Luis

Sad news about this poor Thai gentleman in London. No doubt that this can happen anywhere, but at least the UK authorities will do something about it.

I just experienced a similar case here in Bangkok, but for a different reason, even though the background is also racial animosity.

Last Thursday night, I have been assaulted by two Thai neighbors from my same floor, regarding a non offensive painting I have hanged in the wall beside my door for more than 5 years. They smashed it and while I was trying to take photos, both attacked me in order to delete the evidence. After punching me to the floor, they took my phone insisting in deleting the photos. Once police came, did nothing to force them giving me back the phone or ask for their names and ID. The Building chairman came down and after long talk, they return it. But nor the JP of building neither the police will do more to provide their full names, summon or warn them about these serious nasty actions.

I am waiting for meeting with a forensic doctor, to issue the report and find a lawyer to come with me and do the formal police complaint. My Spanish embassy just sent me a list of lawyers and their best wishes nothing else.

A police officer handling the case told me, they can't arrest them because my injuries are not serious nor I am hospitalized.

At present I am collecting all evidence as cctv video of the event, as well photos of my bruises and property damage.

To be frank as a foreigner here, we have with no rights and no legal protection, the building management and JP wash hands, as well the police and our own diplomats.

I am a sitting duck waiting to be hit again. I would like to make this case public, as it can happen to anyone of us that came to retire and have a peaceful life in Thailand, even investing in property. We frankly are not welcome in Thailand any longer.

Would be grateful, if any of you have suffered similar experience and how did you deal with it legally. I am afraid to start spending a fortune in lawyer fees for nothing and wasting my time too. Any advice will be greatly appreciate it.

I don't have any virus or decease, but my only sin was to place a nice painting beside my own unit.

I can't belive it 1000 THB???? What about the damage charges of injuries and hospital? joke is the law in Thailand....Sure if u do the same to the bastard u will have to pay for his family, villagers and will expelled from here...Outrageous