Seized money disappear in police

[ElenaBrighton]

Had Thai police bust a house and seize money on site as evidence. The case has not been prosecuted after all but.. when asked for money the prosecutor said there was no mention of money in case papers! And here's the catch- there is a picture of people arrested, proud Thai policemen AND of the money seized right there on display. The lawyer isn't really bothered.. Is there anything to do to return the money?

[briboy]

money in lieu of the drug charge not that hard to work out

[kirstymelb101]

Did you actually witness the incident? When did this happen? Why was the house raided in the first place?

[HeavyDrinker]

I'm afraid the Thai Visa legal experts will need more info poppet....

[ElenaBrighton]

No, no drugs involved. I wasn't there, and I don't know all the details but basically it was the case of someone not willing to return a debt report an attempt at mugging. So there was an arrest and all the money in the house were promptly seized. Didn't stand up to scrutiny later on, though and the police dropped charges.

[kirstymelb101]

Power hungry police officers trying to earn quick cash by abusing the law in their favor. I honestly don't think their's much that can be done in this situation. Do you know how much was seized?

[ElenaBrighton]

Well, that's obvious )) It sucks not being able to do even little DIY law here and having to rely on local lawyers. I don't know how much there was but there were stacks of bills there, not just some spare change. Is it possible to confront the police with the picture and accuse them of not having issued a receipt for money?

[wprime]

Bring a copy of the photo and politely request the money be returned. If they don't comply take the matter to the NACC, if it's a reasonable sum of money (100000+) they will assist you.

[kirstymelb101]

You have much to learn about Thai politics! Unless the culprit comes from a wealthy family, or has ties with people who have connections nothing will be done. To be honest, you're fighting a losing battle. The last thing you want in Thailand is unnecessary attention !! IMO - To many bad things happen to nice people who try and take on the law............

[ElenaBrighton]

At least the case was not brought into court! Know of another one, the prosecutor took the money to close the case and well, he did.. Forgot to mention that a non-prosecution decision has to be verified by the governor...who has kept the papers for three months now. Imagine being stuck in the country for three months with most of your assets frozen and nobody gives a damn if you have means to stay here, whether you have a job or commitments. I know, you'd say you brought it on yourselves but thing is that there was no crime commited. A court hearing would have shown that but the prosecutor scared people into paying to resolve things "quickly".

[thailandbeachisland]

I do not understand what is the problem ? Someone prefers to go to jail ?

[ElenaBrighton]

Nope, that was an off-top, the problem is really in returning the money. Will talk to the lawyer again and report if a miracle happens ))

[ILoveMassage]

Haha! Welcome to Thailand .

Here's my advice: give up on getting the money back and go on with your life, and the next time something like this happens again, remember the tried and true phrase "This is Thailand".

Just remember that Thailand is it's own alternate world. The Twilight Zone of Asia. Where the police are there to steal, not protect.

If you want to live in a just society, the solution is a plane ticket out of Thailand.

[ElenaBrighton]

Just wonder... Do all expats that have lived in this country for a long long time basically come to this conclusion? Does this mean that you don't have to try and understand the culture and the system and let your Thai lover handle all things Thai?

[krisb]

My Thai lover would have put the money in the bank.

[ElenaBrighton]

In her name ))

[krisb]

In her name ))

So is the house!

[ElenaBrighton]

Well I told him to get a Thai woman many times, but he cringes at the thought ))

[kirstymelb101]

well, if you do decided to pursue this matter, be sure to update us what happened ^^,

[mca]

I'm afraid the Thai Visa legal experts will need more info poppet....

That'll be a first mate

Guilty as charged. Hang the bugger M'Lud!

[kirstymelb101]

Just wonder... Do all expats that have lived in this country for a long long time basically come to this conclusion? Does this mean that you don't have to try and understand the culture and the system and let your Thai lover handle all things Thai?

The police officers probably gave the culprit a chance to offer a bribe, and once he refused to co-operate, they took all his money !!

[ElenaBrighton]

Spoke to the lawyer... The prosecutor said that there was no evidence of money in case papers but he will confront the police with the picture- the question is how to prove the amount of money taken.

[kirstymelb101]

Did you ask for your own personal credentials to be kept classified?

[ElenaBrighton]

You mean for the police?