Thailand police and bribery
Discussion
Grrrr just got to have a rant about this.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
Largechris said:
Grrrr just got to have a rant about this.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
You need to learn whatever Thai is for "take me to the police station". They don't want anything on record for obvious reasons as that would expose then, so you'll find their response to that is they suddenly forget the matter and wave you on.Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
It's the same here in Mexico. They target the tourists and gringos, especially in hire cars as they know all the hire companies, what make and colour cars they have, then camp out 200 yards down the road and pull you over for allegedly turning at a junction where you're not allowed
. "Vamos a la estacíon" or "Dame una multa" always brings a swift end to their "modida" nonsense and you are waved on your way with your wallet intact.Learn some Thai!
Edited by r3g on Sunday 13th November 03:54
r3g said:
Largechris said:
Grrrr just got to have a rant about this.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
You need to learn whatever Thai is for "take me to the police station". They don't want anything on record for obvious reasons as that would expose then, so you'll find their response to that is they suddenly forget the matter and wave you on.Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
It's the same here in Mexico. They target the tourists and gringos, especially in hire cars as they know all the hire companies, what make and colour cars they have, then camp out 200 yards down the road and pull you over for allegedly turning at a junction where you're not allowed
. "Vamos a la estacíon" or "Dame una multa" always brings a shift end to their "modida" nonsense and you are waved on your way with your wallet intact.Learn some Thai!
LaterLosers said:
Personally I found the people in Thailand far worse than the police. Bangkok was one massive confidence scam, the entire city seemed in on it.
I’ve not been for many years so I’m surprised you mention Bangkok for this. I’ve had similar experiences in Marrakech and Venice but know others that have had great trips there.
Every city has its scumbags and sometimes they’re official ones. On a short trip, it’s just down to luck whether you run into them or not.
I spend six months of the year in Kenya
The police will man a road block, stop random drivers with a view to carrying out a roadside MOT and document checks.
The norm is to slip them a 100 shilling bribe into the newspaper folded under there arm and you’re on your way.
For me, I’ve never succumbed. If I’m stopped I make it absolutely clear I’m not going to be messed with and I’m on my way poste haste.
Same at the airport or anywhere else you come into contact with frontline public service.
Bribes exist because people are weak and think it helps. The opposite is true.
The police will man a road block, stop random drivers with a view to carrying out a roadside MOT and document checks.
The norm is to slip them a 100 shilling bribe into the newspaper folded under there arm and you’re on your way.
For me, I’ve never succumbed. If I’m stopped I make it absolutely clear I’m not going to be messed with and I’m on my way poste haste.
Same at the airport or anywhere else you come into contact with frontline public service.
Bribes exist because people are weak and think it helps. The opposite is true.
LaterLosers said:
Personally I found the people in Thailand far worse than the police. Bangkok was one massive confidence scam, the entire city seemed in on it.
You just made me properly LOL drinking my coffee in bed :-)I'll be back in BKK in three weeks.l love the place but you are absolutely correct, they are all in on it! :-)
I have said to other new travellers asking advice, many times, "if someone in Bangkok offers you help or advice without you first asking for it, then it is 100% a scam" :-)
This backfired on me last time I was there. I asked tuk tuk drivers at the end of the KSR/Rambuttri for a ride to a specific night market. "It's closed" is what I got back from several. Yeah yeah, I know that one. The grand palace is often "closed" and they take you to their brothers jewelry shop instead. I'm no idiot. I eventually convinced one it was not closed and he took us. 1 hour chaotic tuk tuk ride later we arrived at the closed market. We all laughed, driver included , turned around and went back. We thanked him for the tour of Bangkok's finest traffic. :-)
r3g said:
You need to learn whatever Thai is for "take me to the police station". They don't want anything on record for obvious reasons as that would expose then, so you'll find their response to that is they suddenly forget the matter and wave you on.
It's the same here in Mexico. They target the tourists and gringos, especially in hire cars as they know all the hire companies, what make and colour cars they have, then camp out 200 yards down the road and pull you over for allegedly turning at a junction where you're not allowed. "Vamos a la estacíon" or "Dame una multa" always brings a swift end to their "modida" nonsense and you are waved on your way with your wallet intact.
Learn some Thai!
Have you tried that in Thailand? Curious? The Thai police can be a bit "random". I got away with a helmet (less) fine as I chose a ticket over an on the spot fine, which I of course threw in the bin. My bungalow owner, Kun, was astonished they offered me a ticket and called them stupid! :-)It's the same here in Mexico. They target the tourists and gringos, especially in hire cars as they know all the hire companies, what make and colour cars they have, then camp out 200 yards down the road and pull you over for allegedly turning at a junction where you're not allowed
. "Vamos a la estacíon" or "Dame una multa" always brings a swift end to their "modida" nonsense and you are waved on your way with your wallet intact.Learn some Thai!
Edited by r3g on Sunday 13th November 03:54
I've sat next to a drunk copper in Kanchanbury, holstered gun and all, would not leave us alone and we felt really rather unsafe.
And their prisons sound like somewhere I'd not want to see the inside of for one single day.
r3g said:
Largechris said:
Grrrr just got to have a rant about this.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
You need to learn whatever Thai is for "take me to the police station". They don't want anything on record for obvious reasons as that would expose then, so you'll find their response to that is they suddenly forget the matter and wave you on.Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
Edited by r3g on Sunday 13th November 03:54
More police you see the more you have to pay.
Largechris said:
pork911 said:
'bad' corruption is that which hinders you, 'good' corruption is that which helps you.
Are you opposed to corruption generally or just bad corruption?
Come again?Are you opposed to corruption generally or just bad corruption?
r3g said:
pork911 said:
Worst advice ever.
More police you see the more you have to pay.
You don't pay anything. You file them in the bin and then get on with your day.More police you see the more you have to pay.
pork911 said:
r3g said:
Largechris said:
Grrrr just got to have a rant about this.
Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
You need to learn whatever Thai is for "take me to the police station". They don't want anything on record for obvious reasons as that would expose then, so you'll find their response to that is they suddenly forget the matter and wave you on.Bangkok police jeez. Pulling over all foreigners next to a toll booth and doing the whole "1500 Baht" (40 quid) or a ticket (ticket for "changing lanes".)
Negotiated down to 300 Baht, cash obviously.
I know Thailand's had some turmoil over the years, but its my third time here and it's the same or similar nonsense every time. Really, really aggravates and leaves such a bad taste.
When will these sort of countries cut out this crap.
Edited by r3g on Sunday 13th November 03:54
More police you see the more you have to pay.
Absolutely stupid advice. They'll take you in and increase the "fine" whilst threatening to throw you in the monkey house (jail). The more you try to assert your "rights" the more people you'll have to pay to get out of there.
The helmet fine is just a thing you accept for flagrantly being able to ignore the law (Thailand is supposed to be dry during most daylight hours, as you enjoy that lunchtime Singha).
Cops in Thailand will think nothing of chucking you in the holding cells where.you will be roughed up. In the Philippines the Roz will.at least do it themselves.
There are two ways to look at this (as someone who spends 4+ months of the year in Thailand):
1) It's wrong and I shouldn't have to pay this shake down and ill stomp about it
2) Everything has a price, including a life, and I can't change that so I'll just laugh about it, pay the fines as and when...and then realise that if I'm rich enough I can do literally whatever I want, whenever I want here and the worst that's going to happen is it costs some money.
I enjoy living my life with attitude number 2.
1) It's wrong and I shouldn't have to pay this shake down and ill stomp about it
2) Everything has a price, including a life, and I can't change that so I'll just laugh about it, pay the fines as and when...and then realise that if I'm rich enough I can do literally whatever I want, whenever I want here and the worst that's going to happen is it costs some money.
I enjoy living my life with attitude number 2.
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