Surge of reported police harassment suggests campaign targeting tourists, expats

[Hanuman2547]

 

Strangely enough, this summer, the Spanish were offering tourists an official - police copy of their passport so they can carry that and avoid having the real one stolen. I didn't check on the cost and don't know if the service is still available.

Perhaps it would be nice if the RTP could offer that?

Also make it about credit card size so it fits in the pocket easily?

It is law in many countries that visitors must carry their passport at all times.

If carrying your actual passport,wrap it in something waterproof because it only needs a little wetting to render the passport useless!

Then you are into the additional waste of time and extra cost of an emergency passport, a replacement once you get home etc.

A royal pain in the bum!

Many countries give even ex-pat workers a credit card-size plastic Residence/ID card.

I lived and traveled all over the world for decades. Technically it's probably a law. But other than when boarding a train or at airport, or bank, I can never recall being asked to show my passport. Especially never just on the street. Never once, anywhere in 20 years of world travel.

I have been asked only once....on Sukhumvit by the petrol station at Soi 23 almost exactly two years ago.

I had this happen last Monday night. See page #10 post #248 for a description of what happened.

[Ashto]

Strangely enough, this summer, the Spanish were offering tourists an official - police copy of their passport so they can carry that and avoid having the real one stolen. I didn't check on the cost and don't know if the service is still available.

Perhaps it would be nice if the RTP could offer that?

Also make it about credit card size so it fits in the pocket easily?

It is law in many countries that visitors must carry their passport at all times.

If carrying your actual passport,wrap it in something waterproof because it only needs a little wetting to render the passport useless!

Then you are into the additional waste of time and extra cost of an emergency passport, a replacement once you get home etc.

A royal pain in the bum!

In August 2014 the Bangkok Immigration Commander announced that carrying a photocopy of your passport is sufficient. I'm not aware of any change to that announcement:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

[Ashto]

Can anyone point me to the law that states you have to carry your passport with you.

Anybody else remember the Deputy General saying that they don't expect tourists to carry passports with them, they are much safer in hotel safes ?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

[soalbundy]

terryp, read my previous post, left far behind now. Issan, while not as bad as Bkk is experiencing the same thing. Those that haven't been stopped are lucky, luck always runs out.

I live in Isaan, only ever been stopped without a valid reason once and that was years ago. Haven't been stopped for years now.

[englishoak]

terryp, read my previous post, left far behind now. Issan, while not as bad as Bkk is experiencing the same thing. Those that haven't been stopped are lucky, luck always runs out.

I live in Isaan, only ever been stopped without a valid reason once and that was years ago. Haven't been stopped for years now.

And just how much of Issan do you cover on a daily basis ?

[angiolo]

I live in MAE SAI. No problem here

[CarlTyson]

To the Manager ,

Sheraton, Rembrandt, Windsor, Adelphi, Majestic Grand, Novotel, S15, Center, Citidine, Best Western, Park Plaze, Sofitel, Grand Millenium, Ambassador, Davis Hotel, Raddison, Landmark, Somerset, Furama, S33, Emporium Suites, Marriott, Tai Pan, Westin, Hilton, Hyatt, and 200 more...

Due to the Thai Police terrorizing tourists by, systematic harassment, shakedowns, intimidation, body searches and urine tests performed on the side of the road we have decided to cancel our holiday.

We will not be staying at your hotel and will be informing our friends thru social media of this terrible situation in your hotels neighborhood.

Edited December 4, 2014 by CarlTyson

[aussieinthailand]

Don't agree to a search, don't sign anything and demand to Speke to your embassy, stay calm don't swear and you'll be fine.

Yes there should be a large media report on this and let the BIB you will not be intimidated, and always if you agree to a search they make the cop show you his spread out fingers as ez to slip a little pill under his ring and plant it on you, then you are in the sh*t...

The more we expats contact our embassy's and tell them to do something the sooner this crap will come to and end.

Edited December 4, 2014 by aussieinthailand

[Cake Monster]

Welcome to LOS ( Land Of Shakedowns )

[CarlTyson]

USA Citizens are encouraged to contact US Citizen Services immediately and ask their advice about dealing with Thai Police.

They have informed me to:

1. Never go to a Thai Police Station alone.

2. When inside the Police Station, insist on staying in the public area.

Consular Section, U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
E-mail: [email protected]

[shirtless]

When i stayed on Sukumvit In one week i counted being searched 5 times , by the end of my stay i had had enough, they did not conduct any urine test though, This surely has not been sanctioned by TAT.bullet in foot comes to mind.

[ezzra]

Could it be that some of the BIB reading TVF and hurt by the negative images and the fun we

poke at them so they decide to repay us farangs in kind?

[bkkjohnny69]

I've been stopped a few times going back several years in the Asoke area, but it was late at night and I was in a taxi cab. Cops had a checkpoint at the corner of Asoke and a soi just off of Sukhumvit. I had to get out of the taxi, empty my pockets, they patted me down, asked where I was staying, where I was going, etc. I didn't have my PP with me and they didn't ask for it. I was polite, respectful, cooperative and even saluted the cops. They saluted me back and told me to have a good time. I complied...

But these incidences sound more aggressive. I am planning to be in BKK the end of Dec...might have to re-think that idea.

I was stopped near the police booth at Asoke junction a few weeks ago, I normally don't carry cards or ID at night in case something happens (I will rethink this). I was asked where I was going, when I smiled and said "to my home", I was asked whether I lived here, to which I replied "yes", then it was "do you work here", my reply was "no, I am married to Thai lady", to which the response was "OK, good night". I wished the officer good evening and went on my way. A black guy was being shaken down in the same spot. Possibly the fact that I was polite, well dressed / presented and stone cold sober may have worked to my advantage.

[DaveE13]

I've been stopped a few times going back several years in the Asoke area, but it was late at night and I was in a taxi cab. Cops had a checkpoint at the corner of Asoke and a soi just off of Sukhumvit. I had to get out of the taxi, empty my pockets, they patted me down, asked where I was staying, where I was going, etc. I didn't have my PP with me and they didn't ask for it. I was polite, respectful, cooperative and even saluted the cops. They saluted me back and told me to have a good time. I complied...

But these incidences sound more aggressive. I am planning to be in BKK the end of Dec...might have to re-think that idea.

I was stopped near the police booth at Asoke junction a few weeks ago, I normally don't carry cards or ID at night in case something happens (I will rethink this). I was asked where I was going, when I smiled and said "to my home", I was asked whether I lived here, to which I replied "yes", then it was "do you work here", my reply was "no, I am married to Thai lady", to which the response was "OK, good night". I wished the officer good evening and went on my way. A black guy was being shaken down in the same spot. Possibly the fact that I was polite, well dressed / presented and stone cold sober may have worked to my advantage.

So if you said that you was a Tourist do you think it would of been a different outcome? Just asking because he seemed to let you go after he found out you lived there.

[umbanda]

Frakking genius. What a great way to help Thailand recover its reputation as a tourist destination. I have started to tell my fellow Ozis to go to the Phils, not Thailand, for their 4 weeks of annual freedom. Even with its problems (the occasional 'super' typhoon), it is looking better and better. Maybe time to relocate? But is there a Phil equivalent to thaivisa, where I can recursively bitch and moan with like minded cynics?

The Phils is a good option to Pattaya. I have friends living there and moving to Chiang Mai, but they are family oriented. The 'cultured" life there is perfect and a lot cheaper for ex-Pattaya regulars.

[wow64]

This is not giving a good image.. Just experienced this.

Last night got a call from colleges who are here from head office for the first time.

Police stopped them searched asked why no passport and to do an immidiate unrine sample...they called me to come and help. Near asoke intersection towards Robinsons.

The police wanted 2000b each to avoid the urine sample or go to the police station for big problems they said. I insisted on the police station and called our lawyer from work to meet us there and made sure they heard. 2 min later all was forgiven and we are on our way.. Just 100b for no passport...each paid and left. No paper work for fine.

The guys were a little shaken and this will not go down well when they get back to head office. Far out.

Sent from my c64

Edited December 5, 2014 by wow64

[DaveE13]

This is not giving a good image.. Just experienced this.

Last night got a call from colleges who are here from head office for the first time.

Police stopped them searched asked why no passport and to do an immidiate unrine sample...they called me to come and help. Near asoke intersection towards Robinsons.

The police wanted 2000b each to avoid the urine sample or go to the police station for big problems they said. I insisted on the police station and called our lawyer from work to meet us there and made sure they heard. 2 min later all was forgiven and we are on our way.. Just 100b for no passport...each paid and left. No paper work for fine.

The guys were a little shaken and this will not go down well when they get back to head office. Far out.

Sent from my c64

Not good.

[janpharma]

They just don't realise that if all tourists and expats stay away from Thailand...they will return to Middle Ages; no tea-money but only bananas...

[CarlTyson]

2,000bt bribe to avoid the piss test!

Isn't this illegal?

[kiwikeith]

ATTENTION:

We need to brainstorm and find a resolution to stop these harassment from the Thonglor Police! So, what can we do, any suggestions? Does anyone has a connection with CNN, Fox news or Huffpost? We should let the world know about the harassments involving tourists and expats in Bangkok from Thonglor Police Department!

BK post if you know a euro reporter there that should embarress them, remember they didnt bust the people selling child porn untill BK post reported it, however they are still colour blind they cant tell the difference between a black african or a white russian working in Suhkhomvit.

[wow64]

2,000bt bribe to avoid the piss test!

Isn't this illegal?

Yes of course..... But very common. Same as being stopped road side for what ever reason and to avoid the station pay x baht.

Sent from my c64

[nasty of nonthaburi]

New Year is upon us. police need beer money.

[captspectre]

Coconuts = Tabloid style news for Thailand expats

It's more than just tabloid news... it could be the start of something unwelcome indeed.

demand to go to the police station and speak to the "chief" it is best to memorize the thai phrase for "take me to your leader" it is not hard to do and i could put it here but it would be better for youto memorize it yourself. most of the police chiefs do speak some english and it will tend to intimadate them. request an explanation from him as to why you were stopped. this is assuming that you are dressed properly and do not look like a tramp!

[paddyjenkins]

We've had a cack handed and incompetent visa crackdown that appeared focused on Westerners, the announcement coinciding to the day with an announcement that the Chinese would be getting their visas for free.

And we've been hearing of a crackdown on foreign business ownership, the focus of which appears to be Western and Japanese nationalities. At the same time we saw, almost to the day, new business partnerships between China and Thailand, the biggest of which was rail deals in which China will build the new railway, much the annoyance of the Japanese, who lost the deal.

Now we're hearing that Westerners are suddenly a target for police harassment. You can claim it happens to locals too if you like, and whether that's true or not, a crackdown on Westerners is new.

Thailand has clearly been pivoting towards China and away from the West and Japan. A recent slogan from China is "Asia for Asians". Put all this together and there is a pattern, one which seems associated with racism and xenophobia. It isn't that the general made a decision to start harassing foreigners, especially Westerners, but there is a climate that suggests it might be condoned, or at the least for a blind eye to be turned to it.

In the future Thailand had better be careful. First, the West may be unwell at the moment, but that doesn't mean it won't fully recover and continue as the worlds leading power and economic force. Second, China has underlying problems that may threaten its future growth. Third, when China says Asia for Asians what they probably mean is Asia for the Chinese. By the time Thailand realizes it has shot itself In the foot it will be to late, they will have hobbled their own economy and lost a lot of friends. Their present policy of nastiness and racism is short sighted and certainly rather stupid and my guess is they will pay a very heavy price.

In the mean time foreigners, particularly Westerners and the Japanese may want to reconsider any plans to invest in Thailand. This applies to business as well as plans to simply spend more time in the country and buy assets such as property.

[harrry]

Not sure I like the way people on this forum are taking the piss out of the Royal Thai Police for taking the piss out of a few foreigners,

[impulse]

demand to go to the police station and speak to the "chief" it is best to memorize the thai phrase for "take me to your leader" it is not hard to do and i could put it here but it would be better for youto memorize it yourself. most of the police chiefs do speak some english and it will tend to intimadate them. request an explanation from him as to why you were stopped. this is assuming that you are dressed properly and do not look like a tramp!

Reading some of the stories, that seems to be a good way to escalate the situation where they'll "find" a few packets of yaba in your pocket. And you'll be the one doing the 'splaining down at the station.

I wish I had a better solution. I don't. Except avoid the area.

[Wasa]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

ATTENTION:

We need to brainstorm and find a resolution to stop these harassment from the Thonglor Police! So, what can we do, any suggestions? Does anyone has a connection with CNN, Fox news or Huffpost? We should let the world know about the harassments involving tourists and expats in Bangkok from Thonglor Police Department!

Social media is the key. Get a squad of people together to conduct 'patrols' some armed with cameras, some for bait. The idea being to bait the vultures. As soon as the bait is taken, a message goes out to all in the area. They come in to get the photo evidence. Naturally you would have some people with a nice zoom camera too, which would enable some more unnoticed wildlife photography. Key is to get the details of the offenders, face photos, badge photos, motorbike registration plate photos so they are fully identified. Some can take close in shots with iphones etc...some can be in more strategic locations with zooms. Lawyers can be kept on standby.

All the results can be uploaded and shared on social media and links sent to news sites. For best affect, gather a few good juicy incident reports and publish all together for max effect.

The more intense the media scrutiny, the better.

Links with falling tourist numbers should be emphasized. Get plenty of interviews with tourists who've be wrongly harassed, make sure they state their disgust and how this is their last trip here.

Another thing we could all do, is draw big cocks on A4 sheets of paper, and then fold them in half about 5 or 6 times to make it look like a suspicious package. Carry this with you at all times. When stopped imagine their greedy eyes focused on the suspicious package....carefully unwrapping it....to find a big life sized hard-on sketched on a bit of A4! That would confuse them for sure.

If asked to piss, why not just piss in your pants. Then stand around stinking of piss. No-one likes to be around people who smell of fresh piss. If they make you drink 4 litres, do it....and then just piss it out through your trousers all over the place...all lovely and warm.what they gonna do? Repeat until they get tired. I haven't actually tried this, but it's an idea and I'm brainstorming.

When that's done, ask if they'd like a stool sample. tell 'em you had a spicy pad krapow kai doa for breakfast and you'd be happy to oblige at a moment's notice.

Gulp......you were doing alright until the last paragraph.....

[laislica]

Strangely enough, this summer, the Spanish were offering tourists an official - police copy of their passport so they can carry that and avoid having the real one stolen. I didn't check on the cost and don't know if the service is still available.

Perhaps it would be nice if the RTP could offer that?

Also make it about credit card size so it fits in the pocket easily?

It is law in many countries that visitors must carry their passport at all times.

If carrying your actual passport,wrap it in something waterproof because it only needs a little wetting to render the passport useless!

Then you are into the additional waste of time and extra cost of an emergency passport, a replacement once you get home etc.

A royal pain in the bum!

In August 2014 the Bangkok Immigration Commander announced that carrying a photocopy of your passport is sufficient. I'm not aware of any change to that announcement:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747736-no-need-to-worry-says-bangkok-immigration-commander/

Whilst what you say is true, would the policeman know about it?

If he did, would it make any difference to his behaviour?

Is your Thai good enough to fully argue the point?

What really worries me is reading so many different posters suggesting that the BiB may plant something or alter the result of a pee test!

That really gives me an uneasy feeling.

A previous poster mentioned that many countries issue long term foreigners with an ID card.

I've had one for Spain and it has to be renewed every 5 years.

The ID number is used all the time.

There are no 90 day reports but you must register your address with your local town hall.

Everything is on computer, country wide and I have no problem with it.

When I was working in Taiwan almost 50 years ago, we were issued with a black passport and instructed to carry it with us at all times. We were working in the mountains in the middle of nowhere. Still we were occasionally stopped in the street of a tiny nearby village and taken to a police station and interrogated. At the time, they were very worried about infiltration by the Chinese and wanted to know everything about the foreigners in their jurisdiction. Once the officers got to know us, they just nodded and that was that.

What I am reading here though does not seem to be based on security but more on extracting money from gullible foreigners.

Perhaps someone would like to post the embassy numbers for Al foreign embassies in Thailand and pin it?

From previous threads, I got the impression that to get a job/promotion in the police force, the Thai had to pay for the privilege.

The pay is small but the tea money is big.

They got used to high levels of tea money and the army has made severe inroads into it, street vendors, happy ending, stop the music in bars etc.

I guess what we are seeing is a direct result of these crackdowns.

Maybe someone had to borrow money to pay for the job/promotion and the loan shark must be paid?

The salary won't do it!

How many police men do you observe living way beyond their means in your moo Baan?

[impulse]

I was stopped near the police booth at Asoke junction a few weeks ago, I normally don't carry cards or ID at night in case something happens (I will rethink this). I was asked where I was going, when I smiled and said "to my home", I was asked whether I lived here, to which I replied "yes", then it was "do you work here", my reply was "no, I am married to Thai lady", to which the response was "OK, good night". I wished the officer good evening and went on my way. A black guy was being shaken down in the same spot. Possibly the fact that I was polite, well dressed / presented and stone cold sober may have worked to my advantage.

More likely it was an economic decision they made when you said you were married to a Thai lady. So are they. And they know they never have any money on them....

Dressing and behaving politely is never a bad idea.

But I doubt it had much to do with it. It's a target rich environment and there are too many foreigners and too little time. And a lot of much easier targets than a guy whose wife may be the mayors daughter...

Edited December 5, 2014 by impulse

[Sviss Geez]

I can confirm between Nana and Asoke station I've noticed too many police officers all staring at me (maybe trying to find an excuse to ask for passport and initiate harrasment). I definitely not felt safer then before!

That is a different police area, nothing to do with Thonglor police or this thread about Thonglor police. As you were not harrassed maybe the Lumpini police that cover the area you mentioned are simply doing their job looking for suspicious activity?