250 Prisoners Crammed In One Boiling Hot Room.

[Andiamo]

Every prison in the world is filled with innocent people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time and prisoners who were arrested for minor crimes, but ended up in far worse trouble because they were forced into illegal activities inside prison by gangs and stronger inmates.

We can hope tht it never happens to us, but it very well might!

A good post Ulysses G. We should all stop and think and never judge others unless we know the real truth.

[onzestan]

Then I suggest you do yourself a favour and give them a go.

Why do people who have absolutely NO knowledge of drugs have such firm views on them? It really is startling bizarre how easily brainwashed people can become on the issue of smoking a harmless plant that grows freely throughout the world; and one that has numerous natural benefits too.

You jump to conclusions my friend. Because I don't do drugs doesn't mean I don't know anything about them.

It is a well known fact, constantly ignored by the drug advocates, that soft drugs are only a stepping stone to hard drugs.

I have seen a close friend's live destroyed by drugs so don't you dare tell me its harmless.

onzestan

[OlRedEyes]

Perhaps I am weaker than most of the other posters here so I hope I will remain on the good side of the law.

That's all there is to it isn't it?

onzestan

That's extremely naive, I'd say.

Maybe but if you don't break the law, then you should not have to fear the law, and BTW I've never ever done drugs and never will.

cheers

onzestan

You are talking of real laws I presume. Where do you live? Surely not in LOS?

Then I suggest you do yourself a favour and give them a go.

Why do people who have absolutely NO knowledge of drugs have such firm views on them? It really is startling bizarre how easily brainwashed people can become on the issue of smoking a harmless plant that grows freely throughout the world; and one that has numerous natural benefits too.

You jump to conclusions my friend. Because I don't do drugs doesn't mean I don't know anything about them.

It is a well known fact, constantly ignored by the drug advocates, that soft drugs are only a stepping stone to hard drugs.

I have seen a close friend's live destroyed by drugs so don't you dare tell me its harmless.

onzestan

I know quite a few people who's lives have been destroyed by legal alcohol, far more than I know that messed up their lives through other types of drugs.

It's about adults taking responsibility for their own choices and actions.

If alcohol can be legal, there is no logical reason to ban soft drugs. Alcohol is a drug, I wouldn't exactly classify it as soft, and is much a stepping stone to h_ell.

[cobra]

If you've never been in a cell, in harms way in every direction, traumatized, many may talk a good game but I'm confident most will immediately sign anything that promised a quick extrication from their situation, thinking it will be immeasurable more pleasant and easy to deal with on the outside, who wouldn't.

Retaining the best legal resources, contacting the Embassy, paying any amount of money to make the whole thing go away, until they hear that disparaging refrain, ... well it's a little more complicated than that, ....

It's best to hang tough until your Embassy contacts you or visa-versa.

They'll will at least advise you to your best recourse and facilitate some counsel for you. The quality and time-line being pretty much dependant on how much $$ is at your disposal.

Being in jail with legal trouble is one thing, being in jail and broke is another.

Edited May 21, 2008 by cobra

[onzestan]

You are talking of real laws I presume. Where do you live? Surely not in LOS?

Yes I do and for nearly 20 years without problems with the law.

I know quite a few people who's lives have been destroyed by legal alcohol, far more than I know that messed up their lives through other types of drugs.

It's about adults taking responsibility for their own choices and actions.

If alcohol can be legal, there is no logical reason to ban soft drugs. Alcohol is a drug, I wouldn't exactly classify it as soft, and is much a stepping stone to h_ell.

Let's agree to disagree, I don't want to enter into a pissing contest over something I despise.

onzestan

Edited May 21, 2008 by onzestan

[Spee]

An very old man told me that a few days ago he bought a small amount of ganja from a Tuk-Tuk driver and a few moments later six policemen came bursting into his room and arrested him.

They brought him to the police station and threw him in with 250 prisoners crammed in one boiling hot room.

The next day he was told that if he signed 20 pages of Thai documents in Thai with no interpretation he would be let out that day, but would have to go to court later. If he refused, he would have to stay in jail 3 or 4 months just waiting trail.

Would you have signed the papers?

What should he have done".

If it were me in his shoes, I would have probably have been scared sh*tless and willing to do almost anything to get the <deleted> out of there. Yes, I would have signed a piece of paper if it would get me out of there and back on the street. Then as soon as I got a whiff of fresh air, I would be heading straight for my home country embassy to find some asylum and protection, as well as a way out of the country.

(that said, i don't have a lot of sympathy for foreigners choosing to partake in narcotics activity in LoS)

[jstumbo]

If it were me in his shoes, I would have probably have been scared sh*tless and willing to do almost anything to get the <deleted> out of there. Yes, I would have signed a piece of paper if it would get me out of there and back on the street. Then as soon as I got a whiff of fresh air, I would be heading straight for my home country embassy to find some asylum and protection, as well as a way out of the country.

(that said, i don't have a lot of sympathy for foreigners choosing to partake in narcotics activity in LoS)

How do you even know that it would get you released? Because the BiB say it would? How do you know that they would not just turn around and say, that now that you have confessed, they will be sending you to the real prison?

[MrIrrisistable]

---

and doesn't stimulate dangerously creative thought processes.

Are you smokin the same shit I smoke ??

I never get creative....well there was one time...this girl....

[Andiamo]

If it were me in his shoes, I would have probably have been scared sh*tless and willing to do almost anything to get the <deleted> out of there. Yes, I would have signed a piece of paper if it would get me out of there and back on the street. Then as soon as I got a whiff of fresh air, I would be heading straight for my home country embassy to find some asylum and protection, as well as a way out of the country.

(that said, i don't have a lot of sympathy for foreigners choosing to partake in narcotics activity in LoS)

How do you even know that it would get you released? Because the BiB say it would? How do you know that they would not just turn around and say, that now that you have confessed, they will be sending you to the real prison?

Agreed jstumbo, plus I think those BiB would have retained your passport.....not so easy to leave the country without one...

Not sure HOW the Embassy could assist you legally in THAT situation...

[candoman89]

I would sign somebody else's name...........admitted dope smokers like um

Pierre Trudeau (although he only smoked in countries where it was legal)

Bill Clinton (although he didn't inhale)

Bob Marley

[toybits]

Agree!!!

Same thing happens at Laos village off Khong Chiam in Ubon Ratchathani. Bags (lots of Bags) of MJ being sold openly on the village stalls at the Lao side were being sold for 20 Baht (about 10 years ago)! Not making this up - mind you...

If anyone buys the stuff, policemen pounce on you in no time once you return to LOS.

He shouldn't have bought pleasure herbs from a tuk-tuk driver.

[mistresserika]

I may have missed it somewhere, but what nationality is the old man?

[toybits]

Blame your government for this! Governments have no political will. It will take some major public opinion reshaping to get governments to ban alcohol and tobacco. Just like what happened with opium in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Cigarrettes are following this same course. Smokers are gradually, but relentessly being marginalized. First smoking rooms, then entire buildings. Now public areas and even parks. Next will be total ban?

Gave up smoking 16 years ago. Used to smoke 2 packs a day - so I know what it is to smoke.

What a twisted world we live in. Alcohol causes far more damage to society than weed yet it's the weed that's illegal!

---

It's slightly easier to tax, and doesn't stimulate dangerously creative thought processes.

[geriatrickid]

Under the Constitution, persons must be informed of likely charges against them immediately after arrest and must be allowed to inform someone of their arrest. Detainees have the right to have a lawyer present during questioning

Reality check:Police can and do ignore this right in practice. It is not unusual for foreign prisoners to be pressured to sign confessions without the benefit of a competent translator.

The law requires the police to submit criminal cases to prosecutors for the filing of court charges within 48 hours of arrest, with extensions of up to 3 days permitted. Police may seek court permission to hold suspects for additional periods (up to a maximum of 82 days for the most serious offenses) to conduct investigations. Laws and regulations place offenses for which the maximum penalty is less than 3 years under the jurisdiction of the district courts, which have different procedures. In these cases, police are required to submit cases to public prosecutors within 72 hours of arrest.

Reality check: Police do not respect the 48-hour rule.

if you are threatened/forced need to sign, suggest you do so as follows;

John Doe under duress.

Most importantly of all, insist upon right of informing consulate. However, be prepared that allegations of frug trafficing are given low priority by most western governments. You are essentially on your own.

[Andiamo]

Under the Constitution, persons must be informed of likely charges against them immediately after arrest and must be allowed to inform someone of their arrest. Detainees have the right to have a lawyer present during questioning

Reality check:Police can and do ignore this right in practice. It is not unusual for foreign prisoners to be pressured to sign confessions without the benefit of a competent translator.

The law requires the police to submit criminal cases to prosecutors for the filing of court charges within 48 hours of arrest, with extensions of up to 3 days permitted. Police may seek court permission to hold suspects for additional periods (up to a maximum of 82 days for the most serious offenses) to conduct investigations. Laws and regulations place offenses for which the maximum penalty is less than 3 years under the jurisdiction of the district courts, which have different procedures. In these cases, police are required to submit cases to public prosecutors within 72 hours of arrest.

Reality check: Police do not respect the 48-hour rule.

if you are threatened/forced need to sign, suggest you do so as follows;

John Doe under duress.

Most importantly of all, insist upon right of informing consulate. However, be prepared that allegations of frug trafficing are given low priority by most western governments. You are essentially on your own.

Sound advice there geriatrickid and the Reality Check is a timely inclusion of the Actual Reality....

[indiefan]

Hi, can someone post something reassuring me that simply being in Thailand and enjoying what the country has to offer won't land me in jail for 3 years? This thread has freaked me out. I have not broken any laws nor do I intend to, but it seems like that does not really matter. Almost makes me want to leave.

[jfchandler]

Hi, can someone post something reassuring me that simply being in Thailand and enjoying what the country has to offer won't land me in jail for 3 years?

Quite simply... NO!

[jstumbo]

I think you are pretty safe, depending on who you keep company with. If you use drugs or hang around people that use drugs then you might run into some problems.

[Ulysses G.]

What really worries me is staying in guesthouses that might have old dope stashes hidden around the room.

Heroin is so cheap here that tourists often leave what they haven't used, and police find it when doing raids, and blame someone with no clue about drugs at all.

[Super Hans]

Perhaps I am weaker than most of the other posters here so I hope I will remain on the good side of the law.

That's all there is to it isn't it?

onzestan

That's extremely naive, I'd say.

Maybe but if you don't break the law, then you should not have to fear the law, and BTW I've never ever done drugs and never will.

cheers

onzestan

Then I suggest you do yourself a favour and give them a go.

Why do people who have absolutely NO knowledge of drugs have such firm views on them? It really is startling bizarre how easily brainwashed people can become on the issue of smoking a harmless plant that grows freely throughout the world; and one that has numerous natural benefits too.

Harmless?

Not so. How about the schizophrenia it causes? How about the car accidents related to drug use? And those just for starters. Yes I do smoke dope in the Uk for arthritis and it does work though I am aware of the dangers. Like any drug it has to depend on useage.

Would I sign? Not sure. Depends on how desperate I was becoming.

The link to schizophrenia is shaky at best. I'd imagine there are very few weed related car accidents - I've (occassionally) driven stoned, and it makes you drive VERY carefully and VERY slowly. You also generally cannot be arsed to drive anywhere after a spliff or two, which contrasts strongly to alcohol's bravado element. I strongly suspect there are more accidents caused by wired caffine freaks than weed smokers, and certainly more by those that are tired. Ok, let's ban caffine and being awake, that'll solve it.

As you say, responsible usage is key, which applies equally to every...single...thing...on the planet. The lack of "smoking gun" evidence against cannabis is frankly embarrassing, as is the inability of the pro-smoking lobby to mobilise effectively enough to get the bloody stuff legalised (which may in itself be slightly damning!)

[Super Hans]

Then I suggest you do yourself a favour and give them a go.

Why do people who have absolutely NO knowledge of drugs have such firm views on them?

I do not need to shoot up heroin to decide if it is good or not. How long would you suggest I be a junky before I decide that it is not good?

Should I smoke cigarettes for a few years before I decide if they are good or not?

It's a facile comparison, in common with the "I don't need to murder anyone to know murder is wrong".

How do you decide what is good or bad for other people? You make that decision yourself, based entirely on your own needs. Therefore, it is none of your dam_n business what I choose to do with my bodyand it is none of your dam_n business what I find pleasurable.

The dangers of drugs is this: the issue is one of puritanism. People just cannot bear the thought of other people enjoying themselves doing something they themselves don't like doing. This does far more harm to society than a tiny minority of drug casualties could ever do. There are 2 million people in American jails, perhaps a majority in on non violent drug offences. I read a statistic recently that said you are more likely to spend longer in jail for possessing a few ounces of cannabis than you are if you are a murderer or rapist (I think as parole is denied in drug's cases).

Your poisons should be chosen carefully...

Edited May 23, 2008 by Super Hans

[Super Hans]

Are you smokin the same shit I smoke ??

I never get creative....well there was one time...this girl....

It's good with the ladies actually - a kind of natural viagra. Yet another piece of evidence for the case for the defence! And it most certainly does get the creative juices flowing, although that does depend on quantity and quality...

[Super Hans]

Then I suggest you do yourself a favour and give them a go.

Why do people who have absolutely NO knowledge of drugs have such firm views on them? It really is startling bizarre how easily brainwashed people can become on the issue of smoking a harmless plant that grows freely throughout the world; and one that has numerous natural benefits too.

You jump to conclusions my friend. Because I don't do drugs doesn't mean I don't know anything about them.

It is a well known fact, constantly ignored by the drug advocates, that soft drugs are only a stepping stone to hard drugs.

I have seen a close friend's live destroyed by drugs so don't you dare tell me its harmless.

onzestan

It is NOT a well known fact - it is BULL!

As a kid, our drug use went;

cigarettes at 7

tippex at 11

glue at 12

solvents at 13

alcohol at 14

Geddit yet? The stepping stone argument applies to any and every intoxicant, irrespective of its legal status. In fact it the legal status of cannabis that gives (flimsy) evidence to the `cannabis leads to hard drugs' theory, in that smokers tend to a) realise that all the puritanical hectoring on drugs is complete <deleted> and b ) it's illegality leads to meeting dealers who have a wider range of goods and services on offer. It's highly unlikely I would have ever taken harder drugs if I could have gone to a licensed premises to purchase a few spliffs. I have absolutely no regrets about that BTW.

People like and take stimulants - it is just a fact of human existence. Naturalists have noticed a similar percentage of animals with a fondness for getting wasted, suggesting it's innate and natural. Still, it's always good for the rich and powerful to keep a bogey-man or two in the minds of the shallow and easily led, innit?

As someone who has used a vast number of drugs over 20 odd years, I can CATAGORICALLY state alcohol is the most addictive, dangerous and destructive of the lot.

[MrIrrisistable]

Are you smokin the same shit I smoke ??

I never get creative....well there was one time...this girl....

It's good with the ladies actually - a kind of natural viagra. Yet another piece of evidence for the case for the defence! And it most certainly does get the creative juices flowing, although that does depend on quantity and quality...

Oh I see...what you call 'creativity' is simply 10% of my normal creativity only viewed at a greater percentage through more creative eyes that are not really that creative.....woooh.

"It is a well known fact, constantly ignored by the drug advocates, that soft drugs are only a stepping stone to hard drugs."

and what a croc a <deleted> that is.....the only thing that leads to harder drugs is a weak personality. I am proof of it....from what I can remember.....woooh

[Super Hans]

Oh I see...what you call 'creativity' is simply 10% of my normal creativity only viewed at a greater percentage through more creative eyes that are not really that creative.....woooh.

Do what now?

I think I know what you're getting at. However, it is difficult to deny that smoking cannabis does lead to creativity, at least in the sense of viewing things differently. Much great comedy, music and art were created whilst under the influence.

That said, I dislike these broadbrush interpretations of its effect though, not least because it helps paint the picture that the sensation of being stoned is enormously different from being straight, which it ain't. Being stoned is just same same but different. It's merely a terrific boredom killer to me.

[indiefan]

So, I'm not planning on doing drugs here. Nope. But if something happens and I run into issues with the law, what do you do? At the first opportunity, offer to pay off the officer? How much? Will the officer offer to let me pay my way out of it? Or should you offer to pay him off the first momment you realize you're into some trouble?

[freitag1]

Sign it and forget about Thailand. Leave the country and move to another place with nice women and beaches.

[Andiamo]

Sign it and forget about Thailand. Leave the country and move to another place with nice women and beaches.

could be difficult if the Police have kept your passport........

[Ulysses G.]

So, I'm not planning on doing drugs here. Nope. But if something happens and I run into issues with the law, what do you do? At the first opportunity, offer to pay off the officer? How much? Will the officer offer to let me pay my way out of it? Or should you offer to pay him off the first momment you realize you're into some trouble?

If you can get an intelligent Thai person to do it for you, it will cost a lot less and no one will get offended.

I don't think that I would offer anything myself unless they asked me. Too easy to make the situation worse unless you speak Thai like Joe Cummings!

[StateSix]

I would not have signed.

I was stoned one time and had some ganja in my pocket (UK). I saw a cop car coming but I threw it onto the street. They found it and connected it with me, and then took me to the station.

They took me into a room and tried to act friendly, stating that I would be released as long as I signed their bit of paper saying it was my ganja. I refused and said I have no idea what they were talking about . They said if I sign, I walk, if not they will put me in a cell. I said 'go for it'.

5 hours later (I believe the maximum time they can hold you w/o charge) they opened the door of the cell and told me to piss off

When I was young (18 or so) I uncharacteristically stole a packet of sandwiches from a shop while drunk. I ran off but the cops caught up with me and again I threw them away before they caught me. The cops were laughing about how I was not going to able to enjoy my sandwiches in the cells, and were waving the packet in my face as I was cuffed in the car.

At the station they started the same "sign this" crap again. I refused all knowledge of any sandwiches and signed nothing. I spent a night in the cells and was released the next day without charge.

Nowadays I don't smoke dope (or nick chicken sandwiches while inebriated), but I also don't have a criminal record stating 'THIEF' & 'DRUG USER' all because I didn't sign anything.

It is hard enough getting a job nowadays with a clean record !

This must have happened many years ago as since the advent of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 UK officers need to tape record interviews. They can't get away with the dodgy signed 'confession' anymore. UK police can also hold you for 24 hours without charge.