simon43 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 As mentioned in a separate thread in the Phuket forum, I had an interesting experience at the airport where I was told that it was illegal for a 'foreigner' to wear a particular lapel pin. Here is a photo of that pin on my jacket. This pin was given to me by the boss of the Thai Tourist Police at an official ceremony in Phuket about 8 years ago - in appreciation of my help for tourists at the airport etc. (BTW, my jacket is not 'festooned' with badges! I never got the flying wings pin for jumping off a 2-metre tower, but I am proud to occasionally wear this 'royal' lapel pin). The immigration officer at the airport, upon seeing this pin on my jacket, was adamant that foreigners were not allowed to wear a pin of this type - it was reserved for Thais only.. (My explanation about the pin did not sway him...) Has anyone else had a similar experience? IMHO, it is akin to telling me that I cannot wear a 'HM King' yellow shirt because I'm not Thai. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaiberius Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 I steer well away from anything that may be construed as a farang displaying royal insignia. A road strewn with many a prison sentence. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon43 Posted May 9, 2014 Author Share Posted May 9, 2014 I steer well away from anything that may be construed as a farang displaying royal insignia. A road strewn with many a prison sentence. Surely not if you were officially awarded it? I know other foreigners who were also awarded this pin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 I steer well away from anything that may be construed as a farang displaying royal insignia. A road strewn with many a prison sentence. Surely not if you were officially awarded it? I know other foreigners who were also awarded this pin. how would others know you were officially awarded it , Was a memo sent to all officials in Thailand notifying them of this ? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaiberius Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 I steer well away from anything that may be construed as a farang displaying royal insignia. A road strewn with many a prison sentence. Surely not if you were officially awarded it? I know other foreigners who were also awarded this pin. I know nothing about this but suspect this isn't an official award, just something given to a farang for good work at the behest of a senior official. The main point is a farang wearing something that is connected to His Majesty. This is a gesture that is open to misinterpretation as the OP has found out. An unlikely but possible scenario. The said insignia is worn, the wearer gets into a disagreement, a scuffle takes place and the insignia is ripped off and thrown to the floor. A zealous policeman witnesses this and interprets it in a way we wouldn't understand. We have all heard of the use of the law in situations like this where people have been put in prison. My thinking is by all means wear the insignia at official functions where the insignia is recognised but for day to day wear a little discretion is required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1Str8 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 It's not illegal. You can wear. You should wear it. Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon43 Posted May 9, 2014 Author Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) I know nothing about this but suspect this isn't an official award, just something given to a farang for good work at the behest of a senior official This award was official - it included an award certificate signed by the Chief of Police etc and the press were present etc. how would others know you were officially awarded it , Was a memo sent to all officials in Thailand notifying them of this ? Was I informed about the awards made to millions of Thai people???? This thread is not about discussion of royalty etc. It is to discuss situations where you have been advised that you cannot do/wear something because you are not Thai. (I'll exclude prohibited professions from this discussion). Have you ever been told that 'farang' cannot wear a yellow shirt? Or cannot display a 'We love the King' sticker on your car? Can you show your support for Suthep with a car-sticker? What displays of loyalty/support are only for Thais? Edited May 9, 2014 by simon43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaiberius Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Why is a farang expressing loyalty to one or another organisation/political party? Thailand isn't a bastion of open analytical democratic political discussion and argument. Go down that road and you will experience problems. Thai's will nod in agreement with whatever opinion you express but don't confuse that with encouragement. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binnsy1 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Guess i will have to stop wearing my replica Thailand Football shirt as it also has this badge on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrry Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 I think a quick and polite letter to the agency that supervises Royal Awards may give the policeman quite a surprise. His action in trying to stop an awardee of a Royal Award wearing it could be construes as Lesse Majesty. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evadgib Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) If you had stood in line for a few minutes you could have gauged his reaction as the locals filed through with Union Jacks (etc) on their heads, ears, breasts, backs, a*ses, feet or baggage. Edited May 9, 2014 by evadgib Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 It was awarded to you you have proof of it wear it if you like. But understand some Thais are xenophobic and hate farangs and will take offence. (there are racist farangs enough too you will have them in any country) Its a bit of a problem when they wield some power then they can go after you but you got proof so if its worth your trouble wear it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 As proud as you might be, it isn't necessary to wear it on a daily basis, and maybe it belittles the award to do so. Could be petty jealousy on his part or you might be wrong. It might be that the meaning of illegal in this context means inappropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Will2011 Posted May 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted May 9, 2014 The most adequate question still remains "Could you show me the law that says it is illegal to wear such a pin?". 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeijoshinCool Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Another case of uniformitis. He's just jealous that you have one, and he doesn't. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geronimo Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Well Simon, in answer to your question, it cannot be illegal for you to possess and wear the pin as you were presented with it by a Thai Government official at a Thai Government event. Wear it with pride Sir as I feel you deserve it!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
star kicker Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 a thai friend gave me something similar years ago, it looked expensive but i could never bring myself to wear it. from my travel experience i find its better to be the grey man and not stand out be it a farang in a yellow shirt on monday or my football team's shirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farma Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 The next question is - Was the officer who gave you the pin authorised to do it? (for some unknown reason I can't see the pic you posted) The awards my wife wears each came with an official letter with big red stamp and signed by HRH. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALFREDO Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) The next question is - Was the officer who gave you the pin authorised to do it? Read carefully, OP writes above in Post 7 = "This award was official - it included an award certificate signed by the Chief of Police etc and the press were present etc." Edited May 9, 2014 by ALFREDO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farma Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) @ ALFREDO The OP says it is a Royal award I was questioning if the local boss of the tourist police is authorised to issue a Royal award. The Royal awards my wife has are all accompanied by an official red stamped letter from the Royal department and signed by HRH. The top of the letter is embossed with the award. Edited May 9, 2014 by Farma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
culicine Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Maybe the immigration officer was confused - like all those hi-so police badges stuck on the front of cars, which you can buy at the market. I guess he also thought the OP's badge is fake too. I'd still wear it:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a99az Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 When I was living in Thailand I kept a very neutral stance just as I do when visiting now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somtamnication Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 A closer pic of the pin would be appreciated. I wear the 60th. anniv. pin when at school functions. That migra cop got up on the wrong side of the bed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) What was the purpose of wearing the pin through immigration on your way to yet another visa exempt entry. was it to provide some visual palm grease to smooth the transaction or ? Edited May 9, 2014 by Spoonman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaipod Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 What a joke. I had a simular experience I was presented a Thai military tie clip a few years back that I would wear when invited to functions with my Thai wife who was in the military and had a police officer tell me to remove it as it was against the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baboon Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 What a joke. I had a simular experience I was presented a Thai military tie clip a few years back that I would wear when invited to functions with my Thai wife who was in the military and had a police officer tell me to remove it as it was against the law. Did you, just out of interest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFishman1 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Life is to short relax and enjoy the weather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post simon43 Posted May 9, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 9, 2014 What was the purpose of wearing the pin through immigration on your way to yet another visa exempt entry. was it to provide some visual palm grease to smooth the transaction or ? And au revoir Spoonman - I have noticed from your previous posts that you enjoy stirring the pot whenever I post. I can't be bothered to read your posts if you cannot add anything constructive. So you join the blocked users..... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) What was the purpose of wearing the pin through immigration on your way to yet another visa exempt entry. was it to provide some visual palm grease to smooth the transaction or ? And au revoir Spoonman - I have noticed from your previous posts that you enjoy stirring the pot whenever I post. I can't be bothered to read your posts if you cannot add anything constructive. So you join the blocked users..... Ahhh your answer albeit lacking says a thousand words and as I suspected. Thank-you for the confirmation, please be careful upon that glass pedestal you place yourself so highly. Edited May 9, 2014 by Spoonman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaiberius Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Not wanting to yank anybody's chain but I haven't worn a badge since I was 12. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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