Nothing changes - the missus says I have an unhealthy attitude to Policemen. I say it comes from being (or at least feeling) unnecessarily harrassed by them as a teenager on a motorbike. They were, to a man, sarcastic, sadistic and unhelpful in my experience. Enough to scar any young man's psyche. Fast forward 30 years and there I was minding my own business, going to work on a Sunday morning. Next thing I'm being flagged down by a gap-toothed, black-shirted, peak-capped bully, having mysteriously strayed into the middle lane. Apparently bikes aren't allowed out of the gutter here. Anyway he pocketed my license and smugly informed me I could retrieve it at the local constabulary, somewhere in deepest darkest Bangkok. I know this ritual, having done it numerous times already, so I knew that was my cue to suggest I pay the "fine" on the spot. 400 Baht(8 GBP) later, I was on my way, leaving the jumped up Hitler happy and a little richer, my hard-earned cash having disappeared into his arse pocket. That was my serenity gone for the day. How is that the rule of law? If it happened in the UK I'd report him and he'd be fired, but here it's normal. Why don't they just stand on corners with a plastic cup like honest beggars? Hmph.
Be good, and stay in the right lane.
