Lately, I have been watching a TV show that I downloaded from the Internet. The name of the show is “Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand,” and it is a show from the Sky Network in the UK. The show is about British tourists visiting Thailand, and some of the troubles they run into.
“But Bob,” you might be saying, “this website is not about Thailand,” and you would certainly be correct. However, some of what I’ve seen on the show certainly applies in the Philippines. And, I have seen things on the show that would be good lessons for the Philippines to put into practice, I believe.
As I am sure all readers know, Thailand is a place well known for partying, sex tourism, and other “revelry” that is not necessarily so wholesome. Because of this type of expectation, many of the tourists that end up on this show have gotten themselves into some real trouble by being a little bit too involved in this type of lifestyle.
The show is a documentary type show, 100% authentic, not fiction, acting and such.
Now, what exactly is the TV show about? Well, it is about the Thailand Tourism Police. Thailand Tourism Police? What’s that? Well, in Thailand, at least in certain parts of Thailand that are frequented by foreign tourists, the Thai Government has “Tourist Police” which are actually foreigners!
Yes, you read that correctly. They have foreigners who are police that deal specifically with foreign tourists. Based on what I have seen on the TV show, it appears that most, possibly all of the Tourist Police are British, but I can’t say for sure. Since the show is done by a British TV Network, they may just be featuring the British who are participating in the Police. Based on what has been said on the show, it seems that these foreign policemen are not paid, but do this on a volunteer basis. They are long term expats who live in Thailand, and they have volunteered to Police foreigners who have come on holiday, or vacation in Thailand.
Why do they need foreigners for this? Well, the reason is because many of the foreign visitors do not understand how things work in Thailand. You know, I have explained many times how many foreigners don’t understand cultural aspects of life in the Philippines? Same for Thailand. Things work differently in these foreign countries. What is common “back home” may actually be a crime here, or may cause friction with the locals, and could actually get the tourist killed. For example, here in Asia, causing somebody to “lose face” could lead to your death. By having foreign expats policing the foreign tourists, they can help explain to the foreigners in a way they can understand, and smooth over trouble before it starts, or at least before it gets too far out of hand.
As I have watched this show, my first reaction was that it was kind of weird, and not needed. As I watched several episodes, though, I have come to the conclusion that such a program could be quite beneficial for the Philippines too. I believe that it can offer several potential benefits for the Philippines:
- For the expat who lives here and gets involved in assisting with such policing activities, it would help make them a part of the community in which they live, make them part of society.
- The expat policeman could help the tourist stay out of trouble, or at least minimize it. Doing this would help the Philippines gain a higher regard in the tourism community. Instead of having people who got into a bad situation going around badmouthing the Philippines, you could potentially have people encouraging others to travel here and telling them that the Philippines goes out of it’s way to assist tourists in having a good time while still staying out of potentially dangerous situations.
- It could help cut back on corruption in the Police Force. Right now, a lot of foreign tourists believe that every Philippine Policeman is out to scam them. If there is a “tourist policeman” who is an expat from the West, it would make tourists more confident that they will be treated fairly.
While the Philippines is certainly under no obligation to do a program like this, I believe that it might have merit, and could make the Philippines a more attractive tourist destination too. It shows that the country is going to extra effort to help make foreign tourists feel comfortable and safe while visiting the country.
What do you think? Have you seen the show? Do you think this has merit?
outstanding idea, what a great way to effectivley merge the cultural differences if properly trained. It would also be a fantastic marketing idea abroad for the RP.
Hi brian – I believe that something like this has a lot of upsides for the Philippines, and really no downsides that I can think of. It's a winning idea, I think.
Yes Bob, it sometimes astounds me how people behave in a foreign country; seemingly totally unaware that it is they who are out of place and very possibly out of order. I’ve always followed a policy of keeping a reasonably low and respectful profile, and, to date, luckily, avoided any real trouble.
On a tangent, last night I watched a Channel 4 (uk) documentary about the increasing tensions and clashes between christian and muslim groups on southern Mindanao. It was called “unreported world” and I’m sure you would find it with a google if you are interested. Clearly this is in areas to be avoided, but it really shows how worlds can be so different yet so close. As usual with documentaries of course, it set out to show what it wanted to show and missed many points, but did make interesting viewing.
Hi Jim – Thanks for the tip on that show, Unreported World. I’ll see if I can get ahold of it.
Hi Bob;
On many trips to Thailand while on Ship's, the Tourist Police were very helpful and well respected, and at that time they were english speaking Thai's. I feel it would work well here.
Hi Paul – They may still have Thai who are in the Tourist Police too… it's hard to tell from the show, because it's a British show, and they may be featuring just the Brits who participate, I can't be sure. I do think it's a good idea for the Philippines, though. Of course, the Filipinos would have the final word on what happens with the tourists who cause trouble, but the foreigners who participate in the program could act as a sort of buffer to keep things from getting out of hand. When the inevitable tourist takes it out of hand, then the "real" police could step in and take action. I think it would be a great thing.
sounds like a good idea to me Bob ..Phil n Jess
Thanks, Phil! Good to hear from you. I hope you're enjoying life in Northern Mindanao!
It's very hard to pity many of the people seen in this program…a 'tourist advocate' may well be a very good idea. But some of the specimens in this program really do deserve what they got…if for no other reason that they didn't even do the most basic research of the country before breaking it's laws…or didn't care.
If there were to be something like this in the Philippines, perhaps it should focus on more actual crimes against tourists…rather than a force designed to protect tourists engaging in very dubious activities. Price gouging, pick pockets, police frame-ups etc. seem to be the biggest issues impacting tourists in the Phils. As far as obvious drug users/dealers and pedophiles…there is no excuse…good by and good riddance.
Hi rc – I fully agree that the lowlife types – drug dealers, sex tourists and such deserve whatever they get! I am behind you all the way. But, in many situations, when a foreign tourist runs into something he doesn't understand, he often feels that he is being singled out for his color, and such tourist police can help alleviate that.
A few thoughts on this subject, Bob. For sure, it would be an excellent PR for the expats living in the Philippines if the tourist police idea catches on. The immediate problem I can think of is that there is not enough of you folks who are concentrated in one area to patrol a known tourist hangout to make it work. Based on my observation here at LiP, you guys are dispersed throughout the islands. In the Makati area, for example, where many of the shenanigans involving Europeans, Americans, Canadians, and Australians occur, is there an expat enclave nearby that would be able to field a force capable of providing a viable visual deterrent on a nightly basis? I am talking of at least 3 teams of two men each patrolling the honky tonk area of Makati. I can think of only three expats from LiP who might be able to work the Makati area some nights, but they would have to travel a great distance to get there. They are Paul Keating from Ilocos Norte, Dave Starr from Bulacan, and Paul Thompson from Dinalupihan. LOL
Another consideration is the liability issue. Whenever a person is in uniform in public, that person projects authority whether or not he is deputized or given police powers such as arrest. As such, he is usually the first person to be summoned in an emergency. Unforeseen scenarios could arise, such as destruction of property or physical injury or even death to either the tourist police or the tourist or both during the performance of one's duty. Just a few things for the legal counsel to ponder before you submit your proposal to the PNP.
John Reyes
Hi John – A couple of things. Firstly, and most importantly, I want to be clear that I did not say that LiP would be involved in something like this, so there is no reason why we would need to look to LiP writers to figure out who could patrol certain areas or whatever…
Secondly, I agree that there are not enough expats here to make a full compliment of tourist police. However, what about OFW's who have returned home, who spent 10 years or more abroad? They would have a good understanding of both cultures.
Realistically, Bob, you'd be hard pressed to find a former OFW who would be interested in this type of work on a volunteer basis. Besides, let's face it, an unruly foreign tourist who is Anglo may not be able to relate well to a tourist police who is a native Filipino, but may react favorably to one of his kind.
Hi John – I know lots of former OFW's who have pride in their country and would be happy to do something like this. Finding them would not be hard at all. Sure, there are some who would not want to do it, but there are also some who would. I think you might have a good point, though, that some foreign tourists would not welcome their help as readily as they would for another foreigner, which I think is a real shame, BTW.
Bob:
BTW… There are tourist police in many places besides Thailand… Mexico and Japan come to mind immediately. They are usually comprised of people who fluently speak English or another additional language besides the home language, and of people, locals in most cases, who have either lived abroad or dealt with foreign cultures extensively.
As someone who was arrested in a foreign country before (I've written about it before… Middle East), I can tell you that there are few things more frightening or confusing…. ESPECIALLY when you are placed into a system with a different language, completely different laws, and little help but the limited Embassy services. If nothing else, tourist police can help guide you about what to do, advise you of your rights, and "facilitate" communication with the police. Of course, I agree that the low-lifes deserve whatever they get… However, as we have all written about before here, something as inadvertent or unintentional as a traffic accident or a burst of temper can get you into serious trouble here.
In Japan, for instance, there are tourist police at Narita airport, helping foreigners navigate their way through arrival procedures and helping them find transportation. They are "goodwill ambassadors" as much as anything. Could you imagine how much less chaotic NAIA would be to tourists if there were a similar scheme in place? I can't tell you how many times I've "rescued" people I saw standing there looking confused trying to get to Makati.
Hi John – I am glad you jumped in an commented on this article, I was hoping you would. Your view is of particular interest to me because you travel so extensively. It does not surprise me at all that many other countries have similar programs, although I didn't know about them specifically, because of the fact that only Thailand is covered in this show that I have been following.
I think that one of the real keys to the success in Thailand is that the tourism police consists of Foreigners, and they are able to relate well to the tourists. I feel that many of the "temper bursts" could be avoided if there was a tourist policeman who can relate to the foreigner and can explain to him how things work or what is going on. I now that I've had temper bursts before, I believe we all have. As I have been here longer and longer, though, and come to understand how the society here works, I have learned how to control those bursts. Advice from a person like you or me would go a long way toward helping a person who is new here and does not understand how things work.
hi bob,
The idea is good and I for one will volunteer for it, HOWEVER, let us not forget the leftist group who would cry a "violation of constitution" if this kind of thing would be put in place.
Ah yes, Dans. You are right about that. Even when something is offered for free (volunteer) that will help the country, foreigners would not be allowed to help… I didn't consider that. And, people wonder why the Philippines can't overcome it's problems… 🙁
I already thought you didn't consider it, I really detest this self-proclaimed righteous group who thinks they do good for the country, they do more harm than anything else.
Hi John – I agree. Every encounter I've ever had with the PNP has been positive, and with other law enforcement agencies and military too. As a matter of fact, I think that Philippine authorities tend to err on the side of cutting some slack for foreigners, not the other way around.
I have not seen the show you mentioned but will look around for it . Don't know if this concept would work or not given some of the more vocal critics of any foreigner involvement in Philippine affairs ( unless it's money ) 🙂 But they might stick their toe in the water by providing some sort of service to arriving tourists at NAIA . At least that could be a start .
Indeed that could be a problem, Alan. I hope not, but it seems to creep into everything here.
Frankly I think it is a non starter here in the Manila area as the corruption in the police force is on a huge scale, either the foreigner would have to ignore it or complain and put himself at risk,
In rural areas it might work as the police are more part of the community.
already have that Bob !! haha
Hi Bob,
Very interesting post, and video. As some have mentioned this may create probs. Thailand and Philippines have different historical experiences. Thailand had never been colonized, whereas the Philippines had been for 500 years, and some people think it still is. Resentment against foreigners run deep – whether Americans, Europeans, or Chinese. Know what I mean? Even the most progressive thinking Filipino might find something wrong with it. As a balikbayan, I always find myself in a "foreigner" position starting from the airport at immigration.
You brought a good point about foreign residents being part of the community or society they live. After all, foreign residents live there and part of the landscape already. From stats I recently saw, there are 250,000 North American citizens living there, 100,000 Korean citizens, don't know about the Japanese, Chinese, Germans, Brits etc. Plus there were approx 3.5 m tourists in 2008, and their projection is 5 m by 2010.
A good start would be to have foreign community liaison "officers" working in their own community, or touristy places, even volunteers. But someone has to convince the local or national government to give that a push. Involving foreign residents can actually help bring new ideas to their communities. They need that knowledge transfer.
My thoughts…Alex
could i paint my scooter black & white with a star on it ? 😉
we both have the same experience John, in fact the last encounter I had with the PNP was them going way beyond and escorting me (me on my scooter) on his motorcycle all the way to the post office as I was not familiar with where it was, they assisted me in the post office and made sure i knew how to get back, there is no way I would have got that courteous attention from any LEO in the US !
You da man, Tommy!!! 😉
Kamusta ka Bob,
I think it would be a great idea, especially at the major airports. I haven't seen this show, or had a chance to watch the video on here, but I would guess the major cities should have this type of program set up….would be beneficial in many ways.
Thumbs up..now just have to take care of those leftist people!!..lol.
Take care all,
Danny 🙂
Bad idea.
In the years I've lived here I've come to realise that any foreigner involvement in local issues – unless the foreigner is giving away free gifts – is regarded as an insult.
I've not seen the TV show you mention but I imagine an awful lot of the tourists involved get themselves into trouble through their own stupidity and gullibility.As they say,there's one born every minute.(Gullibility – is that a word ?)
As one of your other commentators mentions,a lot of countries have tourist police but they tend to be information bureaux on legs.Like the English Bobby in those far off days.
Keep scribbling,Gary Covington.
Hi Bob
I have to agree with you I believe this would be a very big step forward for the philippines,if as i suspect the philippines is going to explode on the tourist scene in the next few years i believe they will have to implement something similar. I might be wrong but i think the original concept was first performed for international football(soccer) matches and involved full time police officers it was then used in the spannish holiday resorts to combat the drunken behaviour of tourists, it is now proving to be of use in thailand. the plus side of this is these guys can help where language barrier's become a problem and rightly as you say where culture differences become a problem also. I dont know if you know your local Mayor there but my advice is have a chat with him about it if he is anything like the Mayor of San Carlos City,Negros he will be very enthusiastic about such an idea being made by an expat the good thing for you is you can direct him th watch the tv series and he can see for himself the results.
Hi Sir BoB. I just came back from Thailand – again. I used my return ticket to go back and enjoy the best pizza in the world in Bangkok.
Your idea on the Tourist Police is a very good one. I saw the Tourist police being very busy in Pattaya and Phuket. Mostly drunk young British guys going well over their booze limit.
Two things, the numbers of tourists in Thailand are huge. There were wall to wall tourists of every nationality in the streets and that was LOW season. Now is the beginning of the high season.
If there are any tourist numbers in the Pines they are scattered all over the islands. When I came back to Manila it was like a ghost town, where are the tourists? Makati was DEAD, Los Angeles was DEVOID of life and Malate well I think i was the only one there. The tourists I saw in Makati looked bored sh*tless anyway.
Me, personally the Pines has a long way to go before it can be called a Tourist destination. As one travel agency once said to me, the Pines is not a tourist destination of choice. After my two trips to Thailand, I could not agree more.
Maybe in Davao there are more "tourists" in one location, there could be a trial for TP in Davao? I think your idea is a good one, but really the numbers of foreigners in any one place don't warrant it.
Oh yeah I forgot to mention one very important point, most of the Thai people "don't" speak English, I met 5 Thais that could in 5 weeks, the Pino can speak English.
Very interesting concept, Bob! When I return to Davao, I'll have to tell you a story which occurred during my last time there, which illustrates the value of this idea.
I think that a Foreign Liaison Officer would be a very good addition to most major centres, yet, would prefer to see limited powers for that role. I would be concerned if such a person had too much "swing" or was carrying a gun. Hong Kong, as you know, had caucasian & Chinese police officers & that was a great benefit. Most Western countries have Liaison Officers within various police organizations, whom are, sometimes, shown greater respect by their ethnic community than those of other ethnicities. Still, as pointed out, it might be a hard sell to Filipinos. Perhaps, you could solicit the opinion of Filipinos/as on this idea?
Mike