Al Jazeera: Notorious Thai police and tourist shakedowns

[Squeegee]

Notorious Thai police and tourist shakedowns

Reported police checkpoints in Bangkok that appear to target foreigners have some fearing a tourist exodus.

Abby Seiff Last updated: 22 Dec 2014 11:22

Bangkok, Thailand - On a recent weekday evening, as dusk fell across Bangkok and bored-looking hostesses beckoned tourists into empty bars, the police moved into position.

At checkpoints clustered in Bangkok's nightlife-heavy areas, officers prepared to spend the night administering alcohol tests, drug tests, and passport checks.

Many would simply do their job, but by morning, claims of extortion, threats and harassment that have tourists walking out and expatriates fearing for their safety would again start trickling in.

Senior police and embassy officials said they are investigating claims that the checkpoints - the latest military government action to "restore order" - have been systematically abused to extort money from foreigners.

"We'd like to have more information on it [harassment claims] … If you have any clear information or others do, don't hesitate to call us," said Sunshine Ratanatanich, a spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Police. "You can come here to the foreign affairs division of the Royal Thai police or contact directly with the embassies, which have police attaches."

Police officials in Bangkok met last week with Dave Bell, a restaurateur and an administrator of a popular Facebook group that collects reports of unwarranted police searches, urging those affected to come forward.

"I thought [Lieutenant General] Prawut [Thavornsiri] and [Major General] Apichat [Thi-amart] were very serious about investigating the issues raised. I found them both to be very approachable and felt they both were intent on improving the image of the Royal Thai Police," said Bell.

"I was extremely impressed that the RTP contacted me and asked me to come in."

Source:

Al Jazeera

Read more:-

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/12/notorious-thai-police-tourist-shakedowns-201412209124176142.html

[Squeegee]

Not saying anything new, and most of it comes from sources we've already seen, but at least this shows it's been getting out there.

[sdanielmcev]

Don't you hate it when the police do there job?

[wellred]

Don't you hate it when the police do there job?

No but I do when they abuse their position.

Not sure if this report is based on recent info but stickman reported on Sunday he hadn't seen anything going on the whole week so hopefully it's all been cleared up.

[DaffyDuck]

Interesting slant of the article, seeing as how the Army government has very little to do with the Police checkpoints and how they are operated.

[vtjforyou]

I saw it today, so they still do it...

[bkkgooner]

Don't you hate it when the police do there job?

You are in favour of random stop and searches of tourists?

[FireMedic]

It's funny they quoted a Corporal from Thong Lor......We don't take bribes, but I don't know about others..... Tells you all you need to know.

[Stradavarius37]

Interesting slant of the article, seeing as how the Army government has very little to do with the Police checkpoints and how they are operated.

Are you sure about that ....cough.....cough....(martial law)....cough....cough

[sdanielmcev]

Don't you hate it when the police do there job?

You are in favour of random stop and searches of tourists?

Certainly. I have nothing to hide.

[aTomsLife]

Don't you hate it when the police do there job?

You are in favour of random stop and searches of tourists?

Certainly. I have nothing to hide.

Nor clearly anything to guard, such as your self respect.

[steven100]

what's this sensationalized rubbish ..... haven't you got better news to put up !!

[DaffyDuck]

Interesting slant of the article, seeing as how the Army government has very little to do with the Police checkpoints and how they are operated.

Are you sure about that ....cough.....cough....(martial law)....cough....cough

Yes, I'm sure about that.

Look up 'unintended consequences'

The Army has neither directly or indirectly mandated 'tourist shakedowns'.

[BKKdreaming]

was the photo posted above that day or when the demonstrations were going on ?

ohh looking closer I see the Government office in the background.........a looong way from sukhumvit

I did not think they needed Riot shields for a piss test

[CharlieH]

This has been well covered in the News forum and we dont need another thread here.

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