Soldier & Civil Police Authority - Urgent Advice needed

[Jaime]

My brother has, moments ago, texted me from his home in Hua Hin, where he is on holiday with his Thai wife (house in her name) & two small children. At 4:30 pm today (Thursday 1st April) 3 men came to the house claiming to be from the 'Soldier & Civil Police Authority, Bangkok' and asking to be let in with some paperwork. My brother refused as he did not know what they wanted nor why they should want him. I have just done a search on the internet and can find no mention of this organisation.

Can anyone confirm whether this is bona fide or a scam. If you can shed any light whatsoever we would be very grateful. In the meantime I have advised my brother to contact the British Embassy & the local/tourist police.

Thanks in advance.

[PeteC]

Although not in HH Jaime as you know, just got a long speech from the Mrs., that scams like this are happening all over now and to never let people like this in or high chances it's a robbery. Normal authorities on a proper mission never approach like that. Absolutely the right thing to close the door on them and call the normal local authorities to determine who they are and why they're there from Bangkok. Hope someone from HH reverts with more info as I know you must be anxious. Pete

[PeteC]

Another bit of info now that the Mrs. is angry about this, she says the army and police never work together in this manner. Yes, they ride around together in times of martial law or enhanced security status, but they never go around together concerning administrative issues, or even criminal issues. Either they had something bad in mind, or they were looking for a patsy to give a donation to their so called organization. Pete

[Jaime]

Thanks Pete - you are correct - I am anxious. I have informed my brother accordingly. Any further info welcome from anyone who can add to Pete's posts.

[STEVE G]

Obviously it's right to be very wary of this kind of thing, but there are people who go around collecting for a benevolent fund that's for Police and Army that are killed or injured in the South; is it possible it's them?
If so they should have no problem with you calling the local police for clarification as I imagine it has official backing.
My friend had a visit and after talking to them decided to give them a donation for which they came back later with a small gold Buddha and a certificate.

[PeteC]

I had similar visit me when living in Pattaya years ago. They had pictures of amputees and wanted a donation or a full pledge to buy a wheelchair or prothesis. They turned out to be frauds. Then I had men dressed in police uniforms selling (believe it or not) tickets to the proverbial policeman's ball. They were frauds. Last but not least, men dressed as monks who weren't monks trying to collect money. I've become jaded I guess about all of them now. Thankfully where I'm living now there are none, and they couldn't get in the development anyway. Pete

[Jaime]

Thanks fellas - my wife also thinks they could be a services charity as apparently we had a similar visit last year (unbeknown to me).

Hopefully panic over! Thanks for your concern & responses.

[Jaime]

As a follow up to this little episode, my brother's latest texts to me:

"Thai police not interested. Sent me to the tourist police. Filed a report, they gave me a number to ring if those guys come again. Tourist police more helpful."

In response to my question on whether the tourist police were aware of the 'Soldier & Civil Police Authority, Bangkok' he replied thus;

"They had no idea."

Hopefully there is nothing sinister in this and that the visitors were just part of a services charity but, if so, the police are not aware of it!

[hhfarang]

We had a visit today too by two young guys dressed alike, not uniforms per say, but belonging to some organization. They rang the doorbell and we looked out and just ignored them, which is what we always do if we don't recognize the people or are not expecting anyone. Ever since Donald got shot, I do not go to the gate when strangers ring... trust me, they are not out there to say you won a free prize... they are either trying to sell you something or ask you for a donation.

Thank God for walls and (locked) gates here.

[BaaBaa.]

I'm surprised you can see your gate from your house HHF.

[hhfarang]

I use binoculars.

[Khundon1975]

I had similar visit me when living in Pattaya years ago. They had pictures of amputees and wanted a donation or a full pledge to buy a wheelchair or prothesis. They turned out to be frauds. Then I had men dressed in police uniforms selling (believe it or not) tickets to the proverbial policeman's ball. They were frauds. Last but not least, men dressed as monks who weren't monks trying to collect money. I've become jaded I guess about all of them now. Thankfully where I'm living now there are none, and they couldn't get in the development anyway. Pete

prcscct

If the tickets are for a raffle then buy a few, if it's for a dance, then don't. Their dances are crap.