fluffybud

Sorry, Bub, in the USA--where I am from--verbal abuse is NOT a crime and is, in fact, called "freedom of speech" and guaranteed by the US Constitution. But, it's obviously a hanging offense in Thailand.

Ahh dude, you are so wrong. "freedom of speech" is one thing, verbally assulting is another. Verbal assault on a police officer can be construted as threatening the officer and, accordingly, the officer can defend his/herself by arresting the offender. They can also charge you for disorderly conduct. Most of the time they will just lecture you and let you go. I know this because I been stopped by the police while driving because an idiot friend of mine while sitting in the back of the car flip off the cop next to us. I was immediatley pulled over and threatened with arrest, and after we apologized and listen to his lecture we were let go. But when you take in account that this lady RAN from the cops for a CRIME comitted and than verbally abusing them, yes she will be frigging charged for that as well.

What a crock of sh1t,, as if this is the real reason, a bar mat really, anyone with half a brain that knows thailand will know this "offence" wouldnt have left the bar, OR police negotiations,i think western "principles " will be involved, lets wait and see,.

Exactly.. The 'crime' isnt the beer mat.. the crime is running away from the cops, fleeing when they told her to stop, and then gobbing off at the chief of police back at the station..

Simon spent 3 weeks in a jail and months sorting this out and everyone on here slated him.. He must have been 'aggressive' or 'rude'.. Anyone whose seen the hen night type ozzie shielas down Bangla will have a guess how this went down.

I feel sorry for this Lady - Innocent fun and now facing Years in a Thai Jail.

The admit they did it "as a prank"..

And 'innocent' of resisting arrest ?? They wouldnt do a runner from an Aussie cop.. but they think just cos they are in Thailand and western they can act out and do what they like..

Agreed, this is more than about taking a stolen mat, it's more that you're pretty much telling the Thai authority to <deleted>#k off in their own country. I doubt this has anything to do with the bar owner, more that the Thail local officals taking interest in the matter. I agree this is bit too harsh for the lady but what did you expect when you run away from the cops and than insulting them?

What would have happened if a Thai National went to Australia for vacation and got wasted at a bar, stole something and when confronted by Aussie cops, they pulled a runner and than insulted the officers back in the station? As an American, I can say that if a Thai national (Or any nationals for that matter) pull that crap and ran away from police officers here in New York City, they be <deleted>*ked. First the cops would chase them down, taser/mace them, tackle/slam to the ground, cuffed and taken to the station for booking charges. They be charged with resisting arrest, fleeing from scene of the crime, assaulting police officer, and whatever charges the DA's can think off. They be put in jail awaiting bail and eventually be bailed out with most the charges eventually being dropped. They would be fined and kicked out the country. This is exactly what's going on in Thailand except they already bailed her out.

You all know she won't get any jail time from this, but they will do what they can to make an example out of her. Not for stealing a $60 mat, but more that you should respect the authorities especially when you are a guest in someone else's country.

Thailand is still one the best vacation spot in the world, with some of the most hospitable people in the world. I'll take Thailand over Malaysia and Indonesia anytime.

Hey all, bunch of us are going to be meeting up in BKK during the weekend of Nov 14 ~ 16. Was told that there might be an alcohol ban as well as having entertainment places shut down during that weekend due to the cremation ceremony of the late princess.

How bad will it be that weekend? Are they going to ban alcohol and shut down venues during that time or will it be more of just a tone down?

Also how will this effect Pattaya, will it be easier to get around bans in Pattaya if in fact there will be one?

Thanks for any info.