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Bangkok 3
We sit looking at each other for a while in a Mexican Stand-off. After another long silence he says to give him $50. I reply I don't have that much. Again I get the small fold of notes from my pocket, but as I bring it up I realise it is the wrong one and here I have about $70! I put it away quickly, hoping they don't realise and pull out the other, again putting on the table and pushing it towards them. I get an angry look and some angry Thai words. I am beginning to worry and am about ready to hand over the rest just to get out, but I am still not sure that this isn't a scam. I've been here for about half an hour now and finally he gives in, takes the money, puts it in his top pocket and gets out a pad and a pen. He fills out a form and hands it to me. He also hands me a pen and motions me to sign this form. I look at the form, of course it is all in Thai, I have no idea what it says, I'm not sure it is wise to sign it, it could have me admitting to anything. I motion that I can't sign as I can't understand. With an angry shout and flourish of hands I get the message and pick up the pen.
He hasn't asked my name, he hasn't seen any identification so I sign: "M.Mouse" He takes the paper back, looks at it grunts and hands me a copy, waving me to get out of here. I have no hesitation and do not hang around. I walk away from the Police Station and decide that these particular temples can wait for a day or two. I hurry back to the safety and anonymity of the Khao San Road, for a welcome beer. On the way back I pass a tourist information office and decide to check out if this was for real. The woman looks at my receipt, and tells me that yes, this is a new law and I should have had to pay the $100! She smiles as she sees the signature and hands it back. Suddenly, knowing that this wasn't a scam I am more worried than I was! I thank her, turn away and relish that pint going down, vegging out in front of a good, loud pirated film. I'll catch up the rest of Bangkok tomorrow, maybe.
©Ian Picken 2004 |
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