British Man Arrested with Diazepam in Karon

[stevenl]

9 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

In reality, they saw a foreigner coming and thus a potential victim to extort or bully into handing over money.

 

Y'know, the way it usually works here.

Nonsense, they could stop all taxis then.

[NativeBob]

such unlucky chap. he must be really weird-looking creep if bib pulled him from taxi.

there's one fella named Colin, frequent visitor of Ratchada soi 4. He's so ugly that many bars not allow him to enter, young girls run away from him and his only audience are free-loaders and 40+ LBFMs

[pub2022]

5 hours ago, bob smith said:

Phuket. Again.

 

Only one thing you need to know about that place; 

 

Just stay away.

 

bob.

 

Agreed.

Though the island (nature, beaches etc) is beautiful.

Been there once, I found the most unfriendly thais of all the places I know in Thailand.

Very dangerous to ride a motorbike because they're crazier than ever. Don't do it unless you are a long timer.

Let's not talk about the taxi mafia.

Yes, agreed, better stay away.

[lamyai3]

3 hours ago, BE88 said:

Mr. Thomas look suspicious because he looked like an Englishman ?

Apprehended for walking in a loud shirt in a built-up area during the hours of darkness. 

[bob smith]

6 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

 

Agreed.

Though the island (nature, beaches etc) is beautiful.

Been there once, I found the most unfriendly thais of all the places I know in Thailand.

Very dangerous to ride a motorbike because they're crazier than ever. Don't do it unless you are a long timer.

Let's not talk about the taxi mafia.

Yes, agreed, better stay away.

totally agree with all your points.

 

and I know all about the red taxi mafia.

 

bob.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

6 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

Obvious organised crime. He is a mule carrying [one] dangerous drug, he'll spend the next 20 years at the Bangkok Hilton. Good they should hand him.

I am really hoping that is sarcasm!🙄

[mancub]

21 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

An over-the-top misinterpretation of what was actually reported. Again.

It was a routine checkpoint and it was not reported that he was drug-tested at the roadside, he was found in possession of the pill.            

Routine shake-down. 

[Smokey and the Bandit]

6 hours ago, bob smith said:

Phuket. Again.

 

Only one thing you need to know about that place; 

 

Just stay away.

 

bob.

Absolutely, what the taxi mafia and people getting arrested for 'overstay' at he airport trying to leave, instead of just paying the fine, Phuket has bad vibes!

[Liverpool Lou]

29 minutes ago, mancub said:

53 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

It was a routine checkpoint and it was not reported that he was drug-tested at the roadside, he was found in possession of the pill.            

Routine shake-down. 

...of those doing something illegal.

[spidermike007]

5 hours ago, stevenl said:

"99% likely they asked him for some cash, "

Extremely unlikely ATM. They need to show arrests 

Well, perhaps. But the need to show real arrests, for real reasons. Not arrests that make them look like fools, hooligans, and amateurs. They are such keystone cops, such a boil on the face of the nation.

[richard_smith237]

 

36 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

...of those doing something illegal.

 

Not always...   in the past the BiB have specifically targeted foreigners, particularly the Thonglor BiB in Bangkok were famous for it - Embassies had to get involved and make formal complaints as the BiB were getting more and more brazen in their 'shake-down'... 

- one example I recall is making a 70 year old (who was waking down Sukhumvit with his western wife) pee in a cup for a drugs test.....

.... many other similar stories too.

 

This was the BiB targeting foreigners in the hope they weren't carrying a passport, tested positive in a pee test and they could extort them for 'on the spot fines'... 

 

That said: In over two decades, street interaction with the BiB here has been very minimal - there were the notorious 'shakedown' years (by Thonglor BiB), otherwise the BiB for the most part not have bothered me. 

 

 

I've had the Police 'try' and pull me from a Taxi on four separate occasions...   It comes down to whether the BiB think they can get away with extorting you or not if you fit one of their profiles. i.e.

- Older guy getting on a bus to Pattaya - Check the baggage for Viagra, extort farang.

- Young guys going out - check pockets for coke / ecstasy / Pee test etc.

 

 

The real question begs:  IS this a case where a 'Westerner' was targeted by the BiB becuase of recent negative headlines against foreigners... OR... is this something the same Police would have checked anyway becasue the guy really did look suspiciuous. 

 

My guess (and its purely a guess)... Bored BiB at a checkpoint just figured, ok, lets see if we can get any money from this guy... nothing more too it than that. 

 

 

-----------

 

The occasions the BiB wanted to pull me out of a taxi all felt like a shakedown... or the beginnings of a shakedown - none felt like the BiB were operating under the best of intentions. 

 

 

1) Late Afternoon with Wife (car in garage getting serviced) took a taxi to friends house - getting on Expressway (near Suk 71) the BiB stopped the taxi... 

Looked into the window at my Wife and I... stared in for what felt like 1 minute or so, then decided not to press anything any further and waved us on - It was  a very weird place to stop us.

 

2) Early Evening - Asoke junction. BiB (about 7 or 8 of them), just pulled up my taxi and told me to get out, I refused. Asked for Passport, I refused and held up Thai Driving licence, they weren't interested, BiB told me to get out, I refused and called a friend. BiB spoke with friend and waved me and the taxi on.  In this case I was certain the BiB were going to get me to pee in a cup etc (I had nothing to worry about, I just didn't want to play their power game so played my own power game).

 

3) Early Morning (3am-ish) - Thonglor area (back streets), BiB stopped the taxi, then asked me where I was going. Home.. they seemed to give up with that and waved the taxi on.

 

4) Early Morning (3am-ish) - Thonglor area (back streets), BiB stopped the taxi, BiB asked for my Passport. I said No..  BiB asked for ID, I said No (I wasn't in the mood to play around)..... I was about to tell the taxi and the Police that we can all go to the nearby police station if they want but I'm not stopping on a dark back-street - The BiB seemed to change their mind and then waved the taxi on. 

 

 

In all of the examples given above, I was left wondering if the BiB we trying it on (Asoke example they were definitely trying it on), in other examples I suspect they were gauging the situation and could see I was not intimidated by them and as such perhaps not an easy mark (who knows)... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ben Zioner]

1 hour ago, Smokey and the Bandit said:

I am really hoping that is sarcasm!🙄

Naah ...just strong advocacy for equal treatment between Swiss and Brits,

[mancub]

51 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

...of those doing something illegal.

...of someone (being a foreigner) having the affrontery of bring a passenger in a taxi in a tourist rich area.

[transam]

8 minutes ago, Ben Zioner said:

Naah ...just strong advocacy for equal treatment between Swiss and Brits,

In what respect..? 🤔

[PETERTHEEATER]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they set up a routine checkpoint in front of the Nong Harn Lake

I thought the national police chief, some years ago, issued an order forbidding check points. When was it rescinded?

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, Hummin said:

You know the zero next to nine? Ny fat finger made a typo if you did not understand 🥸

Dorry, dorry.😂

[zzzzz]

1 hour ago, pub2022 said:

 

Agreed.

Though the island (nature, beaches etc) is beautiful.

Been there once, I found the most unfriendly thais of all the places I know in Thailand.

Very dangerous to ride a motorbike because they're crazier than ever. Don't do it unless you are a long timer.

Let's not talk about the taxi mafia.

Yes, agreed, better stay away.

these posts make me wonder
WHY?
you hate phuket yet you choose to look and post on a phuket thread>
you got way to much time on ur hand, need to focus on whats important in ur life,

[ChipButty]

1 hour ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

I thought the national police chief, some years ago, issued an order forbidding check points. When was it rescinded?

I remember that some years ago, we used to have on 2 or 3 times a week near me in Rawai that one stopped I think the locals were kicking off about that one, on the roads leading out of Chalong they still have them, in and out of Patong they still have them, 

[ChipButty]

Not only foreigners/farangs they stop, they also stop Burmese and extort money from them. 

[Ralf001]

22 hours ago, aussienam said:

Maybe 'Stresam'?  I was prescribed that at a hospital in lieu of diazepam.  And an antidepressant.  Cost over 4000 baht for one month.  I almost fell backwards.  In Oz, my specialist prescribes diazepam.  The hospital specialist wouldn't.  Price gauging galore. 

 

Prescribed drugs I buy at hospital pharmacy... Are paid for by my insurance.

Do you have insurance ?

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Prescribed drugs I buy at hospital pharmacy... Are paid for by my insurance.

Do you have insurance ?

 

A lot (I'd argue the vast majority) of policies carried by Westerners in Thailand are IPD only plans so medication is not covered unless part of in-patient treatment. 

 

The markup on medication in hospitals in Thailand outrageous (i.e. 400% in many cases) - I'm surprised insurance companies are not on top of this and formulating objections, the gouging it excessive.

 

In the past, when I've had an OPD hospital visit, I've refused the medication and get the Dr. to write down what I need and then go to a Pharmacy (saves plenty of money - the issue of course is if some of the medication is prescription only).

 

-----

 

 

I am recently carrying around Tramadol (prescribed) - I'm not sure if that is over the counter or needs a prescription, It was issued after recent surgery - I'm don't think I have a prescription document to carry around with me anyway.

 

 

 

[Ralf001]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

 

 

I am recently carrying around Tramadol (prescribed) - I'm not sure if that is over the counter or needs a prescription, It was issued after recent surgery - I'm don't think I have a prescription document to carry around with me anyway.

 

 

 

 

I have several  meds that are not OTC...

 

I do not carry these around, Not sure why I would... Infact thinking about it not sure why I would carry around OTC meds either, outside of taking them from pharmacy to home that is..

[n00dle]

On 3/13/2024 at 5:53 AM, spidermike007 said:

Arrested for one pill for personal use. Such inane stupidity. The RTP will do absolutely anything in their power to avoid fighting crime.

 

 

 

Its part of the crackdown on misbehaving foreigners. they have a clear mandate, to make the busts and feed the story to the media.

 

On 3/13/2024 at 5:53 AM, spidermike007 said:

Nearly anything to earn cash. 99% likely they asked him for some cash, which he did not have, or he was not astute enough to offer them their "franchises fee". 

 

It's highly unlikely he was given the option to pay to walk away. That's only an option when there isn't a more public agenda. 

[sandyf]

On 3/13/2024 at 12:33 PM, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

In reality, they saw a foreigner coming and thus a potential victim to extort or bully into handing over money.

 

Y'know, the way it usually works here.

Not what I have experienced in 25 years.

You must have been unlucky, or look suspicious, reflected in the pessimistic rhetoric.

[Hummin]

Just now, sandyf said:

Not what I have experienced in 25 years.

You must have been unlucky, or look suspicious, reflected in the pessimistic rhetoric.

Never had a bad experience either in thailand for more than 20 years.

 

I heard stories, but non of those I met who had a bad experience was innocent. 

 

I got a dusin tickets for driving, but non of them was because police was corrupt.

 

My first years phuket, driving without helmet, license, short cut in Pattaya to park (obviously a common maneuver and a money collecting point) speed tickets, and run one red light. Not to forget lack of IDL once. 

 

Stop buying under ground medication in thailand, most of the blue Valium they sell, doesnt even contain valium. Same for steroids you inject. You just dont know how they are produced, a d what they contain or the strenght

[sandyf]

On 3/13/2024 at 12:11 PM, aussienam said:

Cost over 4000 baht for one month. 

Probably a branded and imported drug. Shop around  for a generic.

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I have several  meds that are not OTC...

 

I do not carry these around, Not sure why I would... Infact thinking about it not sure why I would carry around OTC meds either, outside of taking them from pharmacy to home that is..

 

You only ever leave your house for less than 3 hours at a time ?

 

Tramadol is pain killer...     whats the point of having it if you can't have it with you to take when you need it ?

 

Thus: when outside of the home all day, that prescribed pain killer is carried with me (at least in the recovery stages).

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

I have several  meds that are not OTC...

 

I do not carry these around, Not sure why I would... Infact thinking about it not sure why I would carry around OTC meds either, outside of taking them from pharmacy to home that is..

 

Then there are other OTC meds that are taken daily... You may not need to carry them around with you all day... 

 

But.. what if you go to another area, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Phuket etc....   You'll need to carry them with you then... 

 

Thus: you already have two reasons as to why you may be carrying meds on you (not just coming home from a pharmacy or hospital). 

[richard_smith237]

15 minutes ago, Hummin said:

27 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Not what I have experienced in 25 years.

You must have been unlucky, or look suspicious, reflected in the pessimistic rhetoric.

Never had a bad experience either in thailand for more than 20 years.

 

I heard stories, but non of those I met who had a bad experience was innocent. 

 

I got a dusin tickets for driving, but non of them was because police was corrupt.

 

I think a lot of this issue depends more specifically on where you are. 

 

I have friends who live in Patong, and they say they are stopped all the time at check points, it becomes an irritant - as they are fully legal, they are let go easily enough, but its still a waste of 5 mins which wears thin, especially when they see helmet-less Thai's ignored and waved through. 

 

Thats anecdotal I know... but never theless, there are a lot of similar stories which lends to the suspicion of the true intentions of those running the check points... Or as if we didn't know already, they're money spinners. 

 

Of course, as you mentioned, there is no corruption as the Police are only fining those who are breaking laws... But, its the selective manner which this is carried out in some districts which lends to the suspicion of the real intentions. 

 

 

I therefor get the impression that Westerners on Motorcycles are more of a target than Thai's on Motorcycles in the main area's of tourist footfall in Patong, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai... 

 

Conversely, in Bangkok, I think the BiB are actively disinterested in foreigners riding motorcycles or driving as we generally have our licenses and wear helmets etc.... then the night time check points for DUI (in Bangkok, when they have them), I see anyone is a target, not just foreigners.....  

 

 

So, the level my personal cynicism towards the manner in which the police enforce laws varies from area to area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hummin]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I think a lot of this issue depends more specifically on where you are. 

 

I have friends who live in Patong, and they say they are stopped all the time at check points, it becomes an irritant - as they are fully legal, they are let go easily enough, but its still a waste of 5 mins which wears thin, especially when they see helmet-less Thai's ignored and waved through. 

 

Thats anecdotal I know... but never theless, there are a lot of similar stories which lends to the suspicion of the true intentions of those running the check points... Or as if we didn't know already, they're money spinners. 

 

Of course, as you mentioned, there is no corruption as the Police are only fining those who are breaking laws... But, its the selective manner which this is carried out in some districts which lends to the suspicion of the real intentions. 

 

 

I therefor get the impression that Westerners on Motorcycles are more of a target than Thai's on Motorcycles in the main area's of tourist footfall in Patong, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai... 

 

Conversely, in Bangkok, I think the BiB are actively disinterested in foreigners riding motorcycles or driving as we generally have our licenses and wear helmets etc.... then the night time check points for DUI (in Bangkok, when they have them), I see anyone is a target, not just foreigners.....  

 

 

So, the level my personal cynicism towards the manner in which the police enforce laws varies from area to area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One selective obvious common sense reason to stop foreigners, is tourism safety if I was to reasoning, and not just think the obvious they collecting coffe money.

 

A reckless tourist who have an accident is more likely to bind up more resources and time than a local. But might be far fetched?