stopped bt the police, Warning/advice

[54321]

Sorry I can never find the best place to post so move as you wish

So its 7 pm today, and I am clean cut, wearing shirt and trousers near ko lanta pizza in banglampoo.

A police bike pulls up, it is dark and there is no one else about.

Where are you from

where are you going

where are you staying (I an answer these questions)

do you have your passport, id card, drivers licence, i present my license,, they say they have to search me for guns and bombs, I ask if i look like i am carrying a weapon. They say they have to search me now, i say, sorry no lets go to the police station.

One copper walks with me, the other goes ahead on his bike.

We get to the police station, I set up my ipad to film the search and allow them to search me, but first turn out my pockets in front of the camera, they seem to be always trying to approach me from behind (no jokes) and i continue to back away from them so i can keep them in sight

I have heard so many reports about police planting drugs, i dont mind saying i was a little conerned to say the least.

Anyway they search me, find nothing and let me go.

maybe i overeacted, maybe not. I am curious if this is legal but suspect it is. maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories and wonder what would have happened if i had a allowed a street search.

on the walk to the police station i had my hands covering my back pockets just in case.

maybe it was legit,, maybe not.

hope this may be of use to someone

[bkkjames]

Must be a recent transfer from thonglor station...they invented it.

Sent from my LG-P970 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[keestha]

Well, you might have been unlucky, more or less fitting the description of somebody else they are actively looking for.

[Pib]

Well, if they allowed you to setup your ipad to video the search as you said, I doubt they were planning to "frame" you for something. Where you said you setup your ipad to film the search makes me somewhat suspicious of your post...like maybe its missing some important details...or its just a troll post.

[54321]

Thats your perogative, believe what you wish. Maybe it was my right to film the search? maybe it saved me from being set up, maybe i matched the description of someone they where looking for, i dont know

I posted the information to help/warn others. I went to the police station today, they explained they have the right to search anyone if they have reasonable suspicion. They could not explain "reasonable suspicion", Yesterday I had just got off a bus and was walking to meet someone for a pizza, am not sure what I did that made me look suspicious, but the fact that they approached when no one was around, made me rather concerned, hense the post

Well, if they allowed you to setup your ipad to video the search as you said, I doubt they were planning to "frame" you for something. Where you said you setup your ipad to film the search makes me somewhat suspicious of your post...like maybe its missing some important details...or its just a troll post.

[MMarlow]

Don't believe a word of it, the police allowed you to film an official procedure in the police station? Post the video.

Maybe they were just wasting your time and wanted to piss you off because you called their bluff when you could have got the search over with in 30 seconds at the roadside. As long as you empty your pockets and don't allow anyone to put their hands in them you'll be ok.

[Thainess]

Thats your perogative, believe what you wish. Maybe it was my right to film the search? maybe it saved me from being set up, maybe i matched the description of someone they where looking for, i dont know

I posted the information to help/warn others. I went to the police station today, they explained they have the right to search anyone if they have reasonable suspicion. They could not explain "reasonable suspicion", Yesterday I had just got off a bus and was walking to meet someone for a pizza, am not sure what I did that made me look suspicious, but the fact that they approached when no one was around, made me rather concerned, hense the post

Well, if they allowed you to setup your ipad to video the search as you said, I doubt they were planning to "frame" you for something. Where you said you setup your ipad to film the search makes me somewhat suspicious of your post...like maybe its missing some important details...or its just a troll post.

They searched you because they saw a farang getting off a bus. Why farang him use bus in Bangkok? Farang big money, him always go taxi. Mucho suspicioso...

Secondly, if I actually believed your story, you would have posted the video you took on your iPad. Why set it up to record video if you don't post the video to back up your story? Also I don't believe you would own an iPad if you're the kind of ultra-low-budget farang who has to resort to using the terrible and slow buses in this city when you can use BTS from 20 baht and a taxi typically costs only 35-50 baht for most trips.

[stevenl]

maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories

I hear many stories as well, and most of them are not true.

Police do not plant drugs.

[HooHaa]

yep, you wasted both your time and theirs and mine. you are lucky they were so tolerant.

[watcharacters]

Thats your perogative, believe what you wish. Maybe it was my right to film the search? maybe it saved me from being set up, maybe i matched the description of someone they where looking for, i dont know

I posted the information to help/warn others. I went to the police station today, they explained they have the right to search anyone if they have reasonable suspicion. They could not explain "reasonable suspicion", Yesterday I had just got off a bus and was walking to meet someone for a pizza, am not sure what I did that made me look suspicious, but the fact that they approached when no one was around, made me rather concerned, hense the post

Well, if they allowed you to setup your ipad to video the search as you said, I doubt they were planning to "frame" you for something. Where you said you setup your ipad to film the search makes me somewhat suspicious of your post...like maybe its missing some important details...or its just a troll post.

They searched you because they saw a farang getting off a bus. Why farang him use bus in Bangkok? Farang big money, him always go taxi. Mucho suspicioso...

Secondly, if I actually believed your story, you would have posted the video you took on your iPad. Why set it up to record video if you don't post the video to back up your story? Also I don't believe you would own an iPad if you're the kind of ultra-low-budget farang who has to resort to using the terrible and slow buses in this city when you can use BTS from 20 baht and a taxi typically costs only 35-50 baht for most trips.

.

I'd also be interested in seeing the video but wonder if this comment is really necessary? " Also I don't believe you would own an iPad if you're the kind of ultra-low-budget farang who has to resort to using the terrible and slow buses in this city when you can use BTS from 20 baht and a taxi typically costs only 35-50 baht for most trips."

[54321]

I give up. I have nothing to prove I just tried to give a little advice.

Show me a bts station near ko lanta pizza banglampoo.

Excuse me for trying to offer a little help and insight into what happened to me. If it was 2 in the morning I would understand your deluded offensive comments as alcohol induced, but as it's 3pm then ???

I have nothing to prove, and certainly nothing to gain and no interest in responding to pathetic challenges and accusations. Over and out.

[chuang]

No photo and video taking allowed in police station...

[jimmybkk]

Don't believe a word of it, the police allowed you to film an official procedure in the police station? Post the video.

Maybe they were just wasting your time and wanted to piss you off because you called their bluff when you could have got the search over with in 30 seconds at the roadside. As long as you empty your pockets and don't allow anyone to put their hands in them you'll be ok.

"As long as you empty your pockets and don't allow anyone to put their hands in them you'll be ok."

Thanks for the insight. So when they conduct a search they just ask you to take everything out of your pockets and take your word for it that you have done so? Good to know.

[Hornell]

54321 makes a thoroughly believable point as far as I am concerned, in spite of some sarcastic and negative comments, which one has come to expect from this forum. I have lived in Thailand for nearly 20 years, so when my 21 year old grandson came to Bangkok to do a TEFL course in Phahonyothin I felt reasonably well qualified to brief him on the do’s and don’ts of living in Thailand and what to watch out for: keeping your cool, carrying your passport, the various well-known scams, and so on. I had, however, failed to warn him about police behaviour. One evening they stopped him for no reason on the Phahonyothin Road, searched his school bag, removed the money he had in his wallet and simply walked away. The fact that he had just been to an ATM probably had something to do with it.
In any country and in any language this is blatant theft, but I read letter after letter in the papers and see report after report on the subject of police corruption and ineptitude; Chuan failed to do anything about it, Gen Surayud also failed (in spite of making it a top priority to begin with), even “Pol Lt Col” Taksin failed (surprise!), Abhisit didn’t even attempt it and as for Ms Yingluck – well ‘nuff said! Well done on the actions you took 54321 and I hope that others less savvy than you will heed your comments and ignore some of the other cr@p statements.

[Thainess]

Thats your perogative, believe what you wish. Maybe it was my right to film the search? maybe it saved me from being set up, maybe i matched the description of someone they where looking for, i dont know

I posted the information to help/warn others. I went to the police station today, they explained they have the right to search anyone if they have reasonable suspicion. They could not explain "reasonable suspicion", Yesterday I had just got off a bus and was walking to meet someone for a pizza, am not sure what I did that made me look suspicious, but the fact that they approached when no one was around, made me rather concerned, hense the post

Well, if they allowed you to setup your ipad to video the search as you said, I doubt they were planning to "frame" you for something. Where you said you setup your ipad to film the search makes me somewhat suspicious of your post...like maybe its missing some important details...or its just a troll post.

They searched you because they saw a farang getting off a bus. Why farang him use bus in Bangkok? Farang big money, him always go taxi. Mucho suspicioso...

Secondly, if I actually believed your story, you would have posted the video you took on your iPad. Why set it up to record video if you don't post the video to back up your story? Also I don't believe you would own an iPad if you're the kind of ultra-low-budget farang who has to resort to using the terrible and slow buses in this city when you can use BTS from 20 baht and a taxi typically costs only 35-50 baht for most trips.

.

I'd also be interested in seeing the video but wonder if this comment is really necessary? " Also I don't believe you would own an iPad if you're the kind of ultra-low-budget farang who has to resort to using the terrible and slow buses in this city when you can use BTS from 20 baht and a taxi typically costs only 35-50 baht for most trips."

Yeah, it was really necessary. Considering how ludicrously cheap taxis are in BKK compared to almost any other major city in the world, who in their "right mind" would take one of this city's decrepit, crappy buses to anywhere unless the additional 20 baht that a taxi would cost really matters to your pocket? Answer: One of the thousands of "English teachers" who think they're "living the dream" in Thailand and making their family and friends back home jealous because they're making a whopping 25,000 baht a month and living in an 8,000 baht a month shoebox. I see these "English teachers" everywhere with their sweaty and unhealthy appearance and $200 polyester "suits" and $10 shirts. They'd be "on the dole" in their home country, so to be fair at least it's one small step up from that for them.

[craigt3365]

maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories

I hear many stories as well, and most of them are not true.

Police do not plant drugs.

They have been known to do this. A recent scam, being reported in the Thai news, is drugs put in your cars gas cap compartment when filling up. You get stopped down the road and extorted for money. My wife now always gets out of our car and watches them.

I know two (stupid) friends who bought drugs and were immediately arrested. One was a setup by a tuk tuk guy in Bangkok. Cost him 40k Baht to get out.

Best policy here is to be super careful. Like the OP was.

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[trajan]

thanks 54321, good warning....

hope more people come forward with experiences and warnings...

[robblok]

Yeah, it was really necessary. Considering how ludicrously cheap taxis are in BKK compared to almost any other major city in the world, who in their "right mind" would take one of this city's decrepit, crappy buses to anywhere unless the additional 20 baht that a taxi would cost really matters to your pocket? Answer: One of the thousands of "English teachers" who think they're "living the dream" in Thailand and making their family and friends back home jealous because they're making a whopping 25,000 baht a month and living in an 8,000 baht a month shoebox. I see these "English teachers" everywhere with their sweaty and unhealthy appearance and $200 polyester "suits" and $10 shirts. They'd be "on the dole" in their home country, so to be fair at least it's one small step up from that for them.

Seems someone is upset the (younger) English teachers don't pay for it and are doing his paid for gf for free. Poor guy.

Never heard of the live and let live comments. I have taken the bus in the past as it can be convenient for short rides. Now I just take one of my bikes or car.

Back OT.

I am also scared that something gets planted by the police. In general I doubt they do this as there are plenty easier ways to get their corruption money and there might even be a few honest cops. But that does not rule out bad ones. I stay well clear of the police as they have a lot of power.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Probably not even cops...just Somchai and his best friend trying to shakedown a newbie farang or tourist for some drinking money.

[Tywais]

Probably not even cops...just Somchai and his best friend trying to shakedown a newbie farang or tourist for some drinking money.

So I guess a fake police station they went to.

[Tywais]

Note the 2nd part as it pertains to the OP. Source - Siam Legal

Guidelines to be followed in searches and seizures with a warrant

1. The search warrant must be shown to the occupant before the search is conducted;
2. The officer must give his name and title to the occupant prior to the search;
3. As much as possible, the search must be conducted in the presence of the owner or occupant or a competent member of his family;
4. If no owner/occupant/family member is available to witness the search, the police must secure the presence of at least two independent and competent witnesses before the search is conducted;
5. The items found in the search must be shown to the witnesses, who must acknowledge the items found.

Police may conduct searches and seizures without a warrant when he has reasonable grounds to believe that the suspect has in his possession:

1. Articles that may be used to commit a crime;
2. The fruits of a crime;
3. Illegal items (like illegal substances).

[HeavyDrinker]

My take on all this is that as long as you have nothing to hide, your papers are in order, no harm, no foul, except when they shake people down in public. Then a lack of training really shows.

I saw a poor guy last year near Prom Phong BTS getting near as damn it strip searched by a little gaggle of cops right there on the street. They were all over him like a pack of dogs on a rat.

One was going through his pack, another inspecting his passport like he was translating the Dead Sea Scrolls, one more going through his wallet, another two or three frisking the lad. This happened for about 5 minutes until one uniformed cop seeing the crowd of horrified looking Thais (who were making a few choice comments at this treatment of a tourist), called off the dogs and let the geezer go.

Had that have been me I'd have had none of it in public but I'd guess I've been here a while longer than this poor bloke had. I saw him later having a well deserved ale in Lower Suk looking rather shaken by his experience.

I think the OP did the right thing. If nothing else it showed he wasn't some hapless tourist just wandering around.

[EyesWideOpen]

maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories

I hear many stories as well, and most of them are not true.

Police do not plant drugs.

Wrong...... They sell drugs, and would plant drugs if it suited them.

[EyesWideOpen]

maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories

I hear many stories as well, and most of them are not true.

Police do not plant drugs.

They have been known to do this. A recent scam, being reported in the Thai news, is drugs put in your cars gas cap compartment when filling up. You get stopped down the road and extorted for money. My wife now always gets out of our car and watches them.

I know two (stupid) friends who bought drugs and were immediately arrested. One was a setup by a tuk tuk guy in Bangkok. Cost him 40k Baht to get out.

Best policy here is to be super careful. Like the OP was.

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes my girlfriend told me about the gas cap scam last year. Apparently it was in the Thai news.....

[djayz]

Still waiting for the video of the search to be posted...

[stickylies]

my brother had similar experience in BKK. if you have nothing to hide you cooperate. i think OP did ok job.

and it's not because one can AFFORD a taxi that one is not allowed to use the bus (what a stupid comment, only on TV).

i can afford to fly everywhere but i rarely fly. ok na khap ?!

[Som wat]

maybe they dont routinely plant drugs but i have heard so many stories

I hear many stories as well, and most of them are not true.

Police do not plant drugs.

Funniest post I've ever read on any forum.

[stickylies]

Still waiting for the video of the search to be posted...

oh boy... another sherlock ...

the story by OP makes sense. happens all over the world.

i was hold many times when i was lving in africa, just holding me ( = intimidating) until i would propose a bribe-out. bribing out for what ? i did nothing wrong and had PLENTY of time. dream on tossers.

[Spoonman]

I give up. I have nothing to prove I just tried to give a little advice.

Show me a bts station near ko lanta pizza banglampoo.

Excuse me for trying to offer a little help and insight into what happened to me. If it was 2 in the morning I would understand your deluded offensive comments as alcohol induced, but as it's 3pm then ???

I have nothing to prove, and certainly nothing to gain and no interest in responding to pathetic challenges and accusations. Over and out.

Don't give up mate. give it to all the naysayers by simply putting up the video.

Go on, prove them wrong. you have the video to do so.

[Ace of Pop]

Yes, post the Video here,and prove you act older than your Shoe Size. Shame the Naysayers.