i never been to thailand but had similar experiences in indonesia and even more in ukraine. having an foreign numberplate on your car is reason enough to stop you and fill their pockets. mostly the amounts of cash wanted isn't worth the argue for us, but if it happens every day you learn the language fast and at least is able to say in their language something like " are you willing to say that in front of the ambassador, his number is top in my phone " in the end those kind of things dont borther me to much anymore, i try keep a low profile wherever i go.i find it worse that in those country's if you have money one could get away with anything even murder. life has only litle value there sorry guys getting oftopic back to beautifull thailand
How did your trip to Thailand go candletrader? I keep reading that it is pretty dead there with the recession so will be interested in your experience.