ONLY is that we will end up with all the countries that border Thailand.. at the very least. The synergies of border control are just too compelling.
7. Richard appears to be totally in control and has a clear vision of the way he would like everything to evolve.
A big thank you to Richard and the guys for showing me around, but a big congratulations to them for making this happen. I just get the impression that he is simply delighted to be able to show people around, even me, and display just how well the system is functioning.
The only downside is that I've now got to find quite a lot of money for the issue!!!
Cheers and any questions that I might be able to answer are welcome.
\
MIK Price at posting:
1.9¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held
