Charlieben

"And the winner in an F1 race depends about 80% on technology & funding, 10% on the pit crew, and about 10% on the guy seated in the car who presses the pedals and turns the steering wheel." - this poster is making up figure now - simply hasn't a clue!

so clue us in, ....what are your estimates?

Mate, you clearly do not know when to stop. You have embarrassed yourself in front of hundreds of readers initially, and you continue to make some of the most stupid comments I have seen on this site.

This is the most gruelling motorsport on the planet, and only a handful of drivers can actually drive these cars at the limits that you see in F1. Sitting down makes absolutely no difference to the physical intensity. If you had actually gone to a modern GP, and seen how fast these cars go, and how fast the drivers reaction times required are, you would not have made any of these comments - or maybe you just like to look like a goose.

As for your break down of what success means, please. I think the components to success would be far more complex than the 3 basic categories you dreamt up in your head (and the percentages you pulled out your ae. There are many components working in unison to create a winning team, of which the drivers capabilities are pivotol. Why do you think the drivers get paid so much? Most people in F1 are at the very top of their game, business managers as well. Do you think they are going to just give millions away to elite drivers because they like them? No, it's performace based, and the risks are rewarded.

Realistically there are only a handful of people on the planet who can do what the elite drivers of F1 do, and there is very good reason for that.

Go to the bathroom, stand in front of the mirror, and have a good look at yourself! You clown!

Actually if it were less about a drivers funding then it is about their talent, the drivers pool would be much larger then you think and many of the current drivers would likely not even be in seats..

That's not to say that they aren't good but they really aren't the cream of the available crop as it were..

Actually not that true, the elite drivers in modern f1, if you do your research, have consistantly been at the top of their categories all throughout their careers. Even when they were juniors, and money and sponsorship were not such a big determining factor (but given the fact that motorsport needs a certain amount of money at all levels), these same drivers where clearly more skilled than their competitors that didn't make it to the top. The numbers of people capable of driving an f1 at those levels are still a handful - plain and simple.

I think having been involved in motorsport for over 20 years, plus being involved with a young cousin successfully coming through the ranks of open wheelers, I have a good insight into this area.

To say they are not the cream of the crop shows you are not that close to the sport really, you may have watched a lot of it on tv and gone to the track. Yes some guys who have talent, but not the know how to bring money don't make it, but mostly the guys who were performing well at a very young age are the same guys who are at the top today, that's been proven again and again and again. If you do your research, and get involved in the sport you will know this to be a fact!

What can I say...If you can't afford to keep a cart on the track by the time your 12, but you were putting in a few good laps, well that's life! The kids that were beating you, and kept going all the way, were probably bloody talented as well. I'm sure there would be a lot more black tennis players if only they could have had access to a tennis court. I'm sure a lot of football players could have been star cricket players, and visa versa.

The reality is that many F1 drivers have been successful all their careers from kids to adults, and to say they are not cream of the crop is a mute point in the context of what you are saying. It's never an even playing field in any sport, so it's almost impossible to say that you could even properly identify exactly who is the cream of the crop.

The 'cream of the crop', as you refer to, in motorsport do rise to the top, it's the one's who get there with money that don't last long at the highest levels.

Any doubts about talent rising to the top in f1 I just have 1 word for you...Schumacher

(do you research about him before you put your foot in your mouth)

"And the winner in an F1 race depends about 80% on technology & funding, 10% on the pit crew, and about 10% on the guy seated in the car who presses the pedals and turns the steering wheel." - this poster is making up figure now - simply hasn't a clue!

so clue us in, ....what are your estimates?

Mate, you clearly do not know when to stop. You have embarrassed yourself in front of hundreds of readers initially, and you continue to make some of the most stupid comments I have seen on this site.

This is the most gruelling motorsport on the planet, and only a handful of drivers can actually drive these cars at the limits that you see in F1. Sitting down makes absolutely no difference to the physical intensity. If you had actually gone to a modern GP, and seen how fast these cars go, and how fast the drivers reaction times required are, you would not have made any of these comments - or maybe you just like to look like a goose.

As for your break down of what success means, please. I think the components to success would be far more complex than the 3 basic categories you dreamt up in your head (and the percentages you pulled out your ae. There are many components working in unison to create a winning team, of which the drivers capabilities are pivotol. Why do you think the drivers get paid so much? Most people in F1 are at the very top of their game, business managers as well. Do you think they are going to just give millions away to elite drivers because they like them? No, it's performace based, and the risks are rewarded.

Realistically there are only a handful of people on the planet who can do what the elite drivers of F1 do, and there is very good reason for that.

Go to the bathroom, stand in front of the mirror, and have a good look at yourself! You clown!

There's a lot of knobs that should be shown the door in here.

My sympathy goes out to you my friend. I can imagine this to be very uncomfortable for you.

I think it was M Singh who hit the nail on the head, about a life being cheap.

Take care of your family. Don't get yourself shot. Think about it mate.

Agree 100%....You really need to step back and think really hard about getting involved further, but i fear it may already be to late. By the reaction of the BIB, i'd say the crazed neighbor knows already that you called them up and a loss of face has already occurred. You already know that he is a gun crazed lunatic, so why risk upsetting him further. If a call goes out next time that a farang has been shot in the village, then you've already seen the urgent response received from the local BIB. Please consider where you are, and the reality of the situation....life is to short and cheap here to think otherwise.

OK, just to set this straight, and not apologising for this guy, this is the 1st time a gun has appeared in over a year of barneys with his wife. Yes, clearly shooting in public is way over the top, hence the concern. I doubt that at this point 'it's too late'. It's the next actions/inactions forward that need to be handled correctly, and this is why I' m looking for some expat opinions.

We have had many discussions with this guy before over neighbourly issues, nothing negative. He's not a loon 24/7. I think deep down he must know he's a f_wit for his behaviour, and he may have a good idea that I called the police, if our security hadn't also done the same - which would be expected. Either way I'm not good for seeing this happen again.

So, moving forward, I now know this guy has the potential to snap, not going to put myself in the line of fire, and looking for ways to best handle it. Trust me, I didn't make him lose face, he did that very well on his own in front of the village, and I'm sure the gossip has spread right throughout by now. The police turned up after the main event, by which time many bystanders, and securtiy saw what he did.

Thanks for all the intelligent replies, easy to sort the wheat from the chaff. Yes I am well aware of the risks in the country. I definitiely have no ego to satisfy, or looking to be a hero, just looking for some potential solutions to a problem that would concern any normal person. Once again, thanks.

Thanks Kurnell, appreciated. It's obviously not that easy to just sell up and move. I sure those of you who own a house understand. It would be great to hear if anyone has an idea on exactly what laws have been broken by his actions? I would have thought there were some very strict laws about firing a gun in public, and pointing a loaded weapon at someone.

Offences:

1. Firing firearm in public without appropriate course

2. Attempt murder

3. Detain a person against his/her will with the threat of weapon

4. The gun should be checked if it is registered on his name or not?

If he is charged he can be kept locked up for a few days before he can get a leave permit on bail of around 200K B.

PS: He may have more than one gun and two arms...

Thanks mate.

It's not as if we live in some dodgy neighbourhood, this gated village is extremely family orientated. Also, it's not as if I am acting like a hero, bare minimum I would say.

'None of my business', I beg to differ. This is my neighbourhood. I should have the right to not put up with that. Is that really an acceptable standard of living for Thai's?

If you want to get involved, because you feel that you can't put up with it, you will have to back up your involvement with equal or, better, superior force. Which, given that you post your little problem here, you haven't. Don't get any further involved than you are already. You have already been careless enough.

The last thing you want is that a guy with a gun and a temper to go with it is getting pissed at you.

Great idea, just ignore him when he is peppering the street with bullets. Maybe, as you are leaving for work and he is taking pot shots at the local wildlife you can engage him in conversation. "Nice shooting buddy, is that a Glock or a Colt 45?"

...And this is my point, it's a bit hard to ignore someone who's doing this in the middle of the soi. I mean there were kids riding their bikes up and down the intersecting soi, i'm not joking.

If you want to get involved, because you feel that you can't put up with it, you will have to back up your involvement with equal or, better, superior force. Which, given that you post your little problem here, you haven't. Don't get any further involved than you are already. You have already been careless enough.

The last thing you want is that a guy with a gun and a temper to go with it is getting pissed at you.

Understand your point, I have options, just looking to see what the general feedback is from the expat community. Thanks all.

Maybe put up a security camera pointing into the street/his house...at least with video footage for him shooting off a gun in public the police would surely have to charge him ('connections' or not...video doesn't lie)...

Good point, where he pulled the gun on his wife is just underneath one of the CCTV cameras. It will be touch and go if the camera got it though, due to the angel. Waiting for Q House Management to come back to me on that one. Supposed to keep the footage for 30 days we were told.

Its called domestic violence - and its a problem in Thailand, but culturaly and traditional something that folk have not involved themselves with - and the police attitude? - unless a partner gets hurt, or makes a formal complaint they are very reluctant to get involved - its lots of paperwork which ultimately comes to nothing (read as: waste of their time), because in the absense of a complaint there is nothing they can do anyway.

Hear what you're saying, but even a 12 year old could work out that it's no longer just a domestic violence issue anymore, when you start spraying bullets around the neighbourhood - It's a HUGE public safety issue now.

If they want to kill each other, knock yourself out, and as many people are advising here, mind you own business, don't bring it out into the public.

Charlieben,

Has this man had any specific trouble with yourself or other neighbours in the past ? Also would be interested to know how long you have been neighbours.

If he is not a DIRECT threat to yourself I would take your wifes advice and not get involved - if it is a problem between him and his wife it is up to her to take some action or, at the very least, ask for some help. As for talking to other neighbours about it, and there is no direct threat to you or them, I would be vary wary about word getting back to him as, if he is dangerous enough to point a gun at his wifes head, then I wouldn't fancy your chances.

Orac

No trouble with the neighbours in the past, it's always big issues with his wife. The police have been around a few times to sort them out. Even 2 days ago the cops were here to sort out some issue they had with a previous nanny.

We have been neighbours for about 1.5 years.

As for a direct threat, I'm talking about public safety, who knows where one of these stray bullets will go? I personally don't feel scared of this guy as an individual. I don't understand exactly what issues he and his wife have, but she's no angel, and I'm sure she's doing a bit to set him off. Yes, I'm not 100% certain, but I can't see him turning his anger, like his does to his wife, directly onto me.

I think there is a difference between him getting pissed off for my calling out his stupid behaviour, and whatever his wife does to get him wound up. Yeah Yeah I know big call considering he has a gun, but that's how I assess it.

Thanks Kurnell, appreciated. It's obviously not that easy to just sell up and move. I sure those of you who own a house understand.

It would be great to hear if anyone has an idea on exactly what laws have been broken by his actions? I would have thought there were some very strict laws about firing a gun in public, and pointing a loaded weapon at someone.

Seems to be a common thread of shut up and don't say anything. It's a pity because it's a pretty poor reflection on Thai society.

This would be an easy one to sort out back home, he's not so tough, actually very pathetic.

What sort of man points a loaded gun at their wife?

What sort of man fires bullets into a neighbourhood full of kids?

What sort of man turns off all the lights in the house, and hides when the police come knocking - I doubt he's well connected with our local police, otherwise he wouldn't have cowered in his house.

Can you imagine how fast this clown would be sorted out back in the west. I am sure that 99% of people (thai) in the village feel the same way as I do, but don't want to get involved. If everyone backed each here, he'd fold like a cheap suit. Doubt he'd take on the whole village.

I know what Thai's are like when it comes to this stuff, but how much does it take?, how well do the odds have to be stacked in your favour before you step up to the plate?

I mean this is pathetic, do we have to wait until someone's kid cops a bullet in the noodle from this guy before something is done.

It's not as if we live in some dodgy neighbourhood, this gated village is extremely family orientated. Also, it's not as if I am acting like a hero, bare minimum I would say.

'None of my business', I beg to differ. This is my neighbourhood. I should have the right to not put up with that. Is that really an acceptable standard of living for Thai's?

I am looking for some advice as to handle this situation...

My Thai wife and I live in a Quality House Village which has a good secure, family oriented, environment. Out of nearly 400 homes I think we have the one with the neighbour that is the 'odd one out'. He is supposed to have 4 massage parlours (so he told us), and comes across as a bit of a thai mafia style.

After listening to many many arguments between him and his wife, it finally came to an exclamation mark last night, with the husband firing 4 shots out in the soi at about 7:30pm. After hearing this I went down to see what had happened, found his wife out the front of their place, baby in arms, sitting on the driveway crying. I was going to ask her if she was ok, when I looked over into the house and saw the husband holding a pistol, at which point I quickly went back to my own place to phone my wife and get her to call the police.

During this time the couple continued to argue (screaming at the top of their lungs), about 10 mins had elapsed, and I heard their car start up. Once again, I went outside to see what was happening. The wife was now at the end of the soi, and the husband was heading towards her in the car. I stood out in the middle of the soi in front of my house, so the husband could see I was watching, hoping to deter him from doing something stupid.

When he reached her he opened the car door, got out, pulled out his gun again, cocked the trigger and pointed it at her head. I could not believe what I was seeing. Only one brave security guard stood by to observe, the rest just took off. By they way, there are many parents and children in the streets at this time. He did not shoot her, but dragged her back to their house, arguing continued, a load thud, then nothing.

By this time I am frantically calling my wife saying where are the bloody police, it must have been a half hour by now. She ends up having to get them from the police station, and bring them to our house.

When they get here, they were pathetic, so casual about something that is so serious, just a husband wife argument they said. They told us they could do nothing as they did not see it 1st hand they could only ring his doorbell, and ask him to come out. I could not beleive this, they have multiple witnesses, spent cartridges on the ground. After a few attempts they were actually going to leave. At this point I got very angry, and we basically had to bully the police into persisting to get the shooter out of his house, and down to the station. From what my wife overheard they took his gun away from him.

We shouldn't have to put up with this in our environment, nobody, in any country, should have to.

What Thai laws has he broken?, what are the penalties?, how can I best handle this?

My wife wants to keep a low profile, but fcuked if i'm going to cower in my own home, especially since he would be the only one of his sort in the village. It's actually become a very sour issue between my wife and I.

Any advice?