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gusto102 · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 44

I am sure that most foreigners here can relate a bad experience either they or someone they�ve known has had with the Thai police. I don�t know if anyone is clear in regards to the details involved in this shooting. One would think that there is more to this story than what the Canadian woman described. But this is Thailand and there seems to be a huge overlap between law enforcement and organized crime. This type of behavior happens all the time here as the Thai police are infamous for their gangster-like mentality. There was just recently another sad incident involving a karaoke singer who had her arm chopped off for refusing to go with a Thai police officer. The guy will probably get a slap on the wrist. Thailand would be better off without the police� or maybe a good dictator to get rid of the rampant corruption that runs through every level of society.

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

Once corruption is that institutionalized it becomes very difficult to get rid of. It's not helped by the pathetic wage structure of most Thai cops either.

I think a general raising of salaries, interest free mortgages, cheap vehicle loans etc.. with severe penalties for corruption might be a start.

When a government gives people badges, uniforms and guns with little salary, what do you think the message is? "Go and make your own money, we gave you the tools dammit!"

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 7:14 pm Post subject:

gusto102 · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 44

Maybe I did over generalize a little with that statement. I am however very surprised that you�ve been living here 6 years and haven�t known anyone that�s had a bad experience with the Thai police. Just the other day, my friend was fined 500 baht on the spot by the police for not wearing his seat belt while seated in the passenger side of a taxi. It really doesn�t matter where you hang or what circle you hang with� sometimes foreigners are just prime targets for them. Easy money I guess.

laconic · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:10 am Post subject:

I've also lived in Thailand for six years in two different large cities. I've never had a problem with the Thai police and whenever I've encountered them they have been friendly and helpful. Does this mean bad things don't happen? No. It just means that good things happen, too.

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

A guy dies and a priest asks for someone to read a eulogy. Everyone looks down and shuffles around uncomfortably. Priest says "someone must have something good to say about this guy!" An old man at the back says "Well, his brothers were worse."

I've seen worse, much worse corruption than Thailand but it doesn't make it right. Most Thai friends of mine recognize a problem so it does exist. I haven't come up much against it myself though.