Thai police at checkpoints. Dos and Don'ts - what if they ask for money?
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- After some recent, highly publicised incidents, Thai police are under the spotlight for their behaviour at checkpoints. Whilst an extortion situation is rare, you should know the best things to do in a situation like this. Tim will go through his best tips for a situation like this.
The VAST majority of times, Thai police will be helpful and polite.
Tourist Police phone number, anywhere in Thailand - 1155
Tim Newton Today is a daily, independent look at Thai and south East Asian regional news.
Fantastic advice.... I would add if your standing face to face, stand respectfully... Thai greeting (wai) feet together, slight bow of head with hands/palms together 🙏 wai ! touch forehead..... show respect .... will get you the best outcome.
We had our car towed away and had to go to police station to get it back.... the original officer said go to station big fine, taxi driver said big fine...
But with being polite, respectful and apologising no fine and drove away.... standing quietly with feet together and wai to every question, worked for us.
I have had a police officer stopped me two years ago who did not ask for driving licence or insurance just demanded B400. I pulled the keys out of the motorbike and ask him why. He said speed in between two districts. I asked him for evidence and he said he did not need any evidence. I asked him if he wanted to see my driving licence, insurance or see the tax disc and he said no. I then asked him for a ticket and politely told him my motorbike has cameras and has been recording the incident. At that point he said he was not willing to issue a ticket and I can just go. They are corrupt to the bone.
They only have a salary of 10000-12000 Baht. Nobody can feed a family with that , so they have to try to make some extra
@@_Alfa.Bravo_ yes pitiful to earn meagre income, definitely too low to support a family. Is there extra allowances etc
Well done Tim and excellent advice, this is why we watch you, keep up the good work. Believe me if you have the correct documents and are doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about, but if you have not worry!
Definitely never raise your voice, not just at the police, keep cool, calm and be respectful, even if you feel you're doing nothing wrong, it's the best and quickest way to resolve any issues here, unless you broke any laws, you're not in any trouble here.
Brilliant video, great advice, short and precise information, 1155 super nice people 🙏🇹🇭🥳
excellent reminder of some sage advice for travelling world wide. Thanks for the Tourist Police details, I hadnt realised they were contactable country wide on that number. Cheers Tim
Tim, that’s brilliant straight up, good honest advice without waffling or padding….
Thank you
I live in Thailand for 6 years, driving a car and working here. I have been stopped countless times and never had any problems. My way of dealing with it: Learn the local language and speak it fluently, get proper drivers licence, drive a legal car, pay taxes and insurance, don't drink while drive, don't take drugs, have a proper visa. With all this I think I can stay years longer without getting into trouble.
You raise an interesting point Jan. I have been advised to always speak English as no matter how good my Thai might be (and it isn't) they will always speak better Thai, while I will always speak better English.
I hope your viewers have listened very carefully about your advice. You are 100 per cent correct. Been living in Phuket for the past 15 years. Have had many interactions with Police. All very good. Never a problem. Maybe just lucky.
I have to admit at the beginning of this vid I was a bit skeptical with what possibly could be presented. But, you were spot on. Well presented with some valuable advice indeed.
Thank you.
Excellent Tim. Saved this video as an essential resource
Great advice Tim. 'Rogue' police stops do happen, in CM I was once stopped by 3 young men in uniform. In 8+ plus I never paid any fines, keep your documents in order and no probs.
Excellent advice, thanks Tim
Fantastic advice, in 27 years here only paid fines 3 times. In left lane turn left only. I going right, fair cop. Bought a car, not have tax disc but have book say tax paid. I wrong pay fine immediate go DVLC and get copy disc, last year check stop my DL out of date. Polite talk and officer say so renew today which I did. Easy
Excellent advice Tim, thank you 🙏
Excellent and helpful information. Thank you.
Good advice, thank you.
I appreciate your comments. Having said that, on 2 occasions I was accused of, once running a red light and once speeding which I knew was a total lie. I protested vigorously and was sent on my way. The red light was being , supposedly, calculated by 3 cameras that was pure bullshit. The speeding charge was also as I was running on my cruise control and when I suggested he was wrong, he sent me on me way. Don't get me wrong, I am a retired Police officer and the scams didn't set well with me. The few times I was speeding and got stopped I paid the tea money with no question but don't try to screw me over please.
Police should never have anything to do with handling money.
That is a criminal act.
All fines should only be paid directly to the courts.
Previously the Thai local police were able to set up check points on their own initiative and these were 'end of the month' affairs. Most of those that were stopped had out of town license plates. This Farang went through so often that they just stopped me for a chat, told me to learn the Lao language etc.
But recently I get stopped much less frequently and I drive a lot, The last time I paid money to go on my way the policeman saw inside my wallet and asked me for the contents... my saying no cost me 30 minutes travel time, I needed a break anyway.
My refusal to admit responsibility for a motorbike collision (definitely not my fault) resulted in my waiting 10 hours a day for two days at the police station, ฿800 fine. Up to you....
I'd go so far as to say that this advice applies to most police in South East Asia. Imho, the key thing is really not to lose your cool and start making demands.
In Chang Mai it's a daily ritual on the key road's leading to the popular mountain route's. Basically if you don't have an international driving permit, then expect a 500 baht fine.
Great information cheers. 🙏🙏
Great advice Tim, thanks.
Not sure though if I would like to call my country's consular services. In the last 20 years (200,000km), I have been stopped maybe 5 times. Twice I've been at fault (speeding and a wrong left turn). Both times a friendly attitude saved me a lot of hassle, and I never had to pay any fines. The other stops were regular alcohol checks, no problem at all.
I have driven motorbike maybe 200km and had 5 ticket. All the same reason no international driving licence
@@tatukallas how much fine for no IDP
Good advice, Tim!
Hi Tim . Thanks for you update . I agree with you 100 % . The stop me so many time the last 20 years Im issan and I never have to pay some fine . I only can say respect the law and you will never get problem in Thailand . Tim have a nice Monday and stay safe there .
Same here, never had any problems with bribes or anything, just be polite, talk slow and calm, if ever I meet a police officer that wants money, 1155 and take it from there or just let my missus talk, they'll be leaving quick 😁
Good Intel Tim.
Cheers
Thanks for the excellent advice. Awhile ago you told us that photocopies of our passports were sufficient. That is what I carry. Is this still the case?
Yes. I believe so. Also have a copy on your phone.
Good information. 👍
Yes Tim, your number 1 rule is indeed the most important: Djai-yen = heart cold ... to stay cool. Thank you for your good advises!
Thanks for this. Never sure when having this knowledge is going to pay off.
Your garden is looking good.
Great advice 👍
Great practical advice as always. I agree it is critical not t9 loose your control, and avoid the Police losing face in any situation.
This is fabulous content
100000% agree
I am in N. America and we have the same problems with Mexican Police. Thailand must change their procedure, where no money will be changing hands between police and violators.
All good advice
You HAVE to have the documents. i dont leave my place without them in my bag under the seat. I have photos of my passport and licence etc on my phone and my visa stamp and a colour copy folded in my pocket. That way im always at ease... Passport remains locked in the safe.
Reasonable advice IF in Bangkok or where there are Consular officials and Tourist Police.
A 23 year veteran of State, Federal & external territory Policing including at an overseas Mission I would disagree with offering to or going to a Police Station.
If stopped for an alleged traffic infringement I would also demand an official ticket and not pay corrupt police lunch money. I’ll happily pay full price than lunch money IF I actually committed an offense and stopped for it. What I won’t do under any circumstances is pay bribes. I don’t give a rats about saving face. That’s on them.
Sound advice, Tim, I hope never to be in a situation like this, but you never know.
Just respect the law and everything will be fine .
Very useful, thank you
Been here 15 years. Been ok. Living in australia before. Thailand is pretty fair just do right all good
Been in Thailand over 30 times. This is very well described how it works. All the times I have got in to trouble and has been in the situation to pay the police is when riding a scooter. In the police checkpoints anything can happen. A good advice is to skip renting a scooter. The latest I saw last week in Krabi was two Thai people that looked a tourist scooter with a chain, and then claimed that the tourist had scratched theirs. A sad show to watch when it ended up that the couple (a guy and his girlfriend) had to pay them self out of the situation.
I have been driving a lot all around in Thailand as a tourist last 15 years. Been stopped a very few times but never had any problems other people seems to have with the police. I always have my passport, driving license and International driving licence ready in hand when approaching a control post. Most of the times they just wave me trough on the go. The very few times I have been stopped, the police just have a short look at the papers and off we go with a smile. Never had any issues with the police. But I have friends complaining they have been distorted for money several times.
Context...are your friends legal.
@@horsetrader6154 Yes. They are retired there with Thai driving license.
Thumbs up 👍 Khun Tim…..Can I call you if a situation arises? 😮
I think the tourist police will be a lot more helpful 👮♂️
I got stopped 5 times in 1 day about 4 years ago in Chiang Mai, 3 times by the same cop, I asked him if I get air miles and he smiled but was a bit uncomfortable, I had my helmet, Thai license tax insurance, etc. so they could not hit me for anything and just gave me a disappointed "you can go"
Thanks
Can you just carry a photocopy of your passport? I keep mine in a safe at the hotel.
To be valid the copy of your passport should be legalized: main page with id data, pages with entry stemps and visa!
If you have a thai driving license, a copy of the passport (not legalized) and good manners is could be enough to convince them, but don't count on it
I know you can. But it always depends..💁🏻♂️
@@luceinbattaglia9425 I just realized I make copies of it before I go, but they probably want to see the 30 day stamp, so it may not be easy to find a photocopy store in Thailand. I don’t always carry a smartphone
@@mmaranta785 its very easy to find photocopy shop in Thailand. Immigration has officially said that photocopy of first page and stamp/visa is enough for them.
I got caught up in an airport drug bust going from bangkok to melbourne. The thai airways flight had to turn around and go back to bangkok due to ENGINE failure! I was terrified that the plane would blow up, i started to cry wondering how id ever get home, but i got badly ridiculed and picked on for accepting the kind offer from thai authorities for a free weeks accommodation all expenses paid if i got my bags off that fated flight. Dispite the aiport authorities being so nice to me, stating " its okay, between you and me...its a drug bust, your plane isnt doomed to crash but lets extend your lovely holiday, bring your family here if you want ....just tell us how they upset you...etc..A large group of criminal gangters were arguing, threatening me stating that i was a fool for not knowing it was a drug bust and thanks to me getting bags off, it meant these 5 men were going to get arrested in thailand, the entire flight, all went against me wanting to get off for my generous 7 day extended stay in a 5 star hotel but the kind police saw i was travelling alone, innocently and could of easily been set up in melb so we decided to support the thai police decision to do the right thing as they read out a long list of shocking crimes involving violent robberies, kidnapping extortion etc..in thailand one of these guys was accused of raping and attempted these guys were definatly wanted and deserved the book thrown at them, i agreed on paper that these crimes were too serious to ignore....i got death threats once i left thailand ...thankgod thai authorities bothered to follow up this group of thugs who were on false passports...they called me the fool!! Idiots
I and ex-wife got pulled over on motorway in Bangkok about 12 years ago by motorbike cop and he demanded Bt 1500 for me not having a seatbelt on.I was in total shock,cos I'd been stopped a few weeks before for exceeding the speed limit and that fine was just Bt 200......I wonder was the motorbike cop even real
Thank you for high lighting the number 1155 for touristpolice again. Its now in my contact list.
I never had any real problems with the Thai police, and the times I got a fine, it was justified (speeding, 90 where 80 was allowed, one time no seatbelt)
I only got frustrated once when apparently we parked with the nose in the wrong direction...
That was a lesson for me to dive deeper into the traffic laws of Thailand!
400-500 THB, nothing serious.
My Thai wife insists on longer trips that she goes with... Because she knows..... 555.
Usually friendly police officers, and when you read how little they get paid....
If you ever are in need of assistance from police, make sure you have gifts. Stock 10 bottles of Thai whiskey, and one good brand for the leader of the investigation.
We once had a problem, Thai police drove 30 minutes to hour home with 7 officers, parading around, peeking around, "intimidating" looks ...
That was enough to get the "misplaced" (lost/stolen) funds back again. 555...
And obviously for this service you are supposed to give gifts, that doesn't have to be money
Its useless to call ones embassy or consular official. They can not get involved in judicial matters on your behalf
I won't talk to them near my place where they always wait in the dark on the highway, I always ask them politely to come with me to where other people are, they always can't be bothered and tell me to leave, I live near the Cambodian border, just isn't safe where other people can't see what's happening
I got stopped, he took one look at me and said "go" then saluted me! lol
And no I am not famous or anything. Of course, it was not in Pattaya and was close to Lopburi so maybe less cops there speak English and did not want the hassle??
Well, that’s a lot of help🥴
I used to live in Kanchanaburi Province and was stopped regularly as they are constantly checking for illegals from closeby Myanmar. 99% of the time on seeing a foreigner I was hastilly waved through, according to my wife probably because they likely did not have any Engish and did not want to lose face trying to communicate. They looked very surprised to see a foreigner. Only one time did a very senior looking RTP ask for my passport in very good English and then proceeded to joke around with me for about 10 minutes, much to the annoyance of the other minvan passengers. In 6 plus years this was the only dealings I had with the RTP other than home visits after extension renewals, which were also very amicable. Howwever i do agree with all your advice, let's hope I never need it.
Luckily due to my "mental issues“ I’m very slow to answer questions anyway and they’ll probably lose interest in a minute
WOW, I was living in Pattaya 24 years ago for 2 years, but then it was very different
Yes I agree with you but 24 years ago the traffic and the law was not the same . Take care always and be safe
Yeah, just stay cool. I have been pulled out of a taxi late at night for no reason other than I am a foreigner, numerous police officers trying to rifle through my pockets. Keep calm, don’t give them any reason to get angry try to keep it humorous. In the end I was sent on my way👍👍
You must have the guilty look that some people show!
@@gregb1599 The look of a foreigner with money😉
Question for you Tim. I'm British, but have permanent residence status (Green Card) in America. I fly on a British Passport. If I ever need consulate assistance do I contact the Brits, American, or both?
You’re a British citizen so start with the British consulate general or Embassy.
Be careful with "on the spot fines", which I'm guessing is a euphemism for bribe.
At more sophisticated shakedowns in Bangkok, they'll wait until you offer money, then do you for attempting to corrupt a police officer - which as you can imagine - is a serious (read very expensive) offence.
A 200bt fine can turn into an attempt at serious extortion. You can be looking at big money.
There are actual checkpoints where on the spot fines are given for no international license or no helmet. You will get a receipt.
I keep a copy of passport and visa page in my car at all times. I 'yellow highlight' the dates of entry and visa expiration. I also have photo copies in color on my phone! In 37 years of living here I have never had any issues with Thai police. Be polite, smile, don't get angry and show respect! It's not 'kiss ass' at all. We are only visitors here!
Well.. it's normal conduct in phuket that police collect money from tourist. Before fine was 500, but now it's 1000thb. Money is have to give secretly and they don't give ticket. If ask they said that have to go police station.
phuket's a bit crazy, didn't have my driving license with me, asked me for 1,000 baht. ended up giving them 200 and some change under the clipboard, and was on my way.
My experience of being stopped recently was I'm sure they weren't really cops there shirts didn't have any name badges. And they didn't ID me. Yes keep cool and be polite, and they will hopefully go away 🙏
Tim, You are basically correct in what you are saying. However if you speak Thai well and follow the law, there is a different way of doing things. By giving money to a police officer you are just helping corruption so it will never end and corruption will get worse in Thailand. By giving money to a Police officer you are also committing a criminal offence. When I get stopped I always speak English and when they start to ask for money I swap from English to Thai.
Hi Tim, may I ask how prevalent these checkoints are and which town's, cities or areas are you most likely to come across them?
Many thanks
Mostly tourist areas where foreigners are more likely to be riding their motorbikes without a helmet.
@@timnewtontoday Many thanks and love your content buddy 👍
In Phuket they are all over the Place. I got stopped 3 times in 5 days off season
Great and unfortunately correct advice , but Its just sad that we have to encourage corruption to stay safe .
Maybe better refuse to pay '1000' thb on spot , for small things like driving licence , tax plate , or so , just go to station later pay fine and pick your documents
It's extortion plain and simple. They have always done it, are now doing it and will continue to do it. I could give many examples but it the same story over and over again.
We were stopped 5 timers in one day. The first time and second time we paid a fee(LOL). Always hide your money, just keep a little in your wallet. So they will take only that.. After that we just kinda played stupid the driver would never look at the policeman that was waving us over. We just keep going. They never chased us, for them to chase us they would have to not got money from all the cars behind us. You may say that was wrong but it worked. These stopped were alway on the highway.
Why did you have to pay, what did you do?
Nice background in this video
Funny the first year here in the NE sticks I only had my country license and got stopped weekly… and twice no helmet.. usually had to cough up 200… when I got legal on the licenses car and moto I never got stopped again… wanted to pull up and say hey I’m legal…555 life is funny sometimes
Unfortunately police asking for 'presents' or 'gifts' is not a problem unique to Thailand. It happens in many countries, just the amounts demanded are different. Same Same but different.
Jerry
If you do not do anything wrongs, we should stay firm not to bride the police...is wrong
If general advice is not to go with police officers even to a police station then there is serious something wrong with the country or the police organisation. Sadly, I tend to agree with Tim, as disturbing as it may be.
Amazed me that in Bangkok there is several shops where any person can buy a full Police uniform with no questions asked I went in one of these shops that also sold other professional uniforms. I'm clearly a 6 foot 3, Brit but was not refused entry to this shop. Holsters for guns where for sale so I'm certain hand guns would be also for sale maybe needing legal paper work as hand guns where on show. Seemed very odd when story's of fake Police are common place in Thailand.
I lived in Phuket in the 80's. There were photo shops with a complete range of 'fake uniforms' that you could be photographed in! The Graduation gown and 'mortar board ' hat , whilst holding a fake diploma scroll was a popular theme! One wonders if any potential job opportunity was taken using these ruses?
The real cops have to buy their uniforms themselves from the same shops...so they are probably not fakes
..."protecting fellow Thais and extort money from foreigners" hahahah
I had a vaping device they requested 3000 baht tea money or go to jail
I read about the smoking ban.but the 5 metre ruling.are there cafes in Bangkok where you can enjoy a coffee and a smoke at a table anywhere?
yes, but probably not in the center, and always outside.
Sukhumvit soi 4 everywhere
Why haven’t you mentioned about the Chang elephant yet? Or did I miss it😢
We’ve mentioned it on both the weekend live programs with a link to the story in the description
Yes well, am I entitled to ask for a ticket or a receipt of a paid fine or a policeman will loose face for that? It happened to me frequently that my money was rolled out and put into policeman's shirt pocket for offences like not wearing a helmet or not having a current international driving permit. Not to mention rates depended how touristy area was - sticky subject corruption.
How to tell between real and fake police?
Check their uniform, name tag, ask for ID and call for some witnesses around you to watch what is going on. And make sure you are in a well lit area.
Most are legitimate ha ha ha
I've never driven a motorcycle in thailand, only a car but in the accumulated almost year of time spent there (majority in chiang mai). I have never been pulled over or had to pay a bribe at a checkpoint.
I'm US passport, white and my thai is awful. Maybe the checkpoint guards feel sorry for me. 😅
A chap l knew who died last year was racing another car and was stopped for Speeding. He had a cholostomy bag. The Policeman asked his wife what the bulge was. She said Cancer. The Policiman panicked dropped his book and said go, go go!
He obviously though it was contagious. So it's worth putting a cushion under your shirt and tell them you have Cancer and on the way to hospital.
You state that most police just want to uphold the law, but the recent allegations regarding a huge system-wide bribery organization managed by the Bangkok Police Chief & requiring all police stations to make contributions of at least ฿3 million a month reflects rather poorly on every officer in the Thai Royal Police. It’s hard to imagine a system like this operating without ^every* officer being aware.
Lol, just pay the 500 baht. Everyone’s happy . I’ll take this money grab over Australias extortion any day of the week
Pay 500 for what? What did you do to have to pay 500 every time you get stopped?
@@JanBadertscher exactly , they only charge you 500 if you’re not doing the right thing. I’ve never been fined for being innocent.
Making it sound like this is a shakedown place to be, it's not like that, if you f up, you'll get fined, if you're just some random nice and well-behaved guy, they couldn't care less about you.
😀👍
………BUT I AM AN AMERICAN !!!!!!!!! 😂
I totally agree if you are in the wrong negotiate and pay them off DO NOT GO TO THE POLICE STATION! If you go there you will end up paying EVERYBODY there.
Pulled up by the high way Cops a few times on visits to Thailand. Pattaya on a Checkpoint and Showed my P Drivers licence, So giving a 300 baht fine demand in paper to be payed at central police Station, So back on bike 🙄 and Straight off to pay it.. 😂
Polygraph all the police to root out the bad uns
Starts at the top Bro.
BTW, what are your thoughts on possible hurdles once again for tourism to Thailand in 2023 ?????? I saw this article (Tasty Thailand) which made a few references: According to Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, however, “New measures are necessary because Thailand is a major destination for travellers from many countries including China, but the measures must not be discriminatory”.
In other words, as we can’t discriminate against the Chinese, we will just go ahead and discriminate against everyone instead.
Due to mandatory vaccinations for a visit to Thailand now re-emerging this year, this will mean another hit to the Thai tourism industry as few other countries require a Covid-19 vaccination for entry.
There won’t be ‘mandatory vaccinations’. It’s impossible to predict the rest of this year but I think the worlds economies and slipping into recession is the biggest threat to Thai tourism in 2023
Never heard of mandatory vaccinations regarding COVID?! My wife has zero jabs, many people I know didn't get a vaccination, I got my second shot only to be able to enter here, but 2 weeks after I got it, restrictions were lifted, need it to enter Lao tho
When covid came police debts must have gone throught the roof houses cars all not paid for lost reposesed but l never saw it had to happen how could it not !
Give them enough to buy dinner. Usually 100baht is the going rate.
traffic police have no rights to ask you for your passport
They are entitled to ask you to produce ID at any time.
If you are driving, you should have your drivers license. That should be enough
@Joe Dirt
You can be stopped walking in the street and asked to produce your passport. Their country and their rules.
@@timnewtontoday Fine, but not in your interest to hand over your passport.Hand over a copy of it.....Uk passports are the property of HM government and I would say the same for the US and Australia.But yes try to remain calm.
I meant to say 100 Baht per officer.
It is kind of gross you advocate paying on the spot, advising people to be corrupt. Unless you or your children are starving, in dire need of every baht, just go to the police station to pay up.
We don’t advocate anything. Just explaining your BEST chance of getting out of the situation with the least amount of fuss. Of course you’re well entitled to insist to go to the police station etc. we would just warn people that this is often a poor decision, in Thailand.
Gross? 😳 gross is wasting a day / night being shuffled by bureaucracy and end up paying more 😂
@@internetmarketerbr1800 What you say may be accurate. Nevertheless, it is a corrupt action to pay bribes. The least you may do to redeem your actions : never complain about corrupt police, after all you are on their side.
Poor sods get paid so little. They even have to buy their own uniforms and weapons.
They do not get paid so little now. That was 10 years ago.
... and shoes
@@gordonduncan8892 14000-15000 B , that is still not enough for flat, wife and kids
@@clivebaxter6354 They need their "side" money!
I love the local police traffic check points pulling over us scooterers.. . I have my Thai licence my helmet and my bike registration and never drunk- i have a big polite smile and thank them for the work they are doing.. Always a positive engagement both ways.. I love seeing them pull over the tourists often without any of the above - and see them getting fined. The tourists complain BUT they wouldnt ride without a licence or helmet or registration in Europe etc.... so i got zero sympathy for them. 55555
I agree with you 100% . The stop me so many time the last 20 years im issan and I never have to pay some fine. I can see only respect the law and everything will be fine .
I enjoy that very much as well. I don't understand how everyone thinks they can spend their holidays in Thailand and suddenly not have to follow any rules, like it's the wild west.
@@JanBadertscher yeah agree. - its weird.. i would like to see 24hour scooter confiscation as well as (or instead of) fines - that would really change peoples behaviors and level of compliance to the laws. i would like to see fines issued to those riding around on a scooter without a shirt on as thats considered by most as disrespectful to Thai culture... and perhaps if the belly hangs down to touch the scooter seat a larger fine... its gross!!! 555555
This is why nobody goes to Thailand anymore 😊
The arrival figures would not support your contention.
You mean the 30 MILLION expected in 2023? Keep smoking with "Crack Hunter Biden" and don't post here.
Yogi Berra would say “no one goes there anymore, it’s too crowded”
@@MalMilligan down from 40,000,000 pre Covid-19
@@MalMilligan be nice brother
Does Habeas Corpus, when you consider an illegal detention, work in Thailand or is that only for civilized countries?
I would say Thailand IS a civilized country. Habeas Corpus exists in Thai law.
@@timnewtontoday I hope that the police, if they stop me illegally, know what habeas corpus is and not that my wife has to go to court to request it. I think the boy who had six bags placed over his head and suffocated, petitioned for habeas corpus and that was the response of the police. Amazing RTP.