Tipping Government Officers in Phuket

[hansgruber]

I tip if it means I'm quick through whatever department I'm attending. Nobody likes sitting for hours waiting and if a few hundred baht gets me in and out service I'm paying.

Yea that is very smart,let some other poor bastard wait a bit longer because you paid to get in first .

Bad luck to the poor bastards waiting. Just because I take advantage of greasing some greedy palms so I can get out in minutes is entirely up to me. Fast track at the airport is another example of there being a market for impatient souls like myself. Wish it was implemented everywhere.

Ever consider that bribing officials is illegal? That makes you an criminal.

It's not a bribe if they don't ask for it.

Apply the grease (baht) if you want the rusty wheels to move faster.

[PeCeDe]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

And why everyone else gets pissed off by queue jumpers both agents & others who bribe.

Sometimes I wonder about peoples sanity, what a question... yes it's bribery, and no you shouldn't do it... did I miss something? Because it's obvious to me the OP did.

[PeCeDe]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

And why everyone else gets pissed off by queue jumpers both agents & others who bribe.

Sometimes I wonder about peoples sanity, what a question... yes it's bribery, and no you shouldn't do it... did I miss something? Because it's obvious to me the OP did.

Bribery (tips, ha! what a euphemism) destroys a country's fabric, and eventually ends up killing people, either through starvation or the greed of others... Congratulations OP, you are part of the problem... Definitely not part of the answer! Go have a good day, and don't come back. EVER.

[hansgruber]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

And why everyone else gets pissed off by queue jumpers both agents & others who bribe.

Sometimes I wonder about peoples sanity, what a question... yes it's bribery, and no you shouldn't do it... did I miss something? Because it's obvious to me the OP did.

Bribery (tips, ha! what a euphemism) destroys a country's fabric, and eventually ends up killing people, either through starvation or the greed of others... Congratulations OP, you are part of the problem... Definitely not part of the answer! Go have a good day, and don't come back. EVER.

Thailand has no fabric to destroy. The whole country runs via the black economy that dwarfs the countries visible economy ten fold, if not more. Thailand has run this was for 100's of years and won't change because it outrages a few expats who are self proclaimed moral police.

This isn't the country you came from, adapt instead of trying to change it.

[Bogan Koori]

It's no different to flying business class. You get pushed to the front of the queues. You never even see first class. They go through an entirely different area

[hansgruber]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

And why everyone else gets pissed off by queue jumpers both agents & others who bribe.

Sometimes I wonder about peoples sanity, what a question... yes it's bribery, and no you shouldn't do it... did I miss something? Because it's obvious to me the OP did.

Sometimes I wonder why people are outraged at a system that has been in place for a very long time.

Just because your country of origin frowns upon this practice doesn't mean other countries do.

Thailand pretends to care about it for the international community but they don't because the country runs because of the huge black economy.

Thailand doesn't have the huge debts and unemployment so they must be doing something right.

[maidee]

is it clear to say, that thanks to farangs like you, those thais will anticipate them to give bribes to do their normal work, as clowns like you seem to do on a regular basis

what do they say again about one rotten apple ....

[hansgruber]

is it clear to say, that thanks to farangs like you, those thais will anticipate them to give bribes to do their normal work, as clowns like you seem to do on a regular basis

what do they say again about one rotten apple ....

Thanks to farangs like you who'd prefer Thailand to be the country you left behind and complain about the way business is conducted in a place which you adopted. How about going with the flow instead of trying to change the place?

Btw, Clown is a job reserved for Thai's.

[Old Croc]

The people at the top end of my Soi tip the rubbish guys to collect their refuse.

The truck has to back a long way to get to the end of the road.

The alternative is they would stay on the main road and people would have to bring their rubbish down to unhygienic collection points on the main road.

[keestha]

Sometimes it can happen you just don't get a certain permit without paying.

Can keep talking about principles till you die if that's what makes you happy.

But if you are living here as a retiree or working as an employee you are fortunately not likely to run into this type of situation.

[watcharacters]

I try to manage my money wisely but if the OP chooses to spend his money in a way different from me, that's his business.

Edited March 15, 2015 by watcharacters

[watcharacters]

I tip workers, very well. Get about the same results. I've offered soft drinks and such to uniformed personal and become friendly.

When I clear Suvarnabhumi. I always have a water and maybe chips for border patrol, but not until I'm in country.

You start tipping G-men , you're asking for trouble and will sooner or later get some. There are eyes watching, everywhere. Reason you can't tip a G-Man, it is against the law. Break the law, did I say sooner or later. It also doesn't really add to a peaceful life. For any of the parties involved. Those aren't ten suggestions.

It would be called stealing.

Keyser Söze

[louse1953]

once u start "tipping" they grow to expect it from, not only you, but everyone

would you tip in your own country for the same services? I doubt it

If he is an Ozzy,i wonder where he picked up this filthy habit.

[louse1953]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

There are those who think people of your ilk have screwed up the system.

I'm a very impatient man. I hate standing in queues or waiting for many hours/days to renew a permit. I've stated previously I'd be happy to pay for the fast line at the airport. I would tip immigration people a fair amount to get in and out quickly with a new permit. I don't want to pay exorbitant agent fees.

I believe the people, who stirred up the hornet's nest by complaining about a service fee of a few hundred baht for something that should be free, caused all the problems we are now getting from Immigration.

I want the old system back, as I don't think these small minded public servants are going to back down on their infuriating go slows.

So f... the rest of us waiting"our turn" as long as your alright.Don't you think we are busy too.What if we all "tipped",then it would be my bid against yours and what your prepared to pay.You just been on a plane for 8 hours,whats another 30 mins.,call it acclimitation.

[louse1953]

I tip workers, very well. Get about the same results. I've offered soft drinks and such to uniformed personal and become friendly.

When I clear Suvarnabhumi. I always have a water and maybe chips for border patrol, but not until I'm in country.

You start tipping G-men , you're asking for trouble and will sooner or later get some. There are eyes watching, everywhere. Reason you can't tip a G-Man, it is against the law. Break the law, did I say sooner or later. It also doesn't really add to a peaceful life. For any of the parties involved. Those aren't ten suggestions.

It would be called stealing.

So you get your stamp then pull a drink and chippies out of your pocket that have been there for 8 hours.How considerate of you.Ever wonder what they do with your consideration,check the bin under the desk.

[hansgruber]

nothing like screwing it up. now you know why all these "government officials" want money for a job they are already paid to do

There are those who think people of your ilk have screwed up the system.

I'm a very impatient man. I hate standing in queues or waiting for many hours/days to renew a permit. I've stated previously I'd be happy to pay for the fast line at the airport. I would tip immigration people a fair amount to get in and out quickly with a new permit. I don't want to pay exorbitant agent fees.

I believe the people, who stirred up the hornet's nest by complaining about a service fee of a few hundred baht for something that should be free, caused all the problems we are now getting from Immigration.

I want the old system back, as I don't think these small minded public servants are going to back down on their infuriating go slows.

So f... the rest of us waiting"our turn" as long as your alright.Don't you think we are busy too.What if we all "tipped",then it would be my bid against yours and what your prepared to pay.You just been on a plane for 8 hours,whats another 30 mins.,call it acclimitation.

The fast track line at the airport exists for a reason. There is demand. Plain and simple.

Thailand is a patronage society and always will be.

[louse1953]

I tip if it means I'm quick through whatever department I'm attending. Nobody likes sitting for hours waiting and if a few hundred baht gets me in and out service I'm paying.

I don't like sitting either but with your arragance you just made me sit longer even though i am better organized than you and got up earlier so i could be there when they open.You better not jump in front of me or there will be turmoil.

[louse1953]

I tip if it means I'm quick through whatever department I'm attending. Nobody likes sitting for hours waiting and if a few hundred baht gets me in and out service I'm paying.

Yea that is very smart,let some other poor bastard wait a bit longer because you paid to get in first .

Bad luck to the poor bastards waiting. Just because I take advantage of greasing some greedy palms so I can get out in minutes is entirely up to me. Fast track at the airport is another example of there being a market for impatient souls like myself. Wish it was implemented everywhere.

The bad luck will be on you if it happens to me.

[Benmart]

Tipping a public servant is inappropriate, unethical and in some countries, illegal. It is a personal decision to do so, however, when the public servant demands more than what is offered, what recourse does one have? The seed has been sown and the resulting crop greedily becomes an overwhelming parasite

The boundary of ethical behavior and moral conduct is a personal one. The expectation and demand for "tipping" from the public servant is a the burden everyone suffers due to those that dabble in the "tipping behavior".

I don't subscribe to nor do I support bad behavior, but as they say, "It's up to you, not my business".

[LivinginKata]

Off topic post (& personal) - removed.

[Bogan Koori]

once u start "tipping" they grow to expect it from, not only you, but everyone

would you tip in your own country for the same services? I doubt it

If he is an Ozzy,i wonder where he picked up this filthy habit.

In Thailand of course.

[sead]

I think its illegal not to tip them...

[geriatrickid]

How about a reality check? The world is very different for the majority of people who are gainfully employed in legitimate businesses or who have proper visas.

Under the anti corruption laws in effect in the USA, EU, Australia Singapore, Hong Kong and many other countries, 'tipping' foreign government officials is deemed to be a bribe. Foreigners subject to these laws are forbidden from doing so, and have an obligation to report when such activity becomes known. That is my company procedure and I had to sign off. If I violate, I can be terminated and reported to my government for criminal charges. All major companies are subject to the additional requirement of having a designated compliance officer to enforce this.

In accordance with the current government anti corruption measures, tipping activity is considered to be an act of corruption and subject to prosecution.

Maybe some people do tip government officials. If a tip is expected, then it suggests that something isn't right with the person expected to tip. Under such circumstances, the tip appears to be delaying the inevitable collapse of a house of cards. I find it odd that I should be expected to tip the people who are collecting monies from me. I find it even odder that I would be expected to tip a clerical worker who is paid to process the paper work. Even more idiotic is the tipping of legal counsel. If one has to tip counsel, then one should consider retaining the services of someone who provides quality legal services from the start.

There are obviously two very different world that foreigners occupy in Thailand: The legit and the murky world of corruption where there is always some problem with a copper, or local fonctionnaire, or a hooker lurking.

[hansgruber]

How about a reality check? The world is very different for the majority of people who are gainfully employed in legitimate businesses or who have proper visas.

Under the anti corruption laws in effect in the USA, EU, Australia Singapore, Hong Kong and many other countries, 'tipping' foreign government officials is deemed to be a bribe. Foreigners subject to these laws are forbidden from doing so, and have an obligation to report when such activity becomes known. That is my company procedure and I had to sign off. If I violate, I can be terminated and reported to my government for criminal charges. All major companies are subject to the additional requirement of having a designated compliance officer to enforce this.

In accordance with the current government anti corruption measures, tipping activity is considered to be an act of corruption and subject to prosecution.

Maybe some people do tip government officials. If a tip is expected, then it suggests that something isn't right with the person expected to tip. Under such circumstances, the tip appears to be delaying the inevitable collapse of a house of cards. I find it odd that I should be expected to tip the people who are collecting monies from me. I find it even odder that I would be expected to tip a clerical worker who is paid to process the paper work. Even more idiotic is the tipping of legal counsel. If one has to tip counsel, then one should consider retaining the services of someone who provides quality legal services from the start.

There are obviously two very different world that foreigners occupy in Thailand: The legit and the murky world of corruption where there is always some problem with a copper, or local fonctionnaire, or a hooker lurking.

That's all fine and dandy in that list of countries in your list but this is Thailand. Corruption is bigger the higher you go and isn't going anywhere. The minions at the bottom collecting tips off us are just kicking it upstairs and so on.

Legit or not, you can't hide from a little kick back if you want to run efficiently.

Edited March 17, 2015 by hansgruber

[Bogan Koori]

How about a reality check? The world is very different for the majority of people who are gainfully employed in legitimate businesses or who have proper visas.

Under the anti corruption laws in effect in the USA, EU, Australia Singapore, Hong Kong and many other countries, 'tipping' foreign government officials is deemed to be a bribe. Foreigners subject to these laws are forbidden from doing so, and have an obligation to report when such activity becomes known. That is my company procedure and I had to sign off. If I violate, I can be terminated and reported to my government for criminal charges. All major companies are subject to the additional requirement of having a designated compliance officer to enforce this.

In accordance with the current government anti corruption measures, tipping activity is considered to be an act of corruption and subject to prosecution.

Maybe some people do tip government officials. If a tip is expected, then it suggests that something isn't right with the person expected to tip. Under such circumstances, the tip appears to be delaying the inevitable collapse of a house of cards. I find it odd that I should be expected to tip the people who are collecting monies from me. I find it even odder that I would be expected to tip a clerical worker who is paid to process the paper work. Even more idiotic is the tipping of legal counsel. If one has to tip counsel, then one should consider retaining the services of someone who provides quality legal services from the start.

There are obviously two very different world that foreigners occupy in Thailand: The legit and the murky world of corruption where there is always some problem with a copper, or local fonctionnaire, or a hooker lurking.

It's more of a performance based bonus than a tip

[NamKangMan]

How about a reality check? The world is very different for the majority of people who are gainfully employed in legitimate businesses or who have proper visas.

Under the anti corruption laws in effect in the USA, EU, Australia Singapore, Hong Kong and many other countries, 'tipping' foreign government officials is deemed to be a bribe. Foreigners subject to these laws are forbidden from doing so, and have an obligation to report when such activity becomes known. That is my company procedure and I had to sign off. If I violate, I can be terminated and reported to my government for criminal charges. All major companies are subject to the additional requirement of having a designated compliance officer to enforce this.

In accordance with the current government anti corruption measures, tipping activity is considered to be an act of corruption and subject to prosecution.

Maybe some people do tip government officials. If a tip is expected, then it suggests that something isn't right with the person expected to tip. Under such circumstances, the tip appears to be delaying the inevitable collapse of a house of cards. I find it odd that I should be expected to tip the people who are collecting monies from me. I find it even odder that I would be expected to tip a clerical worker who is paid to process the paper work. Even more idiotic is the tipping of legal counsel. If one has to tip counsel, then one should consider retaining the services of someone who provides quality legal services from the start.

There are obviously two very different world that foreigners occupy in Thailand: The legit and the murky world of corruption where there is always some problem with a copper, or local fonctionnaire, or a hooker lurking.

It's more of a performance based bonus than a tip

You should tip them for accepting the tip.

[Valentine]

How about a reality check? The world is very different for the majority of people who are gainfully employed in legitimate businesses or who have proper visas.

Under the anti corruption laws in effect in the USA, EU, Australia Singapore, Hong Kong and many other countries, 'tipping' foreign government officials is deemed to be a bribe. Foreigners subject to these laws are forbidden from doing so, and have an obligation to report when such activity becomes known. That is my company procedure and I had to sign off. If I violate, I can be terminated and reported to my government for criminal charges. All major companies are subject to the additional requirement of having a designated compliance officer to enforce this.

In accordance with the current government anti corruption measures, tipping activity is considered to be an act of corruption and subject to prosecution.

Maybe some people do tip government officials. If a tip is expected, then it suggests that something isn't right with the person expected to tip. Under such circumstances, the tip appears to be delaying the inevitable collapse of a house of cards. I find it odd that I should be expected to tip the people who are collecting monies from me. I find it even odder that I would be expected to tip a clerical worker who is paid to process the paper work. Even more idiotic is the tipping of legal counsel. If one has to tip counsel, then one should consider retaining the services of someone who provides quality legal services from the start.

There are obviously two very different world that foreigners occupy in Thailand: The legit and the murky world of corruption where there is always some problem with a copper, or local fonctionnaire, or a hooker lurking.

It's more of a performance based bonus than a tip

Call it what you like, as GK said it is a bribe if any gratuity over a certain amount is paid. Forget about whether or not this rule gets enforced or not, it is still a bribe. By tipping/bribing you could well open your self up to a whole sh.t load of problems if you offer to the wrong person. Most of us here understand the culture of corruption but that does not make it right.

What about the people who want to do things in the correct, legal way but end up constantly being pushed to the back of the queue by those who have the means & the will to pay their way to the front? The people doing this are IMO being extremely selfish & no consideration for others.

[Old Croc]

Only the deluded think bribery doesn't happen in every country on the planet. It's just a bit more visible in Thailand.

Former Commonwealth Bank IT executive appears in court over bribery investigation by NSW Police and FBI

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-18/commonwealth-bank-manager-arrested-after-bribery-investigation/6327714

Edited March 18, 2015 by Old Croc