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.Racket or corruption? |
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| Every job has its own
way of making a little something on the side
- more or less honestly. For those of limited
means, most choose to turn a blind eye but
when it concerns the Kingdom's police force,
what should we think? |
| ©
http://www.bangkok-thailand.org |
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| At the crossroads of Phetchaburi
and Rama IV Roads in Bangkok a driver's changed
lanes in an unauthorised place -as if that
never happens! In this case he didn't get
away with it -he was booked |
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| .Driver's
licence, please! |
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>> Everyone knows
it but it's not really talked about, apart
from over a beer in a bar between friends
perhaps. The Land of Smiles' police force
take advantage of their status to boost their
low income. For drivers at fault, this practice
is a good way to avoid a larger fine, but
for those who've done no wrong, this forced
understanding appears more like a racket.
There are periods where, for no reason, controls
by the police are strict and incessant. Why?
Does the government choose sporadically to
be more repressive? Does it need more funding?
Or are the police, pushed by a sudden over
zealousness, working for their own gain? Anyhow,
these many roadblocks on the country roads
or even in town, stop every car whether they're
at fault or not.
The policeman with his face is hidden by large
sunglasses (LA police style) and a white mask
(like Dr. Doug) - perhaps to conceal his usual
good nature - demands with the utmost gravity
to see the supposed offender's driver's licence.
Having no choice, the driver complies, asking
the officer the reason behind his questioning.
Unlike the amount of the fine, the reasons
are not clearly stated, but in a matter of
seconds, the officer has made it clear to
the driver that for a few Baht (sometimes
100) the incident will be forgotten. (/LA) |
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Breast
Bouddha
Thai
police officers do 
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