Highway Robbery In Rayong

[espinoza]

Newly I was driving with my family on the highway in Rayong. I was to overtake another car and the police stopped me. The policeman said I could choose to follow them to the police station or pay 200 bath. I asked why, and the answer was that I was driving in the right lane. I did`nt know that it`s prohibited, and if it is they should remove or fence off the right lane. I had to pay, because I think it would be more expensive to follow them to the police station. I call this "roadside robbery" and it shows the respect the royal thai police deserves.

[IanForbes]

If driving in the right lane when passing is prohibited then the police would have a field day in Chiang Mai. Drivers are FORCED to drive in the oncoming lane because the roads are all blocked by parked vehicles. Apparently it is perfectly legal to block entire roadways just to park your vehicle when stopping for a meal.

[espinoza]

If driving in the right lane when passing is prohibited then the police would have a field day in Chiang Mai. Drivers are FORCED to drive in the oncoming lane because the roads are all blocked by parked vehicles. Apparently it is perfectly legal to block entire roadways just to park your vehicle when stopping for a meal.

On the higway in Rayong they have two lanes in each direction.

[tgeezer]

It's quite common, and a universal law world-wide; you keep to the near-side lane unless overtaking, if you do that you wont force someone to break the law by undertaking.

Sorry I didn't notice that you were overtaking. I was had for it once down that way on Sukumwit, it is a normal scam because they say that you didn't return to the near-side lane with alacrity, prove that you did.

Edited March 17, 2010 by tgeezer

[fiddlehead]

I try to put myself in the OP's shoes.

I think I would've followed him to the police station.

Last year, I got stopped in northern Thailand for driving my pickup with the rear hatch opened (my Mother in law was sitting in the back)

The policeman wanted 2500 baht.

We waited about 50 minutes and he reduced it to 1,000 baht but wouldn't go lower.

Thinking back, I should have called his bluff to see what he would've done.

But it was hot, and I wanted to continue the trip.

They know this.

Yes, they are hi-way robbers for sure. (some of them)

I wish they had badge numbers like in the states so we could report them somehow.

[Jai Dee]

It is an offense to stay driving in the right hand lane... not using it temporarily for overtaking.

There are way too many drivers who stay in the right hand lane and refuse to move even when flashed.

The police are doing a good job by enforcing this... albeit somewhat biased against pickup trucks at times...

When overtaking I always leave my right indicator on until returning to the left hand lane after overtaking... that way any lurking police cannot claim that I was "driving in the right hand lane".

I have been stopped a few times between Rayong and Pattaya... and using this method and a polite explanation always gets me off the hook.

[Encid]

I wish they had badge numbers like in the states so we could report them somehow.

You could always take his photo with your phone.

But then... they do carry guns...

[colinscarr]

'Driving in the offside lane is forbidden except when overtaking.'

That explains why so many Thais overtake on the hard shoulder.

[johnh101]

Now you know the rules, they have had me at least 5 times and I am sure they will have me again.

[lopburi3]

It is by no means an international law to keep left (or right). It varies by roadway and country.

In Thailand it is normal to charge those in out of city areas with driving in the overtaking lane if they do not immediately return. Yes it is a money maker. But it is not used against foreigners any more than other people - and probably less as they often give up trying to get it though our heads if we do not speak Thai.

The Pattaya road is notorious for this and used to have signs in the median warning drivers to keep left (they may still have them but have used motorway in recent years).

[tgeezer]

It is an offense to stay driving in the right hand lane... not using it temporarily for overtaking.

When overtaking I always leave my right indicator on until returning to the left hand lane after overtaking... that way any lurking police cannot claim that I was "driving in the right hand lane".

I have been stopped a few times between Rayong and Pattaya... and using this method and a polite explanation always gets me off the hook.

I like the indicator effect, yet another good reason to use them; perhaps the poster was caught for not using them, rather than simply being in the wrong lane.

[tgeezer]

I try to put myself in the OP's shoes.

I think I would've followed him to the police station.

Last year, I got stopped in northern Thailand for driving my pickup with the rear hatch opened (my Mother in law was sitting in the back)

The policeman wanted 2500 baht.

We waited about 50 minutes and he reduced it to 1,000 baht but wouldn't go lower.

Thinking back, I should have called his bluff to see what he would've done.

I think it likely that you would not be allowed to leave until they were wanting to go home at the end of shift. When they should ask for your licence and give you a receipt and you are on your way.

I remember some complications from when I got my licence and was reading the rules that quick solutions is not provided for in the law. For instance the little handbook says simply Driver doing wrong will suffer the following penalty. ! first occasion of an offence will lose his licence for 15days per offence. Second occasion 30 days. There are points offences for driving on the pavement blocking traffic 10 points, and instruction with exams for two offences in one year. It is all in Thai so I am not clear on it but I think the idea of paying up and moving on is better all round, which I suppose is why it is so popular!

[Bedrockguesthouse]

I live in the area its been a practice for years. so u pay the fine and follow the rules. Its that simple. Matter of fact its only 1 stretch of road they get u on.

[yabaaaa]

How about you tell them there are so many holes in the inside lane you have to stay on the outside one, eg the main road from Hua Hin down to Chumphon.

Always leave your indicator on in the outside lane therefore you are overtaking.

[jayjayjayjay]

If driving in the right lane when passing is prohibited then the police would have a field day in Chiang Mai. Drivers are FORCED to drive in the oncoming lane because the roads are all blocked by parked vehicles. Apparently it is perfectly legal to block entire roadways just to park your vehicle when stopping for a meal.

On the higway in Rayong they have two lanes in each direction.

Get used to it, employ a driver, or leave. Your choice!

[jayjayjayjay]

I try to put myself in the OP's shoes.

I think I would've followed him to the police station.

Last year, I got stopped in northern Thailand for driving my pickup with the rear hatch opened (my Mother in law was sitting in the back)

The policeman wanted 2500 baht.

We waited about 50 minutes and he reduced it to 1,000 baht but wouldn't go lower.

Thinking back, I should have called his bluff to see what he would've done.

But it was hot, and I wanted to continue the trip.

They know this.

Yes, they are hi-way robbers for sure. (some of them)

I wish they had badge numbers like in the states so we could report them somehow.

Learn Thai and learn a few jokes to enjoy with the police officer~ it would have cost no more than 200 baht.

And to those new in the country. Completely random stuff from the police always happens most commonly within 5 days of the end of the month. They are trying there best to make quota for "boss" payments and/or making extra to cover rent costs. This is why it is never consistent, it gives you and every other road user a month or two too forget about the rules. The Thai police see it as their right! Live with it, if you want to challenge it, good luck, but your going to cause more grief to yourself than anyone else!

[neverdie]

Section 34 of the Land Traffic Act, B.E. 2522 (1979) States:

[scotsman]

They also have check points set up at times on highway 36 coming into Pattaya as I once came out of the license transport office and I wanted to u-turn so when I got to the U-turn 1km marker I changed into the correct right hand lane ready to get into the u-turn, but the policeman jumped out in front of me very dangerous I thought and I was ordered to the side of the road. He did not speak to me just my wife and she told him what we were doing but he said I went into the right lane to early I just smiled and gave him my License and I got a ticket that cost me 400 baht later at the police station, I was not the only one stopped. Now I know that I was driving correctly as the 1km U-turn marker is the correct time to get into the correct lane for doing a u-turn on a fast busy road because after I was told to go I could not get into that u-turn lane now so i had to travel down to the next one so its a well known money making scam When I came back from the airport in a bangkok taxi with my wife we were stopped at the same place for the same reason but this time the Taxi was using the right lane to long and the police had a talk with him but had to let him go as there was no money to make or it would be difficult for the Taxi driver don't know why. I still get into the right lane at the 1km u-turn marker when I use this road because its far to dangerous a road not too, and I will keep paying the fine if caught.

Regards

Scotsman

[PattayaParent]

Section 34 of the Land Traffic Act, B.E. 2522 (1979) States:

Surely the left hand lane is the INNER lane???????

[jkinbkk]

One way I have discovered to eliminate these road side muggings is to use a good one way mirrored effect film on your vehicles windows.

I also used be mugged frequently by these highwaymen at traffic lights, tolls and 'right lane BS check points' when they had a clear view of me as the driver.

However, since fitting this type of film the muggings have ceased!

[SeanMoran]

Newly I was driving with my family on the highway in Rayong.

Out of interest, and as a resident commuter in Rayong, may I ask which particular highwaqy you were on, and if possible, can you give a rough estimate of the geographic location in relation to the various major intersections throughout the province, eg. 2km east of 36/3191 or some such like that.

Forewarned is forearmed even if one is not fourwheeled.

[dsprtliving]

Live here in Ban Chang, Rayong as well and had a friend get done by these same cops a couple of weeks ago on his way back from Pattaya. There are a couple of different ways to get from here to there, and wondering if one route is better than the other for avoiding them?

[SeanMoran]

<br />Live here in Ban Chang, Rayong as well and had a friend get done by these same cops a couple of weeks ago on his way back from Pattaya. There are a couple of different ways to get from here to there, and wondering if one route is better than the other for avoiding them? <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="&lt;_&lt;" border="0" alt="dry.gif" /><br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One route that almost avoids Sukhumvit completely is to head north to the North Pattaya bus station ways, and then turn onto Thanon 36, which runs all the way to Amphur Rayong, but there is a lovely little single lane zig-zaggy turn off on your right which brings you straight into Soi 25 in Ban Chang. Highway 36 is quite likely to have its fair share of checkpoints though.<br /><br />Another one is to head south through Jomtien on Sukh., and then turn left at a set of lights around 8-10 km from (before) Sattahip, where there is a sign pointing to Rayong. This little single carriageway country road will take you all the way to highway 331 if I recall, and it's most scenic in a rural sort of way, which then you turn right onto 331 and end up on Sukhumvit arounf 4-5 km West of Ban Chang.<br />

<ed: two typos and directional clarification>

Edited March 17, 2010 by SeanMoran

[Briggsy]

One way I have discovered to eliminate these road side muggings is to use a good one way mirrored effect film on your vehicles windows.

I also used be mugged frequently by these highwaymen at traffic lights, tolls and 'right lane BS check points' when they had a clear view of me as the driver.

However, since fitting this type of film the muggings have ceased!

Watch out! It won't be long before you are charged/accused/extorted by the cops for having excessive glass tinting on your windows. That is definitely an offence. I speak from personal experience.

[dudemeister]

Reminds me of the time I was travelling along a 2 lane stretch, up ahead on the right hand (fast) lane was a slower moving vehicle. So I pulled out of the left hand lane and into the right lane, with the idea he would move over for me to overtake. Fat chance! - But I was adamant that I would not lower myself to the same moronic driving antics of the natives - I would not undertake!

Instead I followed at a safe distance behind for about a half km. The road started to curve around a slight bend, and then low and behold, up ahead I spot the unmistakable maroon flavoured BiB vehicle - Parked on the fast lane! On a bend!

A lone BiB steps out and waves down the vehicle in front of me. Ha-Ha thats him sorted I thought. But he didnt stop. Kept going right past the BiB, and carried on his merry way.

So mr policeman, aware that he wasnt getting any change from that guy, and more proabably to save face, immediately waves me down.

He directs me to park behind his police car. On the outside fast lane! On a bend!

I have been stopped so many times now, I understand it doesnt matter if you are right or wrong, its tea-money time.

Suffice to say, I am now one of those morons performing undertaking manouvres - albeit only with extreme caution!

[RusticCharm]

Learn Thai and learn a few jokes to enjoy with the police officer~ it would have cost no more than 200 baht.

And to those new in the country. Completely random stuff from the police always happens most commonly within 5 days of the end of the month. They are trying there best to make quota for "boss" payments and/or making extra to cover rent costs. This is why it is never consistent, it gives you and every other road user a month or two too forget about the rules. The Thai police see it as their right! Live with it, if you want to challenge it, good luck, but your going to cause more grief to yourself than anyone else!

Nice excuses for our resident uniformed organised crime syndicate.

Tell me, how do you feel as you pay them the 200Bt AND kiss their ass at the same time?

[johnnyj]

Its quite crazy... I read all the stories about people getting charged when they weren't doing anything wrong, and getting charged 200bht or 500 or 1000,

I feel rather fortunate... my last encounter, I _was_ doing the wrong thing, i _was_ speeding - albeit with the flow of traffic...

they all knew about the checkpoint, as they all suddenly pulled over behind a tanker, and I was left overtaking it..

I was doing about 138kph, and it cost me 100bht.

it helped that I pretended to not understand and got the missus to do all the talking.

I just smiled and said "licence?"

[Spoonman]

I got "almost" got pinged 2 weeks ago, I was defo driving in the RH lane and happily admitted this when pulled in, Old matey tells me he has to write a ticket, I ask him if i can just give the money to pay it for me at the station as Iam a busy man.... no dice he insisted he had to write a ticket, cool cool I says so I give him my licence and he notices I live in the same little village as his wife's sister..... had a bit of a chat and he waved me on my way !!!!!

[Brigante7]

Reminds me of the time I was travelling along a 2 lane stretch, up ahead on the right hand (fast) lane was a slower moving vehicle. So I pulled out of the left hand lane and into the right lane, with the idea he would move over for me to overtake. Fat chance! - But I was adamant that I would not lower myself to the same moronic driving antics of the natives - I would not undertake!

Instead I followed at a safe distance behind for about a half km. The road started to curve around a slight bend, and then low and behold, up ahead I spot the unmistakable maroon flavoured BiB vehicle - Parked on the fast lane! On a bend!

A lone BiB steps out and waves down the vehicle in front of me. Ha-Ha thats him sorted I thought. But he didnt stop. Kept going right past the BiB, and carried on his merry way.

So mr policeman, aware that he wasnt getting any change from that guy, and more proabably to save face, immediately waves me down.

He directs me to park behind his police car. On the outside fast lane! On a bend!

I have been stopped so many times now, I understand it doesnt matter if you are right or wrong, its tea-money time.

Suffice to say, I am now one of those morons performing undertaking manouvres - albeit only with extreme caution!

A bit of free advice, it's only undertaking if you change lane to do it, in the situation you described, if you had just stayed in your lane and continued past the said vehicle then you would have been fine, it's what I do in the UK with all the half-wits who insist on driving in lane 2 on the motorway's here, just continue on in lane 1. A very good friend of my dad's was a traffic policeman and it was him who told me to do that and it works, I've been pulled twice for it and each time pointed out that I didn't change lane to pass the vehicle on the left and that I was just staying in the correct lane and I happen to pass a vehicle who wasn't.

Brigante7.

[bendejo]

It was a matter of just cause: you have to pay just 'cause they say so.