The towns a much safer place now

i dont believe this at all

I've heard of the police asking $500 if they find drugs but not for no licence.

Not saying that is what happened here but it's not like either party would advertise the fact.

lurcio wrote:I've heard of the police asking $500 if they find drugs but not for no licence.

Not saying that is what happened here but it's not like either party would advertise the fact.

When did traffic cops start searching people for drugs?

Hotdigr wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2017 11:42 pm
VERY important to remember though, if you don't possess a legitimate licence from your home country AND an international driving permit to ride/drive the class of vehicle you are on and you have an accident, your insurance is null and void. This just happened to an Aussie chick in Bali

That Bali story is different as in Indonesia you're required to have an international drivers' permit. Not the case here. If you're riding a <125cc bike without a licence here you are complying with local laws so I don't see how your insurance company could refute that.

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2017 8:00 pm BUT what insurance would u have as a tourist, that would pay for an motorcycle accident in Cambodia, if u had no license to operate the motorcycle??

PS traffic cops routinely set up check points here in Phuket and DO search u and ur bike.... BEWARE

Still cant believe a story about a cop asking for $500 for no helmet...

He was fined for not having a licence which is $15 max. But in fact no licence is needed for bikes under 125 cc. The fine for not wearing a helmet now is $3.75.

phuketrichard wrote:ok,no license,my bad;;;;;;; $500 seems a bit high
the article does not state what size bke he was on......
but still

BUT what insurance would u have as a tourist, that would pay for an motorcycle accident in Cambodia, if u had no license to operate the motorcycle??

EVEN if one was not legally required??

Hit a khmer on his bike, kill is wife riding side saddle,( u have no motorcyle licnse at home or in Camboida) , u think ur insurance ( IF you had any) will cover u? i dont

World Nomads policy, for Australians. US resident's wording similar, but don't appear to require a US licence.

To be covered when riding a motorbike or moped/scooter, you MUST:

Use the Sports & Activities option to add this activity to your policy when you buy it.

take all the usual safety precautions when riding a bike and don’t take any needless risks;

wear a helmet;

obey the local road rules;

hold a motorbike licence in Australia for the same class of bike you’ll ride overseas, regardless of the local laws; and

hold a licence valid for the country you’re riding in (where local law requires)

If you have an accident and are injured, we’ll cover:

Evacuation if urgent and medically necessary (by helicopter if medically necessary and available);
Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or local medical facility; and/or
Repatriation home if you’re seriously injured and unable to continue your trip.

epidemiks wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2017 1:41 pm

lurcio wrote:I've heard of the police asking $500 if they find drugs but not for no licence.

Not saying that is what happened here but it's not like either party would advertise the fact.

When did traffic cops start searching people for drugs?

I would say about 3 years ago they started milking this revenue stream.
If they catch you with weed expect an initial request for a $500 donation. 1 friend got caught with 2 bags of MDMA and 10g of weed but as he speaks fairly fluent Khmer he got away with a $100 donation, lots of smiling, laughing and back slapping. Conversely another (part-timer Pattaya-exile) was caught with a couple of spliffs worth and got hit for $300.

The simple answer is

1. DON"T DO DRUGS
2. Stick to beer and
3. Most importantly learn to converse in their language as they are actually just normal guys trying to get a bit of money together to put food on the table / have a good night out and are very flexible about who's pockets they decide to empty.

One time many years ago when Otres was the end of world and you had to paddle your bike through a foot of mud at the base of the hill I got roped into getting pissed up with them to the point of projectile vomiting and when I said it was time for me to ride home I was given an escort to my front door all at about 10km/hr as I couldn't see further than 10m in front of me. Good times.

ps. If the Gendarmerie??? (ie not the blue traffic police) catch you then I think there is no easy way out.