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[brahmburgers]

The following 'Letter to the Editor' was in Nation newspaper, April 30:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
An Indian traveller was detained in Bangkok for [allegedly] stealing a box of cigarettes from a duty-free shop at Bangkok International Airport.  He had paid for chocolates and a carton of cigarettes. The cashier put a packet of cigarettes into his bag and he thought it was a free pack. He was arrested for shoplifting and the Thai police extortion price was Bt30,000 for his release. He spent two nights in jail and paid Bt500 for an air-conditioned cell, Bt200-300 for each visitor, and Bt11,000 for his final release. The police shared the money in front of his eyes. On top of that, he was charged in court and fined Bt2,000 by the magistrate and handcuffed and escorted to his plane. His passport was stamped "Thief". While in jail, his relatives requested help from the Indian Embassy but were told the embassy was unable to assist.

The man shared a cell with a Singaporean on the first night, who paid Bt60,000 for his release. On the second night there was a Malaysian national who paid Bt70,000. Many Asians are victimized similarly daily, and letters and phone calls to the Thai authorities are ignored. This was not in a shop in downtown Bangkok but in a duty-free shop at Bangkok's international airport. Be warned.

[spacefruit]

http://www.thaivisa....is-t257982.html

Previously reported.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a public inquiry into this?

Perhaps a national news paper could actually send a journalist off to interview sales staff / police / airport managers?

Perfect opportunity for some investigative journalism.

Or not. As usual.

[doggie888888]

The cashier put a packet of cigarettes into his bag and he thought it was a free pack????  In this day and age, particularly in BKK airport if anyone puts anything into any of your belongings, surely you'd be be asking some questions. Besides there are CCTVs at the shops, and some are focussed on the cashier, so any such "theft" can be verified.  I really doubt the credibility of this story.  And I wonder what other stamps Immigration uses besides "Thief"...what about "Hitman"? Conman? Drunkard? Rude Bastard?  

[JoeThePoster]

doggie888888, on 2009-04-30 09:30:50, said:

And I wonder what other stamps Immigration uses besides "Thief"...what about "Hitman"? Conman? Drunkard? Rude Bastard?

I heard that there are some passports that have been watermarked - ATM.

[junkofdavid2]

I'm not contesting the fact that airport personnel could be doing this scam.

But to believe that the guy thought it was a "free pack" is complete baloney.

At the very least, it was thought to be a mistake, and then the Indian guy was happy that maybe he could "get away with it".

[merijn]

Why would an staff of the shop put a sigarettes pack in his bag?
What does he has to gain with this, Nothing i think.
I think that there is more to this story like many times.

[brahmburgers]

Even if there is something fishy about this story, it is believable that the punishment goes too far.

Plus, it's totally believable that 'money talks' when a person is about to be, or is incarcerated.   That too, is out of line.    

Far better, that if the clerk suspected a theft, to either deal with it person to person or, if that doesn't work to call authorities.  Regardless, it's better all around if a stern warning be issued - than hauling someone off to a prison cell and letting him know that only a large sum of money will enable him to get free.

Some might say that harsh penalties are needed to 'send a message' to other would-be thieves.  I can see the sense of that argument to some degree.  Yet the trade off, by issuing too harsh retribution, is an on-going bad name for duty-free and for cops/justice system in Thailand.   I never shopped at duty-free - for reasons of never wanting anything they offered, and even what's on offer was always very expensive.   However, I'm now even less inclined to even visit duty-free at a Thai airport.   Not a problem for me, but it doesn't bode well for duty free shops, if a lot of people adopt as similar attitude of cutting a wide swath around duty-free concessions.

[Farma]

It’s common for duty free shops to give free gizits whenever I’ve bought perfumes, makeup and other odds and ends.

If there’s any truth in this story it will make me think twice before accepting them if I ever buy at Swampy duty free.

[brahmburgers]

Bellini, on 2009-04-30 22:49:09, said:

spacefruit, on 2009-04-30 04:17:11, said:

http://www.thaivisa....is-t257982.html

Previously reported.
...

So an email hoax gets sent around the world and some recipients copy the text into a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, some others copy it into a post on an Internet forum, and the majority do the right thing: report it as spam and delete it.

I wish I could be so self-righteously assured about things as Bellini.  It may be hoax, or it may be true.  To me it's believable.   I've posted things on T.Visa before which I've known to be 100% true, yet there are often super cynics like Bellini who choose to poke holes at any story that's outside his scope of believability.

It's good to be discerning in life, but to slap a blanket 'untrue / lies' stamp on everything outside the ordinary is a sad way to go about things.  

Let's see if there are other stories like this - relating to possible rip-off scams by duty free and cops.  If it was a complete anomaly, then perhaps it was fabricated (but why?).   If it was true, then it's good reason to avoid shopping at duty free at SUV.

[AsiaMB]

brahmburgers, on 2009-04-30 07:44:45, said:

The following 'Letter to the Editor' was in Nation newspaper, April 30:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
An Indian traveller was detained in Bangkok for [allegedly] stealing a box of cigarettes from a duty-free shop at Bangkok International Airport.  He had paid for chocolates and a carton of cigarettes. The cashier put a packet of cigarettes into his bag and he thought it was a free pack. He was arrested for shoplifting and the Thai police extortion price was Bt30,000 for his release. He spent two nights in jail and paid Bt500 for an air-conditioned cell, Bt200-300 for each visitor, and Bt11,000 for his final release. The police shared the money in front of his eyes. On top of that, he was charged in court and fined Bt2,000 by the magistrate and handcuffed and escorted to his plane. His passport was stamped "Thief". While in jail, his relatives requested help from the Indian Embassy but were told the embassy was unable to assist.

The man shared a cell with a Singaporean on the first night, who paid Bt60,000 for his release. On the second night there was a Malaysian national who paid Bt70,000. Many Asians are victimized similarly daily, and letters and phone calls to the Thai authorities are ignored. This was not in a shop in downtown Bangkok but in a duty-free shop at Bangkok's international airport. Be warned.

Welcome to Thailand, I am sure the Chief of Police is making his cut too, as well as the politicians......

[chiangmaibruce]

I would suggest that it IS a hoax, refer to another item from a year ago:

http://www.nst.com.m...ional/2515175/1

[mauGR1]

brahmburgers, on 2009-05-01 06:56:53, said:

Bellini, on 2009-04-30 22:49:09, said:

spacefruit, on 2009-04-30 04:17:11, said:

http://www.thaivisa....is-t257982.html

Previously reported.
...

So an email hoax gets sent around the world and some recipients copy the text into a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, some others copy it into a post on an Internet forum, and the majority do the right thing: report it as spam and delete it.

I wish I could be so self-righteously assured about things as Bellini.  It may be hoax, or it may be true.  To me it's believable.   I've posted things on T.Visa before which I've known to be 100% true, yet there are often super cynics like Bellini who choose to poke holes at any story that's outside his scope of believability.

It's good to be discerning in life, but to slap a blanket 'untrue / lies' stamp on everything outside the ordinary is a sad way to go about things.  

Let's see if there are other stories like this - relating to possible rip-off scams by duty free and cops.  If it was a complete anomaly, then perhaps it was fabricated (but why?).   If it was true, then it's good reason to avoid shopping at duty free at SUV.

I don't if it's a hoax or not,but you can be sure,i'll avoid duty free shop at Swampy like the plague!

[pampal]

Don't they sell cigs by the carton only?

[Chivas]

Hoax or otherwise I for one am tired,sick and pished off with the ongoing "rams" that involve everyday life within Thailand.

The corruption is endemic (spelling) but has pushed me personally to the edge of never returning to this country that I previously idolised.

Am very much married but feel that 18 years of life have been close to wasted with these people.

Sorry if that offends some but is not spoken lightly.

Chivas

[sedeflonga]

brahmburgers, on 2009-04-30 01:44:45, said:

The following 'Letter to the Editor' was in Nation newspaper, April 30:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
An Indian traveller was detained in Bangkok for [allegedly] stealing a box of cigarettes from a duty-free shop at Bangkok International Airport.  He had paid for chocolates and a carton of cigarettes. The cashier put a packet of cigarettes into his bag and he thought it was a free pack. He was arrested for shoplifting and the Thai police extortion price was Bt30,000 for his release. He spent two nights in jail and paid Bt500 for an air-conditioned cell, Bt200-300 for each visitor, and Bt11,000 for his final release. The police shared the money in front of his eyes. On top of that, he was charged in court and fined Bt2,000 by the magistrate and handcuffed and escorted to his plane. His passport was stamped "Thief". While in jail, his relatives requested help from the Indian Embassy but were told the embassy was unable to assist.

The man shared a cell with a Singaporean on the first night, who paid Bt60,000 for his release. On the second night there was a Malaysian national who paid Bt70,000. Many Asians are victimized similarly daily, and letters and phone calls to the Thai authorities are ignored. This was not in a shop in downtown Bangkok but in a duty-free shop at Bangkok's international airport. Be warned.

this sounds more like a fake accusation... I received that mail a few month back already and it gets circulated. Yet, the numbers and nationalities are different, funny =)

[sedeflonga]

one note: Why aren't the victims name anywhere to see ;-)

[Igor]

junkofdavid2, on 2009-04-30 12:22:44, said:

I'm not contesting the fact that airport personnel could be doing this scam.

But to believe that the guy thought it was a "free pack" is complete baloney.

Hey, slow down, Cowboy. He was a traveller. Not a long term TV member like you. It's not uncommon for shops in some places to give a free gift with a purchase. Last time I was in Singapore. the duty free included a gift-wrapped miniature of Kahlua or maybe it was Tia Maria, with my purchase of a bottle of vodka. Of course, it was also clearly marked as a free gift. So, whether there is more to the story or not, I don't find it impossible the man would have thought it a freebie.

In any case, this ought to be just one more nail in Thailand's tourism revival coffin.

[Mario2008]

brahmburgers, on 2009-04-30 07:44:45, said:

The following 'Letter to the Editor' was in Nation newspaper, April 30:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
An Indian traveller was detained in Bangkok for [allegedly] stealing a box of cigarettes from a duty-free shop at Bangkok International Airport. He had paid for chocolates and a carton of cigarettes. The cashier put a packet of cigarettes into his bag and he thought it was a free pack. He was arrested for shoplifting and the Thai police extortion price was Bt30,000 for his release. He spent two nights in jail and paid Bt500 for an air-conditioned cell, Bt200-300 for each visitor, and Bt11,000 for his final release. The police shared the money in front of his eyes. On top of that, he was charged in court and fined Bt2,000 by the magistrate and handcuffed and escorted to his plane. His passport was stamped "Thief". While in jail, his relatives requested help from the Indian Embassy but were told the embassy was unable to assist.

The man shared a cell with a Singaporean on the first night, who paid Bt60,000 for his release. On the second night there was a Malaysian national who paid Bt70,000. Many Asians are victimized similarly daily, and letters and phone calls to the Thai authorities are ignored. This was not in a shop in downtown Bangkok but in a duty-free shop at Bangkok's international airport. Be warned.

Let's have a look at this story:

- there are cameras at the airport and they do register
- He paid of the police for 30,000 baht
- he paid of the police 11,000 baht, others paid off much more
- the judge fined him 2,000 baht.
- his passport was stamped thief.

Was the letter perhaps dated April 1?

[Furbie]

Humm, which part of the story is unbelievable? A clerk is in  league with the police to extort someone.   The police accept bribes.    There  is corruption at the airport.  Or is it  the fact all of them are together?  Whether  this happened or not, I do not know.  Is  it possible in Thailand – sure it is.  

    The number of times Thailand defenders have jumped up and  said something is not true only to have it proven true is staggering.

[mrukman]

Last year a warning of a new scam at swampy was issued. It said that because duty free from Europe had to be in clear bags ( which they are) there were spotters in the Airport looking for tourists flying in with more ciggies that were allowed. A pull from Airport security and low and behold your ciggies confiscated and a fine. I read this on several site's. Your Scammed here in Thailand before you even leave the Airport.

[jackspratt]

mrukman, on 2009-05-09 19:02:34, said:

Last year a warning of a new scam at swampy was issued. It said that because duty free from Europe had to be in clear bags ( which they are) there were spotters in the Airport looking for tourists flying in with more ciggies that were allowed. A pull from Airport security and low and behold your ciggies confiscated and a fine. I read this on several site's. Your Scammed here in Thailand before you even leave the Airport.

Hmm.........you seem to be describing the practice of the Thai Excise officers stationed at the airport who legally fine and seize cigarettes from those stupid enough to exceed their duty free allowances.  

Hardly a scam  

Suggest you get in touch with a guy named Emperor_Tud  

[basjke]

mrukman, on 2009-05-09 17:02:34, said:

Last year a warning of a new scam at swampy was issued. It said that because duty free from Europe had to be in clear bags ( which they are) there were spotters in the Airport looking for tourists flying in with more ciggies that were allowed. A pull from Airport security and low and behold your ciggies confiscated and a fine. I read this on several site's. Your Scammed here in Thailand before you even leave the Airport.

Since when cigarettes had to be in clear bags?They aren't liquid are they.

[mamanoodle]

Roll on November 2010 when Thailand has its 14th(and still not sorted it) national anti corruption conference, I kid you not, the ad for conference organiser was in Friday's bangkok post,start date June 2009 to Dec 2010 salary 30,000bt month,apply to the national anti corruption committee??( if you can afford their tea money haha) native English speaker, previous applicants need not reapply.  Hard task obviously, to find suitable applicant who knows absolutely nothing about the corruption in Thailand, but maybe the conference will address, or put a stop to all this,hahahaha!!!