150829 There seems to be an increase in police checkpoints

Thursday two checkpoints. First time I was asked if I had my drivers license. As I reached for my wallet I was told to go.
Second time, as I raised my helmet visor, I was told to go.
Friday evening again as soon as I raised my isor I was told to go.

Seems like there are a lot more road checks these days compared to years ago. Then again it could be because it's at the end of the month and last chance to raise funds for the month.




In twelve years I've probably only been stopped a dozen times, five times this year.  My drivers license was checked twice. More often I am asked "where you come from, or where are you going."

The funniest roadstop I witnessed. A guy with girlfriend as passenger on a motorcycle slowed down as if to stop. When he reached the cop he sped away. A dozen cops standing around just laughed.

Then there was the time when a lone cop on the highway flagged people to stop.  No one stopped

Police Story Thailand: Episode 2

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Bangkok late 1990.
I arrived at the Bangkok airport (then Don Muang), cleared customs, exchanged a few travelers checks and was about to get my bearings, when a uniformed policeman smiled that Thai smile: "Can I help you?"

I was looking for the limousine desk to hire a car to Pattaya.
The kind uniformed policeman offered me a bit high, but agreeable price, took my bag and invited me to follow him.

Down the stairs we went to the garage level.
I had the strong sense that something was amiss. The officer reassured me everything was "kosher."

We left the airport for a short ride to what looked like a police motor pool.
I was to be transferred to a more suitable car for the trip.

The policeman suggested he receive a tip. I was flabbergasted. We agreed on a price, tip included.
I wasn't about to pay extra.  Motor pool mechanics chuckled.  They seemed to understand my reasoning.

I am now in a newer sedan with no apparent markings with the exception of a two inch POLICE decal on the windshield.


Rocket Man

I met the driver. Early twenties.

The express toll way to Pattaya was under construction.
It was the old highway with plenty of construction detours and delays.
Freight trucks en route to the southern port slowed traffic to a crawl at times.

The drive should have been close to three hours. We done it in one hour, 15 minutes.
The ride was actually quite comfortable.  The driver was very sensible in his driving.
I don't remember tensing up one bit.  Then of course, a can of beer at hand helped calm me.

At times we used the temporary construction roads, closed to general traffic.
A bit dusty, but we passed all the congestion around construction areas at top speed.

A few speed radars along the way.  The cops with the radar guns waved and smiled at the driver.
They apparently knew him or recognized the decal.  We never slowed down.

As I remember it, when we encountered an open stretch of road we exceeded the speed limit by 30 to 40 kilometers.

I did tip this driver generously.  It had been a very pleasant, safe and speedy trip.
The car needed a washing.  It looked like we had been four-wheeling through the mudflats.

Police Story Thailand: Episode 1

There are many horrid stories of foreigner encounters with the Thai police.
Unfortunately the pleasant encounters with the "Men in Brown" are seldom revealed.
"Police Story Thailand" is a series of articles revealing my encounters with the Thai Police.
Police encounters aren't always the most pleasant...  but in retrospect....

Episode 1: Kalasin Police
I admit, I had a few drinks before deciding to take a crotch rocket (motorcycle) journey. 
The cool air of the Phu Phan mountains quickly sobered me.
I don't know if it was my timing, or if someone had called ahead. 
At each police check along the way, cops seemed to wait for me to pass, before they shut off the lights and called it a night.

It was after midnight when I arrived in Kalasin.  I had no idea where to locate a hotel for the evening.
I stumbled upon the Kalasin police station.  It was a very hot and humid night.  All police staff where sitting on the steps outside.

I asked for directions to a hotel.  Blank faces stared at me. 
I used sign language, placing my hands next to my face, indicating sleep.  They understood.

I was given a police escort to a nearby hotel.  I was directed to a guarded parking area.
The police officer confiscated my luggage and escorted me to the hotel registration desk.
One hundred baht for the night.

The officer, my luggage in hand, escorted me to the room.  He inspected the room before letting me enter.  He placed my luggage in the room, handed me the key and motioned me to lock the room.
He refused my offer for a tip and wished me a
"Good Night."