Warning - Police Ripoff On Beach Road

[waza]

I cant believe these defend Pattaya no matter what, people. It may be agianst the law not to carry the correct paperwork. It is also against the law to assult and ripoff tourist. It a pity all laws aren't as diligently enforced as the money making ones.

Edited September 9, 2009 by waza

[wackysleet]

Just makes me wonder how farang complain about how the law is not enforce here...while at the same time complaining when the law is actually enforced. Make up your mind guys, 400 Baht is the bare minimum according to the law. Just my food for thought.

Totaly agree,these moaning gits are ok complaining until they get caught.The police are still not doing enough,as they should ban all farangs driving a high performance bike unless they can prove they are experienced.

Btw

I carry a 5 year driving license with me which should be enough for identification purposes,and thats from 2 cops.

I suspect that the farangs driving these big bikes in most cases are experienced as you cannot get a British licence to drive one unless you pass a test for bikes over a certain size {if of course they have one} and anyway they are not all lunatics, and as for proving they are experienced and have the requisite skills if the police applied the same criteria for the Thai idiots on m/cycles then their death rate would drop dramatically instead of nudging the 14,000 annual figures.

[farangpattaya]

That is total and complete garbage, as any driver that spends any time at all on the roads in Thailand will tell you.

I do

I have never been fined for something I haven't done. I have been stopped for license checks as well and they always let you go once you show them what they want.

"I have never been fined for something I haven't done." Really ?.you must be the only driver in thailand then,

No, 2

[gerry53]

My experiences were mixed. Stopped in Na Jomtien on the Suk and only had my Canadian drivers license because my international was drying out in the condo from a monsoon I got caught in earlier in the day.

He wouldn't let me bring it in to the station - 400 baht fine into his pocket, no ticket. (tea money)

Next one was same cop pulled me over on the Suk and my license plate(insurance) was 1 day over limit, I had rented 3 months and rental company forget to update. (month was written in Thai so I didn't have a clue!) Cop knew this as rental name was on front of my Yamaha Nouvo, I suggested the rental company needed to sort this out, he said we would be 4-5 hours at the police station so I offered him 200 baht. He refused but would forget if I offered 400 baht. For 4+ hours of being at the police station and possibly having the bike stolen it was a no brainer for $14 Canadian. Money went into his pocket again, no paperwork. Shit they must drink alot of tea in Na Jomtien!!!

I have been stopped in Naklua and Jomtien proper on regular checks and were good experiences with friendly and polite officers. It has me not wanting to drive down to Bang Saray or Ban Chang because this crooked pecker of a cop knows my profile and thinks I am a walking ATM. Make sure everything is in order then double check! I don't hate them all just this one!

[JSixpack]

As far as I know the law states you must carry ID, not necessarily your passport.

Yes, you're right. Previous, seemingly endless, discussions of this topic w/ quotations from the actual law have concluded that the law does NOT specify passport, but rather just ID.

And, so far as I know, there has never been a credible member here who was fined or hauled to the station, anywhere in Thailand, for having only a copy of his passport on him rather than the actual passport.

I certainly agree it's not worth the risk of losing your passport to carry it around all the time.

I've lived here for years, been stopped a number of times (inevitably), never showed any ID but my license and never had any problem with that. Member patklang also says that two cops told him that his license was sufficient ID.

However, we'll continue to hear this mindless, pompous repetition of "it's the LAW" etc.

[waza]

As far as I know the law states you must carry ID, not necessarily your passport.

Yes, you're right. Previous, seemingly endless, discussions of this topic w/ quotations from the actual law have concluded that the law does NOT specify passport, but rather just ID.

And, so far as I know, there has never been a credible member here who was fined or hauled to the station, anywhere in Thailand, for having only a copy of his passport on him rather than the actual passport.

I certainly agree it's not worth the risk of losing your passport to carry it around all the time.

I've lived here for years, been stopped a number of times (inevitably), never showed any ID but my license and never had any problem with that. Member patklang also says that two cops told him that his license was sufficient ID.

However, we'll continue to hear this mindless, pompous repetition of "it's the LAW" etc.

Good post

[Jonathanpattaya]

happend today in broad daylight, 15 Policemen stop every motorbike (also the small ones) on beach road in Pattaya and check for your security ... since most people get used to helmets they need a new source of income, so the ask you for Drivers License (international or thai) and Passport, both in original - for sure 95% are not caring these documents while enjoy a day on the beach

the result is lots, lots of angry tourists - every one (incl. me) got a THB 400.- fine (or more)

this is official ripoff in broad daylight - i guess they have to prop-up the city budget, since they lost already 25% of tourists ...

i'm a was a frequent visitor to thailand, like many others, i'm really pi**ed off

i know TIT ... but Lalaland has to wake up

The law states that foreigner individuals are to carry their passports at all times.

However, hardly anyone does for fear of losing this most important of documents.

I always carry my Thai driving licence and a laminated copy of my passport front page with the current visa page on the back.

This should be acceptable but, if they have decided to enforce the law then it will not be.

I do understand your frustration and frankly these little purges are not because anyone is serious about law enforcement, more that the coffers are getting a little low!

[syd barrett]

An interesting post on another forum from a motorcyclist who was also stopped:

He spoke in Thai to the policeman; 'that he was not a tourist and had lived in Thailand for 16 years.'

The policeman immediately let him drive on without further ado.

[losworld]

An interesting post on another forum from a motorcyclist who was also stopped:

He spoke in Thai to the policeman; 'that he was not a tourist and had lived in Thailand for 16 years.'

The policeman immediately let him drive on without further ado.

Stayed in Jomtien before probably a total of 3 months combined on previous visits. Always rented a Nouvo and only was stopped once. My gfiend at the time was on the back of the bike without a helmet. Pulled up to a light on 2nd and north Pattaya road. Cop on the corner pulled us over and gave me a 400 baht fine (the driver not passenger not that I wouldn't have paid it anyway). And to top it off he kept asking for my friend's phone number.

If these were large fines I'd be pissed even if I was in the wrong not having her wear a helmet - although other Thais flew by with no helmets. I received a red light ticket in Culver City last year for $400 dollars u.s. or approx 12,000 baht so 400 every now and then does not seem so bad. It all goes to the same place anyway - paying for police services.

Edited September 9, 2009 by losworld

[tropo]

As far as I know the law states you must carry ID, not necessarily your passport.

Yes, you're right. Previous, seemingly endless, discussions of this topic w/ quotations from the actual law have concluded that the law does NOT specify passport, but rather just ID.

And, so far as I know, there has never been a credible member here who was fined or hauled to the station, anywhere in Thailand, for having only a copy of his passport on him rather than the actual passport.

I certainly agree it's not worth the risk of losing your passport to carry it around all the time.

I've lived here for years, been stopped a number of times (inevitably), never showed any ID but my license and never had any problem with that. Member patklang also says that two cops told him that his license was sufficient ID.

However, we'll continue to hear this mindless, pompous repetition of "it's the LAW" etc.

Who's being pompous here? It should be fairly obvious that the necessity to carry a passport or copy thereof would be necessary to show that the person is staying in Thailand legally.

There are a lot of overstaying foreigners in Thailand, so it's not beyond the realms of possiblitiy that they may wish to do a check from time to time.

Although I don't carry my original passport with me, it has always been on the back of my mind that one day I could be asked to show it.

[manarak]

(yes i broke the law, it was my mistake that i don't know i had to have a drivers license for these small 125cc motobikes)

i'm a real bad farang, bring brought lots of money into this country ... anyway, at least i was happy, they not jailed me, as i speak out very loud, something "really bad" when i was leaving the police fine counter

Yes, it was your fault. What would happen in your home country if a tourist got stopped and didn't have a license?

As for your second point.......do you think because you are have some money you are exempt from the law?

Stop complaining.....it's pathetic.

1.) in my country, you can drive these small motobikes without a license (yes my fault i don't know)

2.) in my country usually tourists get a warning when they do some minor things

3.) i complain, because everybody knows its not about law-enforcement, it is just easy and fast money, you can find a hair in every soup, and yes the police is doing the same in my country sometimes and there are the same emotions when they hit me with this ripoff

1- I don't care what you can do in your country, 125cc is not a "small" motorbike - they can speed up to 110 mph depending on the type, and it is just irresponsible to let people drive those without a license (if the engine is not restricted to a maximum of 30 mph)

2- Driving without a license is not a minor thing, it gets anyone in serious trouble in most countries

3- where is the ripoff, you had to pay about 12 USD for a serious offense

[soundman]

Gentlemen, could we settle down please.

Mobi & Tropo - if you want to continue - please do so by PM, or ignore each other.

[Mobi]

Gentlemen, could we settle down please.

Mobi & Tropo - if you want to continue - please do so by PM, or ignore each other.

Amen to that

[JSixpack]

As far as I know the law states you must carry ID, not necessarily your passport.

Yes, you're right. Previous, seemingly endless, discussions of this topic w/ quotations from the actual law have concluded that the law does NOT specify passport, but rather just ID.

And, so far as I know, there has never been a credible member here who was fined or hauled to the station, anywhere in Thailand, for having only a copy of his passport on him rather than the actual passport.

I certainly agree it's not worth the risk of losing your passport to carry it around all the time.

I've lived here for years, been stopped a number of times (inevitably), never showed any ID but my license and never had any problem with that. Member patklang also says that two cops told him that his license was sufficient ID.

However, we'll continue to hear this mindless, pompous repetition of "it's the LAW" etc.

Who's being pompous here? It should be fairly obvious that the necessity to carry a passport or copy thereof would be necessary to show that the person is staying in Thailand legally.

There are a lot of overstaying foreigners in Thailand, so it's not beyond the realms of possiblitiy that they may wish to do a check from time to time.

Although I don't carry my original passport with me, it has always been on the back of my mind that one day I could be asked to show it.

Not obvious at all, pal, but in any case it isn't a question of obvious. Agreed, if you don't have other ID such as a current Thai driver's licence then, yes, you should certainly carry a photocopy of your passport. In fact, even if you do have other ID, it's not a bad idea--w/ copies of the visa and stamps, too.

The point is that--as I said--it isn't the law that you must carry on you at all times the original of your passport. Period.

Carrying no ID--no credible ID whatsoever--IS an offence, however, just as it is for Thais to not carry their ID cards.

Now, if you've committed or are under suspicion of having committed an offence, such as overstay (to pick the most innocuous of farang offences), and you are asked to show the original of your passport, then you must of course produce it from wherever it's stashed--perhaps under escort.

[Jonathanpattaya]

Short comment with overview.Pattaya is "burned out".Take it,or leave.

I am thinking the same way really!

[syd barrett]

The point is that--as I said--it isn't the law that you must carry on you at all times the original of your passport. Period.

Carrying no ID--no credible ID whatsoever--IS an offence, however, just as it is for Thais to not carry their ID cards.

Now, if you've committed or are under suspicion of having committed an offence, such as overstay (to pick the most innocuous of farang offences), and you are asked to show the original of your passport, then you must of course produce it from wherever it's stashed--perhaps under escort.

This is misinformation; 'JSixpack'.

Visitors to Thailand must carry their passport at all times by law.

Only if the passport is being renewed (at your embassy) will a photocopy of the visa page and photopage suffice legally and this must be annotated and stamped by the embassy/consulate.

You might get away with alternative ID or a photocopy if stopped by Thai Police but they would be within their rights to jail you until you produced your passport.

If you require confirmation of these facts, seek a second opinion at your embassy or your local Thai cop-shop!

Edited September 9, 2009 by syd barrett

[StatlerandWaldorf]

I was stopped for "go through red light", the lights were not working (or switched off) there was no traffic so I made the turn. Fortunately for me I was giving a lift to 2 monks, on seeing the monks in my car the cops face dropped, he patted me on the shoulder smiled and wished me a safe journey.

I think the cop did not want the bad karma of fining me on a made up charge.

[richard_smith237]

In the UK it’s not law that we have to carry any form of ID.

Even if we are driving, if we are stopped and the police, so long as we can verbally identify who the owner of the car is (they can check and check insurance) we are given 7 days in which to produce our licence. In effect the vehicle is our ID.

I believe this law is a little weak, but still protects us from random car theft to some degree.

I believe that we should all carry a legal form of ID, but expecting a passport is excessive.

As I understand it: In Thailand we have to carry a form of photo ID recognised by a government body (i.e. driving licence). This is also down to the discretion of the police officer and if unacceptable, and as I understand it, the law also states that we are expected to provide our Passports (or for Thai’s Thai ID card) within a ‘reasonable’ timeframe. This reasonable timeframe is left open to the police officer.

Basically, the lack of clarification here means that in order to protect ourselves we SHOULD interpret the law as meaning that we should have our passports on us at all times.

I don’t do that, and so run the risk of getting caught out by a shady cop. But, I’d like to think I can with that one with simple phone call.

What I gather from threads such as these is that us foreigners are such a pushover that the police become so arrogant, indignant and also over confident that they can try anything on and its us who permit this.

They are Traffic cops, bottom of the pile so to speak, they don’t have a great deal of power and use what they will given half a chance. Be polite, but stand firm I speak from experience when I say its them who usually back down first (but like moby said earlier it might have something to do with having decent wheels).

[nolifer]

I just avoid the few places where the police usually stops MC´s, or atleast keep an eye out when approaching them.....watch on what side of the road they are pulling ppl over etc...

The trick isn´t to have a passport and driving license - it´s to avoid getting pulled over.

still sucks though

[syd barrett]

As I understand it: In Thailand we have to carry a form of photo ID recognised by a government body (i.e. driving licence). This is also down to the discretion of the police officer and if unacceptable, and as I understand it, the law also states that we are expected to provide our Passports (or for Thai’s Thai ID card) within a ‘reasonable’ timeframe. This reasonable timeframe is left open to the police officer.

Basically, the lack of clarification here means that in order to protect ourselves we SHOULD interpret the law as meaning that we should have our passports on us at all times.

The misunderstanding is this:

As you said a Photo Drivers Licence is acceptable ID for farang, if Police demand ID only. (Which you must carry at all times).

However separate immigration legislation also means that proof of status must be proved if requested.

A Passport is also an excellent form of ID.

So Thai police might ask you for 'ID' then he might also request passport. Not because he wants the passport as further ID, but because he wants to check on your status.

[bridge]

happend today in broad daylight, 15 Policemen stop every motorbike (also the small ones) on beach road in Pattaya and check for your security ... since most people get used to helmets they need a new source of income, so the ask you for Drivers License (international or thai) and Passport, both in original - for sure 95% are not caring these documents while enjoy a day on the beach

the result is lots, lots of angry tourists - every one (incl. me) got a THB 400.- fine (or more)

this is official ripoff in broad daylight - i guess they have to prop-up the city budget, since they lost already 25% of tourists ...

i'm a was a frequent visitor to thailand, like many others, i'm really pi**ed off

i know TIT ... but Lalaland has to wake up

If you were in your 'own' country and you didnt have your licence on you, would you get a fine? Of course you would ... Maybe next time you will carry your licence and not complaint when stopped by the police.

[wackysleet]

happend today in broad daylight, 15 Policemen stop every motorbike (also the small ones) on beach road in Pattaya and check for your security ... since most people get used to helmets they need a new source of income, so the ask you for Drivers License (international or thai) and Passport, both in original - for sure 95% are not caring these documents while enjoy a day on the beach

the result is lots, lots of angry tourists - every one (incl. me) got a THB 400.- fine (or more)

this is official ripoff in broad daylight - i guess they have to prop-up the city budget, since they lost already 25% of tourists ...

i'm a was a frequent visitor to thailand, like many others, i'm really pi**ed off

i know TIT ... but Lalaland has to wake up

If you were in your 'own' country and you didnt have your licence on you, would you get a fine? Of course you would ... Maybe next time you will carry your licence and not complaint when stopped by the police.

If I was in my own country and I didn't have my licence/insurance then the police give you a producer in which your given time to take it to a police station of your choice and there is no fine.

[richard_smith237]

So Thai police might ask you for 'ID' then he might also request passport. Not because he wants the passport as further ID, but because he wants to check on your status.

Good point and it brings clarification to the issue. We must be able to identify ourselves with photo ID upon request. We must be able to clarify our immigration / visa status within a 'reasonable' time frame.

[tropo]

happend today in broad daylight, 15 Policemen stop every motorbike (also the small ones) on beach road in Pattaya and check for your security ... since most people get used to helmets they need a new source of income, so the ask you for Drivers License (international or thai) and Passport, both in original - for sure 95% are not caring these documents while enjoy a day on the beach

the result is lots, lots of angry tourists - every one (incl. me) got a THB 400.- fine (or more)

this is official ripoff in broad daylight - i guess they have to prop-up the city budget, since they lost already 25% of tourists ...

i'm a was a frequent visitor to thailand, like many others, i'm really pi**ed off

i know TIT ... but Lalaland has to wake up

If you were in your 'own' country and you didnt have your licence on you, would you get a fine? Of course you would ... Maybe next time you will carry your licence and not complaint when stopped by the police.

You must have been sleeping when you read the OP.

He said "so the ask you for Drivers License (international or thai) and Passport, both in original".

Perhaps you understand the problem now.

[Jonathanpattaya]

Gentlemen, could we settle down please.

Mobi & Tropo - if you want to continue - please do so by PM, or ignore each other.

Yes, I also say amen to that.

This is a forum, not a stage for a slanging match!

[tropo]

Gentlemen, could we settle down please.

Mobi & Tropo - if you want to continue - please do so by PM, or ignore each other.

Yes, I also say amen to that.

This is a forum, not a stage for a slanging match!

Give it a break. The warning was served 7 hours ago and it has stopped.

[Phatcharanan]

Are you saying you would have preferred to be taken back to the station and processed formally for breaking the law ?

yes i had to go back to the police-station and i was processed formally for breaking the law ! with all the papers.

(yes i broke the law, it was my mistake that i don't know i had to have a drivers license for these small 125cc motobikes)

i'm a real bad farang, bring brought lots of money into this country ... anyway, at least i was happy, they not jailed me, as i speak out very loud, something "really bad" when i was leaving the police fine counter

Gee. You're a real class act.

[Phatcharanan]

I just avoid the few places where the police usually stops MC´s, or atleast keep an eye out when approaching them.....watch on what side of the road they are pulling ppl over etc...

The trick isn´t to have a passport and driving license - it´s to avoid getting pulled over.

still sucks though

It sure sucks doesn't it? Fancy the police wanting to check your documents. Whatever next huh?

[gmac]

I just avoid the few places where the police usually stops MC´s, or atleast keep an eye out when approaching them.....watch on what side of the road they are pulling ppl over etc...

The trick isn´t to have a passport and driving license - it´s to avoid getting pulled over.

still sucks though

It sure sucks doesn't it? Fancy the police wanting to check your documents. Whatever next huh?

Don't have a problem with them checking my documents as I always have them with me, what sucks is the thought that having found your docs in order they then look for any other excuse to extract a little tea money.

[Beacher]

I dont see any rip off here at all. The law states what you must carry. Seems to me too many people like the OP get used to the laid back attitude here and bitch when the laws are enforced. If I had my way I wouldnt allow tourists to drive motor cycles here, licence or no licence !

And it appears that if the majority of Thais had their way, they just wouldn't allow tourists, PERIOD.

Why do these people want to alienate 90% of the people that visit?