My very good friend Geoff went on one of his many trips to get his visa renewed at the border. After all the formalities were done on the Cambodian side, he was waiting in line for his passport to be stamped to leave Cambodia. He felt a tap on his shoulder. There, standing behind him, was two large officers, indicating that he should follow them right now. Geoff nearly soiled his sarong. They loaded him on the back of a motorcycle and drove him to town and the police station. There, he was escorted into what he describes as an interrogation room complete with bright light and all, and made to sit on a hard chair. The escorts left. Silence. Suddenly the door bursts open and in walks an officer with lots of brass on his shoulders. He asked Geoff in a very friendly voice what his name was.
Geoff stuttered: “Jeff, I mean Geoff.â€
Officer: “Is this your passport?â€
Geoff (in a tiny voice): “Yes.â€
Officer: “How much did you pay for your visa?â€
Geoff: “1500 Baht, like I always do.â€
Officer: “Well, I’m afraid they overcharged you. If you come back with us to the border and point out the person who helped you, we will refund your 300 Baht.â€
They went back but the person who helped him was nowhere to be seen. The officer gave Geoff back his 300 Baht anyway. So, now you know. But the point is, if the border people ask you for 1500 Baht, don’t argue. You’ll just make life difficult for yourself. Grin and bear it.
