Are Thai Police Bad? Do They Treat Foreigners With Disrespect?

Many non-Thais living here will tell you Thai police are corrupt. They scam foreigners for money, they will always side with a Thai over a foreigner in a traffic accident even if it’s the Thai’s fault and, oh yes, they will throw you in jail over something small.

But is this so-called ‘bad reputation’ of Thai police actually justified or not?

Strangely, what some non-Thais say about Thai police has not been my experience with them.

Admittedly, I have not done anything illegal in Thailand, so haven’t been subjected to a grilling by any member of the Thai police force but, whenever I have met a police officer in a store, directing traffic at a traffic light, or even sitting on a motorbike parked next to mine at a traffic light, Thai police have been nothing but respectful, courteous and, yes, often smiling and friendly.

During the floods we experienced in Bangkok a couple of years ago, Thai police were incredibly helpful. Both to me and to my friends, and to several Thai people I know living on my soi.

That is why I thought this story from the famous Stickman’s website was so interesting. The recounting of what happened to a ‘farang’ (white foreigner) living in Thailand when he was involved in a traffic accident at an intersection.

A traffic accident between him, a motorbike and four young Thai teenagers.

The accident was not his fault but, having heard the horror stories all of us have heard about how bad the Thai police really are, he knew he was in for some trouble.

But, was he really?

Read on to find out what happened, but it is fair to say you may be surprised. Then again, if you are like me and tend to stay on the right side of the law in Thailand, so have not ever had a problem with Thai police, you may not be.

Do be aware, though, unfortunately Thai police trying to extort money does sometimes still happen, as this video recorded by a Thai motorist proves. Then again, it happens in other countries too.