A Night in the Thai Police Station

[jvs]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Its 'somewhat of a grey area' and never enforced... 

 

But, it is my understanding that 'if you are on a 'resident visa'... (i.e. A Non-Immigrant Visa) a Thai license is needed.

 

If on a Tourist Visa / Visa Exempt etc (or other non-resident visa / entry) then its ok to drive on your home license IF in English Language or accompanied by an IDP if its not in the English Language.

 

Its also argued that a Tourist using their home license (IDP combo) can drive up to 90 days, again this is a grey area, unenforced and strongly debated on this forum as concise factual information is quite slim.

Somewhat of a grey area.Maybe and maybe not,there is a lot of information on the internet about this.

I would advice anyone who lives here to make sure they comply with the law regarding DL.

It is always fine and dandy and a big laugh as long as every thing goes right.

If it goes wrong it can be devastating.

Imagine you are in a deadly accident and the insurance company refuses to pay because you are not legally correct.

It is very easy to get a Thai DL .

The basic government insurance may be enough for a fender bender or a broken arm but anything over the cost you will have to pay out of your own pocket.

Then there is the family that wants to be paid for the loss.

 

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, faraday said:

Some funny comments on here..

"standing up to the Police".

 

😅😅

 

In the context used by MangoKorat - its a perfectly reasonable statement.

 

If you can communicate, maintain composure, remain polite and believe you are right - its perfectly acceptable to maintain your stance.

 

Maybe you are one of those who does not have a 'spine to stand up for yourself'.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, jvs said:

Somewhat of a grey area.Maybe and maybe not,there is a lot of information on the internet about this.

I would advice anyone who lives here to make sure they comply with the law regarding DL.

It is always fine and dandy and a big laugh as long as every thing goes right.

If it goes wrong it can be devastating.

Imagine you are in a deadly accident and the insurance company refuses to pay because you are not legally correct.

It is very easy to get a Thai DL .

The basic government insurance may be enough for a fender bender or a broken arm but anything over the cost you will have to pay out of your own pocket.

Then there is the family that wants to be paid for the loss.

 

I completely agree...  with the ease of getting a Thai Driving license there is no reasonable excuse for a long term foreigner not to have one, I'll go as far to suggest its stupid not to do so.

 

As for 'Tourists' - I'd advise any tourist visiting and wishing to drive on their home license to obtain an IDP, this simply removes any ambiguity - there's no point arguing the law with the BiB at a police check-point.

 

 

 

 

[advancebooking]

my wife and I have a cell ph number of an attorney in our phones. Any <deleted> goes down we call him. May I suggest you do the same today OP?

[jvs]

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

In the context used by MangoKorat - its a perfectly reasonable statement.

 

If you can communicate, maintain composure, remain polite and believe you are right - its perfectly acceptable to maintain your stance.

 

Maybe you are one of those who does not have a 'spine to stand up for yourself'.

 

 

Standing up to the police when you are wrong will only make matters worse,and in the case of the Op it can back fire.

 

[Upnotover]

25 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

You were lucky then - DLT officer made a convenient mistake, thats all. 

 

Previously, my license had expired by 1 year and 1 day...  (for some reason I was a year off on renewal) and was attempting to renew 1 day after expiry (1 day after my Birthday) to effectively get 6 years. 

 

I was issued with just a 2 Year Temp Driving License, and renewed to 5 years after that.

 

 

I'm guessing - different DLT offices apply the rules differently, or even individual DLT officers - and of course, its busy, its boring work, mistakes will be made, sometimes in our favour.

 

 

 

 

 

No I don't think luck was part of it. I had to do exactly what the DLT website states for licences expired 3+ years. 

 

Perhaps it was you that was unlucky.

[Photoguy21]

You was driving under the influence of drink. I would say they were exceptionally nice to you. Dont drink and drive and this wouldnt happen to you. Your fault entirely.

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

No I don't think luck was part of it. I had to do exactly what the DLT website states for licences expired 3+ years. 

 

Perhaps it was you that was unlucky.

 

Interesting - good info: The regulations may have been updated since I renewed my expired 5 yr DL after 1 year expiry and was only issued a 2 year DL - or, as you say, maybe I was unlucky.

 

Do you have a link to that information - it would be a useful resource  (I can't find such information on the DLT webpage).

 

If you are correct - after obtaining a 5 year license, any renewal will be to another 5 year license, no matter how long the previous license has been expired for - thats not as I understand it, and I'd be happy to be wrong as this would be much better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MangoKorat]

2 hours ago, jvs said:

You sound pretty arrogant.

Just wait until you get into a major accident and because you do not have a valid DL (Thai) your insurance refuses

to pay for any damage.

Make sure you tell the police that you are right and they are wrong!

See how far that gets you.

You are wrong thinking you can use your UK DL while living here.

Very wrong.

You are still failing to read my posts correctly.  Where did I say I live in Thailand? I don't.  I am not wrong or 'very wrong' but you are. I drive perfectly legally in both the UK and Thailand.

 

I obtained a Thai licence previously because the nearby National Park would allow foreigners who lived in the area to gain entry at the Thai price if they showed evidence of living in Thailand. A driving licence with a local address was accepted for that at the time but it isn't now.  My 5 year Thai licence expired during Covid and as there is no benefit to me holding one at the moment, I haven't applied for a replacement yet.  I am not resident but I visit often. I hold a UK full licence together with an IDP so I do have a valid licence.  The insurance brokers for both my bike and car have also confirmed that they are happy with my UK licence.  I will be applying for a new Thai licence later this year when I finally make the move to live in Thailand.

 

So the scenario you refer to above is not going to happen, my insurers would not refuse to pay because when I drive in Thailand, I do so perectly legally.  I did on one occasion, get pulled over for speeding when I actually was.  On that occasion I didn't argue with the copper but I did insist he put the carbon paper in his book before issuing me with a ticket - something he wasn't too happy about.

 

I only question the police's accusations when I know I'm right, such as when they tried to fine me for being in the 'wrong lane' when they hadn't even asked where I was going so could not accuse me of that. That and the several times (in the past) when I've been pulled over for supposedly speeding without any evidence whatsoever.  If that's arrogance - so be it.  I wouldn't be stupid enough to argue with the police if I knew I was in the wrong.  If you've done nothing wrong, you do not need to pay them - that's worked for me for 22 years.  Fortunately, as far as driving is concerned, they don't seem to pull foreigners over so much these days. For the last few years I've been waved through at every checkpoint.

 

I won't take part in any form of corruption whatsoever, yes it does handicap me sometimes when I want get something done but I deal with that. I have taken part unknowingly like when I was charged 500 baht for residence certificates to apply for my driving licence and bank accounts.

 

Corruption is a disease that holds a country back, it prevents development, keeps the poor poor and the rich rich.

[Upnotover]

5 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Do you have a link to that information -

https://www.dlt.go.th/en/two-year-license.

 

It's not the easiest website to navigate but eventually you'll find the right page.

[richard_smith237]

20 minutes ago, jvs said:

38 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

In the context used by MangoKorat - its a perfectly reasonable statement.

 

If you can communicate, maintain composure, remain polite and believe you are right - its perfectly acceptable to maintain your stance.

 

Maybe you are one of those who does not have a 'spine to stand up for yourself'.

 

 

Expand  

Standing up to the police when you are wrong will only make matters worse,and in the case of the Op it can back fire.

 

"And believe you are right" was my clarifier - in this context, the Op knew he was in the wrong - taking the hit and remaining polite was the only course of action.... 

 

That said: had there been more resistance, i.e. a lawyer on hand etc, he may not have faced the issue of having to spend a night in jail. 

 

 

One 'grey area' that may or may not have worked in the Ops favour is IF he has a Home Driving License (in English). I'm not sure if the DUI limit for foreigners driving on their home license is 0.05% BAC or the stricter 0.02%.

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

I only question the police's accusations when I know I'm right, such as when they tried to fine me for being in the 'wrong lane' when they hadn't even asked where I was going so could not accuse me of that. That and the several times (in the past) when I've been pulled over for supposedly speeding without any evidence whatsoever.  If that's arrogance - so be it.  I wouldn't be stupid enough to argue with the police if I knew I was in the wrong.  If you've done nothing wrong, you do not need to pay them - that's worked for me for 22 years.  Fortunately, as far as driving is concerned, they don't seem to pull foreigners over so much these days. For the last few years I've been waved through at every checkpoint.

 

100% agree - wholly valid comments...  my experience is exactly the same.

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Do you have a link to that information -

https://www.dlt.go.th/en/two-year-license.

 

It's not the easiest website to navigate but eventually you'll find the right page.

 

It doesn't say anything about which length of licence you get IF you are renewing after expiry.

 

It only goes so far as to state IF you need to do just a theory exam (+1 year expiry) or the Theory and Practical exam (+3 years expiry) - & none of that is relevant to someone 'using their home licence' to obtain a Thai license.

 

Thus: I may be missing something - perhaps a screen shot of what you are reading can clear this up ?

 

 

[Magictoad]

Drunk driving is one of the WORST CRIMINAL OFFENCES frequently resulting in the death  of innocent people. The writer of this unedifying story is a shameless disgrace. He is lucky he didn't crash his car, injured his girlfriend and hurt a stranger. Zero sympathy from me. Two weeks in prison plus a fine.

[jvs]

13 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

You are still failing to read my posts correctly.  Where did I say I live in Thailand? I don't.  I am not wrong or 'very wrong' but you are. I drive perfectly legally in both the UK and Thailand.

 

I obtained a Thai licence previously because the nearby National Park would allow foreigners who lived in the area to gain entry at the Thai price if they showed evidence of living in Thailand. A driving licence with a local address was accepted for that at the time but it isn't now.  My 5 year Thai licence expired during Covid and as there is no benefit to me holding one at the moment, I haven't applied for a replacement yet.  I am not resident but I visit often. I hold a UK full licence together with an IDP so I do have a valid licence.  The insurance brokers for both my bike and car have also confirmed that they are happy with my UK licence.  I will be applying for a new Thai licence later this year when I finally make the move to live in Thailand.

 

So the scenario you refer to above is not going to happen, my insurers would not refuse to pay because when I drive in Thailand, I do so perectly legally.  I did on one occasion, get pulled over for speeding when I actually was.  On that occasion I didn't argue with the copper but I did insist he put the carbon paper in his book before issuing me with a ticket - something he wasn't too happy about.

 

I only question the police's accusations when I know I'm right, such as when they tried to fine me for being in the 'wrong lane' when they hadn't even asked where I was going so could not accuse me of that. That and the several times (in the past) when I've been pulled over for supposedly speeding without any evidence whatsoever.  If that's arrogance - so be it.  I wouldn't be stupid enough to argue with the police if I knew I was in the wrong.  If you've done nothing wrong, you do not need to pay them - that's worked for me for 22 years.  Fortunately, as far as driving is concerned, they don't seem to pull foreigners over so much these days. For the last few years I've been waved through at every checkpoint.

 

I won't take part in any form of corruption whatsoever, yes it does handicap me sometimes when I want get something done but I deal with that. I have taken part unknowingly like when I was charged 500 baht for residence certificates to apply for my driving licence and bank accounts.

 

Corruption is a disease that holds a country back, it prevents development, keeps the poor poor and the rich rich.

Ok than i wrongly assumed you live here,i apologize.

[Ralf001]

58 minutes ago, advancebooking said:

my wife and I have a cell ph number of an attorney in our phones. Any <deleted> goes down we call him. May I suggest you do the same today OP?

richard_smith has the number of a police friend in his... uses it to avoid dui's !

[Magictoad]

You don't need to know the blood/ alcohol levels of any given country. They are irrelevant if you DONT DRINK AND DRIVE.

It's that simple: especially with all the taxi services running these days. Nobody needs to break the law and then whine about it on a forum like this.

[Upnotover]

19 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

It doesn't say anything about which length of licence you get IF you are renewing after expiry.

 

It only goes so far as to state IF you need to do just a theory exam (+1 year expiry) or the Theory and Practical exam (+3 years expiry) - & none of that is relevant to someone 'using their home licence' to obtain a Thai license.

 

Thus: I may be missing something - perhaps a screen shot of what you are reading can clear this up ?

 

 

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, Upnotover said:

 

That doesn't actually state what length of driving license you will get if renewing an expired 5 year license (after +1 or +3 years).

 

 

 

 

[Magictoad]

5 hours ago, sungod said:

Didnt say drink driving is OK, read again.

 

Imagine being in an accident in your car, cops will always come down on you whether you are right or wrong. You want to go to jail and then have years of court cases to fight (cause that's what happens here) or a few quid to make it go away and life continues as normal?

 

Its not supporting corruption, its being realistic.

Not realistic for the people maimed or killed in the accident. What makes you so blasé about 3rd world police corruption? Sound very entitled to me.

[Upnotover]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

That doesn't actually state what length of driving license you will get if renewing an expired 5 year license (after +1 or +3 years).

 

 

 

 

I give up. "Renew a 5 year licence", That's what I did and that's what I got.

[Magictoad]

4 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

I guess we shouildn't get upset because Thailand's roads are so safe already, a few drunk Ukrainians more on the roads makes no difference, right?

 

Children could have been killed.

 

Deport this draft dodger and his British cheerleader. Thailand will be the better for it!

 

Zero tolerance for drunk driving. And their apologists.

Me too: zero tolerance for drunk drivers

and zero tolerance for whiners & whingers.

[MangoKorat]

4 hours ago, sungod said:

Anyway, good luck with your UK license if you get stopped and start quoting the law.......even more so if you end up in a prang. What you going to do, tell them whats right or wrong cause its not like that where you come from? 

And why would I have a problem with that? I drive totally legally in both the UK and Thailand.

[MangoKorat]

4 hours ago, sungod said:

Yes, and the police get their cut..... wake up.

More barstool and mug talk.  I've never been in a serious accident in Thailand but I can think of 2 mates who have. One was at fault, not sure about the other but the one thing I am sure of is that neither will have given the police a single baht - they both think like me.

 

You might like to 'wake up' as you say - things are changing.  Thai's are even starting to stand up to the police - not seen the news stories of them recording incidents of attempted corrupt police activity on their smartphones?  The police wave them on.

 

I don't need to wake up - I've spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand over the last 22 years. I've driven/ridden literally hundreds of thousands of kilometers and never once have I paid the police or knowingly taken part in any form of corruption. Perhaps its you that needs to wake up?

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

4 hours ago, sungod said:

Anyway, good luck with your UK license if you get stopped and start quoting the law.......even more so if you end up in a prang. What you going to do, tell them whats right or wrong cause its not like that where you come from? 

And why would I have a problem with that? I drive totally legally in both the UK and Thailand.

 

Again - wholly correct - I'm not sure why sungod is trying to attack you from such a flawed perspective given his ignorance of the regulations and your situation. 

 

 

That said: many police officers here do not actually know the exact laws themselves, training is poor and regulations are often passed through a peer network from policeman to policeman - thus there are plenty of legacy errors with their understanding.

 

Thus: Even though its legal to drive here on a UK License due to reciprocal agreements (for example), I would still recommend that tourists also have an IDP which removes any ambiguity should a 'lesser informed' police officer be operating a check-point etc - it just saves hassle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

I don't need to wake up - I've spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand over the last 22 years. I've driven/ridden literally hundreds of thousands of kilometers and never once have I paid the police or knowingly taken part in any form of corruption. Perhaps its you that needs to wake up?

 

I have...  Its just 'part of the system' here... 

 

The last couple of times was turning from the middle lane when there was a stationary object in the 'turn lane'...  so I had no choice.

 

It was an impossible discussion...  no flexibility on their part.

- One time I paid 200 baht as I didn't want to hand over my licence !!

- Another time, I just said ok, give me an official ticket - they waved me on !!

 

Another time I'd forgotten to renew my tax... I argued with the officer, until I got out, check my tax disc and laughed, I saw that he was right, I don't know why I had a different date in my head. 

- I gave him 100 baht and drove off... he was still negotiating for 200 baht as I was driving off !!!

 

 

I think its all part of the game of living here - that said, its been a long time since I've been stopped or pulled over (especially in Bangkok) - the BiB just seem disinterested in driving foreigners here in Bangkok... (in the day time at least)...  Perhaps because experience has taught them that 'nearly all' follow the law, where as in other areas (such as Pattaya, Phuket etc) experience has taught them that foreigners are an easy target as they DUI more readily and may often not have the valid documents etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[josephbloggs]

23 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

More barstool and mug talk.  I've never been in a serious accident in Thailand but I can think of 2 mates who have. One was at fault, not sure about the other but the one thing I am sure of is that neither will have given the police a single baht - they both think like me.

 

You might like to 'wake up' as you say - things are changing.  Thai's are even starting to stand up to the police - not seen the news stories of them recording incidents of attempted corrupt police activity on their smartphones?  The police wave them on.

 

I don't need to wake up - I've spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand over the last 22 years. I've driven/ridden literally hundreds of thousands of kilometers and never once have I paid the police or knowingly taken part in any form of corruption. Perhaps its you that needs to wake up?

Yep, you are correct, it is AN bar stool nonsense. I have been in two crashes here: one was a drunk Thai who smashed in to me at very high speed (I was stationary waiting to turn in to a side road). He tried to blame me saying I was not indicating and that I had no lights on. Well yeah by the time the police showed up (remarkably quickly) I had no working lights as my car was a crumpled mess. The police took my side.

Second time was, embarrassingly and shamefully, my fault. Quite a big hit to a taxi whose car would need to be off the road for repairs. Again the police treated me incredibly fairly and politely. I am sure my trite and apologetic demeanour helped. And the taxi driver refused all my attempts to pay him compensation, it was very humbling.

And like you I have never paid the police for an offence I haven't been guilty of committing (speeding, U-turning where I shouldn't etc). I have never once in 30 years driving here been asked for a bribe for a made up offence.

[faraday]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Maybe you are one of those who does not have a 'spine to stand up for yourself'.

 

 

An indirect & unnecessary snide comment.

[Hellfire]

5 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

I guess we shouildn't get upset because Thailand's roads are so safe already, a few drunk Ukrainians more on the roads makes no difference, right?

 

Children could have been killed.

 

Deport this draft dodger and his British cheerleader. Thailand will be the better for it!

 

Zero tolerance for drunk driving. And their apologists.

I see you have some problems with the Ukrainians. Don't want to disappoint you but I am not Ukrainian. And, by the way, the worst possible offenders on the Thai roads are actually Thais themselves. As you could see from my initial post, there were 15 locals in the cell caught for DUI and only one foreigner - me. Some of those Thais looked like they drunk a lot, unlike me. 

[sungod]

Not attacking, pointing out reality.