two laws: one for police, another for citizens

[solarc]

I recently visited Thailand for the first time. I married a Thai who was living in New York and we have been considering moving to Thailand. I have some concerns, though. There seem to be two laws: one for citizens, another for law enforcement personnel.

For example, I stayed at a place in BKK on Ratchada Soi 7. There is a bar on that street that is open from midnight to sunrise, and being frequented by underage prostitutes. In addition to the prostitutes, the music and noises coming from the bar are so loud that the residents on this street can't sleep, and many residents are simply moving. Several of the buildings there are unable to bring in new residents because the noise level is so offensive. the law in Thailand is very clear, bars will close their doors to business at 2 AM. I doubt anyone is going to enforce laws against prostitution of minors, but the ordinance of closing bar at 2 AM seems reasonably easy to enforce. The only reason this bar stays open is because it is owned by someone who is on the police force.

I interviewed residents on the streets. Some had made complaints, but the complaints fell on deaf ears because apparently there is not a legal avenue for them to pursue when law enforcement will not enforce laws against their fellow officiates. Many people choose not to even register a complaint for fear of reprisals from the police. Seriously?! Your own citizens are afraid of contacting the very people who are supposed to be protecting them and enforcing the laws?

Here is what I know about people and laws. When there is no consistency in the maintenance of law and order, citizens will eventually take matters into their own hands. When citizens have no voice to complain against injustice, or a way to legally pursue fairness, matters can easily escalate into violence. citizens need to know that government officials are there to assist them in maintaining law, maintaining respect and dignity for all citizens.

I love the people of Thailand, and I am interested in moving, but if your own citizens have no avenue to fight injustice, why would I want to move there, bring my business and family there? The hope is, by writing something like this, or asking the local news to inquire into why the law is being circumvented in this way, perhaps citizens can receive a resolution, and citizens on Ratchada Soi 7 can sleep peacefully at night.

[Asian Hand]

All your observations are old news. Administering the rule of law in Thailand remains very much work in progress. However, living in Thailand can be very enjoyable. It all depends on location and as a foreigner coming here with an open mind and not bringing the baggage of a developed society and wearing it on your sleeve.

[Asianexpat]

There is a Hotel around the Soi 6 area of the Nana area. Try and get some sleep there. All night long people yell and scream in the streets. As Police Officers walk by or stand by not one officer tells the people to keep it down as it is late at night whee residents and visitors in hotels are sleeping at these late hours. If one can not see right from wrong how can you expect them to enforce laws? If one has not feelings for others in the area at night that may want to get some rest and sleep how can you expect him to enforce other laws? It really depends on where these officers come from and how they were educated (If educated at all in these cases). I think that in reality there are no noise pollution laws in Bangkok that really are enforced. It would be nice though if the government had set up a noise pollution team that enforced excessive noise levels at night and fined those that exceeded certain noise limits at night and past certain hours.

[Asian Hand]

Enforcement of noise laws in Bangkok. With a naive suggestion that will never happen I suggest you find another place to stay. There are many quiet accommodations along Sukumvit or find another country to visit.