SOURCE: Pattaya City News: April 30th 2007

16 year old victim of theft from two fake Police Volunteers.

On Sunday Night, Police Captain Griengaiwoot from Pattaya Police Station received a complaint from a 16 year old boy who was the subject of a theft in front of Soi Kow Tha Low on the Sukumvit Road.

He claimed that two men who informed the victim that they were Pattaya Police Volunteers, ordered the boy to pull-over. They proceeded to inspect his motorbike and then informed him that he must accompany them to Pattaya Police Station. He sat in the middle of the two so-called Volunteers and they made their way to the Police Station.

However, the two suspects stopped in a secluded area and removed 60 Baht and a mobile phone from the victim. He was left at the location and the two suspects drove away. Full descriptions of the two men have been given to Police who are attempting to locate them before they commit the same crime again.

We advise you to always ask for an Identification Badge if you are ever stopped by anyone and if you suspect the badge is either a fake or no badge is produced please call the Pattaya Police Emergency number 191 immediately, remembering to state your location clearly to Police.

Well meant advice, to be sure, but how many people (Thai or foreign) really could tell a fake Identification Badge (or card) from a real one? A better bet for foreigners is to call the Tourist Police on 1155 and request the assistance of a uniformed officer.

Errr... The guys took the kid's handphone and cash.

Kind of makes it difficult to call the cops "immediately".

(probably) a cheap phone and 60 baht , I hope these fukkers swing for their crimes

On a serious note, after 4 1/2 years here, I wouldn't know a fake old bill card from a real one

Very good advice. I sometimes take people at face value. Its always good to be reminded that their are wolves around.