Big Trouble In Tourist Thailand

[KhunAussie52]

@ LaoPo

"Being a German citizen, it it rips my gut to have seen the yout*** video of the "volunteers" in black. Not only the uniforms, but moreover the manner in which they presented themselves (body language, expression on face) would constitute for a flashback into the NS era."

Once again you have not read all the post in regard to uniform.The uniform changes,depending on what province you live in.

Volunteers have no say in the uniform........we just pay for them.

I have no problem functioning on a day to day basis.......!!!.......good meds!!!!!!

For one: I read the the previous posts and that is exactly the reason I referred to the video posted, not to the actual situation in different provinces.

do not pu word into my mouth......We Aussies say it as it is.......!!!

Second: This post was not even intended for you, hence @LaoPo, but moreover a sign of appreciation for his feelings about presenting oneself in a uniform of that manner (no difference where in the world this may happen). So, please step down and take a deep breath; not every post is waiting for your comment, nor is intended to discriminate you.

When you have something positive to offer,i might be interested!!!

[Moonrakers]

When you have something positive to offer,i might be interested!!!

And you are/were somebody who would often find themselves in a position of mediator.

Let's hope that the training has improved since eh!

[KhunAussie52]

Typical response

[Moonrakers]

Typical response

For a reason.

Having said that though, it is well known that simon43 is a volunteer copper yet you don't get many giving him a had time. I wonder why that would be....

[KhunAussie52]

Gee.......i thought you might be able to enlighten us all..........!!!!

keep your responses for the bar please!!!!!

Edited August 26, 2009 by cdnvic

[dmax]

are the volunteers wearing their black paramilitary outfits with attached riot gear in the TV spot? they should

be wearing polo shirts and shorts, sorry, but they bring all the negative impressions down upon themselves don't they?

I cannot believe your ignorance.......the uniform design is different in many provinces,we have no say in the design,yet in many cases,we pay for all our equipment.In Udon,the uniform has changed a number of times.I did not see any "riot gear".

Volunteers are allowed to carry a retractable truncheon,handcuffs.....and that is it.They have no powers of arrest,must accompany a Thai Tourist Police officer when on duty.Any intervention on behalf of volunteers,would require a a please assist from a serving officer.

May i suggest you tag along and see what abuse you cop from some drunken tourists.To far gone to care.

Paramilitary outfits..........rubbish!!!!

Seems to me your stirring the pot!!!!!!

go and have a look at the outfits in Pattaya Pal. Black paramilitary they definitely are - and they seem to make the lads wearing them feel pretty tough - swaggering about doing their Rambo thing. Let the Thai police do their thing. Enough of the psuedos

For a start,i am not your pal.i have a name.Secondly,you seem to be judging a book by it's cover.i have come to expect this sought of response from some members of this forum.I would just consider you an Ignorant person with no true understanding of the word volunteer.

cop volunteer but you cannot spell ? maybe you should concentrate your time in going back to school to learn basic english ?

[tb86]

Fascinating topic with amazing revelations available on a search here about these foreign police volunteers working in Thailand and their non-standard police tactics. I noticed it seems like this is a popular topic given the number of results that came back. I also noted a lot of unanswered questions in many of these threads regarding a whole host of issues about them. Perhaps they will finally be answered in this new show.

PATTAYA VOLUNTEER POLICE INDULGE IN UZBEK STING OPERATION

...The foreign undercover officers made arrangements with the four Uzbek women for sexual services at the Pattaya Inn Hotel, Soi B.J., Walking Street, South Pattaya, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Rooms 203, 206 and 207. When the love making sessions were concluded, the prostitutes asked for 2,000 baht each. The undercover representatives gave a total of 8,000 baht to the women, and the police placed them under arrest.

- Pattaya Daily News

UNDERCOVER STING NETS THREE MORE UZBEK PROSTITUTES

The Pattaya Immigration Police sent foreign undercover police volunteers, in a sting operation, to purchase sexual services from Uzbek women. The police managed to nab three Uzbek prostitutes and two Thai men, who were their agents.

On 20 September 2007, at 2 AM, Police Colonel Ithiphol Ithisarn-ronachai, Pattaya Immigration Superintendent was informed of a Thai agency that provided Uzbek prostitutes to clients in Pattaya City. Pattaya Immigration set up a sting operation, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasart Kemaprasit, Central Immigration Investigator, and sent three foreign undercover police volunteers to arrange for female prostitutes from the Thai agency.

The three foreign undercover volunteers, with 4500 baht in their pockets, met with Mr. Sathaporn Jaiyos (39), from Utaradit Province, and Mr. Amornsit Chainam (33), from Ubonrachathani Province, in front of the V.C. Hotel, in South Pattaya, to buy sexual services from three Uzbek women.

- Pattaya Daily News

is it just me or does it seem a little strange that the "police" guys acutaly slept with these girls before busting them.......Im sorry im not a cop but its a little strange that they didnt bust them for solicitation.....unless im reading this completely wrong , it seems a little unethical no?

[KhunAussie52]

No comment!!!!!

[Ulysses G.]

is it just me or does it seem a little strange that the "police" guys acutaly slept with these girls before busting them.......Im sorry im not a cop but its a little strange that they didnt bust them for solicitation.....unless im reading this completely wrong , it seems a little unethical no?

It is unethical busting them at all. Paid sex is rampant here.

[perousing]

if we had no tourist police would tourist's suffer or not? i think not one bit, so there would be no need for them whats so ever.they are only there as a puplic relation stunt, ps no need for udonfarang to answer as i am boring listening to his reply to almost every post

[KhunAussie52]

So why ask the question..........you seem to have most of the answers..................!!!!

[tb86]

honestly i could care less about the farang tourist police as i have yet to come across them, i have a few of their polos from when we ride out of town... but if they help even a few tourists then well i guess its not that bad really... if you truly dislike them avoid the areas where they hang out or patrol..... I have a unhealthy dislike for cops here and in the west so i tend to avoid them and the places they hang out.... its really that easy

[perousing]

So you were locked up in the slammer......In Thai...."Som nom na"

Quote-e press release!!

still waiting to hear what any volunteer has actually done that would be considered helpful.

volunteered at Lumphini?

one the most notoriously corrupt stations in Thailand.

how could any self-respecting person associate with them.

i was locked up there once and had money extorted from me.

a young thai couple were locked in there without charge for a month (twice), the girl gave birth to her child in the cells.

so you do the police's work (taking reports) so they really can do less than nothing.

well you're just being used by the police like all of us.

why dont you read it properly locked up and money extorted typical ex tourist police reply SOM NOM NA

Nothing further to say to you.......Khao jai krap.........(Thai)

MAI KHAO JAI KRAP

[cyb]

cop volunteer but you cannot spell ? maybe you should concentrate your time in going back to school to learn basic english ?

Here we go another spelling lesson, Funny i could not spot a spelling mistake. Maybe you could enlighten us all and point it out?

[KhunAussie52]

So you were locked up in the slammer......In Thai...."Som nom na"

Quote-e press release!!

still waiting to hear what any volunteer has actually done that would be considered helpful.

volunteered at Lumphini?

one the most notoriously corrupt stations in Thailand.

how could any self-respecting person associate with them.

i was locked up there once and had money extorted from me.

a young thai couple were locked in there without charge for a month (twice), the girl gave birth to her child in the cells.

so you do the police's work (taking reports) so they really can do less than nothing.

well you're just being used by the police like all of us.

why dont you read it properly locked up and money extorted typical ex tourist police reply SOM NOM NA

Nothing further to say to you.......Khao jai krap.........(Thai)

MAI KHAO JAI KRAP ...........................that would sum up must of your posts on this topic..........Mai pen rai!!!!

[BSJ]

As already mentioned, their primary roll is that of interpreter. They have no power of arrest. So the average tourist must wonder why they are called tourist police. As interpreters all they need to wear is civilian clothes and a name badge with their name and "Interpreter" printed on it.

To me it seems like a pretty mixed up situation!

[PS3]

This could have been a very interesting topic. Sadly we now have a bashing going on between a few members - instead of new interesting views from more members.

Can all please "cool down", stay on topic and stop fighting.

Can we move on?

Very surprised this thread still allowed to continue ............

[cyb]

As already mentioned, their primary roll is that of interpreter. They have no power of arrest. So the average tourist must wonder why they are called tourist police. As interpreters all they need to wear is civilian clothes and a name badge with their name and "Interpreter" printed on it.

To me it seems like a pretty mixed up situation!

IMHO i think it would be better if they were renamed Tourist liaison officer.

Then provided with a pair of shorts maybe black and an official looking top with the appropriate badge.

Edited August 26, 2009 by cyb

[cali4995]

back to the original subject matter: what will this TV spot accomplish? i'll wager were going to see a bunch of drunken, depraved, sex-maniac

tourists being restrained by the only noble ones among us, the valiant interpreter volunteers. so again, more stereotyping for the world media

that foreigners visiting thailand always have some dirty agenda, meanwhile the assistants are glamorized in the video shoots. who's helping who?

it looks to me like the only ones to gain from this are the merry little band in their play police uniforms? honestly, who are they really kidding?

[cmdream]

back to the original subject matter: what will this TV spot accomplish? i'll wager were going to see a bunch of drunken, depraved, sex-maniac

tourists being restrained by the only noble ones among us, the valiant interpreter volunteers. so again, more stereotyping for the world media

that foreigners visiting thailand always have some dirty agenda, meanwhile the assistants are glamorized in the video shoots. who's helping who?

it looks to me like the only ones to gain from this are the merry little band in their play police uniforms? honestly, who are they really kidding?

I'll take that wager, name the terms or are you just another barfly with a big mouth or are you only kidding.

[cali4995]

aaww, mostly i'm just playing. it's all good fun isn't it? who's taking it seriously? have you watched that video with

the camera incident in it where the volunteer identifies himself as "TOURIST POLICE"? i've seen them do this on forums

before as well, some of these guys are the last farangs in thailand who should be putting on volunteer police uniforms.

[jfchandler]

OK...I'll try to be a little bit serious here... contrary to the prevailing direction...

1. I've never heard or seen of any Farang Volunteer Police in BKK... If anyone knows where they are, and/or what they do, and how to contact them, I think it would be useful for many.... If they're here, someone's got to know!!!!

2. I think a lot of the animosity expressed on TVisa about the farang police volunteers is related to, and a reaction to, the particular style and operation of the Pattaya volunteers patrols, their manner, appearance, uniforms, etc etc... Without knowing more, I wouldn't want to tar all the volunteers elsewhere in Thailand with the same brush...

3. Speaking as a former major daily newspaper news reporter who had years of dealing with the police, I do believe, at least back home in the U.S., that it's considered unethical for a policeman or a police volunteer to actually engage in sexual intercourse prior to a prostitution bust. If that happened back home, I believe the legal case would be finished.

I know this is Thailand, not the U.S. But it seems to be any reasonable, right-thinking farang would be troubled at the prospect of engaging in that kind of conduct as part of a police operation. It's those kinds of reported episodes that make other farangs here wonder just what's going on with that particular group of volunteers...

[tb86]

OK...I'll try to be a little bit serious here... contrary to the prevailing direction...

1. I've never heard or seen of any Farang Volunteer Police in BKK... If anyone knows where they are, and/or what they do, and how to contact them, I think it would be useful for many.... If they're here, someone's got to know!!!!

2. I think a lot of the animosity expressed on TVisa about the farang police volunteers is related to, and a reaction to, the particular style and operation of the Pattaya volunteers patrols, their manner, appearance, uniforms, etc etc... Without knowing more, I wouldn't want to tar all the volunteers elsewhere in Thailand with the same brush...

3. Speaking as a former major daily newspaper news reporter who had years of dealing with the police, I do believe, at least back home in the U.S., that it's considered unethical for a policeman or a police volunteer to actually engage in sexual intercourse prior to a prostitution bust. If that happened back home, I believe the legal case would be finished.

I know this is Thailand, not the U.S. But it seems to be any reasonable, right-thinking farang would be troubled at the prospect of engaging in that kind of conduct as part of a police operation. It's those kinds of reported episodes that make other farangs here wonder just what's going on with that particular group of volunteers...

in the us legal case would only have begun, no officer would be able to get away with that kind of behavior without serious consequences... at a minimum their career would be finished,

[ozzieovaseas]

OK...I'll try to be a little bit serious here... contrary to the prevailing direction...

1. I've never heard or seen of any Farang Volunteer Police in BKK... If anyone knows where they are, and/or what they do, and how to contact them, I think it would be useful for many.... If they're here, someone's got to know!!!!

2. I think a lot of the animosity expressed on TVisa about the farang police volunteers is related to, and a reaction to, the particular style and operation of the Pattaya volunteers patrols, their manner, appearance, uniforms, etc etc... Without knowing more, I wouldn't want to tar all the volunteers elsewhere in Thailand with the same brush...

3. Speaking as a former major daily newspaper news reporter who had years of dealing with the police, I do believe, at least back home in the U.S., that it's considered unethical for a policeman or a police volunteer to actually engage in sexual intercourse prior to a prostitution bust. If that happened back home, I believe the legal case would be finished.

I know this is Thailand, not the U.S. But it seems to be any reasonable, right-thinking farang would be troubled at the prospect of engaging in that kind of conduct as part of a police operation. It's those kinds of reported episodes that make other farangs here wonder just what's going on with that particular group of volunteers...

back in OZ its sometimes cosidered unethical for a football player to indulge in sex before the night of a footy game

(I think) even Anthony Mundine wouldnt even consider it before a fight..

but then again hes a CHAMPION flogger!!

[cali4995]

okay, here's an actual example: i've seen these guys storming down the beach rd path, three abreast wearing

......wait for it.......COMBAT BOOTS with blue paramilitary blouses trying to give everyone "THE STARE" and in

general just creating a heckuva bad impression for what are supposed to be a bunch of interpreter's? and you

wonder why some people don't like them? you can see these outfits in that video with the camera incident? i

mean come-on? obviously some of these guys "get-off" trying to be bullies in their special uniforms? why?

whoever is in charge needs to clean it up and outline to these guys exactly what it is their mission contains or

as i fear maybe that is where the problem is beginning? maybe it does start with the management? and it's a

shame because i'm sure they're are some exceptionally decent guys on that force who are guilty by association.

Edited August 26, 2009 by cali4995

[LaoPo]

Lao Pao - Howard's stated on another occassion - uniforms were picked by the thai tourist police, the westerners had nought to say about them being black.

Yes Brit, I read that but I never held him responsible for that, of course not.

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

The problem with the discussion about the British Expat Thai Police Volunteers is that the description in the OP is not covering the reality in the TOURIST streets of Thailand.

Meaning, that the television audience in the UK who will watch the series are served with another -original- story in Broadcast now-in-the-UK where they speak of:

"...will follow three British ex-pats helping the Thai tourist police deal with westerners..."*

IMO that's something entirely different than:

"..will follow three British Expat Thai Police Volunteers helping the Thai tourist police deal with westerners..." which last description is FACT and reality.

I call the first quote misleading news.

If the Broadcast network and Bravo programmers would have informed the UK audience with the truth that those "British Expat Thai Police Volunteers" are dressed in Police-alike uniforms, police style boots, with handcuffs and a (self defense)-weapon (forgot the name, sorry) I guarantee that a lot of reactions would have reached the news...

Now they present the new series as a soft kind of news with very friendly British expats (I'm sure they are) as if they're handing out lollypops to tourists in problems and dealing with holidaymakers...

"It follows Howard, Louise and Tim, who help the police deal with holidaymakers unfamiliar with the country’s traditions, culture and rules. Situations range from drug busts to organised tourist scams, scorned lady-boys, violent brothel disputes, bar-room brawls, brutal murders, street robberies and sexual assaults.

The series is shot mainly on location in the popular tourist hotspots of Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya and Chang Mai.

One featured story is that of a 19-year-old Cumbrian girl whose two-week holiday with her boyfriend turned into a two-and-a-half month stretch after she was caught in possession of cannabis at one of the infamous Full Moon parties in Koh Phangan."

* From: http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commiss...5004688.article

..are those "British Expat Thai Police Volunteers" in Koh Phangan as well ?

LaoPo

[david96]

As already mentioned, their primary roll is that of interpreter. They have no power of arrest. So the average tourist must wonder why they are called tourist police. As interpreters all they need to wear is civilian clothes and a name badge with their name and "Interpreter" printed on it.

To me it seems like a pretty mixed up situation!

They also have no legal standing in Thailand and can not be held legally liable for their actions.

They should be employed as interpreters only, in plain clothes, with ID and mobile phone.

They should be administered by the TAT not the police. They should never be involved with the police in their

duties. The Thai police are responsible for maintaining law and order.

I have never heard of these "police volunteers" in 20years of traveling in and out of Thailand, I first heard of them on thaivisa forums.

[LaoPo]

As already mentioned, their primary roll is that of interpreter. They have no power of arrest. So the average tourist must wonder why they are called tourist police. As interpreters all they need to wear is civilian clothes and a name badge with their name and "Interpreter" printed on it.

To me it seems like a pretty mixed up situation!

They also have no legal standing in Thailand and can not be held legally liable for their actions.

They should be employed as interpreters only, in plain clothes, with ID and mobile phone.

They should be administered by the TAT not the police. They should never be involved with the police in their

duties. The Thai police are responsible for maintaining law and order.

I have never heard of these "police volunteers" in 20years of traveling in and out of Thailand, I first heard of them on thaivisa forums.

I fully agree and couldn't have said it any better.

I would like to add that the "British Expat Police Volunteers"-system, whether from the UK or from any other Farang or even non-Farang country....like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia...Australia, NZ, Germany or Holland is a farce, a monster, waiting for accidents to happen; one day someone will end up in hospital, beaten up by one of the "police volunteers".

The "wrong" man, with a lot of money, will sue that person to pieces as that particular volunteer doesn't have any legal status as described by David96...nor the money and power, because I doubt if the Police force will pay for his Lawyers....The police force will drop him like a stone and walk away...."me...? know nothing! me, no hep seen......"

The system is wrong and not implemented in any other large tourist country in the world, except good old Thailand

LaoPo

[KhunAussie52]

As already mentioned, their primary roll is that of interpreter. They have no power of arrest. So the average tourist must wonder why they are called tourist police. As interpreters all they need to wear is civilian clothes and a name badge with their name and "Interpreter" printed on it.

To me it seems like a pretty mixed up situation!

They also have no legal standing in Thailand and can not be held legally liable for their actions.

They should be employed as interpreters only, in plain clothes, with ID and mobile phone.

They should be administered by the TAT not the police. They should never be involved with the police in their

duties. The Thai police are responsible for maintaining law and order.

I have never heard of these "police volunteers" in 20years of traveling in and out of Thailand, I first heard of them on thaivisa forums.

I fully agree and couldn't have said it any better.

I would like to add that the "British Expat Police Volunteers"-system, whether from the UK or from any other Farang or even non-Farang country....like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia...Australia, NZ, Germany or Holland is a farce, a monster, waiting for accidents to happen; one day someone will end up in hospital, beaten up by one of the "police volunteers".

The "wrong" man, with a lot of money, will sue that person to pieces as that particular volunteer doesn't have any legal status as described by David96...nor the money and power, because I doubt if the Police force will pay for his Lawyers....The police force will drop him like a stone and walk away...."me...? know nothing! me, no hep seen......"

The system is wrong and not implemented in any other large tourist country in the world, except good old Thailand

LaoPo

"one day someone will end up in hospital, beaten up by one of the "police volunteers".........."

Then if that happens, and if the volunteer started it.......Fair enough!!!!....whether they wear the uniform or not.........As stated in previous posts.The use of the baton,can only be,when a person feels there life is directly threatened.There is no leeway here.

Idea.....here is there phone number,then you can vent your spleen in person........before you do......read this......http://www.thailandguru.com/thailand-tourist-police.html

Edited August 27, 2009 by Udonfarang52