Police Volunteers Again !

[arachne]

I really wish I could just go to sleep following an enjoyable night out in Pattaya. I don't like getting involved in the banter surrounding the expat scene in the city and these days, from previous experience, I'm trying to avoid it. BUT.....

Tonight I was walking with friends down walking street when I couldn't help notice several groups of farangs consisting of one black shirted caucasian accompanied by a group of Americans in white t-shirts. I spoke to one of the Americans who told me he was a member of the Military Police taking care of the estimated thousands of American servicemen currently roaming the streets of Pattaya that night. The frang ion the black shirt was their "police adviser" (sic).

All well and good, maybe. Until I noticed that the black shirted farang (police volunteer), who we are all well accustomed to by now, had somehow been promoted into the ranks of the Boys in Brown. I spotted four farangs clad in a vest with the bold lettering "POLICE" emblazened on both sides of their upper torso together with the very large logo of the Royal Thai Police. "FPV" was printed on the bottom of the vests in (much) smaller lettering.

What the hel_l is going on!!? We are all well aware of the rivalry between between Miller and Colov, but now it seems the one-upmanship is being played out in the insignia department.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the uniforms worn by the foreign police (FPV) in Walking Street tonight identified them as bona fide police.

This has got to stop. Now. I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I was sickened by the sight of some farang exerting authority in this manner. Colov 'sand Miller's gangs must be disbanded immediately and a new group of volunteers established to serve all the the police departments together - regular police, Immigration police and Tourist Police.

Miller and Colov, stop your public displays of preening, and establish an organisation that concentrates on assisting the hapless tourists in an altruistic manner, rather than feathering your own nests.

[thainet]

I really wish I could just go to sleep following an enjoyable night out in Pattaya. I don't like getting involved in the banter surrounding the expat scene in the city and these days, from previous experience, I'm trying to avoid it. BUT.....

Tonight I was walking with friends down walking street when I couldn't help notice several groups of farangs consisting of one black shirted caucasian accompanied by a group of Americans in white t-shirts. I spoke to one of the Americans who told me he was a member of the Military Police taking care of the estimated thousands of American servicemen currently roaming the streets of Pattaya that night. The frang ion the black shirt was their "police adviser" (sic).

All well and good, maybe. Until I noticed that the black shirted farang (police volunteer), who we are all well accustomed to by now, had somehow been promoted into the ranks of the Boys in Brown. I spotted four farangs clad in a vest with the bold lettering "POLICE" emblazened on both sides of their upper torso together with the very large logo of the Royal Thai Police. "FPV" was printed on the bottom of the vests in (much) smaller lettering.

What the hel_l is going on!!? We are all well aware of the rivalry between between Miller and Colov, but now it seems the one-upmanship is being played out in the insignia department.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the uniforms worn by the foreign police (FPV) in Walking Street tonight identified them as bona fide police.

This has got to stop. Now. I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I was sickened by the sight of some farang exerting authority in this manner. Colov 'sand Miller's gangs must be disbanded immediately and a new group of volunteers established to serve all the the police departments together - regular police, Immigration police and Tourist Police.

Miller and Colov, stop your public displays of preening, and establish an organisation that concentrates on assisting the hapless tourists in an altruistic manner, rather than feathering your own nests.

Actually 'Arachne' you should try to avoid posting (as you described) if you don't know the circumstances.

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous. This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

Edited April 11, 2009 by thainet

[mamanoodle]

Thank you Thainet for a sensible and well informed post. And Arachne if you do not like to get involved why would you, unless you had some traumatic experience with these guys to cause you severe insomnia?

[Tokay]

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous.

This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

Are these men not qualified to take care of themselves (and an entire country) and to follow orders from their own commanders without the help of a Pattaya tourist cops?

Your post, while it does clear up the first gents post, confuses me because I thought the United States Military, and correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty capable of taking care of themselves. Because if the in fact can not, why in the **** do we send them abroad in the first place and put them in harms way?

What "problems" would my military cause if the Pattaya falang police were not around to guide them? Furthermore, what do you honestly think a group of older, mostly out of shape, mostly untrained men (Falang police) could do to young men who have been trained to kill?

By assigning tourist police to the United States Military is a slap in the face to them IMHO. It says they are unable to take care of themselves and rely on locals, who are not even real police, to protect and serve them.

However, if you were able to save their lives and keep them of harms way, because we all knows these hookers can be ruthless, then kudos to all of you for doing a job well done! Perhaps then we need to send the Pattaya Tourist Police to Iraq to get that place in order.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. I just don't see the point.

[Basil B]

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

The Shore Patrol (or what ever they are called now) are to keep the sailors (marines, etc) in order.

[samuibeachcomber]

I think the OP's main point was in regard to the farang volunteer police strutting around like they were in the third reich and there was a thread before about them.I dont think he was complaining about a group specifically out there to watch over the US navy personnel.

[Tokay]

The Shore Patrol (or what ever they are called now) are to keep the sailors (marines, etc) in order.

Do the sailors have a habit of getting out of control or something? I've never heard of any issues over the years.

Secondly, can they (realistically) keep them in control if the sailors get out of line?

[thainet]

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous.

This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

Are these men not qualified to take care of themselves (and an entire country) and to follow orders from their own commanders without the help of a Pattaya tourist cops?

Your post, while it does clear up the first gents post, confuses me because I thought the United States Military, and correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty capable of taking care of themselves. Because if the in fact can not, why in the **** do we send them abroad in the first place and put them in harms way?

What "problems" would my military cause if the Pattaya falang police were not around to guide them? Furthermore, what do you honestly think a group of older, mostly out of shape, mostly untrained men (Falang police) could do to young men who have been trained to kill?

By assigning tourist police to the United States Military is a slap in the face to them IMHO. It says they are unable to take care of themselves and rely on locals, who are not even real police, to protect and serve them.

However, if you were able to save their lives and keep them of harms way, because we all knows these hookers can be ruthless, then kudos to all of you for doing a job well done! Perhaps then we need to send the Pattaya Tourist Police to Iraq to get that place in order.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. I just don't see the point.

DEAR TOKAY-----TO CLEAR UP YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS ALSO.

If you had read my first post correctly you wld have seen I said 'help diffuse situations'--NOT protection.

Also if you really knew your Military rules you wld know that any transgression perpetrated on shore leave could be grounds for dismissal or court martial, so in the past the Shore Patrol were not well enough informed of Thai customs and culture to properly diffuse many situations with locals involved and many turned ugly. Therefore the FTPA's (on walking Str only) and the FPV's (in other parts of Pattaya also) are now involved as I described above.

So on the contrary this is ' not a slap in the face' as you so eloquently put it but a 'win win' situation for the Military and the local community as the number of incidents during shore visits are now minimal, plus many sailors/military are saved from very harsh punishment, which lets everyone have a great time.

So as you didn't read my previous properly, I'm correcting you as you asked in the 3rd para of your post as you are wrong.

Cheers...Thainet

[pop3]

It's only a matter of time before one of these FPV's takes a bullet. we won't see so many after that.

[Chaimai]

Also if you really knew your Military rules you wld know that any transgression perpetrated on shore leave could be grounds for dismissal or court martial, so in the past the Shore Patrol were not well enough informed of Thai customs and culture to properly diffuse many situations with locals involved and many turned ugly. Therefore the FTPA's (on walking Str only) and the FPV's (in other parts of Pattaya also) are now involved as I described above.

So on the contrary this is ' not a slap in the face' as you so eloquently put it but a 'win win' situation for the Military and the local community as the number of incidents during shore visits are now minimal, plus many sailors/military are saved from very harsh punishment, which lets everyone have a great time.

So as you didn't read my previous properly, I'm correcting you as you asked in the 3rd para of your post as you are wrong.

Cheers...Thainet

As an outsider (being a non-military Brit) I can only comment positively on Shore Patrol.

I have seen it in action in Majorca - many years ago, and more recently in Pattaya. This 'self-policing' concept seems to work very effectively and seems to engender a degree of self-discipline that says "if I screw up on their watch, I am going to pay for my actions in the long-run".

The added foresight of liaising with local police OR police volunteers is an additional plus in my book. Drunken, or even 'merry' servicemen cannot be assumed to be able to take care of themselves - indeed, they often become a target for every local chancer who wants to take on the uniform.

Full marks to the US Navy for this pragmatic approach and full marks to the volunteers for at least having the intent to help keep the peace.

[Beardog]

These are FPV's from Soi 9 police who have been asked by the US Navy/US Embassy to accompany the 'US Shore Patrol' 24 hrs a day while the Navy is on holiday in Pattaya. The FPV's are only there to advise on diffusing situations between military personnel and locals and therefore must be conspicuous.

This concept was initiated about 4 years ago, and as the SOI 9 FPV's number 'over 90 foreign volunteers' then they were the ideal people to accomplish this, especially using the one's that speak Thai. With over 5000 navy personnel around town, us foreign locals should be happy that plans are made in advance to quell problems (maybe the Govt could learn a few lessons from this after yesterday). This initiative was instigated by the Police Chief, US Embassy and Naval Attaches so instead of writing spiteful uninformed posts, maybe you should find out the truth first. The people of Pattaya will be waiting for your apology!!.

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

Are these men not qualified to take care of themselves (and an entire country) and to follow orders from their own commanders without the help of a Pattaya tourist cops?

Your post, while it does clear up the first gents post, confuses me because I thought the United States Military, and correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty capable of taking care of themselves. Because if the in fact can not, why in the **** do we send them abroad in the first place and put them in harms way?

What "problems" would my military cause if the Pattaya falang police were not around to guide them? Furthermore, what do you honestly think a group of older, mostly out of shape, mostly untrained men (Falang police) could do to young men who have been trained to kill?

By assigning tourist police to the United States Military is a slap in the face to them IMHO. It says they are unable to take care of themselves and rely on locals, who are not even real police, to protect and serve them.

However, if you were able to save their lives and keep them of harms way, because we all knows these hookers can be ruthless, then kudos to all of you for doing a job well done! Perhaps then we need to send the Pattaya Tourist Police to Iraq to get that place in order.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. I just don't see the point.

I doubt the Navy boys would have any problem ousting all the red shirts although it certainly is not there problem(unless they are blocking the way to the Go-Go bars!) I think it is more a chance to let the wanna be rent a cops try to keep order as earlier stated.At least it gives the volunteer cops a chance to make up for the almost certain lack of nads they have shown their entire life, cause I doubt if they had to tote a real gun(instead of a flashlight) They would drop a load in their drawers if they really had to restore order. I hardly ever see them now that I am not in Pattaya, but besides directions they seem pretty worthless. Just my opinion

Edited April 12, 2009 by Beardog

[Daffy D]

Do the sailors have a habit of getting out of control or something? I've never heard of any issues over the years.

[Zodiac]

I think the OP's main point was in regard to the farang volunteer police strutting around like they were in the third reich and there was a thread before about them.I dont think he was complaining about a group specifically out there to watch over the US navy personnel.

This characterisation is exactly right about the way the farang "volunteers" strut around.

They actually bring criticism on themselves by their dress and behaviour.

Seems to take a weird kind of individual with all sorts of dressing up fetish or other type of power craze who would want to be this kind of "volunteer".

[slapout]

The Navy SP do a overly good job of policing their own, in my observation, over the years. The volunteers (if Thai speaking) may be of some assistance in verbal misunderstandings between locals and Fleet personal. The problem is that the SP normally have their hands full (later in evening) with potential physical misunderstanding so Thai to English language translation is the least of the concerns. The Volunteers who I have seen in Thailand would probably want to stay out of the former situation, for their own well being as well as so as not to hinder the SP in the execution of their perceived duties.

[angiud]

I love farang volunteer police threads

It's over my understanding how somebody can defend this kind of people "strutting around like they were in the third reich " LOL

[samuibeachcomber]

The Navy SP do a overly good job of policing their own, in my observation, over the years. The volunteers (if Thai speaking) may be of some assistance in verbal misunderstandings between locals and Fleet personal. The problem is that the SP normally have their hands full (later in evening) with potential physical misunderstanding so Thai to English language translation is the least of the concerns. The Volunteers who I have seen in Thailand would probably want to stay out of the former situation, for their own well being as well as so as not to hinder the SP in the execution of their perceived duties.

usually guys that get piss drunk are pussies if surrounded or outnumbered by beautiful women,so maybe the volunteer police force should be all thai femails,there's enough of them in walking street and all speak enough english to be understood."you hansome man come here,if you dont i'll come and squeeze your <deleted> balls" should do the trick

[Phil Conners]

We often hear that the volunteers (both groups) assist with translations - but I've never heard any of them speak a word Thai. The few times I've overheard them speak to Thais it has usually been in the usual "pidgin English". How many of them actually speak Thai with a reasonable fluency? I guess a handful at most ...

[Guderian]

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

They probably don't train them in how to spot ladyboys - hence the need for specialised local minders.

[paul1970]

I have to wonder about this <snip>, he loves plastering pictures of unfortunate dead farangs and thais on his media outlets but doesn't seem to like having a vid of him taken. A vid on youtube sees him trying to stop a guy (with the help of a FPV out of uniform) taking a video on walking street, he accuses the guy of taking the video of taking it "covertly" why would he be worried about this, has he something to hide

Youtube Video link

Edited April 16, 2009 by soundman
Flame re,oved

[wcr]

Oh dear. Good video link Paul.

When will you guys realise you will never win with these "protected" people.

[redman]

I have to wonder about this <snip>, he loves plastering pictures of unfortunate dead farangs and thais on his media outlets but doesn't seem to like having a vid of him taken. A vid on youtube sees him trying to stop a guy (with the help of a FPV out of uniform) taking a video on walking street, he accuses the guy of taking the video of taking it "covertly" why would he be worried about this, has he something to hide

Youtube Video link

Don't call Gauleiter Howard an idiot. He is our last defence against our (and his) bete noir Mr Colov. Mind you, seems like Niels is keeping a low profile these days except in the PPN.

Without Howard TV would be like a Barbara Cartland novel. He tries, without ever actually trying, to spice it up. To be fair, he does come up with answers every now and then.

The last few years of eatery reviews have left him a bit out of shape, but it might be that there is a good man inside that body

[chakatee]

I'm curious why the United States Military needs extra or special protection, or help, while in Pattaya?

Because they are a bunch of idxxts (self-censured) with an extreme overdose of ego coming from the same little brain as their lack of self-control especially when in combination with women and alcohol.

Are these men not qualified to take care of themselves (and an entire country) and to follow orders from their own commanders without the help of a Pattaya tourist cops?

No they are not. This was an easy one.

Your post, while it does clear up the first gents post, confuses me because I thought the United States Military, and correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty capable of taking care of themselves. Because if the in fact can not, why in the **** do we send them abroad in the first place and put them in harms way?

Indeed, who knows why????

What "problems" would my military cause if the Pattaya falang police were not around to guide them? Furthermore, what do you honestly think a group of older, mostly out of shape, mostly untrained men (Falang police) could do to young men who have been trained to kill?

"Your military", wow. You over-estimate the mental capacity of those kids.

Your judgement of the neo-nxxi (self-censured) bunch in their fake uniforms is more to the point.

By assigning tourist police to the United States Military is a slap in the face to them IMHO. It says they are unable to take care of themselves and rely on locals, who are not even real police, to protect and serve them.

'slap in the face', lacks one more on the butt.

'it says they are unable to take care of themselves', yes.

However, if you were able to save their lives and keep them of harms way, because we all knows these hookers can be ruthless, then kudos to all of you for doing a job well done! Perhaps then we need to send the Pattaya Tourist Police to Iraq to get that place in order.

The Pattaya Tourist Police would be just as incapable doing anything decent in Iraq as your guys. They would only cost less to 'your' economy. At least you realize that they are coming here for what you call 'these hookers'.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. I just don't see the point.

BTW... don't take it personal. Just look at it from a real perspective. You just don't see the point.

[TexasRanger]

The thing with Shore/Naval Patrol is this, when you have been away at war or on exercise you get ashore to have a few beers and you can get legless and might not be as in control as normal. When in a stupor and something happens either caused by you or against you, a guy in uniform will stand out and be able to get through to you (usually).

Sometimes the mere sight of someone in a familiar uniform and position of authority can be all that is required to bring you down to earth.

However. I really do beleive that the sight of a guy dressed as a police volunteer looking like he is in the military would have the opposite effect, military personnel do not take kindly to people who dress up like they are in the military when they clearly are not. Not a sensible idea at all,

Keep the wannabees away from the real troops, or they might be the ones who need protecting.

[Spalpeen]

Criticism of the FPV's in these threads often seems to centre on their choice of a black uniform, a wardrobe option previously favoured by the SS and Darth Vader. Perhaps they need a look that clearly says they are civilian assistants and not members of the Thai Police.

[Mattd]

Gents,

I remember a time before volunteer police, US navy anchoring with Midway just off the beach, sailors spending lots and lots of money in the bars on beer and not like now in 7/11 on water, the real funny thing was, lots of fun had by ALL, shock, horror, absolutely no trouble, so sorry guys the argument that the US navy needs HM & co really just does not wear to us oldies.............

[TexasRanger]

Criticism of the FPV's in these threads often seems to centre on their choice of a black uniform, a wardrobe option previously favoured by the SS and Darth Vader. Perhaps they need a look that clearly says they are civilian assistants and not members of the Thai Police.

Agreed, standard civilian clothes would be more appropriate and they could sit in their place at the end of walking street where people can find them in needed.

Strutting around in uniforms like that will get peoples back up.

[IanForbes]

Do the sailors have a habit of getting out of control or something? I've never heard of any issues over the years.

My thoughts exactly, Daffy D. Many young men do not know how to hold their liquor and DO act irresponsibly. Having the extra tourist police DOES help to diffuse any "possible" problem. Foresight makes great hindsight. Who cares if few tourist police like to "strut their stuff" if it means less confrontations on the whole.

[waza]

Its good the volenteers are giving the boys the benifit of their experience. The know all the best girls, from their undercover work.

[morejunk]

Pattaya would be far better off without all of the volunteer police. We only need translators. The gestapo look and actions are really over the top. Simple shirts with translator or assistant is enough. Get "police" off the shirts and get rid of the gestapo uniforms.

<snip>

Edited April 16, 2009 by soundman
Removed flame.

[Gary A]

Much ado about nothing. I have no idea why people would resent the volunteers. I would much rather see their presence on the streets than not. I also don't understand their motivations but that is up to them. No way would I be willing to give up my time or spend any money to be a volunteer. I have never been helped nor harassed by them. It appears that some posters are actually jealous.