Skipping my long personal story, but believe me I have direct knowledge, I was surprised to find that Thailand Tourist Police will not help a foreigner in places near but not IN BKK.

I called on a dire emergency of mine that needed police and Thailand Tourist Police (TTP) answered phone quickly, answered in good English, and REFUSED TO HELP me. I explained my life was in danger and was told to telephone 191 and that TTP does not serve outside city limits of BKK. Hung up.

Called 191 several times to let it ring until the phone stopped ringing....... NO ANSWER.

My conclusion is that if you need urgent police help for a truly dangerous situation, you had better be able to defend yourself. You will get no help from TTP nor local police.

Sad true story. Happened prior to latest protests over half year ago.

Once, while I was at Samut Prakan, I rang 191. I asked if they spoke English and a voice said, "Yes, f!@# Y!@", then hung up the phone.

I have said many times, especially living away from the main tourist areas as many of us do, its like the wild west, dont rely on the help you may be used to in the west, it doesnt exist out here in the same way.

In many respects your on your own, it pays to remember that in various situations and just remove yourself from it, regardless of what you feel, it might just save your life.

Edited June 12, 201412 yr by CharlieH