Police checkpoints in Hua Hin

[buksida]

Don't film them, apparently they can bust you for that as well as this dude found out:

A motorcyclist started filming at a police checkpoint in Hua Hin after he was fined for not having a license.

He was warned by the head of the checkpoint that if he posted the clip with inappropriate information he would be in trouble.

https://www.dailynews.co.th/regional/694132

[Big Boy]

This country's laws never fail to amaze me. Defamation of character because he filmed them fleecing him

My feelings are mixed - it was a fair kop, they had him bang to rights. However, 200 Baht for no helmet or licence - is that the correct penalty? If not, how do they explain failing to impose the correct punishment?

[europtimiste]

No helmet: BHT 200, No driving license: BTH 400.
So this idiot should be happy with only 200 BHT.

[Thistle]

there is not a single rental place in HH which informs people of the consequences of no license/helmet,,,,,,,,,,,,they want your money,,,,,,,,,,,,,not interested in the fact you will be fined 1 km down the road going to the beach, not wearing the said helmet and your license is from the UK but not acceptable here.

[HHTel]

He was warned by the head of the checkpoint that if he posted the clip with inappropriate information he would be in trouble.

It's not the filming, it's the posting. A while ago, the public were encouraged to film the police. Nothing wrong with that. But posting it is another matter.

[Gregjam]

I had an interesting discussion the other day regarding licences. My understanding of Thai law which is borne out through checking various websites etc (no doubt someone will correct me if I am wrong) is that a tourist with a photo licence with english print from most countries is legally acceptable in Thailand. I do specifically say tourist as those of us on non-immigrant/working/'retirement' etc visas have to have a local licence. As usual it is a case of are you going to argue with the local plod and end up at the police station rather than pay 200 baht and be on your way quickly. I always recommend that friends get an IDP as this works also. Whenever I pass one of the checkpoints and am stopped I always have my Thai licence ready and keep the truck/bike insurance up to date. Although I carry my passport I must admit that once they see the Thai licence it is rarely asked for. The police here are not stupid and are aware how much a visit to the station to sort something out can put a sizeable dent into a holiday versus paying the on the spot (and inconsequential to the tourist) 'fine' and carrying on with your holiday adding it to the list of experiences while here.

[hhinner]

Don't film them, apparently they can bust you for that as well as this dude found out:

A motorcyclist started filming at a police checkpoint in Hua Hin after he was fined for not having a license.

He was warned by the head of the checkpoint that if he posted the clip with inappropriate information he would be in trouble.

https://www.dailynews.co.th/regional/694132

As I read the article he didn't film them. He only posted photos along with "inappropriate" language stating they asked for a bribe as well as the fine for not having his licence with him, for which he got a receipt. The cops obviously deny doing anything wrong. So he's now facing a computer crime penalty for posting false information. A clip would have been better, but a photo proves nothing in this case.

[2dandan]

In the past week I have seen Police road checks outside the Police station, on Petchkasem Road at Market village, on the Black Mountain road near to the indoor tennis court and most significant of them all at the main railway crossing next to Big G supermarket.

Last night there were about 20 cops out at the crossing stopping every bike heading towards town and telling drivers to get off the bikes.

There appeared to be about 50/100 riders milling about and many were in a very large queue to pay “fines” at a temporary manned desk.

It appears that the going rate for Falang...no driving licence... is now 1000 baht.

[europtimiste]

In the past week I have seen Police road checks outside the Police station, on Petchkasem Road at Market village, on the Black Mountain road near to the indoor tennis court and most significant of them all at the main railway crossing next to Big G supermarket.

Last night there were about 20 cops out at the crossing stopping every bike heading towards town and telling drivers to get off the bikes.

There appeared to be about 50/100 riders milling about and many were in a very large queue to pay “fines” at a temporary manned desk.

It appears that the going rate for Falang...no driving licence... is now 1000 baht.

If farangs are stupid, good for cops.
They should go to police station, they will pay the official price and get a receipt.

[buksida]

Hua Hin is a police state - it has a reputation for this sort of stuff which doesn't happen in normal Thai cities.

[Big Boy]

My son called a Grab taxi to take him home from Hua Hin Hospital at about 3am yesterday morning. When the taxi arrived, the driver said he could only make the journey if my son had his Thai ID Card on him (not a problem, we always carry our documents).

The taxi driver said the latest police (scam) checkpoints being set up on Sois 88 and 94 after midnight were checking documentation i.e. Thais had to have their ID Card and Farangs had to have their passports. If they did not have them, on the spot fines were being collected.

I have no proof, but don't think my son would make it up, and why would a taxi driver lose a potential fare after driving to pick him up?

It just reminds me of Nazi Germany and people being stopped and asked for their documents.

[stretch]

I though all you must carry your passport at all times.

[Big Boy]

Not a problem for me, but it will be for many.

I think we all know the law, but after midnight on side streets - really? Smells of scam, and not an authorised initiative.

[STEVE G]

Not a problem for me, but it will be for many.

I think we all know the law, but after midnight on side streets - really? Smells of scam, and not an authorised initiative.

Yes, I can see why you would have a drink driving checkpoint after midnight but a documents check seems strange.

[europtimiste]

Not a problem for me, but it will be for many.

I think we all know the law, but after midnight on side streets - really? Smells of scam, and not an authorised initiative.

Yes, I can see why you would have a drink driving checkpoint after midnight but a documents check seems strange.

They need money for a happy new year.