Farangs in Thailand seem to have a very low opinion of the police force here (me included), but I believe here in Hua Hin we are very fortunate to have a decent crowd protecting us.
The time most of us encounter the police here is at roadblocks. I know many take offence at road blocks, but that is the way Thailand does it's policing. OK, I agree they can be an inconvenience, but I don't think I've ever been delayed for more than 5 minutes. Yes, they catch a lot of criminals, but so long as your vehicle is roadworthy, you have tax, are licenced to drive, motorcyclists wear a helmet etc, you are simply waved through. Sometimes with a smile, but often with a grunt
- let's face it, it can't be nice standing in the sun for several hours checking vehicles. We have a lot of friends visit us, who also get stopped. Many of them are illegal in one way or another, and get fined. They don't like getting caught, but usually laugh off the fine. It sometimes becomes a game/competition of who pays least during a holiday. However, the fact remains, they are illegal and have been caught.
The other time most people encounter the police is at immigration. Again, immigration officers have a terrible reputation, but so long as you comply with the rules, in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Some of the old crew were a bit grumpy, but we can all do grumpy
. As I said, stick to the rules and you are fine. The new crowd even smile occasionally.When I first moved here, I was not 100% legal (if that's the right word). We went down to immigration, explained my problem, and came up with a solution that benefitted both sides. Everybody was happy.
For my last 90 day report, I'd entered the wrong bring-up date into my calendar. I went down to Bluport, handed my passport over, and just said sorry. I expected to pay the maximum fine. She took nowhere near the maximum fine - nothing bad, I was at fault - no complaints. All done with smiles. I broke the law, not the officer. The only problem was the eternity it took them to write the receipts, get them countersigned etc, but like roadblocks, that's the Thai way.
I have had other dealings with Hua Hin's police, one where I actually expected things to get a little difficult. No, they were totally professional at all times, and I respect them for that.
I honestly feel that Hua Hin's police force are a cut above, yet some people still think they are all little brown monsters, and I think it's an injustice.
Without incriminating anybody, I thought it would be good to hear other people's experiences IN HUA HIN, when they have been COMPLIANT with the law.
I'm not looking for sob stories about being fined 200 Baht for not wearing a helmet etc.
