Taiwanese artist An Yu Qingchu traveled to Thailand at the beginning of the month, but was extorted by the local police for a bribe of 27,000 baht (approximately NT$24,800) on the grounds of a random inspection, which even alarmed the Thai police chief to publicly apologize.

(Provided by Omar Advantage)

[Reporter Chen Xinyu/Taipei Report] Taiwanese artist An Yuqing traveled to Thailand at the beginning of the month, but the local police demanded a bribe of 27,000 baht (approximately NT$24,800) on the grounds of a random inspection. Severe punishment for violating police officers.

Senior Thai tour guides and business operators said that the security in big cities in Thailand is generally good, but there are often irregular inspections, and they will target the Chinese. They remind Taiwanese tourists to carry a copy of their passports with them, not to get on Thai police cars casually, and must travel with them.

Ye Weizong, a Thai-speaking tour guide with 20 years of experience in leading tour groups, said that the quality of Thai police and customs is uneven, including the largest customs at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, who sometimes ask for bribes. Drug residues and other inspection certificates, and hinted that if you give money and luggage, you will not be confiscated. He reminded that if passengers really violate the regulations, they must cooperate to pay fines, but remember to ask the police for relevant certificates.

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Ye Weizong also said that this case is indeed more like an isolated case, because the use of electronic cigarettes is not uncommon in Thailand, just like Taiwan, and he is puzzled by the fact that the Thai police used electronic cigarettes as a reason to ask for bribes.

He reminded that if you encounter police inspections, remember to show the photocopy or original of your passport, and call the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand if necessary.

In addition, I also remind independent travelers to travel together. Although the security of Thai cities is not bad, foreign tourists are still easy to be targeted in sparsely populated suburbs.

Ying Wanting, general manager of Yanfu Travel Agency, said that passengers are reminded to find a legal and quality travel agency before going abroad, not to participate in tours that are lower than the normal price, and not to book cheap cars or rooms without a company license if traveling independently. It should be undertaken by a local legal travel agency.

According to the information released by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese people are reminded to pay attention to independent travel in Thailand. The law and order in most areas of Bangkok, Thailand is still good, but there are occasional cases of fraudulent consumption in nightlife venues. Be vigilant when entering and exiting related places.

In addition, I also remind that although the Thai government decriminalized marijuana in June last year, it is legal to possess and use related products that comply with regulations in Thailand, but according to my hazard prevention regulations, marijuana (including products) is a second-class drug. Any act of manufacturing, transporting, selling, bringing into the country, possessing and using it in the country will face criminal responsibility.