High Crime And Drug Profile Of Thonglor

[HeavyDrinker]

What kind of statement? Why did you offer money if you hadn't done anything wrong?

Quite....and why did they take your pal to the station?

[FarangTalk]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

[brewsterbudgen]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

How is it corrupt? No one is reporting having to pay any money, unless they're found to be carrying something illegal. Admitedly paying money to a cop instead of being arrested and processed through the courts is corrrupt, but I doubt many people would object to it being handled this way!

[Scottythai]

Never been stopped in 5 years. I friend was receintly and said it was a 2 minute search then off he went

[HeavyDrinker]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

There is a valid point here.

The only dealings I ever have with my local police is when they suspect there may be a risk to me once I'm out of the estate (there never is) especially if there's Burmese builders in the area; or the time they bought back my gardener when he'd had a few too many drinks and was found in Lat Krabang flat out with his pants round his ankles and caked in pooh (don't ask!).

Every time I've dealt with the police here in Thailand, I've always found them courteous and polite. I suspect that they get a lot of their bad rep from the Thong Lor area...

[overherebc]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

How is it corrupt? No one is reporting having to pay any money, unless they're found to be carrying something illegal. Admitedly paying money to a cop instead of being arrested and processed through the courts is corrrupt, but I doubt many people would object to it being handled this way!

Was told in a half joking way by a Thai friend in BKK that if you have to go to Thong Lor station for any reason it's a good idea to take your lawyer with you.

[FarangTalk]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

How is it corrupt? No one is reporting having to pay any money, unless they're found to be carrying something illegal. Admitedly paying money to a cop instead of being arrested and processed through the courts is corrrupt, but I doubt many people would object to it being handled this way!

You just answered your own question, in part.

I know some of the Thong Lor coppers personally, and they revel in the reputation of their station.

Then there are many high-profile cases that have evidenced their corruption; the Santika nightclub fire and the killing of their fellow Policeman by the Red Bull heir which was subsequently tried to be covered up by one of his superiors to name but a couple.

[FarangTalk]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

There is a valid point here.

The only dealings I ever have with my local police is when they suspect there may be a risk to me once I'm out of the estate (there never is) especially if there's Burmese builders in the area; or the time they bought back my gardener when he'd had a few too many drinks and was found in Lat Krabang flat out with his pants round his ankles and caked in pooh (don't ask!).

Every time I've dealt with the police here in Thailand, I've always found them courteous and polite. I suspect that they get a lot of their bad rep from the Thong Lor area...

They get their bad rep from their criminal activity; The Blue Diamond Affair, the shooting of tourists (Kanchanaburi, Pai), maiming innocent women... the list is endless and goes way beyond one station.

Don't fall into the trap thinking they are in anyway similar to Police in the West, that their mandate includes serving and protecting the community, as they have a different agenda entirely.

As a wise Thai once told me - stay as far away from the Police in Thailand as possible.

[pampal]

What kind of statement? Why did you offer money if you hadn't done anything wrong?

I can't read Thai so I don't know what was in the statement at the time.

He offered money because we were in a hurry to go to Chinatown.

Time is money.

My friends who read the statement said it had to do with my friend riding a motorcycle which didn't belong to him. They called my wife who owns the bike and she told them he is allowed to drive it.

BTW my wife is Mainland Chinese.

Edited February 13, 2013 by pampal

[pampal]

What kind of statement? Why did you offer money if you hadn't done anything wrong?

Quite....and why did they take your pal to the station?

To search him more and make him sign a statement.

[NewlyMintedThai]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Maybe you look shady.

I have lived in the Thonglor police district since 1996 and have not been stopped even once.

[candypants]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Maybe you look shady.

I have lived in the Thonglor police district since 1996 and have not been stopped even once.

yes, so you have mentioned.

[NewlyMintedThai]

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Maybe you look shady.

I have lived in the Thonglor police district since 1996 and have not been stopped even once.

yes, so you have mentioned.

No, I believe this is the first time I have ever mentioned living in Thonglor police district.

[Barabbas]

I have been stopped and thoroughly searched twice within 3 years around Asoke-Sukhumvit junction. The brave BiB's checked every nook and cranny aboot my wallet and my pockets. I didn't carry any ID with me, so that would be a cause of trouble, if not for my fluent Thai.

[smokie36]

Said it before here, find a big local law firm, give them a small retainer, and carry their cards with you. When you are stopped, smile and hand the cops the card, and keep your mouth shut.

It's worked for me three times in the last 5 years. Each time they've handed it back with a smile and moved on.

Intriguing. On the occasion we were stopped a Thai driving license raised smiles and conversation to an appropriate enough level.

[yougivemebaby]

two of my staff eating outside lunch....one had to do a pee test one they searched the car. My motorbike guy told me that an hour later they still hassled people.

War against drugs...the last time they killed 3000 people.

Edit: Add that my staff are Thai people....

I have read of numerous similar events on ThaiVisa.com...

One of the explanations I read of was that it has long been suspected that foreigners deal some drugs in those areas... I question this.

A more valid explanation may be that the police officers in this area are more switched on to the fact that plenty of foreigners in these areas are carrying something (i.e. viagra etc) and this is what they are looking for. Not to get the drugs off the street, but to collect the fines.

It always appears to be two police officers on a bike who single out Foreign males who are alone... IMO - they are simply on the make.

That said - it has also been reported that if you have nothing to hide, are polite and comply you will be on your way within seconds / minutes. There have been know first hand stories of scams or extortion, there have however been a couple bias and paranoid comments that appear to have been picked up while sat on a bar-stool nursing a beer.

So if I was Thai, I could refuse to be searched? I don't have anything to hide but it's very infringing. Without any reason at all to search me?

It doesn't matter if you are Thai or not.... It is my understanding that If the police have reason to search you they can.

However, you can request not to be searched on the street and instead choose to go back to a station with them to be searched there.

But, the realities are the Police don't really know their own regulations and its a delicate game to play when you risk denting an ego. It's highly possible that by refusing to submit to an on-the-spot search the situation will escalate .

Another point is communication - how are you going to articulate to the police (unless you have fluent Thai) that you refuse to submit to a search in the street, but will be happy to undergo a search at the station ?

IMO - its easier to submit to the search. Citizens rights here are not what they are on the West.

That said - I was in a taxi some years back and the police stopped it and asked for ID. It was about 3am in a very quiet sub-soi and I felt unsafe (I was also with a friend in the cab). When asked I simply refused to hand over my ID, after a 10 second stand-off the police seemed to just shrug an move along... the next step would've have been difficult and it would have either involved asking the taxi to drive to the police station (which he may or may not have been happy to do), OR it would have involved a phone call to a friend.

How do you ask them for ID? No I don't want to piss them off but my girlfriend said there are phony cops (or real) that will plant drugs or other things on you. But if I'm going to get framed I would rather it be by a legit BIB lol . I can speak enough Thai or at least understand them when they were asking me what country am I from and what job am I doing in Bangkok. WHere do you live now etc.

[yougivemebaby]

I love the OP's nickname...

I saw an independent movie with a 'crazy' Asian lady that married a foreigner. All she wanted was a baby. The whole movie she said "YOU GIVE ME BABY!"! At first she was nice about it then as time moved along she started getting angry and irate. It's a little funny reminds me of all the Thai girls I hear wanting half/half babies.

[yougivemebaby]

In Thailand over 25 years now and still waiting for my turn..

I guess I'm just lucky. lol

<deleted> is a 'man purse??? Is this a handbag for men??? Maybe he thought you were one of those dodgy ladyboys that hang around there??

Yes it's a handbag. and no i'm not a ladyboy.

what kinda guy wants a handbag??

Hey now! It's a small bag to put my phone in, credit cards, $, My pockets aren't big enough for all the crap. Yeah I guess it is kinda gay to have a hand bag. But I'm comfortable enough to wear one. Maybe that's why I get extra attention from gay guys on the BTS LOL

[yougivemebaby]

Said it before here, find a big local law firm, give them a small retainer, and carry their cards with you. When you are stopped, smile and hand the cops the card, and keep your mouth shut.

It's worked for me three times in the last 5 years. Each time they've handed it back with a smile and moved on.

What exactly is the retainer called? Get out of jail free? I'm interested in this as it really freaked me out. Though I was right on sukhumvit they cornered me right behind their small police station right in front of my condo. where only a few people walking buy could see me. I was definitely at their mercy if they wanted to plant something on me. !

When I stayed on Sukhumvit I used to get stopped by the Thong Lor cops all the time. Now I live over near the river I have never been stopped in over three years!

Thong Lor are widely considered the most corrupt cop-shop in Bangkok (Lumpini runs them a close second).

There is a valid point here.

The only dealings I ever have with my local police is when they suspect there may be a risk to me once I'm out of the estate (there never is) especially if there's Burmese builders in the area; or the time they bought back my gardener when he'd had a few too many drinks and was found in Lat Krabang flat out with his pants round his ankles and caked in pooh (don't ask!).

Every time I've dealt with the police here in Thailand, I've always found them courteous and polite. I suspect that they get a lot of their bad rep from the Thong Lor area...

They get their bad rep from their criminal activity; The Blue Diamond Affair, the shooting of tourists (Kanchanaburi, Pai), maiming innocent women... the list is endless and goes way beyond one station.

Don't fall into the trap thinking they are in anyway similar to Police in the West, that their mandate includes serving and protecting the community, as they have a different agenda entirely.

As a wise Thai once told me - stay as far away from the Police in Thailand as possible.

Honestly, I've never felt the aura to be this negative with any Thai person ever. It felt very intense as they searched me. Maybe they had info about a farang doing something suspicious in the area. But hearing of the Thong lo police being as sheisty people are saying, I'm guessing they were just fishing. Initially it was just the one BIB that got off the bike but then the other guy was looking at me seriously and got off his bike as I had my hand up like "huh? What are you doing?:" The only thing I didn't have was my passport which they didn't ask for. I always at least carry a copy but I've had my passport damaged before and keep it in a safe place. I know that's a risk too.