Advice From BSA Law In The Event Of Undergoing A Random Police Search
Reports of police carrying out random streetside spot-searches on foreigners in Thailand have been on the rise recently, Here, BSA Law offers some advice and tips to keep in mind, should one happen to find themselves in such a situation.
- (1888PressRelease) May 24, 2014 - Bangkok - "Postings on popular online forums by foreigners who have been stopped and searched in such a fashion typically depict a similar scenario", said Apisakdi Kongkangwanchoke, spokesman for leading international law firm in Thailand, BSA Law.
That scenario sees the person - while walking along the street - suddenly approached, stopped and searched seemingly for no reason. This is usually by two police officers on motorbike, although some online postings have reported officers pulling up in a patrol car.
Less common are incidents in which the person's taxi or motorbike taxi is stopped, he or she is asked to step out/off on to the footpath and searched.
The search is typically reported to be quite thorough, involving a body pat down, emptying of pockets and searching of belongings. Questions commonly asked by the officers during a search include: Where do you come from?; Are you here on holiday or you work here?; How long have you been in Thailand?; Do you have a Thailand work permit or visa?
In many cases the officers are reported to have acted in an intimidating or aggressive manner.
"Having found nothing illegal or no other reason for detainment, the spot-search typically ends as quickly as it began with the officers leaving", said Apisakdi, adding there were some 'guidelines' one should remember in the case of such an incident.
These include being - rather than challenging or defiant - compliant and cooperative within reason. The person can also ask to see that the officer/s' hands are empty, before being searched. He or she can also request to have the search conducted at a nearby police station.
BSA Law provides a wide portfolio of legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign communities in Thailand. This ranges from overall Thai law, Thai labour law and Thai visa service fields, to tax consulting and accountancy, to recommendations on starting a business in Thailand.
About BSA Law:
For nearly 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.
For more information please contact:
Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co.th
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