Is my butt worth ฿2000 or ฿10000?

[Thanet]

Wrong. Fines should not be paid to the police in the street this goes straight into their pockets. i would have taken a photo of him if he insisted on this. This fine should have been paid at the police station at least and you should have been given a receipt.

The BMA collect the fines for littering, via on-the-spot penalty notices, not the police. The BMA has booths where you pay, and issue official receipts. There are signs around warning that they penalty for littering is 2,000 Baht.

Of course you could refuse payment, but is it worth taking it to the next level - hours spent in the police station, court or whatever - all of this hassle when you are guilty anyway?

I don't think so.

I gave up smoking too - not here, but in Australia where it really is hard to be a smoker.

[Refresh]

Its strange - smokers don't think cigarette butts are litter, when they stop smoking they suddenly do and complain about the mess and the people who throw the butts away and then start smoking again and as if by magic they litter again and justify it by saying where am i supposed to put it...

[nanapong]

I spend every morning cleaning the street in front of 7 houses. Do I think the fine is excessive? I'll let you answer that one. I also sweep the gutters on both sides of the street and keep the sidewalks clean. I wish they would give a similar fine to dog owners who let their dogs run free and drop things far worse than cigarette butts.

Have you ever considered changing employment. Sounds a pretty crap job to me.

[anthobkk]

Just don't throw your cigarette butt on the road. I am a smoker too and if I can't find any places to throw my cigarette butt I will just get rid of the burning ashes inside and then temporary put it in my pocket until I find a bin.

[khunPer]

Problem solved: Keep the remains of your cigarette in hand or pocket until you see a disposal bin (works fine for me)...

Be happy you were not in Singapore; there you can get fined for not picking someone else’s street disposal up and place it in a bin (at least so, some years ago).

Agree, there seems to lack of public bins most places in Thailand, but that does not mean garbage shall be disposed in the street – often you will pass a vendor or street kitchen where you can ask permission to dispose it (just show and smile, and the vendor will not yes and smile back).

[Ulic]

If you can't pay the fine don't do the crime. The fine for "littering when Farang" is 2000 baht. Pay and move on.

[marios]

Singapore is the role model.i remember, aboard the boat crossing the channel to Sendosa island there was a sign in the boat stating that smoking carries a 500 sgd penalty. that it was in 1986.Similarly, although smoking in the street was allowed, the butts were supposed to be disposed of in bins otherwise a hefty fine.That was very advanced stuff back in the mid eighties. As for the death penalty for traficking it is again a Singapore first which was immediately followed by Malaysia and then by many other Asian countries. So Thailand is trying to follow Singapores lead and I am very happy with that. Some members of the police will try to capitalize on that for their own gain.That's bad but this is how it is. follow the rules.

[scorpio1945]

I always put the butt in my pocket. Does not seem too great a burden. My Thai friends used to get a kick out of it but Thailand is trashy enough without me adding to it.

[tubby johnson]

All these smelly smokers whining like they own the streets and it's their god-given right to spread litter anywhere they want ........ Busted!

[oobar]

These "poicemen" are actually Thetsakij, something already pointed out. A few years back, I was in a bad mood over an unimportant personal matter, and I guess I wanted to feed that. I had been in Bangkok more than 20 years already and knew what the Thetsakij were, a bunch of low-life nothings. I was about ten feet from one of their desks and deliberately discarded a toothpick I was tired of chewing on, actually wanting to see if they would do anything. They immediately confronted me, two of them, and told me to sit down at the desk because I had "break law Thailand." I told them, in Thai, thanks, but I wasn't interested ("mai sonjai") and kept walking. They caught up with me, and one of them lightly touched my arm, telling me, "You no go." I took out my phone and told them if they touched me again, I would first call the police and then my lawyer (didn't have one), and then I walked away again. They did not follow, because they knew I knew they have no power and cannot restrain or force anyone to do anything. It was good therapy. Suddenly I felt a lot better about the unrelated personal matter. Thank you, Thetsakij, for making my day.

[Ridler]

I would make a stink about it. Finding a bin on the streets here can take an hour or more. I would say find me a bin within the next ten minutes, and I will pay the fine. Otherwise, leave me alone and go out and fight crime, you worthless piece of crap. I might even try walking away. At the very least, I would ask for documentation, paperwork, etc. Give them a very, very hard time. Do not let these cretons get away with this kind of abuse. Work them hard. Push them. Argue your head off. What are they gonna do anyway? Though I am generally against littering, it is up to the govt. or municipality to provide bins.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

So you would stand there shouting at the police, then call him a worthless piece of crap. What would you do next? Find a cure for cancer or fly back to Krypton?

[spidermike007]

I would make a stink about it. Finding a bin on the streets here can take an hour or more. I would say find me a bin within the next ten minutes, and I will pay the fine. Otherwise, leave me alone and go out and fight crime, you worthless piece of crap. I might even try walking away. At the very least, I would ask for documentation, paperwork, etc. Give them a very, very hard time. Do not let these cretons get away with this kind of abuse. Work them hard. Push them. Argue your head off. What are they gonna do anyway? Though I am generally against littering, it is up to the govt. or municipality to provide bins.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

So you would stand there shouting at the police, then call him a worthless piece of crap. What would you do next? Find a cure for cancer or fly back to Krypton?

Those wimpy crime lords, who call themselves law enforcement, are no big deal at all. I have given them a hard time in the past, and they just kind of shood me away, eventually. They are looking for an easy mark, who puts up no resistance. Resist them at every turn. Do not give in to their nonsensical antics. They usually will not push you too hard. Push back my boy.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Gringogazzer]

I had this in Bangkok, I have a weak command of Thai but I got the point across that I wouldn't pay, they'd have to take me to the station or even court etc... they gave up all hope of an on the spot settlement and let me go on my way. Simple as that!

My problem was the opposite. I had to convince them I was a hapless tourist to get the fine reduced.

They wanted a show of Thai from me.

I think it's the other way around. Having thai connections would have reduced or cancelled the fine

From now on I will always carry a picture of Prayuth Chan-ocha around with me and produce this every time I barge an old lady out of my way etc.

Happy days.

[Emster23]

Wrong. Fines should not be paid to the police in the street this goes straight into their pockets. i would have taken a photo of him if he insisted on this. This fine should have been paid at the police station at least and you should have been given a receipt.

The BMA collect the fines for littering, via on-the-spot penalty notices, not the police. The BMA has booths where you pay, and issue official receipts. There are signs around warning that they penalty for littering is 2,000 Baht.

Of course you could refuse payment, but is it worth taking it to the next level - hours spent in the police station, court or whatever - all of this hassle when you are guilty anyway?

I don't think so.

I gave up smoking too - not here, but in Australia where it really is hard to be a smoker.

In case where I got busted it was on pedestrian walk over leading to MBK. I dropped the butt on street level in front of that movie theater. So technically I was outside of their jurisdiction? Don't ja wish they'd reassign these eagle eyes to areas like jet ski scams, taxi intimidation in various locales, drug sales.... but those people might get violent. Never mind.....

[arunsakda]

Why any mindful adult who chooses to smoke would trash it in the street is beyond comprehension. Next time ash your smoke on the sole of your shoe. Put the butt in your jeans pocket. You will find a bin eventually.

Edited June 25, 2014 by arunsakda

[ableguy]

You live with a Thai wife you know the rules and the scams , why are you complaining ???????

[taotoo]

Not sure why some call it a scam as it has been the law for quite a while now and the standard fine is 2000 Baht. Quite a few signs around reflecting such. Even if you don't see a sign the law is still the same. It is a scam if they try to get you to cough up 10,000 though.

My understanding is that 2,000 baht is the maximum possible fine (decided by a court - not a policeman) for littering. That would be for emptying a skip in the middle of the road.

My experience appears to back this up - a policeman did the laminated card/2,000 baht thing on me on Sathorn - we settled on 500 baht. If 2,000 was the 'official' amount, no way would he have taken anything less.

It's nothing but a scam.

[Gringogazzer]

You live with a Thai wife you know the rules and the scams , why are you complaining ???????

This is something I'd never come across, I've rarely spent much time in Bangkok & less in such a touristy spot.

My wife lived in Bangkok for about 12 years & nor had she.

I wanted to know other peoples experience with it & be wiser to deal with it next time, if there is a next time.

[monkeycountry]

Well, assuming you smokers do not throw all your other garbage on the street just because you cannot find a bin, why do you throw cigarette butts? Is it that hard to carry it with you until you eventually pass a bin?

[longballlarry]

Amazing 2000 for a cigarette butt when I see Thais dumping pick up trucks full of rubbish on the roadside in my area of east Pattaya regularily and the cops don't seem to give a toss.

Exactly.And the tons of sewage pumped daily into the oceans and rivers that nothing is done about. The beaches near us are a disgrace. http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Raw-sewage-leaves-Phuket-residents-retching/20844#ad-image-2

2000 is nothing to do with their stance on littering, just another way to scam

[taotoo]

Well, assuming you smokers do not throw all your other garbage on the street just because you cannot find a bin, why do you throw cigarette butts? Is it that hard to carry it with you until you eventually pass a bin?

It's because we couldn't give a sh*t, in the same way that you couldn't give a sh*t about the tons of co2 you pump into the atmosphere through your driving/flying/consuming. Of course cigarette butts are visible and therefore the bigger issue. You sound like my mother, but she does at least have the excuse of dementia.

[neverdie]

 

next time ask for the official fine in writing and pay it at the proper office. otherwise you are supporting these police mafia.

I really think that some people are O.T.Top. about the police (or other corruption) this is Asia & I find its one of the attractions-- I have lived around it for most of my adult life, (although only 15 years in Thailand) I like corruption.

I like driving over the speed limit, being stopped-- giving the guy $5 & driving on no points no hassles.

I like being told I can not do this--going to the Amphur & finding out I can...IF

I have never overstayed on a visa -- but knowing if I did ...there would be no problem...IF

I like going to a bar & knowing that 2 adults can come to an agreement about sex & money, even if the Law says I cannot.

I like to drink when I want to drink & look at entertainment, without someone telling me that I can not do this at this time of the day / night

I like finding out that most things I want in my life are doable.... IF

Is this fair on the poor or the great unwashed of the world---- NO -- but please show me somewhere their life is fair.... & how me paying more money in fines will help them obtain that.

There is one golden rule for graft..... NEVER PAY THE AMOUNT YOU WOULD HAVE TO PAY IF THERE WAS NO GRAFT.... That for me is what is called a win-win situation.

For me if the negotiation starts getting anywhere near the 50%--60% of the correct fine---then I am screaming, give me a receipt.

I do believe in life that if something is wrong--rage against it, try to change--don't accept it..BUT .. please re-exam.. Why you came / want to come / remain living in Asia.

I think the guy got the correct fine -- for what he did, the only difference would be, I would never get to the stage of going to the police station, or where ever he went, I was told by an old Asia hand back in the 60s.... The higher it goes the more you pay.. if you get stopped speeding, negotiate with the plod....if you want to go over the the pay station, it will probably cost you more, want to go to the police station, you gone up a notch, do something that makes them put you in one of their 18 man rooms, start looking at a bank overdraft.. ....etc....etc..

Love Asia but hate corruption--- then Singapore is probably the place for you...... The O.P. would have got a $5,000 (150,000 baht ) fine there.... But I am sure a lot of the Wowsers would be happy to know--- HE WOULD HAVE ALSO GOT A RECEIPT

Singapore fine list--- (it may be dated, but before someone points that out--from experience as years go on, fines do not go down

1. Flush the toilet or face a public caning

It seems nothing is sacred these days. In Singapore, you cant even pee in private. Apparently, police officers do random checks to make sure public toilets are flushed after use. Note to self, must flush the toilet!

2. Litter bugs pay big time

Theres a reason why the streets of Singapore are almost glistening with cleanliness. A litter law dating from 1968 means litter bugs can be fined $1,000 for the first conviction and $5,000 for repeat convictions. On top of that, youll be forced to do community labour. And if you offend three times, youll have to wear a lovely sign, which states, I am a litter lout.

3. Selling chewing gum is forbidden

Gum chewers, beware put your chewed gum in the bin or you could face a hefty fine. Singapore prohibited the sale of gum after authorities noticed a prolific amount of chewed gum being stuck in subway stations and on cars. Mints might be the safer option if you have a case of garlic breath.

4. Dont walk around your house naked

In Singapore, pornography is illegal, and anything to do with it may result in imprisonment or big fines. Along the same lines, the country thinks that nudity has to do with pornography, so better close the curtains when you dress for bed.

5. No hugging in public without permission

Havent seen your loved one for a long time? Make sure you ask their permission before giving them a hug in public or you could land yourself in gaol. True story. If youre lucky, its just a fine.

6. No poking adverse comments at religion

If youre agnostic or atheist, keep it under wraps because in Singapore its a highly serious matter and you can be cited for sedition. Ouch.

7. Stranger danger

If youre introducing a stranger as your good friend and speak well of him and it proves to be false, youll be convicted for abetment.

8. Connecting on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots means hacking

Need to check emails? Better go to an internet cafe rather than logging in on an unsecured network. In Singapore, its called hacking and you could end up in gaol or face a big fine.

It's a great place, there should be more of it.

Dropping cigarette butts is a dirty, filthy thing to do. They seem to take forever to break down, in fact I dare say they never really do. Filthy.

They should cane people for it.

Having said that, if they were truely serious about stopping littering in Thailand, they'd be attending to the thousands of more serious issues, such as dumping etc. Such a mess compared to Singapore.

[namdocmai]

I also had the same many years ago, it was 1000 then.

Now since there are almost no bins around anymore it is hard to get rid of a butt. Sometimes i m walking with one in my hand for like 15 minutes and then get aggravated and dump it whereever i am in a shop. Also not every mall has a bin at the doors and i 'm tired of that.

Even at Central World Plaza, i go out to smoke on that square, go back into the mall and then there is no bin at all.

The policemen only give this fine to farang. All thai men easy go butts on the street and also spit there. Outside the skytrainarea the police does nothing at all against littering. Look at the illegal houses that are built on canals, there is 2 metres of plastic bottles under them which jams the canal.

[ultimate weapon]

I wonder if any farang has tried to claim it's some type of scam to cheat them even though they were in the wrong.

[JeffreyWitty]

As a former smoker myself - how hard is it for some people to just flick off the cherry and pocket the filter? Your cloths already smell like smoke. Just dispose of it later.

[arunsakda]

I never smoked and I don't hate smokers, I hate their goddamn cigarettes. I don't think however smoking should be banned in bars, or on public streets. This is just the over reaction of the nanny or authoritarian state. If I want to enjoy a pint in a smoke free environment, I should be able to choose an establishment thay is voluntarily smoke free, or stay home ! It is really ridiculous to ban smoking on the street. Walking through a tiny puff of tabacco smoke is nothing when every breath is already polluted with vehicle exhaust.

Ash your smoke on the bottom of your shoe and put it in your pocket and avoid another fleecing of the farang.