Hua Hin Police Traffic Stops

[jumusman]

"Absolutely correct, jumusman! But do not overlook the fact that you will run up against those "grateful guest of Thailand" types, whom seem to think that everyone else should put up with being treated like the village idiot, just because they accept it!"



I will remember that being a newbie to both Hua Hin and the forum. Maybe I am just a little too wet behind the ears right now. ha ha.

[Norseman]

Maybe I am just a little too wet behind the ears right now. ha ha.

Don't think so jman but you make a quite a sensible statement.
We are all guilty of making comparisons between our own countries and Thailand so please don't feel a bit wet behind the ears because we're all doing that.
Thailand is a far better place to be for most of us, especially during the wintertime, and that's why we are persistent and do our best to be the good citizens as required by the Thai law.
I'm personally happier with a 200 Baht fine rather than a 200£ fine.

[Frank Hovis]

Out of interest, what did they 'fine' you for on the occasions that you were stopped?
Not wearing a helmet?
Not having a valid license?
Having bald tires?
Or simply for having a spare 200 baht in your pocket?

[jumusman]

Out of interest, what did they 'fine' you for on the occasions that you were stopped?
Not wearing a helmet?
Not having a valid license?
Having bald tires?
Or simply for having a spare 200 baht in your pocket?

With me its not having a Thai or international license, every time. I still have my Arizona license only, but my International one is in the mail (or so my AAA automobile club tells me!) I had to fill out an online form and mail in 2 passport sized photos.

It's gotten to the point that the slit in my wallet that holds my license has exactly 200 baht neatly folded underneath it. I do it for convenience and because I dont want to be caught with just 1000's in my wallet and have to ask the police for change... Last Thursday I was pulled over right in front of the police station, (the were pulling allot of people over), I handed the license over with the 200 neatly folder underneath. The look in his eyes told me he was impressed by my efficiency and/or impressed that I knew the drill. He didn't even glance at the license, I honestly could have put my Celtic gym membership card with the 200 baht and it would not have made the slightest bit of difference to him.. there was only one thing he was looking for.

I would never be caught dead without a helmet, (pun intended). funny thing is I still see falang's on their bike every day riding without a helmet and I always want to know what they are thinking.

[Frank Hovis]

Totally agree with you on the 'driving without a helmet'. I can half understand that it's nice to feel the wind in your hair but I can't understand that it's worth the risk of feeling the kerb in your brain.
You should be happy the police are happy enough to take your 200 baht, you are breaking the law and will be in breach of your insurance policy (if you have one).
You really should look into getting a Thai license, it's very simple and quick and cheap to do and it saves a lot of hassle with the police, much better than an International one.

[jumusman]

Yes for sure I will get my Thai license, it's important to me. From what I understand if I have a U.S state license and I try to get a Thai license now it takes allot longer, I have to spend hours there and take a test on the bike and sit through a class taught in Thai.

Once I get my International License all I have to do is take some paperwork with me, take the eye test and I will be done allot quicker. Looking forward to it! Will be a good feeling.

[Big Boy]

OK, I'm from the UK. I came with a UK licence and an International licence. When I went to Pranburi, all that I did was show my UK licence, took the test and was out again - all in less than an hour. They didn't even ask for an International licence.

Basically, I left Hua Hin just after 9. I located a doctor in Pranburi, and obtained my health check. Went to the licence centre and gave them my bits. Took the reaction test, followed by having my photo taken. I was home in Hua Hin by 11:30. All without using an International Licence - that was 2 months ago.

[jumusman]

OK, I'm from the UK. I came with a UK licence and an International licence. When I went to Pranburi, all that I did was show my UK licence, took the test and was out again - all in less than an hour. They didn't even ask for an International licence.

Basically, I left Hua Hin just after 9. I located a doctor in Pranburi, and obtained my health check. Went to the licence centre and gave them my bits. Took the reaction test, followed by having my photo taken. I was home in Hua Hin by 11:30. All without using an International Licence - that was 2 months ago.

Thanks for the info, I have heard differently reading posts and actually talking to people. I guess now you have said that there is no harm in me going down asap and trying with my Arizona license. The only reason I had not done that is because more than one person told me if I did not have the international license I had to take the class and an actual test on a motorbike. I was also told I needed the medical document as well as I document I can get from the police station that proves I actually live where I say I live. Did you not have to provide this proof of address ?

[certocito]

Just out of curiosity, apart from your Thai driving licence, what other docs do you need to carry in your vehicle. Friend of mine was asked for proof of ownership of his vehicle when stopped this week. Fortunately his TGF told the police he was a UK police officer and they ended up talking about football and then waved him on..!! So do you need to carry all your documentation, I've only ever had to show my Thai driving licence in the past.

[VincentD]

Certicito
Yes. More so if you drive a pickup. I believe the reasoning behind this is that so many get nicked that they won't believe you until given proof. Just a photocopy in the glovebox will suffice. It may also be necessary if you have a prang for the insurance companies.

[Big Boy]

I was also told I needed the medical document as well as I document I can get from the police station that proves I actually live where I say I live. Did you not have to provide this proof of address ?

The medical document, I simply found a doctor in Pranburi. He gave me a quick examination/eye test, and for (I think) 100 Baht he issued the letter. He only charged my son 60 baht a few weeks earlier.

Yes, you have to go to Hua Hin immigration to obtain a proof of residency letter - that just cost a couple of hundred Baht.

[chaspul]

Subject of documentation has occured on previous threads. Researched at the time and by law you must carry the registration document. This also confirms your yearly tax and that the slip on your windscreen tallys. I have only been asked for the book once in 3.5 years.

Photocopy is OK if traveling locally and can produce the original, but I would not wish a return journey to BK just to show the book.
Thai police are not like the Brits where you can show your docs at any station.

Back on Topic I was stopped at the small island by the station at the end of last month, it is always at the end of the month.

MIB indicated that I should pull into small side street and mentioned speeding. Anyone who has driven from the roundabout to the station will know that because of traffic 5 to 10 Km/hr is normal.

I said "no speeding" flashed my car and bike licence and said "I live here". He flashed a big smile and waved me on.

Hate to think how much he may have extorted from a more gullable tourist.

Chas

[jumusman]

Just wondering if there is a record for days being pulled over on a motorbike? I am not making this up but it's 5 days in a row so far. Guess it's getting towards the end of the month but maybe towards the end of the year is EXTRA special...

Finally got my Thai DL a few weeks ago thanks go out to all the posts on this forum, invaluable! The look on the police officers face when I whip out my wallet is always one of surprise as if I just performed a magic trick!

[Big Boy]

Maybe it's not coincidence that these additional checks are taking place when the number of holidaying Farangs is at its highest.

There are probably a lot of illegal Farangs out there at the moment, so well done lads for helping keep our roads safe.

[PeteC]

The whole country is chockablock with police check points. They start a bit before Christmas and run until a few days after New Year. They even set them up on side roads when word gets out that there are blocks on the main roads, like Sukhumvit over here. Literally you can't get from Pattaya to Rayong by any route without encountering at least one. Most inactive until dusk, and run through about 0500 hours....then off they go for coffee and donuts. Pete