Royal Thai Police Need Coffee Money

[joshstiles]

Dear Mr. P

This Wednesday afternoon about 5PM, I was traveling home on my weekly route (Highway 362 around Saraburi) when your ever so helpful Royal Thai Police personnel waived over a large group of vehicles (10 -12 of us as I counted). Then we sat in que along the roadside awaiting the police officer with the clipboard who was going car to car. When it came my turn, the laughing officer kindly asked for my drivers license (which I kindly gave) and asked if I was going to Bangkok. I replied, "Yes, I am going to Bangkok"

He motioned to his clipboard and held up 4 fingers all the time laughing and having a good ole' time of it. He was quite obviously in a very good mood. Next he said that I only have to pay "200 for coffee my friend". He kept repeating this phrase "200 coffee my friend"....over and over several times. I didn't know what to make of it. It was too surreal.

I was a bit confused because I was waiting for the seriousness of my offense to be explained to me.....however.....this never occurred. As I thought about what was going on, he repeated the whole spiel again....400 for the clipboard.....200 coffee my friend....once again....repeating it over and over.

So....I finally got what he wanted and I asked him "Do you want me to give you 200 baht for coffee for your friends"?

"Yes" he said.

So I opened my wallet but only had 190 baht in it. I took it out and handed it to him. He gladly accepted it and said (still laughing and having a good ole time) "Go, go, go"

So I went on my way.

Mr P.....you should be so proud of your boys...I know I am. However if I may add one aspect to improve your Royal Police boys....could you allow them the use of a little vaseline or KY when serving their coffee money request? It would really make the experience much more enjoyable and allow the process to go even more smoothly.

Here's to you Mr. P and don't forget the lube.

[evadgib]

If you had a dashcam you wouldn't be the one needing the KY.

HTH

[inzman]

Funny thing is, no one is surprised.I had one ask my wife, a passenger for me to give him 100 for coffee.

[Phra Ek]

Makes a change from tea money. Must drink at Starbucks if he needs 200 THB for coffee.

[sdanielmcev]

So, you prefer higher taxes, so the cops make enough money to not have to ask for coffee money? Taxes are just legalized corruption. Besides, much better to pay the cops a paltry sum and have them on your side than vice versa.

[Rooo]

Moved to Expat Life.

[claffey]

So, you prefer higher taxes, so the cops make enough money to not have to ask for coffee money? Taxes are just legalized corruption. Besides, much better to pay the cops a paltry sum and have them on your side than vice versa.

I'm pretty sure most working foreigners here pay 15 to 20 per cent tax.That's almost the same as in their home countries...Not all of the cops here are corrupt.I once met an American guy who was arrested for possession of cannabis. He offered the arresting policeman 100,000 baht and he said no!!

[kannot]

So, you prefer higher taxes, so the cops make enough money to not have to ask for coffee money? Taxes are just legalized corruption. Besides, much better to pay the cops a paltry sum and have them on your side than vice versa.

even when you have done nothing wrong eh.......how long before it becomes 50000 for alleged drugs on you type offences or even murder!!!

[kkerry]

I've seen van drivers hand over a couple of bottles of M-150 when stopped by police... saves the police having to go to 7-11... and lets the van go on its way

[apetley]

So, you prefer higher taxes, so the cops make enough money to not have to ask for coffee money? Taxes are just legalized corruption. Besides, much better to pay the cops a paltry sum and have them on your side than vice versa.

So you think a corrupt cop who pulls you over for no reason and demands money is 'on your side'?