Originally Posted by
phlashba
Would the locals advise that if there is some odd questioning by a BMA policeman that it would be a wise option to demand to speak with a member of the tourist police? Or is that just going to aggravate the situation?
I think this really depends on the situation. I guess if I had not done anything illegal that I would simply smile, bow slightly, say "thank you, good bye", and walk away. If I had done something illegal then I might try to deal with the situation then and there, without involving the Tourist Police.
Originally Posted by
Tad's Broiled Steaks
Well, the cadre was wearing beige and packing heat, and considering that they went through EVERYTHING yet put EVERYTHING back, I'd reckon they weren't out there to scam me. Based on everyone's recent observations and what I've deduced, it seems justifiably so that drugs are the reason for my being stopped.
Your OP mentioned you've been stopped "a few times", I guess that means at least twice? Did they ask for an ID/passport?
Most RTP wear dark brown pants/shirts, but do always have sidearms. I'm not sure which policing force you may have encountered, but having sidearms means something other than BMA Police. Although beige attire is something new?
Obviously Thai officials can stop any persons they want. Thai citizens are required to carry their official government ID cards at all times, and I have seen some instances where Special Branch (part of the RTP - darkish blue uniform, pinkish shoulder patch, sidearms) are stopping Thais and asking to look at their ID cards.
Again, every situation is different, and in 8 + years walking, driving (cars, motorcycles) everywhere I have only ever been stopped once, in a taxi by Thai Army soldiers, with a tank on Phaya Thai Road, the night of 19 Sep 2006, so my experience is limited.
Without a lot more detail from the OP re: time of day, location(s) it may be challenging to determine the exact reason(s). I guess drugs are a problem here which gets infrequent but focused attention here in the form of proactive policing. But it's not obvious to me that this was the reason the OP may have been targeted multiple times.