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From 2022 to 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Thailand. It’s a country full of rich culture, friendly people, and, of course, mouthwatering food. Thai hospitality is second to none, and I made unforgettable memories there. However, one thing I hadn’t anticipated was the reality of police corruption, which I encountered firsthand on more than one occasion.
Bangkok: A Close Call
My first experience with police corruption happened in Bangkok. While walking down the street, I was stopped by motorbike police for no apparent reason. I wasn’t doing anything wrong and couldn’t understand why I was being singled out. Luckily, I was right in front of the Wyndham Residence, where the staff knew me. The police asked where I was staying, and I pointed to the building directly in front of us, replying, “Right there.” As soon as they realized that I was staying at a reputable location, their demeanour shifted, and they decided to drop it. They left without any further confrontation, but it was a clear example of the “random” targeting tourists sometimes face in Thailand.
Chiang Mai: A Military Salute Saves the Day
In Chiang Mai, I was stopped by the police while riding my motorbike and questioned. After a brief conversation, they let me go. A couple of days later, I found myself in a similar situation—police officers were about to stop me again. This time, I decided to try something different. I had noticed at the airport that police officers were giving military salutes to each other, showing a deep respect for military customs. So, I decided to give them a military salute as well. To my surprise, it worked! The officers were clearly pleased by the gesture and let me go without any further hassle. It seems that the military salute shows a deep level of respect for the police, and they really appreciate it. This military culture runs deep in Thai law enforcement, and adopting this approach turned out to be a smart move.
Phang Nga Bay: Cookies for the Police
One of the most bizarre incidents took place when we were visiting one of the islands near Phang Nga Bay, famous for the nearby James Bond Island. While travelling through a remote village, we came across a police pickup truck that was blocking the road. The officers approached us, smiling and acting very friendly. But as it turns out, their intentions weren’t exactly noble. After conversing with my Thai friends, it became clear that the police wanted money or alcohol in exchange for letting us continue our journey.
Since we didn’t have either, we ended up offering them something entirely unexpected—high-quality European cookies! Remarkably, that was enough to satisfy them, and we were allowed to go on our way. It was both amusing and shocking to see the extent of police corruption in Thailand, where even something as trivial as cookies could serve as a bribe.
Final Thoughts
While my time in Thailand was overwhelmingly positive, these encounters with police corruption were a stark reminder to stay alert as a foreigner. It’s important to remain respectful and understand the local culture, but also to be aware of the less savoury aspects that exist beneath the surface. Whether it’s dodging a bribe or charming the police with a salute, navigating these situations with a mix of caution and cultural awareness is key. Stay safe, and always be prepared for the unexpected!
Alberta, Canada
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