Police Stop & Search: What You Need To Know
Credit to Stickboy BKK
www.stickboybangkok.com
In light of the recent publicity Pol. Col. Chutrakul Yodmadee of Thonglor Police District has answered a few common questions being asked on social media by concerned expats and tourists regarding police stop & search procedures and what rights you have if stopped.
Reasons For Search – Looking high or acting in a manner that suggests drug consumption – in plain English, generally looking fucked up and off your tits. Looking scared or suspicious of the police. However, sitting in a taxi or walking down the street don’t constitute a valid reason.
Legal Searches – It must be at a checkpoint with lights and signs with a ranking officer in attendance. Two or three random cops at the side of the road is not sufficient. During searches both parties should be polite.
Urine Test – These must ALL be carried out at the police station. No peeing in cups at the side of the road.
Phones – Mobiles can be seized during a search by officers who have reason to believe it contains evidence. After the search it must be handed back.
Passports – a laminated copy is acceptable, provided it shows BOTH the identification page and the visa page or entry stamp.
Image via Twitter user @AmyAlexSmith
