Bangkok - Unpleasant Experience

[bulmercke]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

And why? For the crime of having chosen to get out of the vehicle I was travelling in at that particular moment.

When I realised what was going on I got back into the car and sat there for about two or three minutes with three officers surrounding it while the cavalcade passed.

I wonder if I would have been treated differently if I looked Sino-Thai and had stepped out from a Benz? I suspect so!

The pig-headed arrogance of this bully in tight brown trousers astounded me and further causes me to be disillusioned and disappointed about this nasty country that Thailand is fast becoming.

I guess this is how Burmese - Cambodian - Loatians - get treated in this country for minor violations of the law and now it appears that farangs are no different.

[chiang mai]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

And why? For the crime of having chosen to get out of the vehicle I was travelling in at that particular moment.

When I realised what was going on I got back into the car and sat there for about two or three minutes with three officers surrounding it while the cavalcade passed.

I wonder if I would have been treated differently if I looked Sino-Thai and had stepped out from a Benz? I suspect so!

The pig-headed arrogance of this bully in tight brown trousers astounded me and further causes me to be disillusioned and disappointed about this nasty country that Thailand is fast becoming.

I guess this is how Burmese - Cambodian - Loatians - get treated in this country for minor violations of the law and now it appears that farangs are no different.

It sounds like he was just doing his job by trying to ensure security for what were probably some very important people - can't really blame him too much for that, even if you didn't appreciate his style. As for whether or not his manner would have been different had you been someone else, we'll never know but I wouldn't use the incident as evidence of anti-farang sentiment!

[Jingthing]

Hmmm.

So where in the world do they have touchy-feely COPS?

//Edit: modified topic title to exclude inappropriate reference to second world war, then deleted from this post a comment that was no longer relevant after the change in topic title. - Maestro

Edited December 22, 2007 by Maestro

[Mosha]

I'm curious as to who was in the car with you. If they were Thai, they should have warned you what was going on. It's part of Thai life.

[soundman]

Sorry, but the policeman had a job to do which if he fails at could be career threatening. I am not surprised at his reponse given the current global climate with terrorism & political motivated assasinations being so prevalent.

I have been stopped at those closed road periods for VIP's on a number of occasions, one experience that I would like to share is when I was at the front of the queue on the rama six interchange and a member of ....... was driving past. All drivers of the first three cars (myself included) were instructed to leave their vehicles & bow as the member of ........ drove past. Never seen this before or after this occasion.

Soundman.

[vam-pire]

One day There will be a Time the things that you fell in love with in Thailand, will only come to disgust you , you are not alone don’t make the mistake as many do and fob it off with some lame excuse that you did not see it for what it really was

[bulmercke]

I'm curious as to who was in the car with you. If they were Thai, they should have warned you what was going on. It's part of Thai life.

Actually one of the musicians (Thai) my wife and I had been listening to that evening was kind enough to give us a lift home and he was really pxxxed off with the attitude of this particular police captain.

He kept saying to me afterwards "Why couldn't he have just asked you politely to get back into the car." Which, of course, is what I would have done immediately.

I guess this is another example of the feudalism that still exists in this country. Do as you're bloody well told and don't question or confront 'authority' or else!

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this. But TIT.

[tijnebijn]

They could be more polite indeed , they should have .

Not sure what the difference would be for you sitting in the car or standing out of it .

Maybe your car wasn't parked in the right place ....

But indeed it is normal practise in Thailand , and for what I have heard the most

stressful event for a policeman , cause the security is no1 priority , no matter what

or whatever they have to do , believe it or not , they can loose their job instantly

if somebody walks over and disturbed the speedy cars where they have to clear

everything ......enough said about this cause it is supposed to be talked about .

To make comparisons with a time long time ago which was very nasty goes

much to far and is out of the question if you ask me , but I do understand

the lack of compassion of that cop , its nothing special when you know it .

staying long enough in Thailand you will understand it is just everyday business with the

cop doing his job , probably having a bad hair day ......

[Jingthing]

I suppose your reaction to this does depend where you are coming from. Coming from the US, I am used to power tripping porkers.

[tijnebijn]

I meant not supposed to talk about , sorry .

[sriracha john]

I also think comparing Thailand to Nazi Gemany is so very Over The Top.

well over considering who the procession might have been for....

[bulmercke]

Sorry, but the policeman had a job to do which if he fails at could be career threatening. I am not surprised at his reponse given the current global climate with terrorism & political motivated assasinations being so prevalent.

I have been stopped at those closed road periods for VIP's on a number of occasions, one experience that I would like to share is when I was at the front of the queue on the rama six interchange and a member of ....... was driving past. All drivers of the first three cars (myself included) were instructed to leave their vehicles & bow as the member of ........ drove past. Never seen this before or after this occasion.

Soundman.

Unbelievable.

[mr_hippo]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

So you knew the reason why the car was stopped but you got out to 'stretch my legs and get some air' (how long had you been in the car?) The act of getting out of the car and looking down the road could be viewed that you were acting in a very suspicious manner. How did the police officer that you got out of the car innocently? The officer ought to be commended on his actions and you ought to be thankful that you were not detained and questioned further.

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

[tijnebijn]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

So you knew the reason why the car was stopped but you got out to 'stretch my legs and get some air' (how long had you been in the car?) The act of getting out of the car and looking down the road could be viewed that you were acting in a very suspicious manner. How did the police officer that you got out of the car innocently? The officer ought to be commended on his actions and you ought to be thankful that you were not detained and questioned further.

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

something like this

[lazeeboy]

I'm curious as to who was in the car with you. If they were Thai, they should have warned you what was going on. It's part of Thai life.

Actually one of the musicians (Thai) my wife and I had been listening to that evening was kind enough to give us a lift home and he was really pxxxed off with the attitude of this particular police captain.

He kept saying to me afterwards "Why couldn't he have just asked you politely to get back into the car." Which, of course, is what I would have done immediately.

I guess this is another example of the feudalism that still exists in this country. Do as you're bloody well told and don't question or confront 'authority' or else!

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this. But TIT.

this isnt the uk ,if the uk acted in this way maybe the foreiners would'nt want to live there too ....

[Maestro]

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

In London, a man – Brazilian I believe – was shot because police thought he was acting suspiciously. Police was cleared. Story here.

Bulmercke is still alive.

--

Maestro

[Travel2003]

I bet it was an unpleasent experience.

Could have been worse.

Think of this scenario..... You are in USA and a convoi with VIPs pass by with police escort.

You leave your car and start to walk away from it.

A policeman approaches you, it is getting dark, and then you pick up your mobile phone from your pocket............

You would not live to tell your story.

There, feeling better?

No, seriously, I believe the policeman did his job. Maybe not as smooth as one would like.

[IMA_FARANG]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

And why? For the crime of having chosen to get out of the vehicle I was travelling in at that particular moment.

When I realised what was going on I got back into the car and sat there for about two or three minutes with three officers surrounding it while the cavalcade passed.

I wonder if I would have been treated differently if I looked Sino-Thai and had stepped out from a Benz? I suspect so!

The pig-headed arrogance of this bully in tight brown trousers astounded me and further causes me to be disillusioned and disappointed about this nasty country that Thailand is fast becoming.

I guess this is how Burmese - Cambodian - Loatians - get treated in this country for minor violations of the law and now it appears that farangs are no different.

Sorry you got harrassed, but don't take it personally. It wasn't really directed at you I'm sure. It was just the reponse of a (obviously) overstressed and very nervous police officer in a situation where he felt threatened. His job was security for some important (certainly to him at least) officials, and the sudden appearence of you in that situation looked like a threat to him. Yes, he should have reacted less violently, and with more consideration, but he paniced.

I was once grabbed, and thrown up against a wall, when I happened to blunder into a situation where a drunk had assulted a policeman. Not only was I not involved, I had no idea what was going on, I just walked around a corner, then....wham, I was thrown against a wall and pinned there. I just happened to walk into the wrong place at the wrong time. Nothing personal, the police were in a stress mode, and I might have been a threat.

[bulmercke]

Last night a friend of my wife and myself gave us a lift home from a concert. On the expessway a police officer waved us over to the side before a toll booth to let a cavalcade pass. When we came to a stop I got out the vehicle to stretch my legs and get some air - but didn't move more than a couple of metres from the car. We were parked up near the barrier of the elevated expressway we were on and I was looking down onto the road and the community we were situated over when all of a sudden my attention is diverted to a police captain about fifty metres away who was storming across the expressway toward me and shouting and screaming at me to get back into my vehicle with wild arm gestures. One of his underlings was by his side.

I was so shocked that I didn't immediatedly respond to his command and wasn't sure what was going on. As he got closer he was yelling at me at the top of his voice and his actions were certainly hostile and aggressive.

So you knew the reason why the car was stopped but you got out to 'stretch my legs and get some air' (how long had you been in the car?) The act of getting out of the car and looking down the road could be viewed that you were acting in a very suspicious manner. How did the police officer that you got out of the car innocently? The officer ought to be commended on his actions and you ought to be thankful that you were not detained and questioned further.

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

Hey - I wasn't paying any attention to the road (elevated expressway) I was on. I was simply looking down over the barrier at what was below it . It was eerily quiet and that was it.

And hey guess what? If my wife and friend hadn't been with me I would have probably told this individual to go fxxx himself whatever the consequences.

Yes - principles can be costly sometimes - but I'm stilled pxxxed about this some twenty hours later - hence the OP.

[JetsetBkk]

Sorry, but the policeman had a job to do which if he fails at could be career threatening. I am not surprised at his reponse given the current global climate with terrorism & political motivated assasinations being so prevalent.

I have been stopped at those closed road periods for VIP's on a number of occasions, one experience that I would like to share is when I was at the front of the queue on the rama six interchange and a member of ....... was driving past. All drivers of the first three cars (myself included) were instructed to leave their vehicles & bow as the member of ........ drove past. Never seen this before or after this occasion.

Soundman.

Unbelievable.

Unbelievable? How long have you been here?

the policeman had a job to do which if he fails at could be career threatening

Absolutely right.

One day There will be a Time the things that you fell in love with in Thailand, will only come to disgust you , you are not alone don’t make the mistake as many do and fob it off with some lame excuse that you did not see it for what it really was

I wish I knew what you were trying to say, but it sounds like you've been here too long.

[katana]

I saw a similar thing happen a few years ago when the royal cavalcade was passing on Sukhumwit Rd in BKK. The police had stopped the traffic and pedestrians were waiting on the pavement for it to pass. One farang not realising what was going on tried to cross the road and the police ran over to him and gave him a bollocking in front of everyone which I'm sure he didn't forget in a hurry.

[madjbs]

He over reacted slightly, he could have been politer, but this happens everywhere and the chances are he would have done the same thing to a Thai person so don’t be silly and use it as some kind of proof of anti farangism. We have police like this in the U.K as well you know.

[taxexile]

..........................................If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this. But TIT.

which is why the british police are now forced to operate with about as much effectiveness as a one legged man with his left hand tied behind his back.

[Macx]

I was stopped along with all the other travelers on the road between Ranong and Phuket, in the middle of nowhere. It was around twilight, lots of mosquitoes. There were two dozen vehicles in this group. Everyone got out to stretched his legs. We waited 30 minutes in the dark, and then a string of SUVs and Mercedes zoomed by. We got to wait another 10 minutes and we allowed on our ways.

Before I was stopped, I saw policemen posted along the side of the road standing in the bushes for about an hour, apparently, waiting for the order to stop traffic. Poor guys had been standing around for twice as long

Once in BKK, I had the pleasure of sitting in a taxi for nearly an hour because the cops stopped traffic for some important honchos. TIT

The big wigs here really must get more helicopters.

[howtoescape]

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

In London, a man – Brazilian I believe – was shot because police thought he was acting suspiciously. Police was cleared. Story here.

Bulmercke is still alive.

--

Maestro

A sad tragic end of life, at a frightening time on Londons tube system.

But please do not try to compare the British police to the Thai corrupt Bully's.

The British police are the best police force in the world.

[the gent]

If this happened in the UK and there were witnesses - the Police Complaints Commisssion would act on this.

Of course they would have acted on it by rolling about on the floor laughing!

In London, a man – Brazilian I believe – was shot because police thought he was acting suspiciously. Police was cleared. Story here.

Bulmercke is still alive.

--

Maestro

The two events are hardly analogous unless of course the redoubtable Bulmercke had been under armed surveillance the previous two hours and was suspected of involvement in armed insurrection.

I suppose we shouldn't rule out the possibility.........

[NovaBlue05]

Coulda been worse. You could have been tased..like here in the US.....Or tased to death...like in Canada

Instead you were the victim of poor manners by a government employee.

[howtoescape]

Sorry, but the policeman had a job to do which if he fails at could be career threatening.

When i saw a police officer take money from a beggar in Sukhumvit last week he didnt seem to worried about his career., weve all seen this many times

I am not surprised at his reponse given the current global climate with terrorism & political motivated assasinations being so prevalent.

So it is ok to do this to every person the people decide to stop and wish to search.

I have been stopped at those closed road periods for VIP's on a number of occasions, one experience that I would like to share is when I was at the front of the queue on the rama six interchange and a member of ....... was driving past. All drivers of the first three cars (myself included) were instructed to leave their vehicles & bow as the member of ........ drove past. Never seen this before or after this occasion.

Soundman.

And what would the consequence have been if you didnt oblige.

This is a police state run by the one of the most corrupt police forces in the world and some are trying to defend them for over reacting.

[JetsetBkk]

This is a police state run by the one of the most corrupt police forces in the world

Any luck in finding out "how to escape"?

[bulmercke]

Coulda been worse. You could have been tased..like here in the US.....Or tased to death...like in Canada

Instead you were the victim of poor manners by a government employee.

Agreed. In the US now - people - men and women - are tasered on a daily basis - often unnecessarily - and getting tassered can be a life-threatening experience depending on your age and heart condition.

I - for one - 47 years of age - dodgy heart - would be at risk -