Avoiding Chinese Jails. The Thai Bar Edition.
A few weeks ago, I did a post emphasizing the need to follow China's laws so as to avoid jail time. My point (taken straight from Aimee Barnes) was that what actions that may be overlooked in your home country of Australia or the United States or some other Western country very well may be deemed to be criminal in China.
I just read a Sydney Morning Herald article on how an Australian mother of four spent two nights in a Thai jail and is facing a potential five years in prison for allegedly having taken a bar mat. I am not saying this same thing could happen in China, but then again, I am also not saying it could not. This article on the mom in Thailand ought to convince you that what happens in the West is not necessarily what will happen in Thailand or in China. Or as Apple would say, Think Different.
Comments
Dan, some of the stories I've been told by expats who found themeselves in hot water with China's law enforcement convince me that what happened in the Thai jail could certainly happen in China, perhaps for lesser offenses. (As I write this, I am thinking about a pen, a visa, a purse, and a charge of "tampering" as relayed to me by an acquaintance) It is best for everyone in China to keep both eyes WIDE open between now and October- I think we're in for a few more tales but I certainly hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: Aimee Barnes | May 19, 2009 6:11 AM
Thailand is really going out of its way to encourage tourism. Political instability and now this. Plenty of other places to visit.
So, there's been a lot of posts on, follow the law in China. The question is, how do you know what the laws are? Obviously businesses should use American and Chinese attorneys. But that's not feasible for tourists. Usually common sense is your guide, but that doesn't seem to work in Thailand where they put you in jail for multiple days for something like this.
Posted by: Tony | May 19, 2009 9:03 AM
Dan, was on my way to help a friend who spoke no Mandarin in an altercation with cab drivers. On the way I called the cops to help sort it out. Then I started dreading, and preparing myself, for the fact I might've been spending the night in jail.
Posted by: Daniel | May 19, 2009 5:51 PM
When you get into any kind of dispute and it starts to turn ugly it is often better to give in, even if it feels unjust. Getting into confrontations with people in third world countries that have a shaky grasp of the rule of law is very bad idea. It is an even worse idea if you can't speak the language well. If you can, give them what they want and walk away.
Posted by: Jerome Cole | May 20, 2009 2:51 AM
Aimee,
Unfortunately, I think you are right.
Posted by: Dan | May 20, 2009 11:19 AM
Tony,
I have to disagree. Common sense is crucial and common sense says don't steal anything, no matter how small an item it may be.
Posted by: Dan | May 20, 2009 11:20 AM
Daniel,
So what ended up happening?
Posted by: Dan | May 20, 2009 11:21 AM
Jerome,
Good advice!
Posted by: Dan | May 20, 2009 11:22 AM
A difference between European and Asian attitudes/police was explained to me by a friend in Singapore recently...
In Europe it's possible to solve a situation after it's become a problem, in Asia you have to solve situations before they become a problem - once you have a problem, you have a real problem.
Posted by: uk visa | May 21, 2009 8:42 AM