Bangkok Taxi Driver Poses As Military Officer, Robs Foreign Passengers

[blows]

What happened to "The incompetent corrupt Somchai police monkeys who will never do their job and are all hopelessly anti Farang"? (description borrowed from another thread.)

Crime, clue, investigation, arrest. ABC policework.

good point. I wonder why people that constantly criticize Thailand and the people and the police and the government are even members here. If they dislike it so much, they should just stop coming here (Thailand). Or, move back to their home country if the live here.

Many years ago, I met an older (60's) British gentleman in a expat bar. All these expats were sitting around, drinking and complaining about Thailand and making derogatory comments about the Thai's. I could not help but wonder, if they hated it so much, why do they stay in Thailand. The man I was speaking with told me that many farangs move to Thailand for the girls and the partying. But, have made no effort to understand the Thai people or their culture. Once the reality sets in and the partying and girls are become routine and no longer exciting, they don't like Thailand anymore but, they can't afford to leave. He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. And it is a part of the human species to complain, even in paradise, and there is plenty of things to complain about here in the LOS, even the Thais will agree to that. Those that do not complain about blatant corruption, must be corrupt themselves.

[khunkeith]

What happened to "The incompetent corrupt Somchai police monkeys who will never do their job and are all hopelessly anti Farang"? (description borrowed from another thread.)

Crime, clue, investigation, arrest. ABC policework.

good point. I wonder why people that constantly criticize Thailand and the people and the police and the government are even members here. If they dislike it so much, they should just stop coming here (Thailand). Or, move back to their home country if the live here.

Many years ago, I met an older (60's) British gentleman in a expat bar. All these expats were sitting around, drinking and complaining about Thailand and making derogatory comments about the Thai's. I could not help but wonder, if they hated it so much, why do they stay in Thailand. The man I was speaking with told me that many farangs move to Thailand for the girls and the partying. But, have made no effort to understand the Thai people or their culture. Once the reality sets in and the partying and girls are become routine and no longer exciting, they don't like Thailand anymore but, they can't afford to leave. He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. And it is a part of the human species to complain, even in paradise, and there is plenty of things to complain about here in the LOS, even the Thais will agree to that. Those that do not complain about blatant corruption, must be corrupt themselves.

there are plenty of things to complain about in every country. But, some people that post on here do nothing but complain.

[khunkeith]

What happened to "The incompetent corrupt Somchai police monkeys who will never do their job and are all hopelessly anti Farang"? (description borrowed from another thread.)

Crime, clue, investigation, arrest. ABC policework.

good point. I wonder why people that constantly criticize Thailand and the people and the police and the government are even members here. If they dislike it so much, they should just stop coming here (Thailand). Or, move back to their home country if the live here.

Many years ago, I met an older (60's) British gentleman in a expat bar. All these expats were sitting around, drinking and complaining about Thailand and making derogatory comments about the Thai's. I could not help but wonder, if they hated it so much, why do they stay in Thailand. The man I was speaking with told me that many farangs move to Thailand for the girls and the partying. But, have made no effort to understand the Thai people or their culture. Once the reality sets in and the partying and girls are become routine and no longer exciting, they don't like Thailand anymore but, they can't afford to leave. He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. And it is a part of the human species to complain, even in paradise, and there is plenty of things to complain about here in the LOS, even the Thais will agree to that. Those that do not complain about blatant corruption, must be corrupt themselves.

perhaps the ones that don't complain are just wise accept it as a way of life here and just deal with it. complaining does not do any good. What's amusing to me is, people that complain, complain, complain complain still come here and spend their money. Now that's funny.

[khunkeith]

6 or 8 years ago, my wife (Thai) and I were in Pattaya for a holiday. I had a couple friends fly from the states to meet up with us. One friend made a reservation at one of the street side booths for the trip to the Kwai river tour. The mini bus was supposed to pick him up at 5AM the next day but did not show up. We went to the booth and the woman said the mini had mechanical problems but would be there the next morning. My friend accepted that and waited the next morning and it did not show again. We went back to the booth and he wanted his 5000 THB back. The woman said 'no', it was not refundable. My wife went to the police booth and came back with a Thai cop. The cop talked with us and my friend showed the receipt. The cop then talked with the woman and asked for her ID card. She started getting nervous then. The cop put the ID card in his shirt pocket and told us that, if the money was not at the hotel by 4PM, to come get him and he gave his business card. The money was delivered to the hotel within a couple hours. My wife called the cops cell number and explained we had received the money. The cop asked us to meet him at the booth and we walked to meet him. He talked with us and with the woman again. He acted angry with the woman at the booth and took out his handcuffs to emphasize his point. Then he gave her back her ID card and told us to call him again if we had any problems.

Another trip to Pattaya, we were doing some shopping and needed dry ice for the cooler for our trip back home. We stopped and asked a cop where we could get some. He told us to follow him on his motorbike (we had rented one there) and we followed him for about 2 or 3 KM and he pointed out a sign that said "dry ice". then, he just sped off. No money was asked for.

In the town I live in, I am friends with a couple of the police here. THey wave at me when they seem me drive by and I stop to chat sometimes. My broken THai and their broken English leads to a lot of laughter at times. But, then the helmet patrol is out and I am just wearing a cap, I get waved though. Same with the sobriety check points during Songkran. I got waved through.

Being polite and respectful begets politeness and respect. When I get angry, I do the Thai thing, keep smiling and don't raise my voice and, I can usually settle any problems I run into. I see farangs in BKK, Pattaya and Phuket getting angry and start yelling and cursing and trying to intimidate the Thai. That's a way to lose in Thailand.

[jeffcool]

Was he targeting foreigners only? I wonder why.

(Another nail in the coffin of the hospitality hub).

When will somebody show some leadership in this country and officially announce, perhaps in front of TV cameras that Farang is actually human and kicking him is as bad as anybody else? Or am I incorrect to think that that would be quite a shock to many?

Would definitely be a shock to many........

[Macmundi]

There are petty robbers like these. Although not as dangerous, they are a menace in society. They should be caught, tried and punished. But why is this news? There are nastier and deadlier criminals ( i.e. politicians ) out there who are more worthy of newslines!

[chrisinth]

The authorities will likely determin that he's a good man, needs a second chance and that the victims should pay him compensation, as he's a poor Thai and they are rich foreigners.

This is Thailand, not the UK

[chrisinth]

And having guns in the house is all part of that laid-back attitude?

What happened to "The incompetent corrupt Somchai police monkeys who will never do their job and are all hopelessly anti Farang"? (description borrowed from another thread.)

Crime, clue, investigation, arrest. ABC policework.

good point. I wonder why people that constantly criticize Thailand and the people and the police and the government are even members here. If they dislike it so much, they should just stop coming here (Thailand). Or, move back to their home country if the live here.

Many years ago, I met an older (60's) British gentleman in a expat bar. All these expats were sitting around, drinking and complaining about Thailand and making derogatory comments about the Thai's. I could not help but wonder, if they hated it so much, why do they stay in Thailand. The man I was speaking with told me that many farangs move to Thailand for the girls and the partying. But, have made no effort to understand the Thai people or their culture. Once the reality sets in and the partying and girls are become routine and no longer exciting, they don't like Thailand anymore but, they can't afford to leave. He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

Probably one of the reasons why they are changing the gun ownership laws so that we can better understand the laid-back attitude.

[chrisinth]

What happened to "The incompetent corrupt Somchai police monkeys who will never do their job and are all hopelessly anti Farang"? (description borrowed from another thread.)

Crime, clue, investigation, arrest. ABC policework.

Many years ago, I met an older (60's) British gentleman in a expat bar. All these expats were sitting around, drinking and complaining about Thailand and making derogatory comments about the Thai's. I could not help but wonder, if they hated it so much, why do they stay in Thailand. The man I was speaking with told me that many farangs move to Thailand for the girls and the partying. But, have made no effort to understand the Thai people or their culture. Once the reality sets in and the partying and girls are become routine and no longer exciting, they don't like Thailand anymore but, they can't afford to leave. He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

It is good advice and rings tones of truth. The British gentleman appears to be an observant person. Maybe a few more people should read and inwardly digest his observations.

[Oberkommando]

One can only assume that Pitakpong has expensive taste in beds? B31,000 ?

Indeed, 900thb would have got him a lumpy straw filled single mattress for the floor of his hovel apartment.

The hideous and uncomfortable vinyl coated 'wipe clean' variety of mattresses seem to be popular in Thailand too, especially in lower end accommodations.

[balo]

And this taxi driver was waiting outside MBK together with the rest of the scum.

Never try to take a taxi from this area if you want to keep your money.

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed. This topic is not about immigration laws, or comparisons of corruption.

[blackthorn2005]

Amazing Thailand, soon to be Miracle Thailand, the only amazing or miraculous thing will be if visitors here get home in one piece and are not the victims of crime!

[Oberkommando]

In almost ten years of living here I have only experienced one bad taxi driver

Oh please! It's one from every two are bad in my experience.

Thailand's taxi drivers are terrible, but they can console themselves in the fact that Malaysian cab drivers are worse.

[Oberkommando]

He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

The great irony of course being they will never, ever accept you.

However I think that to accept their criminality, stupidity and arrogance brings you down to that level.

I applaud the expats that stand up for their rights, point out injustices where they find them and are not scared to rightfully criticise where criticism is due.

[khunkeith]

He told me that, if I was considering moving to Thailand, to accept the Thai's and the way they do things. It's not up to them to change to suit my needs but, up to me to just accept their ways because it's their country and culture, not mine.

good advice many years ago.

The great irony of course being they will never, ever accept you.

However I think that to accept their criminality, stupidity and arrogance brings you down to that level.

I applaud the expats that stand up for their rights, point out injustices where they find them and are not scared to rightfully criticise where criticism is due.

speak for yourself. I have many Thai friends that accept me here in my community. but again, I don't live in a resort or BKK. living in BKK or a resort area is different than living away from more expats. But, I can see why you don't get accepted with calling them criminals, stupid and arrogant. Go for it.

[Asianrider]

No need to buy a bed. It is free Bed and breakfast for the coming months.

weak excuse

[khunkeith]

"However I think that to accept their criminality, stupidity and arrogance brings you down to that level."

and they don't accept you? There's a big surprise.

[Shurup]

In almost ten years of living here I have only experienced one bad taxi driver

Oh please! It's one from every two are bad in my experience.

Thailand's taxi drivers are terrible, but they can console themselves in the fact that Malaysian cab drivers are worse.

While I agree with most of your other posts, I don't agree with this one.

Don't make it look that gloom, it's not that bad. Even in my first days of being in Thailand I didn't get every second driver truing to screw me or rob me. Yes I've been taken a long way a few times and yes I fall to a meter not working scam a few times but it's nowhere near every second one.

Perhaps if every second one's trying to screw you, you must look like a mommy boy who can't stand up for himself.

[Nisa]

In almost ten years of living here I have only experienced one bad taxi driver

Oh please! It's one from every two are bad in my experience.

Thailand's taxi drivers are terrible, but they can console themselves in the fact that Malaysian cab drivers are worse.

While I agree with most of your other posts, I don't agree with this one.

Don't make it look that gloom, it's not that bad. Even in my first days of being in Thailand I didn't get every second driver truing to screw me or rob me. Yes I've been taken a long way a few times and yes I fall to a meter not working scam a few times but it's nowhere near every second one.

Perhaps if every second one's trying to screw you, you must look like a mommy boy who can't stand up for himself.

Is there any tourist spot or major city in the world where there are not taxi drivers or those pretending to be legitimate taxi drivers that don't try to take advantage of tourists? That is just par for the course.

On the other hand, there does seem to be a much greater fear of Taxi drivers here, especially by females riding alone, then I have seen in other places. Not sure if these fears are from the past or if incidents like the one in the OP are still common place .. there was one reported just the other day about a robbing rapist taxi driver. However, 2 recent incidents are not much of a survey base to go by considering the number of Taxis just in Bangkok, where I believe I read once has 60,000 taxis.

Edited February 26, 2012 by Nisa

[Reasonableman]

Probably not. It would be nice, though, if passengers were provided some protection, such as drivers being vetted before being able to work. Criminal checks, random breath and drug tests, some attempts to set minimum acceptable standards. Illegal taxis operate all over. Why?

Edited February 26, 2012 by Reasonableman

[blows]

In almost ten years of living here I have only experienced one bad taxi driver

Oh please! It's one from every two are bad in my experience.

Thailand's taxi drivers are terrible, but they can console themselves in the fact that Malaysian cab drivers are worse.

While I agree with most of your other posts, I don't agree with this one.

Don't make it look that gloom, it's not that bad. Even in my first days of being in Thailand I didn't get every second driver truing to screw me or rob me. Yes I've been taken a long way a few times and yes I fall to a meter not working scam a few times but it's nowhere near every second one.

Perhaps if every second one's trying to screw you, you must look like a mommy boy who can't stand up for himself.

Is there any tourist spot or major city in the world where there are not taxi drivers or those pretending to be legitimate taxi drivers that don't try to take advantage of tourists? That is just par for the course.

On the other hand, there does seem to be a much greater fear of Taxi drivers here, especially by females riding alone, then I have seen in other places. Not sure if these fears are from the past or if incidents like the one in the OP are still common place .. there was one reported just the other day about a robbing rapist taxi driver. However, 2 recent incidents are not much of a survey base to go by considering the number of Taxis just in Bangkok, where I believe I read once has 60,000 taxis.

I know Mexico city, Caracas and Rio de Janeiro are some of the more dangerous places to just get from the airport to the hotel by taxi.

[steven100]

More pond scum. How is Mr HIV rapist getting along? Giving taxi drivers a stinking reputation. Sounds like time taxi drivers enforced acceptable standards of behavior themselves, if the government or police cannot/will not. Kick these turds out.

Taxi drivers already have a stinking reputation. They are marfia scum in my books. They stop .. won't let you in the car but just ask where your going so they can decide if they can make a buck out of it. !

The Government needs to kick every taxi driver in bangkok out ...and start new !! regulate it properly so no marfia has control.

Bangkok taxi drivers need a good overhaul.

[Reasonableman]

It was tried with motorcycle taxis. Since I use taxis, usually without major problems, I have no idea how successful that was. Wasn't there a recent anti-mafia protest among the m'cycle drivers, though?

More pond scum. How is Mr HIV rapist getting along? Giving taxi drivers a stinking reputation. Sounds like time taxi drivers enforced acceptable standards of behavior themselves, if the government or police cannot/will not. Kick these turds out.

Taxi drivers already have a stinking reputation. They are marfia scum in my books. They stop .. won't let you in the car but just ask where your going so they can decide if they can make a buck out of it. !

The Government needs to kick every taxi driver in bangkok out ...and start new !! regulate it properly so no marfia has control.

Bangkok taxi drivers need a good overhaul.

[chrisinth]

More pond scum. How is Mr HIV rapist getting along? Giving taxi drivers a stinking reputation. Sounds like time taxi drivers enforced acceptable standards of behavior themselves, if the government or police cannot/will not. Kick these turds out.

Taxi drivers already have a stinking reputation. They are marfia scum in my books. They stop .. won't let you in the car but just ask where your going so they can decide if they can make a buck out of it. !

The Government needs to kick every taxi driver in bangkok out ...and start new !! regulate it properly so no marfia has control.

Bangkok taxi drivers need a good overhaul.

That is a blanket assessment which doesn't ring true. My rule of thumb is that if the meter isn't working, then the taxi driver won't be either.

[airconsult]

That husain is one smart guy, I wish I can "memorize" the Thai LP, it's all still alien script to me and I've been here for 4 years (just stating the fact).

I guess he found a smart policeman - assuming it's a plate issued before March 2011 - as it's a taxi in bangkok, the province can probably be assumed to be bangkok, then the first consonant (of 2) has to be either ท or ม plus the number. Assuming he also reported the colour of the taxi - I guess that's enough to positively identify the vehicle.

Still, a pretty good effort.

Cheers

[risky11]

Is concealed carry of a firearm legal in Thailand? That would solve the crime problem. Just rent a gun at the airport. hey, what a great business idea....