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Thailand Police Officers

Now, I know that many expats and visitors alike have a negative view of the police here in Thailand but, for myself I've found them to be friendly and helpful. YES! I'm not joking. I have NEVER been asked for some bribe money by any of them. I've NEVER been given a ticket for an expired registration though it's been expired for nearly 2 years.

I DO wear my helmet always - not so much being compliant with the rules as I am trying to save my grey matter. There are a huge number of accidents involving motorbikes here in Thailand - my friend was one, and I don't want to be another traumatic brain injury data point in that statistical survey.

I lived in Ubon Ratchathani for 18 of my first 20 months in Thailand. I drove a motorbike for all of this time. I was stopped by the Ubon police 16 times. During my first 18 months I was also stopped 4 times in Phuket town and Patong beach area. I always had my helmet on. Though after the first year I could speak some conversational Thai I NEVER did to the police. NEVER EVER speak ANY THAI to them or they'll immediately get a different opinion of you - and treat you as an expat - a resident - and not a tourist. If you speak no Thai you are a tourist. They think of you that way. They'll wave you on with a "Bpy... Bpy" (Go- go).

That was Ubon. In Phuket things are a bit different as the police speak very good English comparatively and they are quite sure what you need as proof to be driving there. When I showed my Florida driver's license the man handed it back and said, You need MOTORCYCLE license, not just car. I persisted over the course of 10 minutes and finally he relented... I persisted that in Florida my automobile vehicle driver's license WAS the same as a motorcycle license. I was lying of course - it is NOT. But, I sure didn't want to leave my motorbike and walk to the police station to pay the 300 baht and then return with the receipt to get my motorbike.

Another guy was there trying the same move - but he was from Canada. I'm not sure how he faired. If you are persistent and speak as if you KNOW what you're talking about - most police don't want to have anything to do with you.

Another time I had rented a motorbike in Phuket and the Police officer that stopped me said he wanted to see my license. I told him the rental people kept it. I pointed to a number on the rental contract that I INSISTED was my driver's license number for my motorbike license and he let me go.

When in doubt - do NOT speak Thai to the police officers and do not give up - you'll probably get your way. Thais' don't like confrontation - even the police. Now, if you don't have your helmet - that's a different story. Try to give the guy 100-200 baht and get out of there - otherwise you'll go to the police station and pay it and waste some valuable time.