[quote name='poldebol' date='2009-07-20 22:34:53' post='2883823']
A few months ago, I read the travel advice given by a few embassies. Most of this advice was about the same things you read in many travel books: never point with your feet, how to wai, do not touch the head etc.
I think the Danish embassy has done the right thing. More embassies should do so. The problem is that embassies are more interested in the economic relations of their country with Thailand than with the fate of their citizens staying here.
Nevertheless, what is on paper has to be recorded and is annoying to them.
Therefore it is not a bad idea if foreigners who stay here comment on the so called travel advice of their embassy. A good written comment about the real dangers facing tourists in Thailand might even get your national press. Do not exaggerate, stick to the facts. Do not let the paranoia of TV influence you. After all, would you rather stay in Chechnya?
Just found this on the Thailand Travel advice on www.fco.gov.uk
You should also be careful to observe demarcation lines between shops and stalls, particularly in market areas and at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Taking items from one shop’s area to another is likely to be treated by shop staff as suspected theft. You may be arrested by the police and asked to pay a substantial fine and/or face imprisonment.
0
Danish Embassy Warns Against King Power Dutyfree
Started by martin81, 2009-07-20 19:49
#77
Mrjlh
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:15:06
The video is pretty clear as to what happen! There's no deception here. It's posted on Youtube. Again people start bashing without knowing all the facts. Fairly standard on the board.
youtube.com/watch?v=RbEN13z9Be0 #78
samjaidee
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:16:15
to samjaidee living in vietnam in reference to the video shown this evening by channel 5, the video narrator went on to say that the couple was arrested when they were in an eatery, sitting at different tables. when the man saw the arrest of the lady, he walked away but was later arrested too. the shoplifted item (it looked like a dark wallet to me) was not found on the couple when searched. the missing item from the shop was later found in a trash can. and in reference to the poll, just set up by thaitv--it needs to be much more specific for the poll to be meaningful. pls have someone from statistics 101 tries his/her hand on it.... lol (i like thaitv ok) I've amended my post having seen the video. There's not much doubt she stole it. #79
Serpico
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:18:56
to samjaidee living in vietnam in reference to the video shown this evening by channel 5, the video narrator went on to say that the couple was arrested when they were in an eatery, sitting at different tables. when the man saw the arrest of the lady, he walked away but was later arrested too. the shoplifted item (it looked like a dark wallet to me) was not found on the couple when searched. the missing item from the shop was later found in a trash can. and in reference to the poll, just set up by thaitv--it needs to be much more specific for the poll to be meaningful. pls have someone from statistics 101 tries his/her hand on it.... lol (i like thaitv ok) I've amended my post having seen the video. There's not much doubt she stole it. I agree. And the cops exploit it. These people were terrorized by airport Police! #80
ukrules
Super Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:20:08
The video is pretty clear as to what happen! There's no deception here. It's posted on Youtube. Again people start bashing without knowing all the facts. Fairly standard on the board. youtube.com/watch?v=RbEN13z9Be0 You're right, it's crystal clear, I'll summarise it for you : Hundreds of tourists have been accused of shoplifting (irrelevant if they did it or not), instead of being booked and charged with a minor offence something else happens. Then they are kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in a hotel while the corrupt officials and a foreign outsider who masquerades as a negotiator attempt to extort as much money as they can from you with threats of further imprisonment if you don't comply. A payment is then made by the victim and then they are released. It seems very clear to me. #81
mrtoad
Titanium Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:20:36
The whole way it has been handled is a disgrace, and the fact that there appears to have been nothing done to deal with the blatant extortion only makes matters worse. The usual way of trying to shift blame rules here.
I don't believe for one moment that Sri Lankan Tony isn't "working" without tacit approval of his corrupt buddies. #82
block2
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:20:37
Coming here you get rippedoff and now even leaving. Amazing Thailand land of smiles. Ha Ha.Only when they have the chance to ripp you off.Green shirts here we come. Green Shirts..I'm intrigued..tell me more!! 
#83
Richie1971
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:21:14
to samjaidee living in vietnam in reference to the video shown this evening by channel 5, the video narrator went on to say that the couple was arrested when they were in an eatery, sitting at different tables. when the man saw the arrest of the lady, he walked away but was later arrested too. the shoplifted item (it looked like a dark wallet to me) was not found on the couple when searched. the missing item from the shop was later found in a trash can. and in reference to the poll, just set up by thaitv--it needs to be much more specific for the poll to be meaningful. pls have someone from statistics 101 tries his/her hand on it.... lol (i like thaitv ok) I've amended my post having seen the video. There's not much doubt she stole it. Is it the right video though? I've had a look at it and think the lady on the video is significantly slimmer than the photographs of the lady in the press. It may be my eyes though - If your reputation as a business might be tarnished would'nt you be tempted to make a reconstruction video? TIT after all #84
jsdwd
Newbie Posted 2009-07-20 23:24:54
Undecided on whether the couple are guilty or not, but don't believe King Power (as in the company) to be a part of the subsequent extortion attempts by the police. This year has given Abhisit plenty of reasons for complete police reform from the top down. As much as it's a daunting task it's starting to cost Thailand dearly. This is hilarious. How do you think Abhisit got his job? The decades old entrenched interests of Bangkok (not even Thailand) are back at the controls. They stole the government right out from under the noses of the people. Declared themselves in charge (they certainly weren't elected), spit on the constitution and re-established the old power structure which means virtually all the illegal activity in Thailand is either under the control of the police or the army. That acts of public extortion have become a commonplace right in the airport is a measure of how secure they feel. You may not like Thaksin, but he's like a day at the beach compared to these thieves. #85
yantzen
Advanced Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:26:19
I was in the hurry from International to Domestic. Just around the corner, early in the morning, the airport was nearly empty, two Thai in uniform ask me, seeing my yellow bag: You from Amsterdam and have whisky? With a big smile I told him, no, I don't drink, and goes my way!
#86
cracker1
Newbie Posted 2009-07-20 23:28:26
Wasn't King Power supposed to be kicked out in the first place ? It seems like a couple of years ago that King Power were going to be taken to the Thai Courts because they (supposedly) may have bribed officials to give them the sole rights to trade at the new airport. They effectively gather money from EVERY retail outlet including Burger King, Coffee shops, gift shops, and liquor and tobacco outlets. They also blocked many emergency exits from the building that still remain BLOCKED Not sure if you have ever tried to buy Thai cigarettes or Samsong at the airports but they are very hard to find and in the case of Sangsom that is about 210 TB at Tesco and 7/11 (duty paid) at King Power is near 280 TB duty free ! Shop any other place but give King Power a miss. #87
Serpico
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:29:25
Undecided on whether the couple are guilty or not, but don't believe King Power (as in the company) to be a part of the subsequent extortion attempts by the police. This year has given Abhisit plenty of reasons for complete police reform from the top down. As much as it's a daunting task it's starting to cost Thailand dearly. This is hilarious. How do you think Abhisit got his job? The decades old entrenched interests of Bangkok (not even Thailand) are back at the controls. They stole the government right out from under the noses of the people. Declared themselves in charge (they certainly weren't elected), spit on the constitution and re-established the old power structure which means virtually all the illegal activity in Thailand is either under the control of the police or the army. That acts of public extortion have become a commonplace right in the airport is a measure of how secure they feel. You may not like Thaksin, but he's like a day at the beach compared to these thieves. They took 76 billion of his money too. ...Then the Army gave themselves an 81 billion increase. It's been a mess since the coup. #88
Serpico
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:33:31
dbl post
Edited by Serpico, 2009-07-20 23:34:19. #89
smokie36
Star Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:37:58
Wasn't King Power supposed to be kicked out in the first place ? It seems like a couple of years ago that King Power were going to be taken to the Thai Courts because they (supposedly) may have bribed officials to give them the sole rights to trade at the new airport. They effectively gather money from EVERY retail outlet including Burger King, Coffee shops, gift shops, and liquor and tobacco outlets. They also blocked many emergency exits from the building that still remain BLOCKED Not sure if you have ever tried to buy Thai cigarettes or Samsong at the airports but they are very hard to find and in the case of Sangsom that is about 210 TB at Tesco and 7/11 (duty paid) at King Power is near 280 TB duty free ! Shop any other place but give King Power a miss. Haha yes marlboro lights are 'temporarily unavailable' every time I pass through international departures. How strange? Lucky I stock up at foodland anyway coz its cheaper! 
#90
vahack
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:38:37
Bullshit. I was duped by this sad, sad story. I was so incensed that I went to KingPower's web site to write them a nasty note (http://www.kingpower.../2009/index.php) when I see they are running the videos. The Chinese broad STOLE the wallet and the Brit puffter helped her do it. They ought to get jail time - they are screwing it up for the rest of us. wow thanks for the link to the videos. very clear about the brit couple. amazing that the bbc didnt watch that video. i thought they had more ethics than the press in my homeland USA. #91
ukrules
Super Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:45:24
amazing that the bbc didnt watch that video. i thought they had more ethics than the press in my homeland USA. They were reporting the real story, someone was extorted by corrupt officials who work inside an international airport. #92
MegWong
Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:46:47
King Power = King of Thieves.
Am I a little childish? #93
PastEgo
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:48:39
a farang fried of mine lives opposite a policeman
he has got himself a brand new car he has just done his house up spent about 100K baht his new gun he was boasting to my friend is worth 40K baht he earns a bad wage really really pathetic but he grows a certain plant in his house he also hosts nearly every week poker nights and is not averse to the odd bribe or lending a helping hand for the right fee the corruption is from the very lowest to the very highest here in Thailand #94
nod
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:52:09
Well, I'm coming to Asia for 3 weeks...only 6 days of which I'll spend in LOS. I'm off to Bali instead. The writings on the wall....  RAZZ All I can say to you is good luck in Bali mate! You will spend your time there being hassled to death on the beaches by traders that do just NOT understand the word no. Leave the beach saying no no no as you go down a path to a restaurant and they will still be there waiting for you when you come out! You are just as likely to be ripped off in Bali as in Thailand and you are probably more likely to be blown up as well! So as I say "good luck" and welcome back to Thailand when you've seen the light mate! Cheers. #95
vahack
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:55:18
amazing that the bbc didnt watch that video. i thought they had more ethics than the press in my homeland USA. They were reporting the real story, someone was extorted by corrupt officials who work inside an international airport. ya your point is understandable. corruption is not a nice thing. my point of view is that innocent people dont pay bribes. they knew they were caught. waited 5 days in a hotel for the money? didnt bother to call the embassy, a lawyer, friends, etc? high bail + lawyer + flight back for trial is cheaper than that bribe. they did the deed and paid to get out of it. easier to just buy the d@mn wallet in the first place. there's no facts on this thread except the king power video. all the facts from the UK couple's side is hearsay. you'd go to jail in most countries for this crime. no chance to pay a slap on the wrist bribe/fee. im sure these two brits make more at their jobs than they would in Thai prison for 2 years. Thai cops understand farangonomics. #96
arefbhat
Member Posted 2009-07-20 23:55:54
I am an Indian National and i visit Thailand every year for my GF in hatyai. Though this year i saw lot of changes in hatyai and bangkok. Police is being very rude to tourists and it's worse in Hatyia where i found traffic blocked for hours as the police blocked the roads for VIP's travelling from Airport everyday. Red T-shirt men blocking the airport and now these episodes all point to the downfall of tourism in thailand. I am too worried to travel to thailand next year.
#97
Mai Krap
Correspondent Posted 2009-07-21 00:00:02
It is up to King Power to arrest shop lifters. They are a very large store and need professional security which they evidently do not have. Some people have written as if these people were caught red handed and that is just not the case. In fact they were not caught at all but they were rounded up and extorted. Be it right or wrong the Thai Judicial System provided them with a letter saying they were innocent of this crime, King Power cannot have it both ways.
The video does not prove anything, it cannot even prove its the same people. If it was the same people and a Store Detective watched them shoplift why were they not immediately apprehended? What is King Powers record concerning the prosecution of shop lifters? Have they ever prosecuted anyone? I have never known of any major store that did not have a 100% prosecution policy for shoplifters. Neither have I ever known of any major store that did not arrest people upon exiting with merchandise, professional store detectives around the world have this down to a science. I suspect the Tourist Police "Tony" will be missing in action and never heard of again. If he does show up on the radar he will quickly be thrown in jail and prosecuted with his name and picture all over the news. Tony unfortunately was played as the patsy in all this, I'm sure he benefited but those saying he was getting rich off this do not have a clue about how the scam works. Money goes up hill quick and the guy running the errands gets the smallest piece of cake, possibly just crumbs. What is amazing is the way some people believe this will change Thailand. This incident in the scheme of things is not even a pimple on a buffaloes backside in comparison to all the unholy works that have gone on in Thailand in recent years. #98
luvU2much500THB
Senior Member Posted 2009-07-21 00:00:13
a farang fried of mine lives opposite a policeman he has got himself a brand new car he has just done his house up spent about 100K baht his new gun he was boasting to my friend is worth 40K baht he earns a bad wage really really pathetic but he grows a certain plant in his house he also hosts nearly every week poker nights and is not averse to the odd bribe or lending a helping hand for the right fee the corruption is from the very lowest to the very highest here in Thailand I lived in a apartment owned by a policeman...they love gambling, f**k girls, take drugs... Just human beings as we are also, nothing wrong with that. They have small income BUT they get a big % of fines, especially in drug cases they are happy with 20% of the sized stuff, and some of the sized drugs they sell or simply take for themselfs  next Life i wanna be police officer in pattaya
#99
mommysboy
Platinum Member Posted 2009-07-21 00:04:43
SCUM
SCUM SCUM #100
MegWong
Member Posted 2009-07-21 00:05:47
<br />I am an Indian National and i visit Thailand every year for my GF in hatyai. Though this year i saw lot of changes in hatyai and bangkok. Police is being very rude to tourists and it's worse in Hatyia where i found traffic blocked for hours as the police blocked the roads for VIP's travelling from Airport everyday. Red T-shirt men blocking the airport and now these episodes all point to the downfall of tourism in thailand. I am too worried to travel to thailand next year.<br /> Red T-shirt men blocking the airport? |
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