Chiang Mai: 100 armed police arrest foreigners for not carrying passports

[Chicog]

Why is criticising Thais when it's justifiable always called "Thai Bashing"?

I recently read all the criticism from the Thais about the standards of Chinese driving; at best some of it came across as snobbish, at worst bordering on xenophobic. When I pointed out that, with Thailand Number two in the world for traffic fatalities, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, instantly I was accused of "Thai bashing".

Quite remarkable how defensive some people get when you point out things that simply would not be acceptable anywhere else.

It seems to be something akin to Stockholm Syndrome.

[luke000]

Why is criticising Thais when it's justifiable always called "Thai Bashing"?

I recently read all the criticism from the Thais about the standards of Chinese driving; at best some of it came across as snobbish, at worst bordering on xenophobic. When I pointed out that, with Thailand Number two in the world for traffic fatalities, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, instantly I was accused of "Thai bashing".

Quite remarkable how defensive some people get when you point out things that simply would not be acceptable anywhere else.

It seems to be something akin to Stockholm Syndrome.

Criticising Thais when its justifiable isnt considered to be "Thai bashing"

Its the constant criticism about every aspect of Thais and Thailand which is considered to be "Thai bashing"

Chinese are atrocious drivers (the bike riders) , that was the subject . Yes, some Thais are bad drivers as well, but that wasnt the subject matter and theres no need to compare the two .

If you yourself cannot discuss a topic without comparing it to Thailand in a condescending way, then maybe its you who is suffering from some king of obsessive syndrome

[Chicog]

Why is criticising Thais when it's justifiable always called "Thai Bashing"?

I recently read all the criticism from the Thais about the standards of Chinese driving; at best some of it came across as snobbish, at worst bordering on xenophobic. When I pointed out that, with Thailand Number two in the world for traffic fatalities, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, instantly I was accused of "Thai bashing".

Quite remarkable how defensive some people get when you point out things that simply would not be acceptable anywhere else.

It seems to be something akin to Stockholm Syndrome.

Criticising Thais when its justifiable isnt considered to be "Thai bashing"

Its the constant criticism about every aspect of Thais and Thailand which is considered to be "Thai bashing"

Chinese are atrocious drivers (the bike riders) , that was the subject . Yes, some Thais are bad drivers as well, but that wasnt the subject matter and theres no need to compare the two .

If you yourself cannot discuss a topic without comparing it to Thailand in a condescending way, then maybe its you who is suffering from some king of obsessive syndrome

Huh? Thais are atrocious drivers too. That's why they have the 2nd highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the world.

I wouldn't care if they were Namibian or Inuit. If you are in that position, you have absolutely no right to criticise anyone else's standard of driving except perhaps the number one country.

That's arrogant hypocrite bashing and I don't care what package they come in.

[FolkGuitar]

Lots of people are very, very happy comparing and complaining their way through life. I never suggested that you weren't satisfied with your lot. But please don't suppose that this is how everyone goes through their day. Many of us don't feel the need to dwell on the negatives. Personally, I find no joy in it. As you said, we can agree to disagree.

More assumptions from you. Please don't assume that because I disagree with the way the police behaved in one incident that I spend my whole life dwelling on the downside of living here. Instead, try to understand that many of us don't feel the need to ignore the negatives in order to be happy.

For somebody who claims to be so content, you have a strange compulsion to put a wholly negative spin on anybody who disagrees with your point of view.

I'm sure you are very happy. We've seen that in all your complaints.

As for me being negative... could be... but then, I'm not the one making all the complaints, am I? That's not what makes me happy.

[luke000]

Huh? Thais are atrocious drivers too. That's why they have the 2nd highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the world.

I wouldn't care if they were Namibian or Inuit. If you are in that position, you have absolutely no right to criticise anyone else's standard of driving except perhaps the number one country.

That's arrogant hypocrite bashing and I don't care what package they come in.

Chinese on motorbikes take bad driving to a whole new level.

Many of them seem to have never driven a motorbike before and they drive around completely oblivious to their surroundings .

Driving one handed whilst looking at a map on their phone in the other hand is quite common as is just stopping in the middle of the road at night to make phone calls.

[Chicog]

Huh? Thais are atrocious drivers too. That's why they have the 2nd highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the world.

I wouldn't care if they were Namibian or Inuit. If you are in that position, you have absolutely no right to criticise anyone else's standard of driving except perhaps the number one country.

That's arrogant hypocrite bashing and I don't care what package they come in.

Chinese on motorbikes take bad driving to a whole new level.

Many of them seem to have never driven a motorbike before and they drive around completely oblivious to their surroundings .

Driving one handed whilst looking at a map on their phone in the other hand is quite common as is just stopping in the middle of the road at night to make phone calls.

And is that somehow any worse than driving the wrong way at high speed when drunk on either a bike or in a pickup?

I think not.

[luke000]

Huh? Thais are atrocious drivers too. That's why they have the 2nd highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the world.

I wouldn't care if they were Namibian or Inuit. If you are in that position, you have absolutely no right to criticise anyone else's standard of driving except perhaps the number one country.

That's arrogant hypocrite bashing and I don't care what package they come in.

Chinese on motorbikes take bad driving to a whole new level.

Many of them seem to have never driven a motorbike before and they drive around completely oblivious to their surroundings .

Driving one handed whilst looking at a map on their phone in the other hand is quite common as is just stopping in the middle of the road at night to make phone calls.

And is that somehow any worse than driving the wrong way at high speed when drunk on either a bike or in a pickup?

I think not.

Is this thread about Chinese v Thais in their car driving abilities ?

I think not

[mcfish]

It's really sad to listen to a bunch of old men terrified over an incident that happened in a night club that they wouldn't attend anyway

It's sad because it's women that usually are fearful but not a peep from them just tearful old men... Tragic

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

[luke000]

And people were asked to provide urine samples on the spot, is that right?

If you think that situation through , which I have, and I can safely come to the conclusion that not everyone there was made to do a urine test on the spot .

And because there were no complaints from foreigners, one can be quite certain that no foreigners were tested .

Thinking about 500 people all with their trousers and skirts around their ankles and 100 Police waiting for them to pee , I just cant see that happening .

What may have happened is that ba few Thais who have previously been caught with drugs and are required to submit urine examples to the Police once a month, those people may have been tested .

Its possible that a few suspected drug consumers may have been required to take the test , its near enough impossible that everyone there was required to take a urine test

[Chicog]

Huh? Thais are atrocious drivers too. That's why they have the 2nd highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the world.

I wouldn't care if they were Namibian or Inuit. If you are in that position, you have absolutely no right to criticise anyone else's standard of driving except perhaps the number one country.

That's arrogant hypocrite bashing and I don't care what package they come in.

Chinese on motorbikes take bad driving to a whole new level.

Many of them seem to have never driven a motorbike before and they drive around completely oblivious to their surroundings .

Driving one handed whilst looking at a map on their phone in the other hand is quite common as is just stopping in the middle of the road at night to make phone calls.

And is that somehow any worse than driving the wrong way at high speed when drunk on either a bike or in a pickup?

I think not.

Is this thread about Chinese v Thais in their car driving abilities ?

I think not

No, but it is about the attitude of Thais to foreigners.

[FolkGuitar]

Is this thread about Chinese v Thais in their car driving abilities ?

I think not

No, but it is about the attitude of Thais to foreigners.

Do you think that this was aimed solely at foreigners? Are the bars created just for tourists? No Thais?

Did the police check Thai ID's too? Or just tell them to leave while they only checked the visitors and their passports?

I'm going to guess (and it IS just a guess as I wasn't there,) that the police checked EVERYONE... just as they stop EVERYONE regardless of nationality at roadblocks. Perhaps the "we are being persecuted' is now extending to the bar crowd too...

[luke000]

s

Chinese on motorbikes take bad driving to a whole new level.

Many of them seem to have never driven a motorbike before and they drive around completely oblivious to their surroundings .

Driving one handed whilst looking at a map on their phone in the other hand is quite common as is just stopping in the middle of the road at night to make phone calls.

And is that somehow any worse than driving the wrong way at high speed when drunk on either a bike or in a pickup?

I think not.

Is this thread about Chinese v Thais in their car driving abilities ?

I think not

No, but it is about the attitude of Thais to foreigners.

No it isnt at all, its about the Police raiding a bar .

The Police choose to raid the bar , so that decision was made by the top Policemen , it would have been one persons decision to raid the bar, or at a most, a few policeman made the decision together .

These one /few people do not speak on behalf of Thailand .

So this thread is about the attitude/policies of one/a few top Police , not the attitude of Thais in general .

Also , this raid wasnt directed at foreigners , it was directed at a troublesome Thai owned bar that attracts felangs .

So, this isnt a thread about "Thais attitude to foreigners" , it a thread about the Polices attitude to a bar

[Chicog]

So, this isnt a thread about "Thais attitude to foreigners" , it a thread about the Polices attitude to a bar

Perhaps you didn't read the title.

[MILT]

What's the big deal about police carrying assault rifles?

Guns don't worry me, it's the ill intent person carrying the gun

that worries me.

[sambum]

They raid a bar-area mostly visited by a bunch of low-budget wannabe hippies. Honestly who cares?

When they start raiding 5-stars hotels, you should start worrying...

You mean when they start harassing the more decent, sober and upright members of society, like retirees, Hon Consuls, etc.. Perhaps enjoying an afternoon Bridge game..

..Ohh hang on..

The Bridge playing raid was an anomaly , the Police probably had a report that there was many people secretly playing cards and gambling and they decided to carry out a raid

An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!

[Chicog]

What's the big deal about police carrying assault rifles?

Guns don't worry me, it's the ill intent person carrying the gun

that worries me.

Nothing unless they're part of a goon squad designed to intimidate and then cart people off to the nick when they've done nothing more than go out for a beer and a bit of fun.

[luke000]

What's the big deal about police carrying assault rifles?

Guns don't worry me, it's the ill intent person carrying the gun

that worries me.

Nothing unless they're part of a goon squad designed to intimidate and then cart people off to the nick when they've done nothing more than go out for a beer and a bit of fun.

May I ask whether you know the reason as to why they were asked to go to the Police station ?

[luke000]

They raid a bar-area mostly visited by a bunch of low-budget wannabe hippies. Honestly who cares?

When they start raiding 5-stars hotels, you should start worrying...

You mean when they start harassing the more decent, sober and upright members of society, like retirees, Hon Consuls, etc.. Perhaps enjoying an afternoon Bridge game..

..Ohh hang on..

The Bridge playing raid was an anomaly , the Police probably had a report that there was many people secretly playing cards and gambling and they decided to carry out a raid

An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!

Really ? The Police have been raiding these kinds of places "for years "?

So, in the last few years, which other places similar to this have been raided ?

[Chicog]

What's the big deal about police carrying assault rifles?

Guns don't worry me, it's the ill intent person carrying the gun

that worries me.

Nothing unless they're part of a goon squad designed to intimidate and then cart people off to the nick when they've done nothing more than go out for a beer and a bit of fun.

May I ask whether you know the reason as to why they were asked to go to the Police station ?

Of course you may ask even though you know the answer.

[luke000]

What's the big deal about police carrying assault rifles?

Guns don't worry me, it's the ill intent person carrying the gun

that worries me.

Nothing unless they're part of a goon squad designed to intimidate and then cart people off to the nick when they've done nothing more than go out for a beer and a bit of fun.

May I ask whether you know the reason as to why they were asked to go to the Police station ?

Of course you may ask even though you know the answer.

If I knew the answer, then I wouldnt ask ?

You wont answer because your first reason that you gave is incorrect .

You stated that all the people who went to the Police station were just drinking beer , I know that that is incorrect and I wondered whether you knew that as well .

[sambum]

In answer to luke000:-

. The Bridge playing raid was an anomaly , the Police probably had a report that there was many people secretly playing cards and gambling and they decided to carry out a raid

An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!

Really ? The Police have been raiding these kinds of places "for years "?

So, in the last few years, which other places similar to this have been raided ?

Are you being deliberately obtuse? This ground has already been covered many times, and at the risk of repeating old dialogue, let me put it more plainly for you as you are having such difficulty in understanding.The Bridge Club had been meeting for years, and as far as I can make out, someone with a grudge reported to the Police that there was gambling going on. Instead of checking beforehand, they went in "mob handed" expecting to find some kind of underground illegal casino, and found a bunch of elderly expats indulging in a Bridge competition, with no gambling whatsoever going on - not even any prizes. The sensible thing to have done would to have said "Sorry, we've obviously been given some wrong information" and walked quietly away, But no, the officer in charge HAD to try to justify that the raid was justified and after trawling through the Law Books, found some obscure, outdated law that said that it was illegal for one person to be in possession of more than 124 (?) playing cards, and hence the arrest of 29 (?) elderly farangs, and worldwide ridicule for the BIB - all because of "face".

However, in answer to your question, I believe that this was a first, and probably (I won't say definitely, for obvious reasons!) the last time that such a place has been raided.

Edited March 13, 2016 by sambum

[luke000]

In answer to luke000:-

Really ? The Police have been raiding these kinds of places "for years "?

So, in the last few years, which other places similar to this have been raided ?

Are you being deliberately obtuse? This ground has already been covered many times, and at the risk of repeating old dialogue, let me put it more plainly for you as you are having such difficulty in understanding.The Bridge Club had been meeting for years, and as far as I can make out, someone with a grudge reported to the Police that there was gambling going on. Instead of checking beforehand, they went in "mob handed" expecting to find some kind of underground illegal casino, and found a bunch of elderly expats indulging in a Bridge competition, with no gambling whatsoever going on - not even any prizes. The sensible thing to have done would to have said "Sorry, we've obviously been given some wrong information" and walked quietly away, But no, the officer in charge HAD to try to justify that the raid was justified and after trawling through the Law Books, found some obscure, outdated law that said that it was illegal for one person to be in possession of more than 124 (?) playing cards, and hence the arrest of 29 (?) elderly farangs, and worldwide ridicule for the BIB - all because of "face".

However, in answer to your question, I believe that this was a first, and probably (I won't say definitely, for obvious reasons!) the last time that such a place has been raided.

If you follow the dialogue in the thread, you will see that I was questioning a person who claimed that raids on such establishments are a common occurrence .

Only your last sentence is relevant to my post and you are in agreement with me

[sambum]

In answer to luke000:-

Really ? The Police have been raiding these kinds of places "for years "?

So, in the last few years, which other places similar to this have been raided ?

Are you being deliberately obtuse? This ground has already been covered many times, and at the risk of repeating old dialogue, let me put it more plainly for you as you are having such difficulty in understanding.The Bridge Club had been meeting for years, and as far as I can make out, someone with a grudge reported to the Police that there was gambling going on. Instead of checking beforehand, they went in "mob handed" expecting to find some kind of underground illegal casino, and found a bunch of elderly expats indulging in a Bridge competition, with no gambling whatsoever going on - not even any prizes. The sensible thing to have done would to have said "Sorry, we've obviously been given some wrong information" and walked quietly away, But no, the officer in charge HAD to try to justify that the raid was justified and after trawling through the Law Books, found some obscure, outdated law that said that it was illegal for one person to be in possession of more than 124 (?) playing cards, and hence the arrest of 29 (?) elderly farangs, and worldwide ridicule for the BIB - all because of "face".

However, in answer to your question, I believe that this was a first, and probably (I won't say definitely, for obvious reasons!) the last time that such a place has been raided.

If you follow the dialogue in the thread, you will see that I was questioning a person who claimed that raids on such establishments are a common occurrence .

Only your last sentence is relevant to my post and you are in agreement with me

No, you were either deliberately misreading MY comment when I said that it was an "anomaly" , or you do not appreciate sarcasm. I suspect both to be true:-

"An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!"

Please note the inverted commas! However, I am glad that you agree with me that such a fiasco should not happen again.

Edited March 13, 2016 by sambum

[luke000]

In answer to luke000:-

Really ? The Police have been raiding these kinds of places "for years "?

So, in the last few years, which other places similar to this have been raided ?

Are you being deliberately obtuse? This ground has already been covered many times, and at the risk of repeating old dialogue, let me put it more plainly for you as you are having such difficulty in understanding.The Bridge Club had been meeting for years, and as far as I can make out, someone with a grudge reported to the Police that there was gambling going on. Instead of checking beforehand, they went in "mob handed" expecting to find some kind of underground illegal casino, and found a bunch of elderly expats indulging in a Bridge competition, with no gambling whatsoever going on - not even any prizes. The sensible thing to have done would to have said "Sorry, we've obviously been given some wrong information" and walked quietly away, But no, the officer in charge HAD to try to justify that the raid was justified and after trawling through the Law Books, found some obscure, outdated law that said that it was illegal for one person to be in possession of more than 124 (?) playing cards, and hence the arrest of 29 (?) elderly farangs, and worldwide ridicule for the BIB - all because of "face".

However, in answer to your question, I believe that this was a first, and probably (I won't say definitely, for obvious reasons!) the last time that such a place has been raided.

If you follow the dialogue in the thread, you will see that I was questioning a person who claimed that raids on such establishments are a common occurrence .

Only your last sentence is relevant to my post and you are in agreement with me

No, you were either deliberately misreading MY comment when I said that it was an "anomaly" , or you do not appreciate sarcasm. I suspect both to be true:-

"An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!"

Please note the inverted commas! However, I am glad that you agree with me that such a fiasco should not happen again.

OK, I was the fist person to state that this raid was an anomaly and when you disagreed with me, you were just being sarcastic and actually agreeing with me .

OK, I didnt spot the sarcasm

[luke000]

They raid a bar-area mostly visited by a bunch of low-budget wannabe hippies. Honestly who cares?

When they start raiding 5-stars hotels, you should start worrying...

You mean when they start harassing the more decent, sober and upright members of society, like retirees, Hon Consuls, etc.. Perhaps enjoying an afternoon Bridge game..

..Ohh hang on..

The Bridge playing raid was an anomaly , the Police probably had a report that there was many people secretly playing cards and gambling and they decided to carry out a raid

An "anomaly" that had been going on for years, and if the "report" had been checked out beforehand, they wouldn't have been left with egg on their faces - oh, sorry I meant "lost face"!

OK, I think that I ve worked it out now, I was talking about the raid being an anomaly , but you were talking about the actual game of Bridge, rather than the raid .

When I stated that raids like this dont happen often maybe you thought that I meant that the actual card game didnt happen often, hence your reply .

[Chicog]

I agree they don't have very often, because the publicity they generate is very, very bad for business - plus it makes the cops look at best needlessly overzealous and at worst, patently stupid.

[luke000]

I agree they don't have very often, because the publicity they generate is very, very bad for business - plus it makes the cops look at best needlessly overzealous and at worst, patently stupid.

Yes, its not as every other Police force in the World ever makes mistakes.

[LivinLOS]

I agree they don't have very often, because the publicity they generate is very, very bad for business - plus it makes the cops look at best needlessly overzealous and at worst, patently stupid.

Yes, its not as every other Police force in the World ever makes mistakes.

Sure.. But not quite so.. Well... Regularly...

[Chicog]

I agree they don't have very often, because the publicity they generate is very, very bad for business - plus it makes the cops look at best needlessly overzealous and at worst, patently stupid.

Yes, its not as every other Police force in the World ever makes mistakes.

Well we all know other police forces that open themselves to ridicule.

[eaglesflight]

I agree they don't have very often, because the publicity they generate is very, very bad for business - plus it makes the cops look at best needlessly overzealous and at worst, patently stupid.

Yes, its not as every other Police force in the World ever makes mistakes.

We're not living in every other country in the world, we're living in Thailand so naturally we discuss the shortcomings of the local police force. If I were back in the UK, I'd probably be moaning about the British police. Are you really so sensitive that you find yourself unable to admit there are things going on in this country that are patently wrong, without trying to justify it by saying that things go wrong elsewhere? A rather strange state to be in if you are.

If I were discussing police brutality in the UK and somebody tried to justify it by saying that cops in the US were far worse, I'd think they were a little unbalanced to be honest with you. It's really nothing to do with the topic at hand what goes on anywhere else. You're trying to make it into a competition between Thailand and the rest of the world. Others are simply trying to discuss what they see as issues with local law enforcement, because this is where we live.