Support the Tourist Police

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Doc
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Support the Tourist Police

Post by Doc » October 13, 2006, 12:03 pm

I remember some time back when there was a bit of discussion about the Volunteer Tourist Police program. Seems like most (if memory serves me correct...) here thought that it was wrong for falangs to be "teaming up" with the Thai police. Some thought that it would be wrong for a falang to "target" another falang.

Everyone is acknowledging that we are getting some undesireables up here. Everyone seems to abhor that prospect and their presence. The question is, what is anyone proposing to do about it?

The Tourist Police have been very surprised to hear that many falangs don't want those types here in Udon. They were surprised to hear that many don't want the Dream Team here and want them sent off. What has added to the confusion is that they have seen falangs talking and drinking with them - both short time falangs and long time falangs.

To me, if we want to keep these types of clowns out of our community, we must become pro-active. There are a number of ways that we can do that.

1. Start supporting the Tourist Police. They are the ones that have the actual power to help control the clowns. They can, and will, put them in the Monkey House. If you see one of the clowns causing problems - let the Tourist Police know. Let them know that you don't like that type of behavior.

2. Support the Volunteer Tourist Police - especially the falangs that are involved with the program. Those are the falangs that are willing to put their faces on the line - and their asses on the line - and who largely get no respect from the long time falangs here. Instead, they get criticized, austracized and accused of trying to make things tough on falangs.

3. Get involved with the Tourist Police Volunteer program. The more respectable falangs that we have making a stand against the hooligans, clowns, trash and scum bags that are invading our community, the better the chance we have of keeping them out. If word gets out that we have a strong falang community up here that will not tolerate the crap and bull ---- that is going on in Pattaya and other areas, the fewer numbers we will have wanting to come up here.

Gentlemen: :idea: All of us have chosen to live here for whatever reasons we have. Our reasons aren't all that important. What is important is that we have brought with us certain standards that we wish to live our lives within. I think that those standards are all pretty standard. Ultimately, the Thai people have many of the same standards - especially when it comes to people not making asses out of themselves and causing others to get a bad name or reputation simply because they are associated by race or heritage.

Lets not just bitch and complain about these clowns. Let's all start doing something proactive to discourage them from coming here - and staying here. We can do that easily if we let the powers that be - the Tourist Police and bar owners that we don't want them running lose. They get drunk - cut them off. They cause problems - haul them off to the Monkey House. Put them on the next plane out of the country.

OK - Off my soap box.



valentine

Post by valentine » October 13, 2006, 12:39 pm

Thank you Doc for clarifying and mostly confirming the article from the Thai Daily News that I quoted. Naturally I agree with the consensus of opinion that this type is not welcome in our community. Where I differ from you is how this can be done. I would suggest that the farang bar owners stop counting the almighty bucks, display their photo on their bars and refuse to serve them, yet alone give them credit. If any of the more moderate farangs encounter them being served in a bar, walk out. Someone somewhere will soon get the message.If you encounter any violence taking place, by all means call the police, tourist or ordinary if you can explain , in Thai, what your talking about. As it appears the tourist police may have a vested interest, renting house, I suggest the BIB may be more appropiate.
Your suggestion of joining the volunteer police is, I think, a little unpractical as most of us are of a mature age, an age at which we have given up exposing ourselves to physical harm. That is not cowardly, just practical. I have seen one of the volunteers on a bike at the night market, and quite frankly they are a source of amusement to the younger Thais present.With calls of grandad etc. Not malicious but good humoured ribaldry. They really can't believe their eyes.It may feel the correct way to go for you, and good luck to you, but I don't think I would even consider it.
I leave it to the professionals who are all much younger and physically fitter than I am these days.That doesn't mean I am doing nothing to solve the problem. I am very active on a town planning committee that is striving to keep the farang bars away from the town centre, along the lines of High tech Plaza where they can be controlled if neccessary and where the more modest amongst us don't have to go, thereby making the town centre streets, especially at night, a safer enviroment for all, farang and Thai.

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Post by arjay » October 13, 2006, 12:57 pm

Yes, agreed, a good idea to ring the Tourist police, if we see anything untoward.

As Val says I don't think I particularly want to join them, though that doesn't mean I don't support them or what they are doing.

It benefits all, farang and Thais alike, if we can keep all/any undesirables out of Udon.

I am surprised if the Thai police don't realise that we don't like or want the unruly elements here any more than they do.

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Post by Doc » October 13, 2006, 1:09 pm

I am surprised if the Thai police don't realise that we don't like or want the unruly elements here any more than they do.
Pure speculation Arjay...

Throughout history, it has always been common practice for each race to protect and make excuses for their own race to the exclusion of other races.

How often have we heard: Thais will protect Thais? Falangs will protect falangs?

Nah - I don't necessarily expect you old geezers :lol: to get involved with the Tourist Police. There needs to be a lot of work done within the organization to make it truly a viable and effective program to begin with. It is having growing pains to be sure. Maybe someday it will be a viable group that has some bite.

Getting bars to give up profit is rather hard to do - especially during low season. That will take action from the government - and I think that there is some activity in that direction at this time. I have seen some bars getting written up down on Falang Alley lately... To that end, the local government is wanting to clean things up to make sure that this does not become another Pattaya.

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Post by arjay » October 13, 2006, 1:50 pm

Doc wrote:Pure speculation Arjay...
Doc, It's certainly not speculation, though I would agree one cannot generalise on such things. Different people have different views and perceptions.

Many Thai people I have met abhor bad Thai people as much as they do bad farang people, as indeed most of us do.

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Post by Harry1534 » October 13, 2006, 3:07 pm

I agree with Doc. The tourist police do a good job and are there to help tourists, not hinder them. They do think that the majority of farangs are okay types but that there is also a minority who are not!

It does no good to complain to each other. You have to take those complaints to the tourist police. I would not recommend making a complaint against another farang to the general police. The tourist police have training and the necessary skills to help farangs and, to some degree, understand them.

Several of the volunteers speak excellent English and are always willing to listen and help. I am a volunteer and have heard many humourous remarks made by the Thai people. I have yet to be ridiculled about my age but have heard several remarks along the lines of not being 'real'.
On the other hand I have also had Thai people tell me it is good to see a farang 'giving back' to the country by way of time and effort. Some Thai think we are a waste of time, others don't.

From my own point of view, I am happy to be involved with the tourist police. I get a real kick out of meeting tourists, helping them and attempting to resolve any problems they may have. I enjoy working with the Thai people, I enjoy their humour and sense of fair play.

The farang volunteers are not there to get involved in fights. My police colleagues carry guns and clubs. If a fight starts I hide behind them! The volunteers do have powers of arrest, they are permitted to carry and use various sprays, nightsticks and handcuffs. I do not see that as being the job of a volunteer, however, and prefer to go on patrol without weapons of any sort.

I have met the dream team and others who seem to want to fight everybody they see. Unfortunately Udon does have a few undesirables that make life unpleasant for everyone. But, gentlemen, you will not get rid of them by sitting on your backsides. You may not want to get physically involved in the policing of your community but you can make a difference.

One simple thing you can all do without even rising from your chairs is to write an email to the Tourist Police thanking them for their work, showing your support of the volunteers and making it very clear that you do not support or condone the actions of the minority such as the dream team.

This is such a simple thing to do. The result will be that the tourist police will receive many many mails telling them that the farang community stands firmly with them. The guys will feel great, it will make them feel wanted, needed and welcomed. The volunteers, including me, will feel as though they have the support of the many 'solid citizens' who live here.
It WILL make a huge difference. You don't have to go on patrol, be ridiculled by some Thai, be ignored by your peers or abused by drunks, just write out a five minute letter and make a difference! Anonymously if you prefer!

When the tourist police know that they are being supported they will work even harder to get rid of the scum.
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Post by Harry1534 » October 13, 2006, 3:09 pm

Sorry, forgot....

[email protected]

Make a difference Gentlemen.
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Post by arjay » October 13, 2006, 8:32 pm

Doc and harry 1534, you are preaching to the converted here.

The only thing that Val and I said was that we didn't actually propose to join up ourselves, because of our young age and gentle upbringing, you understand. 8) :D

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Post by Harry1534 » October 13, 2006, 8:51 pm

No worries Arjay. Neither Doc or I are suggesting that anyone has to get physically involved. My previous post suggestd sending a mail. Nothing more.
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Post by kevh » October 14, 2006, 3:57 pm

Surly the tourist police in udon are a dying breed now that the vast majority of westerners in udon won't officially be tourists.

i.e not on tourist visas.

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Post by BKKSTAN » October 14, 2006, 4:01 pm

:lol: I don't know about Udon,but the tourist police in Bangkok are quick to let you know that they are there for tourists not residents! :roll:

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Post by arjay » October 14, 2006, 4:21 pm

Are you suggesting they will inspect your passport to see what type of visa you are on?

Sorry, sir, you're on a Non Imm O/A retirement visa, so we can't help you!!

They did their best to help me previously when on a Non Imm "B" and when on an O/A Retirement Visa.

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Post by BKKSTAN » October 14, 2006, 5:32 pm

:lol: No,they don't ask for your passport.They simply ask if you live here or on holiday!When asked ,you say holiday,no problem! :roll:

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Post by kevh » October 14, 2006, 7:07 pm

2 years ago i went to the tourist police to report an incident, after spending half an hour explaining everything, i was asked for my id, (passport) and after they noticed i was not on a tourist visa i was told to report it to the REAL POLICE.

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Post by Doc » October 14, 2006, 7:55 pm

Understanding the chain of command - so to speak...

The Tourist Police are here to assist tourists.

If you have a complaint that involves a crime allegedly committed by a Thai, then the Thai police will have jurisdiction over the matter. The Thai police have the comprehensive investigative tools (and "incentives") to get to the bottom of things.

So - if your house is robbed - the place to go is the regular police. You lose your phone - go to the regular police.

You are having problems with a Thai merchant, for example - the Tourist Police are the ones that can go in and mediate with and for you.

You are having problems with another falang - the Tourist Police are the ones that can get involved in the matter.

Essentially, one role of the Tourist Police is to keep the falangs peaceful. Unfortunately, there are some here that do need that type of assistance.

If you or anyone else has a problem with the Tourist Police feel free to contact me. If you want to have my phone number - PM me and I will be happy to give it to you.

Doc

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Post by BKKSTAN » October 14, 2006, 9:18 pm

You are having problems with a Thai merchant, for example - the Tourist Police are the ones that can go in and mediate with and for you.

Even though we are on a retrement visa?

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Post by arjay » October 14, 2006, 9:51 pm

Doc wrote:You are having problems with another falang - the Tourist Police are the ones that can get involved in the matter.
What if you and the other farang are both on Retirement visas?? :? :o :lol:

Sorry, just winding you up there Doc!! :wink:

oldfield

Re: Support the Tourist Police

Post by oldfield » October 14, 2006, 10:13 pm

Doc wrote: Support the Volunteer Tourist Police - especially the falangs that are involved with the program. Those are the falangs that are willing to put their faces on the line - and their asses on the line - and who largely get no respect from the long time falangs here. Instead, they get criticized, austracized and accused of trying to make things tough on falangs.
Does this mean they get sent to Australia?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Post by BKKSTAN » October 14, 2006, 11:16 pm

:lol: I am really interested in why you volunteers are really playing ''cops here?Did you do this in your native country?Are you really that concerned about other falangs?Are you really that concerned about the falang image?How much of the reason to do this volunteer police work is because you enjoy the authority you are given?

In my home country,you have to take a psych. evaluation/interviews to become a policeman because many have the hidden power trip motives.

How emerged are you guys into the Thai society that you live in?You speak fluent Thai?I hear your comments about what great guys these Thais are,does that mean you believe they are really trustworthy,not predjudice towards falangs etc.etc.?

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Post by Harry1534 » October 15, 2006, 9:35 am

I got involved because it gives me something worthwhile to do. I get a bit fed up sitting in the bars, get fed up watching TV and get fed up walking around the lake!
I enjoy working with the Thai and enjoy their company.
Yes, I was involved with the police in my native country. Enjoyed that too.
Yes, I am concerned about the farang image. I think it's good to be involved in the local community in some way. I know several members get involved in other ways.
The Thai tourist police are good guys. They aren't prejudice towards farangs in particular. They seem to be prejudiced against anyone who causes trouble in their country!
I don't think I have a power trip thing going on. The volunteers are more like tourist advisors rather than police.
It's a good way of getting out and about to meet people and socialise.
I speak very little Thai, don't fully understand the culture and haven't a clue as regards Thai interraction but I'm trying, learning and enjoying the lessons!
Since joining I have made a lot of new friends and am seeing a lot more of the country.
Hope that answers your questions BKKStan....: )
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