** snap **
You don't suppose that particular officer was tendering your money to the government coffers, do you?
Do you really think I thought the money was going to the government? Or where do you see me being ripped off? I was talking about me, myself getting ripped off, by locals, the people. I still don't see how I got ripped off in here, as I paid 5k THB where it would have been 20k or more.
Even worse. That you can't see it is rather confusing. Some person was using the fact that he/she was employed by the local government as a tool with which to steal money from you. And you were oh so happy to have him/her do so.
How on earth can you interpret this as 'not getting ripped off'?
Now I'm starting to think you're delusional.
How is me "getting ripped off" with 5k worse than getting registered and paying 20+k?
You think an unofficial police check point in Thailand is a reality? Well, it isn't.
You're just showing how inexperienced you are when it comes to travelling. Another basement pro?
I never claimed any experience trveling in Thailand.
OTOH, it doesn't take travel experience to recognize graft when one sees it.