I don't mean to derail your main point, but I don't think it would be supprising that the police of other countries treat you nicer due to "tourist privilage".

I don't mean to derail your main point, but I don't think it would be supprising that the police of other countries treat you nicer due to "tourist privilage". I lived in Thailand for 8 years, and I can confirm that "Farang" (white tourists) are treated better than Thai citizens. With good reason though, as tourism is the lifeblood for many communities.