Gaybutton Posted July 26, 2008 Posted July 26, 2008 The following was posted by 'Mr. Pink' on the Ting & Tong's Gay Thailand forum: ( http://www.gaytingtong.com/topic3008-45.html ) Police were out again in force Friday night, filling their trucks with boys. They appeared to close Sundance (next to Come In) Good Boys (opposite Krazy Dragon) Look (on Soi VC opposite Zub Zib) and Nice Boys (on Soi VC, formerly Kaos). There is no reason to presume any of these bars will be closed tonight (Saturday). I understand it will be business as usual. Quote
Gaybutton Posted July 26, 2008 Author Posted July 26, 2008 Since the police are obviously putting on a major show of force lately and have also taken farang into custody for not having their passport on their person, then I suggest, until this blows over, you carry your passport with you when visiting bars instead of relying on a copy of your passport. Make sure you carry it in such a way that it can't end up lost or stolen, but I'd have it with you, if I were you. Quote
Guest buckeroo2 Posted July 26, 2008 Posted July 26, 2008 I would never consider carrying my passport on me when I go out clubbing/drinking. So, I will choose the more obvious alternative - I will not go out clubbing and simply stay home. Quote
Gaybutton Posted July 26, 2008 Author Posted July 26, 2008 I would never consider carrying my passport on me when I go out clubbing/drinking. So, I will choose the more obvious alternative - I will not go out clubbing and simply stay home. Many would certainly agree with you, but Thai law actually requires all foreigners to have their passport on their person at all times, just as they require all Thai citizens to have their national ID card on their person at all times. Most of the time, the police are perfectly willing to accept a photocopy of your passport, provided it shows the face page, your visa, and your current 90-day address report if you are staying long-term in Thailand. But right now a major crackdown is obviously occurring and I wouldn't want to rely on a photocopy just now, in case you get caught up in it. Most likely a photocopy will serve just fine and it probably will, but remember that the police are not required to accept a photocopy and you can be penalized for failure to have your passport. During this crackdown, I wouldn't want to be caught without my actual passport with me and I do feel capable of carrying it a manner by which it won't be lost or stolen or ruined if I'm caught in a rain storm. It's your choice and your risk. Quote