Log Bib Scams Here.

[Scrubber]

People new to driving here must realize that the Thais drive differently here, with good reason, and should simply go with the flow...

Actually, this is good advice. A few years back, my best mate was approaching the Amari Rincome junction from Central and he braked as the lights went from amber to red. Next thing he knew, he was flying forward through the air as a pick-up, which was hoping to make it through the red light, rammed him from behind. He spent a couple of days in hospital and had to pay to fix his bike as the other driver sped from the scene of the accident. He learnt his lesson and now speeds up if he approaches an amber-changing-to-red light.

Edited June 21, 2009 by Scrubber

[Donnyboy]

People new to driving here must realize that the Thais drive differently here, with good reason, and should simply go with the flow...

Actually, this is good advice. A few years back, my best mate was approaching the Amari Rincome junction from Central and he braked as the lights went from amber to red. Next thing he knew, he was flying forward through the air as a pick-up, which was hoping to make it through the red light, rammed him from behind. He spent a couple of days in hospital and had to pay to fix his bike as the other driver sped from the scene of the accident. He learnt his lesson and now speeds up if he approaches an amber-changing-to-red light.

thats the reason when im waiting for the green light, and im at the front of the line, i never speed off...many times ive seen cars/bikes running the red usually at speed, it seems to be the norm, and not an exception

[amexpat]

thats the reason when im waiting for the green light, and im at the front of the line, i never speed off...many times ive seen cars/bikes running the red usually at speed, it seems to be the norm, and not an exception

True that. And it is also the norm to jump the light. Bikes are often completely through the intersection before the light turns green. It's a wonder there aren't a lot more collisions. Amazing Thailand.

Complaining is useless, so how does one cope?

[Ajarn]

People new to driving here must realize that the Thais drive differently here, with good reason, and should simply go with the flow...

Actually, this is good advice. A few years back, my best mate was approaching the Amari Rincome junction from Central and he braked as the lights went from amber to red. Next thing he knew, he was flying forward through the air as a pick-up, which was hoping to make it through the red light, rammed him from behind. He spent a couple of days in hospital and had to pay to fix his bike as the other driver sped from the scene of the accident. He learnt his lesson and now speeds up if he approaches an amber-changing-to-red light.

thats the reason when im waiting for the green light, and im at the front of the line, i never speed off...many times ive seen cars/bikes running the red usually at speed, it seems to be the norm, and not an exception

I used to drive taxi in San Francisco and we had the same 'rule' there too

[Blinky Bill]

People new to driving here must realize that the Thais drive differently here, with good reason, and should simply go with the flow...

Actually, this is good advice. A few years back, my best mate was approaching the Amari Rincome junction from Central and he braked as the lights went from amber to red. Next thing he knew, he was flying forward through the air as a pick-up, which was hoping to make it through the red light, rammed him from behind. He spent a couple of days in hospital and had to pay to fix his bike as the other driver sped from the scene of the accident. He learnt his lesson and now speeds up if he approaches an amber-changing-to-red light.

thats the reason when im waiting for the green light, and im at the front of the line, i never speed off...many times ive seen cars/bikes running the red usually at speed, it seems to be the norm, and not an exception

When I was born I was given a pair of eyes and a brain, I tend to use both in conjunction with mirrors when driving or riding, not only in Thailand but elsewhere in the world. There are far worse drivers in other parts of the world, driving in Thailand is a breeze.

I've managed to have 2 accidents in the past 26 years, both in Thailand and both times my fault and both times the brain wasn't functioning correctly due to being affected by alcohol.

[getgoin]

This is where to log BIB and other scams so we can all be forewarned, but please lets keep it true and no reply.

Since we don't seem to have any BIB and other scams in Chiang Mai, besides the remedial traffic violations, although I could relate more than a few, why don't we expand this topic to scams perpetrated by expats living in Chiang Mai. A lot larger topic.

[cpofc]

why don't we expand this topic to scams perpetrated by expats living in Chiang Mai. A lot larger topic.

Lets even expand it right throughout the Kingdom.

Perhaps not, we could crash the server.

[Ulysses G.]

Remember when Craig the obese Canadian junkie sold Linda bar to about 3 different people and left town? That was a classic.

How about when Toshi (?) the Japanese American guy rented out a club - over on the same street as the UN Irish Pub - to Morris the Australian who used to own True Blue and it turned out that he had nothing to do with the place. Morris had to return to OZ and has never come back (that I know of).

Edited June 21, 2009 by Ulysses G.

[Loaded]

Remember when Craig the obese Canadian junkie sold Linda bar to about 3 different people and left town? That was a classic.

How about when Toshi (?) the Japanese American guy rented out a club - over on the same street as the UN Irish Pub - to Morris the Australian who used to own True Blue and it turned out that he had nothing to do with the place. Morris had to return to OZ and has never come back (that I know of).

Morris had a hilltribe gf with a big mole on her face. She got pregnant just about the same time a dappy farang English teacher called Gavin was her frequent flier.

[Ulysses G.]

The story of what happened to Scottish John - who bought True Blue from Morris - is another classic.

[Blinky Bill]

Almost every bar and restaurant owner probably has a stack of unpaid bills. Scumbags say they're short of money and will pay in a few days time, many are never seen again. That little turd, Andy (the voice) Gill, was a classic, he must have racked up debts in excess of Thb100,000 before he got thrown out.

[Ulysses G.]

Was he the fellow who was accused of murder, but got saved by the Bankok Post?

[Blinky Bill]

Then there was David London of the London Syndicate with the US$900,000 race horse scam. He got what he deserved when he died in Chiang Mai jail.

[Blinky Bill]

Was he the fellow who was accused of murder, but got saved by the Bankok Post?

Yes. The Aree Guest House incident. It's an old story and well covered on this forum. See here.

Edited June 21, 2009 by Blinky Bill

[Ulysses G.]

His girlfriend was very well endowed.

[Scrubber]

Remember when Craig the obese Canadian junkie sold Linda bar to about 3 different people and left town? That was a classic.

How about when Toshi (?) the Japanese American guy rented out a club - over on the same street as the UN Irish Pub - to Morris the Australian who used to own True Blue and it turned out that he had nothing to do with the place. Morris had to return to OZ and has never come back (that I know of).

Morris had a hilltribe gf with a big mole on her face. She got pregnant just about the same time a dappy farang English teacher called Gavin was her frequent flier.

LOL - I remember Gavin.

[Loaded]

Was he the fellow who was accused of murder, but got saved by the Bankok Post?

Yes. The Aree Guest House incident. It's an old story and well covered on this forum. See here.

Andrew Drummond wasn't it?

[Theyreallrubbish]

The story of what happened to Scottish John - who bought True Blue from Morris - is another classic.

What's the story here? I used to know some of these people 15-16 years ago then lost contact with them.

[lesdunbar]

I have never been 'touched up' by the Thai Police either, not in 39 years of visiting or living here. But I have been sitting right alongside Thais that have. When they have been obeying the law in every respect too. I know how pissed off the people are, they're getting a rawer deal than most of us farangs.

Please allow me to tell a little story. It happened a couple of years ago in a Thai Pub I was a regular at, just across the road from me in Suburban Bangkok.

I entered the Pub one night like any other and there on a stool was was very dapper middle aged thai man. Well groomed, polished black shoes, 2 mobile phoes sitting on the bar and looking pretty smart. The other regulars, all Thai, were standing or sitting around the same area.

We all struck up a conversation with the 'new chum' and learnt he was a Senior Thai police officer from the Bang Rak area and he was at last taking a well earned break. I'll cut a long story short, but we bacame great mates. Unfortunately I had to leave early, but our new Thai friend asked if I would like to meet him for a drink at the some Pub the next night. I didn't promise anything but said I would if it was convienient for me to do so.

Well, I didn't make it the next night, but I did make it the night after. As soon as I walked in the door Poo, a regular, couldn't wait to tell me that our new found friend was not a copper at all! Poo held up a photocopy of his ID Card!!! Crikey mate! Where did you get that? And why?

The so called copper turned out to be a thief and a con man! He did come back to the bar the next night and no wonder he invited me. He had his eyes on my Nokia 6230i. THey were all sitting at the table drinking when the Copper asked could he borrow Chai's phone, as his mobile battery was flat and he had to call the station. Chai is a well heeled thai chinese and had the latest Nokia N7? something at the time.

Usually when we have to take or make a call at the Pub we just slip out the front door, but not the copper, he headed for the (outside) toilet.

He was never seen again!

but that's not the end of it.

Chai, whilst cruising the Phone Stalls in the Bangkapi Mall the next day, and amongst 1000's of mobiles he spots one the same as he once owned. Yep! He fires it up and finds all his data is still on the phone. The Shop Keeper demands 10,000 Baht. Chai gives it to him, literally having to buy his own phone back. The shop keeper then gives Chai a photocopy of the sellers Thai ID Card - which is required to be taken, by law, as a dealer.

Chai takes the Photocopy to the cops, along with evidence and witnesses etc.

There is absolutely no action taken and they didn't even take of copy of the ID card. He got his phone back, what was he whinging about.

You wonder why the people have had a gutful. Trust me, don't feel so exclusive being a farang. The average Thai puts up with more shit than we do on a daily basis. Thats why I love them, all that and they still know how to have fun more than just about any race of people on the planet.

Yes Russ, you told me about that scam last time I was in Kannayao, The con men are crafty buggers,

les dunbar

[Ulysses G.]

The story of what happened to Scottish John - who bought True Blue from Morris - is another classic.

What's the story here? I used to know some of these people 15-16 years ago then lost contact with them.

The way I heard it is that Scottish John had a crush on his manager who was having him sign a lot of papers in Thai that John could not read. Somehow, the manager got all the business assets transferred to his own name and robbed Scottish John blind.

Anyone who knows the true story, feel free to chime in!

[Steve2UK]

Amazing ThaiVisa.......... after 50 posts, it seems mine will be the first that actually cites what seems to be a BiB scam.

On the way back to CM from Chiang Rai, I was pulled over at the checkpoint on the ring-road around CR town. Usually just a couple of BiB there, but this time about a dozen. Senior officer (I guess a captain) comes to the car.

"Your insurance not correct" (true - I had inadvertently let my compulsory government insurance run out though I still had current first class private insurance)........ "You must pay fine".

"OK" I say and walk with him to table where a female clerk is waiting. Officer asks me "Can you read Thai?"

I say "No - cannot".

Officer dictates in Thai to the clerk who fills out details on a printed form. Finally, I'm asked to sign the form and pay 500 baht. All I'm able to check on the form is that it does show my name in English, car registration and the figure 500. BTW, all of this was done quite pleasantly and a lot of smiling/nodding all round. I'm given a copy and escorted back to the car. Officer tells me to keep the form to show in case I am stopped again: "You paid already - not pay again today".

Next day in CM, I show my souvenir of the CR trip to a Thai friend - who immediately tells me that it doesn't mention anything about expired insurance but it does say that I wasn't using a seatbelt (not true - I always use the seatbelt and make sure passengers do). I'm told that the expired insurance fine would have been only 200 baht........

Overall, my attitude to the BiB is that I just try a] to avoid them and b] give them zero opening. I'm happy to accept that not all are actively corrupt, but also have no desire to explore the statistics personally.............

Edited June 22, 2009 by Steve2UK

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Wow...

Can I just say how happy I am not to know any of these people?

And the OP actually wanted to discuss the police... Seems the police can learn a bit of some of the farang suspects!

[Puwa]

Reading through this topic, one can take two lessons: 1) don't hang out in bars, 2) learn to read Thai.

[slapout]

The story of what happened to Scottish John - who bought True Blue from Morris - is another classic.

What's the story here? I used to know some of these people 15-16 years ago then lost contact with them.

The way I heard it is that Scottish John had a crush on his manager who was having him sign a lot of papers in Thai that John could not read. Somehow, the manager got all the business assets transferred to his own name and robbed Scottish John blind.

Anyone who knows the true story, feel free to chime in!

I have mentioned before that rumors posted on TV should be treated the same as topics which are based on rumor. If the source of the info cannot be mentioned nor the substance of the rumor verified then I consider it in the same light as the numerous radio/television/tabloids/newspapers which seem to be fairly popular to a certain group of people.

[Ulysses G.]

You are probably right. Although, I'm pretty sure that I got this version of the story from Thai Visa.

[Theyreallrubbish]

You are probably right. Although, I'm pretty sure that I got this version of the story from Thai Visa.

Regarding the Andy Gill murder, I know a foreigner who was staying in the guest house the night of the murder who is adamant Andy didn't do it. However, his Thai girlfriend who was staying in the room with him is adamant that he did do it!

Who knows really?

[Ulysses G.]

I always got the idea that the evidence is pretty solid that he was innocent. The Bangkok Post did an expose that pretty much got him freed.

[kimincm]

Amazing ThaiVisa.......... after 50 posts, it seems mine will be the first that actually cites what seems to be a BiB scam.

A bit off top

On the way back to CM from Chiang Rai, I was pulled over at the checkpoint on the ring-road around CR town. Usually just a couple of BiB there, but this time about a dozen. Senior officer (I guess a captain) comes to the car.

"Your insurance not correct" (true - I had inadvertently let my compulsory government insurance run out though I still had current first class private insurance)........ "You must pay fine".

"OK" I say and walk with him to table where a female clerk is waiting. Officer asks me "Can you read Thai?"

I say "No - cannot".

Officer dictates in Thai to the clerk who fills out details on a printed form. Finally, I'm asked to sign the form and pay 500 baht. All I'm able to check on the form is that it does show my name in English, car registration and the figure 500. BTW, all of this was done quite pleasantly and a lot of smiling/nodding all round. I'm given a copy and escorted back to the car. Officer tells me to keep the form to show in case I am stopped again: "You paid already - not pay again today".

Next day in CM, I show my souvenir of the CR trip to a Thai friend - who immediately tells me that it doesn't mention anything about expired insurance but it does say that I wasn't using a seatbelt (not true - I always use the seatbelt and make sure passengers do). I'm told that the expired insurance fine would have been only 200 baht........

Overall, my attitude to the BiB is that I just try a] to avoid them and b] give them zero opening. I'm happy to accept that not all are actively corrupt, but also have no desire to explore the statistics personally.............

Off topic but question arising from posting,Compulsary Gov.Ins.About to buy first car,isn't this Ins. paid at time of Reistration,yearly,does this mean Rego had expired as well? Thanks.

[stiggy]

I had a unfortunate incident in Mae naam on Samui.

A driver pulled out and we Two blokes crashed our motorbike, straight into the steps leading upto the small local police office bits of fairing knocked over chairs and one police man got knocked over by my mate as flew through the air.

Fortunately other than a few cuts and scrapes neither us or the police where hurt, We was going fast enough to cave in the wheel on a Honda dream.

A senior looking copper arrived and told us to sit and wait now we thought we where in real trouble, within an hour (it was approx 1am) a truck pulled up that knew the police and asked where we where heading before the accident, so off to the soi mango they took us ...No charge !

Next day hungover and real sheepish we went back to the station to collect broken bike and face the music. I was astonished that our bike was fixed new wheel and fairing, forks straightened and we where presented with a hand written receipt for approx 1,200 bht.

Naturally a bottle of whisky was then given as thanks.....This terrible police behavior lead to me making a friend who 9 years later is still in touch and based now in Chumporn.

This apart form one speeding ticket 200bbt is all my official dealings with the police in Thailand.....in a decade.

Two weeks in Uk last year was stopped 4 times had approx 5 hrs of my time wasted and accused of stealing a push bike I owned and was riding !

[cmdream]

Amazing ThaiVisa.......... after 50 posts, it seems mine will be the first that actually cites what seems to be a BiB scam.

On the way back to CM from Chiang Rai, I was pulled over at the checkpoint on the ring-road around CR town. Usually just a couple of BiB there, but this time about a dozen. Senior officer (I guess a captain) comes to the car.

"Your insurance not correct" (true - I had inadvertently let my compulsory government insurance run out though I still had current first class private insurance)........ "You must pay fine".

"OK" I say and walk with him to table where a female clerk is waiting. Officer asks me "Can you read Thai?"

I say "No - cannot".

Officer dictates in Thai to the clerk who fills out details on a printed form. Finally, I'm asked to sign the form and pay 500 baht. All I'm able to check on the form is that it does show my name in English, car registration and the figure 500. BTW, all of this was done quite pleasantly and a lot of smiling/nodding all round. I'm given a copy and escorted back to the car. Officer tells me to keep the form to show in case I am stopped again: "You paid already - not pay again today".

Next day in CM, I show my souvenir of the CR trip to a Thai friend - who immediately tells me that it doesn't mention anything about expired insurance but it does say that I wasn't using a seatbelt (not true - I always use the seatbelt and make sure passengers do). I'm told that the expired insurance fine would have been only 200 baht........

Overall, my attitude to the BiB is that I just try a] to avoid them and b] give them zero opening. I'm happy to accept that not all are actively corrupt, but also have no desire to explore the statistics personally.............

Just to give a little perspective, if this was in the USA ( Hawaii) you would have been given a ticket to appear in court the next day and your car would have been impounded. At traffic court you would pay a $500.00 (15000 fine and get release for your car. You then have to pay the tow company $100.00(3000 . Then when you go to insurance company to renew you must pay a premium of 30% because you got caught. My educated guess about the Thai ticket you got was because they did not have the right form for your infraction TIT . Be grateful for small favors, does not sound like a scam .

Chok Dee.