8/5/2023 0 Comments Ride 4 kickzThis announcement followed media reports of fake immigration police raiding condos in Bangkok and demanding to see the Visas of foreign residents. In July 2021, the Thai Government released a warning to foreigners about an increase in reports of scammers impersonating immigration police. These criminals have endless strategies for squeezing money out of tourists and one of those is to pose as a Thai police officer. Watch out for fake policeĪs one of the most-visited countries, Thailand is a magnet for scammers looking to target foreign travelers, especially in tourist-soaked destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Instead, if you do commit a crime in Thailand, act just as you would back home. Beyond potentially offending the officer, you could also be charged with attempted bribery. In attempting to bribe a Thai police officer, you may well land yourself deeper in trouble. Just because Thai people do it does not mean you should, or even that you can successfully. But it is not advisable to bribe Thai police, especially as a tourist with a shallow understanding of how this nation works. Many Western tourists follow suit when confronted by a Thai police officer. Instead of paying an official fine or getting a criminal charge, the motorist is let off after handing over a few hundred baht (US $5 to $20) which slides straight into the police officer’s pocket. This refers mostly to small bribes paid by Thai citizens caught for traffic crimes such as speeding or riding a motorbike without a helmet, both of which are rife on Thai roads. Thai police famously supplement their modest salaries with what is known locally as “tea money”. They will automatically fine you US $15 for each day you’ve overstayed, up to a maximum of US $600. If you remain in the country beyond that, without applying for a Visa extension, you’ll have to explain yourself to the immigration police when you finally attempt to leave Thailand. Tourists from most countries get a 30-day VISA-free entry upon arrival in Thailand. Immigration Police – these are the officers you’ll be faced with if you overstay your welcome in Thailand. For lower-stakes matters, call the tourist police phone line. If you become a victim of a serious crime, visit the nearest police station. These officers specialize in arbitrating arguments between tourists and Thai people, which can be related to theft, scams, road accidents, or financial disputes. ![]() By calling the phone number 1155, a foreigner can request the presence of the tourist police. Made up of Thai officers and ex-pat volunteers, they speak English and wear vests that, in large print, identify them as “Tourist Police”. Tourist Police – Thailand’s main tourist destinations, such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, have special police units dedicated to helping foreign travelers. They are not detectives tasked with executing detailed investigations, but everyday officers whose job is to react to high-volume crimes and maintain order. If you’re driving a vehicle in Thailand, carry an international driver’s permit or, at the very least, your driver’s license from back home.Ĭommunity Police – this description I’m using to broadly refer to the uniformed officers a tourist will encounter on the roads and in the public spaces of Thailand.These locations are where travelers most commonly run into unscrupulous officers. Be especially wary of police who approach you at night on the street near one of Thailand’s touristy entertainment precincts.If you’re being treated unfairly by a police officer, immediately call your embassy. Save the phone number of your country’s Thai-based embassy in your phone.Try to get a witness to your interaction with a Thai police officer, to back up your version of events.Always carry a photocopy of your passport with you to use as ID.This is not your homeland things work differently here. Quick tips for dealing with police in Thailand Quick tips for dealing with police in Thailand.Shares Facebook Twitter Photo © Getty Images Vacharapong Wongsalab / EyeEm ![]() Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |