Crazy Experience in Phuket

LH-limelight on 18/09/2018 - 14:48
Last edited 18/09/2018 - 14:58 by 1 other user

Hi everyone. Just want to share my experience in Phuket last night which I think was truly shocking to say the least. I hope to share this as a warning to others traveling to Thailand and also get everyone's view on what they would have done better.

My wife and I came to Phuket for a quick trip leaving our kids with in laws in Malaysia. So after Walking around Bangala road late at night and we each had one beer at the bar. We headed to our hotel up north on the hired motorbikes (why is taxi so expensive in Phuket?) After a few windy turns, we were stopped by the police. I was feeling comfortable at the start as I know I only had one beer and I assumed that the similar drinking limit applies in Thailand. However after they asked me to blow into the breathalyser, the red light came on indicating high. So they took us to a little station on the side of the road.

We were really shocked at this stage as I have never been caught drink driving/riding before anywhere. I asked for the breathalyser three more times and the same result came up. So the officer told me I need to go jail for the night and appear in court tomorrow and get fined 10000 Bhat which is around AU$450.00. The officer spoke poor English but also managed to show me what he is saying using Google translate. I kept on asking questions and at one stage he went to ask for his "big boss".

The "big boss" came in some what just repeated what the other officer said. At one point I asked them what's the alcohol blood percentage which makes it "high" on the breathalyser as I also noticed that there is low and zero readings. They couldn't tell me straight away but did the test himself which shows zero. I then asked him if I can pay fine now and not go to jail. He reluctantly said it's possible which I know at this stage they are scamming tourist. Heard this happen in Asia but never imagined it happen to myself.

A few other things worth mentioning:

  1. They took my licence and asked me to write my name on a form with no English and they didn't fill it out.
  2. They keep going in and out of the room and speak to each other quite a lot.
  3. I noticed they didn't stop all the vehicle for tests. Assuming targeting foreigners only.
  4. I told them I have flight tomorrow going back to Malaysia so I can not go to court. They asked to check itinerary which I couldn't show they as I didn't have internet.
  5. They are still overall "nice" the whole time which makes me feel calm and kept trying to talk to them.
  6. They asked my wife to go back to the hotel by herself and they didn't even bother testing her. She also had one drink so result which be the same. My wife obviously didn't want to leave in that situation.

After they said I can pay fine now. I insisted that I don't have 10,000 and showed them what's in my wallet. They didn't seem to press me on getting the money which is little weird and keep mentioning about jail and court. I use the breathalyser myself again it's now showing low after about 45 mins but they said it was high before and said I was sitting there for a long time. After a while they caught a British guy who wants to walk back to the hotel to check on his girlfriend but the officer didn't let him. I can't tell if he is drunk or not but he also said he had one beer.

Eventually the big boss told me to do one more breathalyser with another officer filming and said that if it's low then I can go. The result was low and they let us go and kept the British guy there. As shocked as I was for being "caught ", I was shocked that they let me go without paying anything.

I am wondering if anyone had similar experience before and how they went. We really enjoyed our kid free get away till this happened and it would really ruin anyone's holiday. What would you have done to get out of this kinda of situations specially in a foreign country? Be firm and insist on going to jail knowing they probably won't bother? Just pay the fine and take as lesson learnt? Not agreeing to anything they say and not corporate? Asking to speak to lawyer or the consulate?

Sorry for the long first post and I just hope it helps someone when they get caught in a similar situation. Phuket is such a beautiful holiday destination and I really hate to see people not coming here because this kind of things.

Travel Asia Thailand

Comments

    • steven6 on 18/09/2018 - 18:12

      You don't even have to go to another country to get scammed by them. I get plenty of scam calls from a foreign country saying I owe the ATO money or my computer is hacked or I've been in some sort of car accident.

    • ozbjunkie on 19/09/2018 - 17:00
      +3

      I don't want to be agreeing right now, but it's true.

      Thailand, Indonesia, basically everywhere in South East Asia there are street scammers, corrupt police, and it's a pain in the ass.

      Everywhere has street scammers, but the corrupt police is where I draw the line.

      Makes me want to stay away from SEA.

  • justwaitingforamate on 18/09/2018 - 15:18

    Its a hard one… having been in similar situations many times (not drinking but general police opportunism w foreigners), I tend to call the bluff (say ok Ill go to court next month then) but really dependent on the situation. Generally I have a very nominal amount put aside (about half the going bribe rate at the time) and show them that that is truly all I have on me. However that is usually just for the no real laws being broken case scenario, I had a mate that would always carry $300 USD in his shoe and it saved him doing goal time in the"Land of Smile" as he liked his weed(never advisable in a foreign country renowned for police drug scams).
    As a general rule in SE Asia (especially Indo/Thai tourist areas) if you see a cop single you out, grab a handful of throttle and pretend to do a head check, they will 99% of the time wait for the next tourist.

    • jrad0 on 20/09/2018 - 14:53

      Block-quote As a general rule in SE Asia (especially Indo/Thai tourist areas) if you see a cop single you out, grab a handful of throttle and pretend to do a head check, they will 99% of the time wait for the next tourist

      100% agree

    • magic8ballgag on 20/09/2018 - 15:11

      As a general rule in SE Asia (especially Indo/Thai tourist areas) if you see a cop single you out, grab a handful of throttle and pretend to do a head check, they will 99% of the time wait for the next tourist.

      Could you please elaborate? Are you suggesting to just speed off in hopes that the police officer will simply give up?

      • justwaitingforamate on 17/10/2018 - 12:00

        Yes usually they will be standing on an intersection and will see you and start waving through the hordes of other traffic, usually just impulse opportunism with no real reason. When you see them just try to stay in their blind spot using other vehicles for cover. If they are already mobile do not attempt to speed off as they are likely to chase then.

  • tsunamisurfer on 18/09/2018 - 15:38
    +47

    OP is from Malaysia and is shocked by police corruption?

    Dafuq?

    • justwaitingforamate on 18/09/2018 - 15:42

      Well played sir

      • H-limelight on 18/09/2018 - 23:18
        -4

        I am from China originally so definitely heard about lots of scams but it's still shocking when it actually happen to myself.

        • tsunamisurfer on 19/09/2018 - 12:39
          +21

          OP is from China and is shocked by police corruption?

          Dafuq?

    • Scab on 18/09/2018 - 15:50

      He never said he was from Malaysia.

      • tsunamisurfer on 18/09/2018 - 15:58
        +7

        You are right that was not explicitly stated.

        But …

        leaving our kids with in laws in Malaysia.

        I told them I have flight tomorrow going back to Malaysia

        The above indicates his missus and in laws are Malaysian, they would be well versed in the art of dealing with Malaysian Police and Coffee Money.

        The above also suggests the OP has spent some time in Malaysia.

        I expect people in that position to smile and go into auto bribe negotiation mode when approached by (South East Asian with the exception of Singaporean) police.

      • richmond12 on 18/09/2018 - 18:10
        +3

        Prob married asian wife

        • CheapskateQueen on 18/09/2018 - 21:02

          or that they went on a family Holiday to Malaysia and then left the grandparents and kids in Malaysia to continuing to holiday while the parents went to Thailand. you really just can't know.

    • h4zey on 19/09/2018 - 09:41
      +2

      how dare you? are you implying Malaysia has police corruption? That's just outrageous, must you know, it's not only the police!

  • GourmetFoodie on 18/09/2018 - 15:53
    +1

    I remember I had a friend once who did a lot of business in developing countries. Off hand he mentioned how much bribe money he had to take with him, I was shocked, but as he explained to me, things are done differently there. "When in Rome, do as the Romans".

    Sounds like you handled yourself well given the circumstances OP. Maybe a risky move to drive in a foreign country as makes you even more of a target for scams? I'd rather pay taxis even if they're expensive. But otherwise I don't know how you could avoid this, You just have to be prepared for this kind of shit to happen as my friend above did.

    • Jolakot on 20/09/2018 - 12:07

      Yep, only takes one dodgy motorbike rental charging you for bogus repairs to make taxi fees seem cheap.

  • redfox1200 on 18/09/2018 - 15:56
    +3

    lol why did you stop

  • retiredfeline on 18/09/2018 - 15:59
    +4

    They didn't text you to let you know that the breathalyser ambush street changed? :)

    • MessyG on 18/09/2018 - 20:43

      You win this thread. 😂

  • Donaldhump on 18/09/2018 - 16:09
    +8

    my phd was shorter than this story

  • Derrick Crane on 18/09/2018 - 16:14
    +4

    Think the real lesson here is not to ride motorbikes in Thailand.

    • HighAndDry on 18/09/2018 - 16:56
      +1

      More seriously, the lesson is probably "Don't look too conspicuously like a tourist in Thailand", or more universally applicably - "Don't look too much like an outsider anywhere."

    • justwaitingforamate on 18/09/2018 - 17:13
      +2

      I agree but only if you dont ride much normally, it amazes me how many people think it will be a great spot to learn to ride a scooter/moto, especially Bali. Seen far too many surf trips come to an abrupt end this way.

    • neonlight on 19/09/2018 - 14:05

      It would be cheaper in a taxi heh

      • montorola on 19/09/2018 - 21:06

        That taxi would probably take you straight to his police friends lol

      • useruser on 20/09/2018 - 12:32

        Taxi's in Thailand are a bigger scam, especially in Phuket, avoid!

  • HighAndDry on 18/09/2018 - 16:16
    +11

    I assumed that the similar drinking limit applies in Thailand.

    Why would you do this?

    • trev likes bargains on 18/09/2018 - 18:41
      +4

      Lucky you were not caught in the middle East

    • kyoba on 19/09/2018 - 13:56

      Certainly hope OP doesnt think the same with drugs.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/09/2018 - 16:26
    +11

    Common scam.

    The breathalyzer is rigged. Some will show all reads as high (basic rewiring) and some will show high on the next blow if it was triggered by a button.

    They are looking for a bribe. They avoid making it obvious to diagnose your wallet first.

    I've been in this situation before. There's no way out as a tourist. You just have to pay or risk things getting ugly. You're lucky, you didn't happen to have cash on you but sometimes, these cops can be high on ice.

    Cheap holidays don't always stay cheap.

    • Scab on 18/09/2018 - 16:40
      +2

      these cops can be high on ice.

      So instead of a bribe, can you just score off them.

      Reckon if anyone has good shit, cops do.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/09/2018 - 16:54
        +2

        Or they can just make you disappear.

        And it's not going to be the neat and tidy CIA version. It's probably the pig farm version.

        • ihbh on 18/09/2018 - 20:06
          +3

          Or prawn farm version in Thailand.

        • mikstylo on 19/09/2018 - 14:04

          So pigs pee on you instead of CIA?

        • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 14:25

          @mikstylo:
          Interesting how your brain took you straight to pee… but to each their own.

    • bobbieb on 18/09/2018 - 19:47
      +17

      This.

      Unfortunately, you have played the role of unprepared, Farang visitor to Thailand to a tee.

      Thailand is an amazing, beautiful country, but like many non-western countries it is nonetheless a society based on many sentiments and practices that are completely foreign to us.

      Even the slightest bit of research would likely to have led to some very different choices.
      * The Taxi Mafia is well established in Phuket. Shop around, try to find a taxi that will actually use the meter, or at least negotiate a price you're happy with.
      * If you insist on driving or riding in Thailand, you do so in the knowlege that all Farangs have a big target on their vehicles for the authorities. Always have your papers on you, and for gerds sake, don't give them any reason to shake you down. They'll try anyway, but if you give them an opening, you're arguably bringing it upon yourself.
      * Always have a local SIM… and a phone the Thai Tourist Police on speed dial. I'm not sure if they'll get involved once the regular BiB (Boys in Brown) are on your case, but it can't help to try.
      * If all else fails… yes, there are few things that can't be solved by the generous application of Tea Money.

      • H-limelight on 18/09/2018 - 23:20

        Thanks. Noted for my next trip.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 02:01
        +2

        in response (chronological order):

        • you'll never find a taxi that will use a meter in phuket, and you'll never be happy with the price. phuket is the most expensive place in thailand and the most average to visit. spend very little time there if you must and never return.
        • i've known people that have given no reason, full motorbike license, international driving permit, helmet, and no infractions. STILL got fined.
        • tourist police are glorified translators. they'll help you diddilly squat.
        • bobbieb on 19/09/2018 - 19:48
          +1

          Yeah. Bangkok is rapidly approaching the same with regards to meters. Thankfully I've managed to earn my "not-so-stupid farang" badge and can negotiate semi-competently on the rare occasion that I actually grab a taxi off the street. (Uber is very slowly establishing a foothold in many larger cities…. you just need to be willing to board/alight away from any taxi mafia cronies.)

          If you're a westerner and you're driving, then you're a target. In the smaller cities, you will often find that checkpoints pop up on the local arteries occasionally. Pretty much every westerner will be stopped and asked to show papers. It can be an ordeal for a newbie that has done nothing wrong… my point was you don't want to give them a genuine reason to drag you off to the local station, or worse still - spend a few days in the monkey house (with the accompanying very special haircut.)

        • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 23:32

          @bobbieb: BKK is ridiculous now as well, the only time i've not been ripped off is when i grabbed a taxi from way out in BKK suburbs and the guy spoke absolutely no english. didn't even need to ask, just put the meter on. otherwise i'm tired of BKK too. eg. even at the airport arrivals hall every single taxi waiting wanted to rip me off right in front of the legit desk (every taxi the desk sent me to that is). the desk guy then went to a taxi and told him off, but guess what? instead of taking the freeway into town he went by the normal road, claiming 'freeway closed' at the last second before the turn off. he did it so fast that i couldn't object. the price on the meter at the end was the same as the quoted ripoff prices earlier because of extra distance and time spent waiting in congested traffic. i checked google traffic and it was all clear for most of it. my blood was boiling that whole ride because of the scam but little i could do. especially given he was bragging to his mates over some voice group chat app.

          i've also almost been dumped in the middle of nowhere cos the guy wasn't happy about not being able to rip me off. I DON'T HAVE TIME. ME BUSY MAN. etc.

          uber was as expensive as the ripoff prices to/from the airport so it's not always the best bet. it is easier to get around though for short trips with friends in a packed car.

          i'm so sick to death of all this garbage i just don't really go to asia anymore.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 09:14

        A (Caucasian) friend of mine lives in Phuket with his Thai g/f, but he can speak the language and never gets targeted; even with him as an 'escort' I'd never risk renting or riding any kind of vehicle, there's just too many scams and ways of getting into trouble with these kind of things.

  • DarthAntz on 18/09/2018 - 16:45
    +1

    English dude had more money than you had. probably a better t-shirt too. Gotta be thankful for the english sometimes.

    So the real question here is, what did you spend the $450 you saved on?

    • H-limelight on 18/09/2018 - 23:21

      Yea feel sorry for him. It's a young guy and does not look loaded.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 02:09

      So the real question here is, what did you spend the $450 you saved on?

      eneloops!

  • Charybdia on 18/09/2018 - 17:52
    +14

    Nothing to say except I actually enjoyed reading this story. Thanks OP and glad everything worked out okay.

  • Randxyz123 on 18/09/2018 - 18:54
    +3

    First off… 1 beer doesn't necessarily mean you are OK different people have different tolerances.

    Taken straight from smart traveller

    Don't drink and drive.

    which brings me on to your question…

    also get everyone's view on what they would have done better.

    Exactly as above. Seriously Thailand is cheap compared to Australia. How much would a taxi be? $20? Max? You're lucky the police let you off for whatever reason…Do you think they would have cared that you had a flight the next day? Maybe they want to scam tourists out of money and probably had scouts waiting for tourists to leave and radioed ahead but they could've just had easily screwed you over by sending you to jail…

    Instead of asking to be tested 3 more times you should have said (via google translate)

    "I just drank the beer 5 minutes ago". What it was testing was mouth alcohol or you could have been being scammed.

    I don't see how it would ruin your holiday. Don't drink drive. Simple. One of you can be deso or just get a bloody taxi. It's not worth it in these cheap Asian countries where police tend to want a bribe. Our taxes already pay to get enough morons out of jail overseas. Don't be one of them.

  • webtonmoy on 18/09/2018 - 18:57

    My guess, their device might have a special button or something that allows them to control the outcome. When you used it yourself, it became low and they did not push it further.

  • Lexan on 18/09/2018 - 19:40
    +2

    Probably officer gave up scamming you because it was taking too long, proving you had no cash decided to let you.

  • dwillia on 18/09/2018 - 20:05
    +1

    driving/riding up the hill in phuket is asking for trouble at the best of times, let alone even having ONE beer

  • frostman on 18/09/2018 - 20:06
    +2

    3.I noticed they didn't stop all the vehicle for tests. Assuming targeting foreigners only.

    Well considering most Aussies have made a fool out of themselves in Thailand, Aussies there are known to be the Village Idiots, always drunk and easily scammed.
    Blame yourself and the rest of the idiots that have gone to Bali for the wrong reasons over the last 20yrs, we've become target donkeys, sorry

  • Ozbargainite on 18/09/2018 - 20:16
    +3

    Do you have motorbike licenses?
    If you don't your travel insurance won't cover you in the event of an accident.

    • bobbieb on 18/09/2018 - 20:43
      +3

      Even if you have a license and it is recognized abroad, if you've been drinking you can be guaranteed they're gonna take a very close look at any claim.

  • happirt on 18/09/2018 - 20:21
    -1

    you spent a few hours in a police station, nothing happened. get over it.

  • JIMB0 on 18/09/2018 - 20:27
    +11

    Could be worse. I know a bloke who went to the same area and came back with a wife. Its cost him a lot more than $450.

    • meatgasm on 18/09/2018 - 23:49
      +2

      Wife or Husband ? 🤔🤔🤔

  • MessyG on 18/09/2018 - 20:46
    +1

    Pretty classic for Thailand. Just be glad you didn't end up at a full moon 'VIP' party where the tourists all get their drinks roofied and robbed blind while they're passed out.

    • H-limelight on 19/09/2018 - 01:57

      Haha I actually did many years ago. Lucky didn't have much valuables on me at the time. I didn't learn my lesson I guess.

    • BartholemewH on 19/09/2018 - 09:56

      I was under the impression that getting roofied was the reason for going.

  • Sunshines bright on 18/09/2018 - 21:40
    +1

    My Partner and I visited Thailand a few years back and we rented a motor bike to get around Pattaya. They had "stings" all the time at different locations, where they pulled over foreigners my partner had left his licences in OZ so we tried to avoid those locations. Then one day they decided to put one up just in front of the police station and we were driving by… and bam!!! just like that we get pulled over. He was checking licenses. Partner was driving and decided to show the cop mine with no bike code. We ended up paying a fine - maybe 400 bhat, but then they allowed him to drive the bike away, LOL, even without a proper license.

    • manbearpig on 18/09/2018 - 22:03
      +1

      Wow, I was typing the same experience as you at the same time lol.

    • H-limelight on 19/09/2018 - 02:00
      -1

      Yea i don't have motor bike license either. Would have happily paid 400 bhat rather than wasting an hour then drove back in the rain afterward.

    • Dumax on 19/09/2018 - 11:56

      That was the case up until recently. Apparently now it's a 1000THB fine plus they'll impound the bike (which supposedly costs the company 2000THB to get back). Ostensibly this is due to foreigners using rented bikes in the commission of crimes…welcome to the Happy Zone.

  • manbearpig on 18/09/2018 - 21:42
    +1

    When I went to Phuket 2 years ago, my friend said everyone rides scooters without a license, and that I shouldn't worry. We went ahead and rented scooters. On the second day,we got pulled over at a police checkpoint. They asked for our licenses, and since I didn't have one, I was taken to a police tent where the boss was sitting. I was freaking out thinking it'd be serious (imagine if this was in Australia), but in the end the 'fine' was only 1500 baht, I signed a form, and they gave me a copy of the form and said, "If the police stop you again, just show this form and you won't have to pay again". So that form was effectively a temporary license. They then let me go on my way on the scooter…

    So yeah, it's just about making money for them.

    • Sunshines bright on 18/09/2018 - 21:53
      +1

      I imagine that was the same for us, using the slip of paper showing we paid a fine for a license.

    • TheBigShort on 18/09/2018 - 23:32

      Yeah same thing happened to me, but had a feeling the fine price was dodgy, so I bargained it down to 500 baht.

      I was right since no paperwork was needed according to them, so I said at least give me something in case I get pulled over again.

      Cop ripped a page from the calendar and wrote his details on it, struggled for a bit as there wasnt much white spacing on it.

  • hawkeye on 18/09/2018 - 21:50

    Next time just blow in the machine and say "see pia yet moo hee see pia yet moo hee" and bow a lot

    • Wally on 20/09/2018 - 17:03

      lol

  • Herbse on 18/09/2018 - 23:41

    Given the full story, sounds to me like the machine was working properly and you had driven too soon after drinking which picked up the alcohol on your breath.
    The cops could have just booked you and locked you up. But gave you a chance. Not much of a scam.

    Anyone visiting Thailand need to know the location and numbers for the Tourist Police. These are dedicated police who speak English and are hired specifically to keep tourists safe from scams and corruption. They have small stations in every popular town. Ask for them if you get pulled up.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 02:07

      this is also a possibility. the sensors are really sensitive so if you chug a beer it takes some time for it to get an accurate reading.

      i'm sure the corrupt boys in brown will have a line if you ask for them: SORRY TOURIS POLIS ARE SLEEP NOW.

  • belongsinforums on 19/09/2018 - 00:08

    Got stopped in Thailand once on a bike. Was about to bribe to make him go away, then he suddenly let me go. Good times

  • Samsungnote10 on 19/09/2018 - 00:10
    +2

    Many lifetimes ago. I was in a touristy area of Bangkok.

    There was a restaurnt bar that had a sign every night that said half price cocktails all night or until 12am or some such.

    I walked past it every day since it was near my hotel.

    One day me and two friends decided to try it, we saw the half price sign with the table of sample cocktails at the front as per usual.
    Had a lot of drinks and surprise surprise, when the bill came it was full price.

    We argued and argued and conveniently. The sign had disappeared and the table had gone too.

    Refusing to back down got the manager/owner involved who came up with the excuse, that promotion is only available certain days per week, and hasn't been on this week.

    Out of principal and being stubborn, we refused and told them to call the cops.

    Moments later 3 to 4 cops come, and we get taken away to the police station with the waitress.

    For some reason the police station they take us to. Is 20vmins away.
    By this time we're getting pretty scared.

    Once we get to the station, the waitress is in tears, but we still stand firm
    The cops seem confused as to what to do.

    We were there for 4 hours, and in the end we agreed to pay half way as we were exhausted.

    We told our experience to. Other people and more seasoned travellers or expats, and we got called idiots, which is fair enough.

    But I hate getting taken advantage of

    • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 02:05

      you're lucky the waitress didn't make up a story (in thai so you don't understand) that you sexually assaulted her, or worse.

      hell, she probably did and that's why they were confused :P

      thailand typically despises foreigners that don't cave into their little scams. sometimes tourists are seriously assaulted (beaten to near death for mere cents).

      • Samsungnote10 on 19/09/2018 - 09:07

        Yes agree.. Luckily one of the three was a girl, however, I said to the girl, you shouldn't be here, your boss should be here.

        Since we were in the police car for 20 mins we did think that maybe we were going to get beaten up or taken to somewhere and man handled

        And had we got hurt in the process we would have regretted it big time.

        Another one of our friends had a similar but more scarier experience with the ping pong shows where they were told free entry and when it was time to leave getting charged a fee as well as a few extra drinks

        • dasher86 on 19/09/2018 - 10:45

          This happened to us the first time I went to Thailand.

          We made enough of the scene that they just wanted us out of there (scene in that other tourists could see something was up).
          We paid what we owed for drinks and left.

          They didn't try to stop us after that as we were a big enough group and stood firm.

        • thatonethere on 19/09/2018 - 13:09

          @dasher86: In those areas best to pay as you go - too risky having a tab.

        • dasher86 on 20/09/2018 - 09:47

          @thatonethere:
          as above first time in thailand ~10 years ago.
          I've learnt many a things since then.

    • Lockieasy on 19/09/2018 - 20:05

      I've never heard of that one, but it sounds like such a dumb scam to upfront piss off their customer base like that. Especially when the customer has all the leverage since they could just walk out without paying anything and before any cops arrive.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 04:10

    Phuket bikies

  • elgrande on 19/09/2018 - 06:37
    +2

    I like how you said that you have never been "caught" drink driving….

  • Peck on 19/09/2018 - 07:37

    Maybe it was a scam. Maybe you were over alcohol limit. Pay and move on. I have Long experience in Thailand and have seen that they love to stop motor bikes to make pocket money. Especially like to stop the Chinese in Phuket. Not sure if it is for helmets or what.

  • DarkOz on 19/09/2018 - 09:19

    leaving our kids with in laws in Malaysia

    Lesson learnt, OP. Next time take the kids too.

  • mcsere on 19/09/2018 - 09:21

    heading in a week, so interesting. been many times before and never had issues on motos. But now as I get on I'm a bit more cautious. So just to be clear, if in Australia I only have a car license, does this mean a) I can be fined for not having license in Thailand and b) more importantly if I did have an accident I would not be covered by my insurance. Finally, how was the weather???

    • abb on 19/09/2018 - 12:09

      Smart Traveller can probably answer your licensing question, or otherwise try the Thai embassy or Thai tourism authority.

      As for insurance you need to check your specific policy.

    • Morien on 19/09/2018 - 13:19
      +2

      Thailand has car licenses AND bike licenses. A car license won't cover a bike, and vice versa. A foreign car license doesn't even need to cover a car, as it is a foreign license. Whether police take issue or not depends on them, but they would be entirely within their rights to fine you (usually about 500 baht per infraction).

      Every insurance policy I have seen has stipulated that you cannot be illegally driving (whether intoxicated, or from lack of valid license) in order for it to cover you. But as abb said, check with your policy.

      • useruser on 20/09/2018 - 12:47

        Don't know why you got negged, this is the exact correct answer.

  • DiscoJango on 19/09/2018 - 09:41
    -4

    Shit hole corrupt 3rd world country who's gdp benefits from tourism yet screw over those same tourists. Vote with your wallet and dont visit that country.

  • Duram on 19/09/2018 - 10:36

    Don't drink and drive, let alone in a third world country ripe with corruption.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2018 - 10:47
    -1

    There are three sides to every story. Yours, theirs, and what actually happened.

  • Keeegs on 19/09/2018 - 11:05
    +1

    Lol same thing happened to my mate who was there for 3 days and all 3 days got stopped at the very same spot for the very same thing.

    Just tell them you did this with the police yesterday and the police will know the gig is up and let you go. That's what he did for the second and third day

  • boostpak on 19/09/2018 - 12:08

    catch a taxi next time if you are drinking, they aren't that expensive 5-10 bucks tight ass

  • Morien on 19/09/2018 - 13:13
    +3

    Legal limit in Thailand is 0.5mg for those with a valid license for more than 5 years, 0.2mg for those with a valid license for less than that.

    A valid license means valid in Thailand. An Australian license, while occasionally accepted, is not legally valid outside of the country (or even state, in some cases).

    As a 78kg adult male, my blood alcohol concentration level is an estimated 0.009 g/100 ml 30 minutes after drinking one standard drink (according to http://www.alcoholhelpcenter.net/Program/BAC_Standalone.aspx)

    Assuming you had a pint of 5% alc (473ml) 30 minutes prior and are roughly the same weight as I am, your BAC would be almost 27mg at the time of the breathalyzer.

    Assuming my maths is right, and assuming you held a valid Thai license, you were driving drunk according to the laws of Thailand.

    The cops weren't trying to scam you, but they did eventually take pity and let you go because they are overwhelmed with tourists doing worse, or simply didn't want the headache or were actually being nice.

    According to WHO, Thailand has the second highest road traffic fatality rate in the world at 36.2 per 100 000 with an annual estimate of over 24 000 deaths or 66 deaths every day. They take drink driving VERY seriously.

    • TheBigShort on 19/09/2018 - 14:36
      -1

      If they weren't trying to scam him then they definitely weren't taking drink driving as seriously as we do.

      According to OP, they gave him a chance to pay the fine before appearing court and enabling him to skip the whole process, very dodgy. Good chance they were even going to let him ride home after if he paid the cash straight away.

      Why do you think they are number 2 in fatailities? Its simply because they don't take many driving laws seriously.

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