i accidentally committed a felony 14 years ago
I had no idea at the the time, but i committed a crime that could have landed me in jail for 20 years when i first arrived in Thailand back in 2004. It was just in the bottom of my backpack and I was totally not hiding it so much as I was not at all aware that I was not supposed to have it.
I didn't get caught either and I suppose that this is very very lucky for me because they could have "taken me to the cleaners" over this if they wanted to.
That's it. The highest point of my criminality ever in my life. I acciddentally snuck a poker-chip set and 2 decks of cards into a country that has a very strict anti-gambling policy (unless of course it is the national lottery... that's fine.)
I really had no idea that it was illegal to bring this in but seriously, I was very lucky. They could have put me in jail for a decade or stolen loads of money from me if they had noticed it in my pack.
Point of the story is - don't bring poker sets to Thailand and if you do, never pay more than 19.99 for them because it is a value compared to a completely made up price of $35.
My friend had a massive fine for bringing some seeds or nuts into Australia and when at the border they asked if she had any, she said no. They are very strict and even if you have any, as long as you admit they won't fine you, they will seize but no fine or record on your name. Its little bit different as she lied (not sure why though) but from that time every time I travel anywhere outside USA, I always check if they have any "weird" restrictions.
Its good you got some good luck!
That is crazy. Never thought that would be a felony. I have thought recently about moving to Thailand, because its a lot cheaper.
That is very true. One thing to consider is how one will get / maintain a visa. That is the hardest part about living here. It isn't possible to just stay for a long time because we feel like it. :)
What happens if you honestly didn't know. It is not like drugs which is obvious and would be understandable if caught. Good to know if you like to travel with a full gambling set.
i don't know if they would buy that. I suppose it would depend on the official. In this country, offenses are oftentimes not really about any sort of law enforcement as it is a method of taking money from you.
I wonder if carrying only the playing cards or majongg would be OK? Either of them can be used for non gambling purposes.
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you can buy cards here so yeah, that must be ok. It's the chips that are the problem
Bad boy!
I brought one ecigartte with me. I dont know what the punishment is for this but they are not allowed
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yeah, the e-cig restriction is a strange one. why?
Lobby work maybe?
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almost certainly
Omg a poker chip and some carda haha. A felony omg. Thx for sharing that life lesson lol.
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