Thai Police All Corrupt!

[baboon]

At about 1 A.M. this morning, the missus and I were returning home on our motorbike. At a major intersection a huge police checkpoint had been set up, and I do mean huge; about 30 officers. Anyway, we were flagged down.

"Knowing" what the police are like here, I was expecting a shakedown, as it was late, we were the only traffic and there were lots of boys in brown. What happened?

The Officer took a quick look at our faces, smiled and politely gestured for us to be on our way.

A few years ago, I was in Samui and lost my then girlfriends I.D. card. We were waiting in the police station to report the loss and in walks the boss who sat down next to me and asked what the problem was. When I explained, he smiled, told me accidents happen ,not to worry about it at all and no, of course she was not in any trouble.

The moral of my story is that there must be thousands of policemen out there who really are trying to protect and serve their compatriots. How about joining me in a toast to these poorly paid public servants and posting YOUR positive police experiences!

[kat]

Wow, there have been huge police checkpoints on Wong Sawang for the last week as well. I wonder what is going on.

Anyway, positive police stories: they let me visit my Burmese political prisoner friend on the day he was being deported back to certain torture in Burma. It was a Saturday, and normally not a visiting day.

Another one, but in Indonesia, which is even worse than LOS in some ways: long story short, I was robbed of everything, and then subjected to police indifference, incompetence, and corruption during a time when I needed help. I was referred to a young police captain, who was decent, intelligent, efficient, and obviously on a mission to change the perception and behavior of police in his country. I acknowledged this fact to him, and told him not worry, in due time the others would be retired or dead.

[Vespa]

At about 1 A.M. this morning, the missus and I were returning home on our motorbike. At a major intersection a huge police checkpoint had been set up, and I do mean huge; about 30 officers. Anyway, we were flagged down.

"Knowing" what the police are like here, I was expecting a shakedown, as it was late, we were the only traffic and there were lots of boys in brown. What happened?

The Officer took a quick look at our faces, smiled and politely gestured for us to be on our way.

A few years ago, I was in Samui and lost my then girlfriends I.D. card. We were waiting in the police station to report the loss and in walks the boss who sat down next to me and asked what the problem was. When I explained, he smiled, told me accidents happen ,not to worry about it at all and no, of course she was not in any trouble.

The moral of my story is that there must be thousands of policemen out there who really are trying to protect and serve their compatriots. How about joining me in a toast to these poorly paid public servants and posting YOUR positive police experiences!

While riding a motorcycle in Bkk one day , I had to pay off 3 cops in a row. When I got to the 3rd cop , I explained that I already paid twice - he said no problem and took my 100 baht and gave me a police escort all the way down Sukumvit allowing me to run all the lights.

[bkkmadness]

A lot of police officers are corrupt but also decent guys at the same time. Just because they are corrupt and take a bit of money one way, doesn't mean they will shake down every dude they see.

[chuchok]

While riding a motorcycle in Bkk one day , I had to pay off 3 cops in a row. When I got to the 3rd cop , I explained that I already paid twice - he said no problem and took my 100 baht and gave me a police escort all the way down Sukumvit allowing me to run all the lights.

That's so cool.

[bkkmadness]

At about 1 A.M. this morning, the missus and I were returning home on our motorbike. At a major intersection a huge police checkpoint had been set up, and I do mean huge; about 30 officers. Anyway, we were flagged down.

"Knowing" what the police are like here, I was expecting a shakedown, as it was late, we were the only traffic and there were lots of boys in brown. What happened?

The Officer took a quick look at our faces, smiled and politely gestured for us to be on our way.

A few years ago, I was in Samui and lost my then girlfriends I.D. card. We were waiting in the police station to report the loss and in walks the boss who sat down next to me and asked what the problem was. When I explained, he smiled, told me accidents happen ,not to worry about it at all and no, of course she was not in any trouble.

The moral of my story is that there must be thousands of policemen out there who really are trying to protect and serve their compatriots. How about joining me in a toast to these poorly paid public servants and posting YOUR positive police experiences!

While riding a motorcycle in Bkk one day , I had to pay off 3 cops in a row. When I got to the 3rd cop , I explained that I already paid twice - he said no problem and took my 100 baht and gave me a police escort all the way down Sukumvit allowing me to run all the lights.

What did you get caught for? You didnt pay the second and third police for the same offense as the first did you?

Edited September 6, 2006 by bkkmadness

[jdinasia]

I rarely rode the bike in BKK but when I did they never even waved me over at the checkpoints ...

in ChaAm (way out around Webster Uni... They's wave me over frequently and remind me nicely to put the helmet on ... was a regular occurance .. we finally talked and they said put it on before the highway ... and stopped pulling me over

here in Kamala the cops are all great so far ... and the same in Phuket town ... Patong is a problem though

[mittheimp]

I rarely rode the bike in BKK but when I did they never even waved me over at the checkpoints ...

in ChaAm (way out around Webster Uni... They's wave me over frequently and remind me nicely to put the helmet on ... was a regular occurance .. we finally talked and they said put it on before the highway ... and stopped pulling me over

here in Kamala the cops are all great so far ... and the same in Phuket town ... Patong is a problem though

not wearing a helmet is stupid - any kind of fine is justified even if it goes in the policemans pocket!

[DragonLad]

Wow, there have been huge police checkpoints on Wong Sawang for the last week as well. I wonder what is going on.

Anyway, positive police stories: they let me visit my Burmese political prisoner friend on the day he was being deported back to certain torture in Burma. It was a Saturday, and normally not a visiting day.

Another one, but in Indonesia, which is even worse than LOS in some ways: long story short, I was robbed of everything, and then subjected to police indifference, incompetence, and corruption during a time when I needed help. I was referred to a young police captain, who was decent, intelligent, efficient, and obviously on a mission to change the perception and behavior of police in his country. I acknowledged this fact to him, and told him not worry, in due time the others would be retired or dead.

Offensive comment deleted

Edited September 7, 2006 by astral

[Vespa]

At about 1 A.M. this morning, the missus and I were returning home on our motorbike. At a major intersection a huge police checkpoint had been set up, and I do mean huge; about 30 officers. Anyway, we were flagged down.

"Knowing" what the police are like here, I was expecting a shakedown, as it was late, we were the only traffic and there were lots of boys in brown. What happened?

The Officer took a quick look at our faces, smiled and politely gestured for us to be on our way.

A few years ago, I was in Samui and lost my then girlfriends I.D. card. We were waiting in the police station to report the loss and in walks the boss who sat down next to me and asked what the problem was. When I explained, he smiled, told me accidents happen ,not to worry about it at all and no, of course she was not in any trouble.

The moral of my story is that there must be thousands of policemen out there who really are trying to protect and serve their compatriots. How about joining me in a toast to these poorly paid public servants and posting YOUR positive police experiences!

While riding a motorcycle in Bkk one day , I had to pay off 3 cops in a row. When I got to the 3rd cop , I explained that I already paid twice - he said no problem and took my 100 baht and gave me a police escort all the way down Sukumvit allowing me to run all the lights.

What did you get caught for? You didnt pay the second and third police for the same offense as the first did you?

I was a Farang ridng a motorcycle in Bangkok

[IMA_FARANG]

A lot of police officers are corrupt but also decent guys at the same time. Just because they are corrupt and take a bit of money one way, doesn't mean they will shake down every dude they see.

True story.

About 5 years ago I was moving some stuff to a new apartment in BKK.

Had a taxi loaded with boxes being moved, I had my passport, air ticket, and about 5000 baht in an envelope.

When I got out of the taxi I took the boxes out of the back of the taxi, and paid the driver.

As he drove off I realised I had left the envelope in the taxi.

I went to the nearest police station, hoping I could at least get my passport reported as being stolen/missing and the air ticket canceled or refunded.

While I was there a motorcycle cop came in. It seems the taxi driver had seen the envelope, turned it in to the cop. The cop had brought it to the police station to turn it in.

They knew it was mine by the passport photo, and brought it over to me.

Nothing was missing.

I tried to give the cop a reward, but he wouldn't accept anything.

Sometimes, it does happen.

Edited September 6, 2006 by IMA_FARANG

[the swagman]

Another one, but in Indonesia, which is even worse than LOS in some ways: long story short, I was robbed of everything, and then subjected to police indifference, incompetence, and corruption during a time when I needed help. I was referred to a young police captain, who was decent, intelligent, efficient, and obviously on a mission to change the perception and behavior of police in his country. I acknowledged this fact to him, and told him not worry, in due time the others would be retired or dead.

Offensive comment deleted

Astral

What has that got to do with it?

Edited September 7, 2006 by astral

[petecooper]

Offensive comment deleted.

Astral

What has that got to do with it?

Agree with The Swagman, that is a fairly inappropriate comment. Propagating negative stereotypes like this does no-one any good.

To answer another way: no I'm sure it had nothing to do with the way you were treated!

[sakaew]

A few months ago, my nephew and his motorcy were hit by a truck, which ran a red light.

( If yer going to get hit...don't waste time with the small stuff.)

I went to Kabin Buri cops to collect the mangled remains of the bike...with no hope at all of getting the 2000 baht he had in an envelope under the seat.

The Head Honcho cop not only did not ask for any money...but he handed over the envelope without being asked.

Good guy

Are the wallopers in Pattaya similarly altruistically motivated?????

hahahahaha

[jdinasia]

I rarely rode the bike in BKK but when I did they never even waved me over at the checkpoints ...

in ChaAm (way out around Webster Uni... They's wave me over frequently and remind me nicely to put the helmet on ... was a regular occurance .. we finally talked and they said put it on before the highway ... and stopped pulling me over

here in Kamala the cops are all great so far ... and the same in Phuket town ... Patong is a problem though

not wearing a helmet is stupid - any kind of fine is justified even if it goes in the policemans pocket!

Ummm yes, not wearing a helmet IS stupid ... and yes I am known to not wear one on occassion on back roads as for the rest of your statement ....

[bkkmadness]

I was a Farang ridng a motorcycle in Bangkok

eh?

Edited September 7, 2006 by bkkmadness

[Vespa]

I was a Farang ridng a motorcycle in Bangkok

eh?

Yes young Alex - it is a crime , you know.

Biddy Well

[Donz]

Yeap to lot of members here, all Thai police are corrupt

[BongBong]

Thai police outside Bangkok are better.

[bkkmadness]

I was a Farang ridng a motorcycle in Bangkok

eh?

Yes young Alex - it is a crime , you know.

Biddy Well

Come on, what crime did you commit, no helmet? No license? Must be something, surely you didn't pay out three fines for no reason at all?

Edited September 7, 2006 by bkkmadness

[kmart]

Thai police outside Bangkok are better.

Not necessarily. The cops in tourist spots are generally the worst because thats where the big money is. A cop from the provinces will have to "buy" a posting of duty to somewhere like Pattaya. Its an investment to him; and he knows whatever he had to borrow he will make back within a few months.

Thats how the Thai Police force works. All backsheesh gets kicked upstairs to the top police chief, and the trickledown eventually gets down to yer lowly traffic cop. When you realise that everything you see in a place like Pattaya is "illegal", then you have some idea of the scale of the operation and the money involved.

Not saying all the actual cops are bad. I personally know a few in my local town, and they're good guys. Any cop complaining about this process would not last long. (I bet you've all seen the pictures of Al Pacino from the film "Serpico" plastered all over trucks and lorries? )

The system however is rotten; and this huge "grey economy" funds the status quo of the country and ensures it will never develop properly.

[judge thread]

spot on there from kmart. the system is endemically corrupt and a few good apples survive for a while but they will be in serious debt on their salary alone. a million baht is the price for a mid ranking station job in Pattaya borrowed usually from a "dark figure"

[Losangels]

Our current acting PM was a cop. Look where the country is heading

[judge thread]

so true. top down influence indeed! that's how he got there too!

[jingjoe]

Cruising at 140kmph in a 90 zone around the Nakhon Phanom highway area. Pulled over, prodded, poked, frowned at and smiled at.

Within about 5 minutes (of my most cheerful smile and I'm-a-dopey-farang-that can't-understand-ANY-thai-language-look,) the cops said "you slow down".. then sent me on my way.

Here in Queensland that speed would have cost me $600 and 6 months loss of licence.

That fact wasn't lost on me at the time, and the generosity of the cops served to slow me down to a safer speed for the rest of my journey (which ended in Chiang Rai).

[kmart]

Cruising at 140kmph in a 90 zone around the Nakhon Phanom highway area. Pulled over, prodded, poked, frowned at and smiled at.

Within about 5 minutes (of my most cheerful smile and I'm-a-dopey-farang-that can't-understand-ANY-thai-language-look,) the cops said "you slow down".. then sent me on my way.

Here in Queensland that speed would have cost me $600 and 6 months loss of licence.

That fact wasn't lost on me at the time, and the generosity of the cops served to slow me down to a safer speed for the rest of my journey (which ended in Chiang Rai).

That is very true and thank you for a bit of perspective too. Many times I've been pulled over for driving like an ass*ole and just shown my PTT or Esso contractor's badge at the poor hapless guy.

Even if you're Andrew-bloody-Biggs -DO NOT speak any Thai to the cop. Pound to a penny he will wave you on.

[mark lamai]

when i got arrested and locked up for drunk driving a really nice cop offered to go to the ATM for me and get out some money, all that work for a kittle 1000 bt donation.

i looked at him sceptically, but he smiled and said 'trust me, I'm a policeman"

true to his word he did not take out more than we agreed on.

what a nice man!

now I noticed they have installed an ATM right inside the police station,

excellent idea.

[Spenthouse]

Come on, what crime did you commit, no helmet? No license? Must be something, surely you didn't pay out three fines for no reason at all?

exactly!

[Morty]

Thai police outside Bangkok are better.

I find the Pattaya police to be verry "by the book" , all of the fines paid at soi 9, and there you go either with license in hand, or on your way to pick it up, never offered to pay of a BIB in Pattaya for the last ten years, but it was different then.

Isaan is another story though

Morty