JohnHLewis

"Compensation" or "reparation" however a convicted criminal and fugitive remains unfettered outside of a Thai prison cell.

Whatever your political persuasion, Taksin Shinawatra's actions are a breach of the Rule of Law.

Prostitution is a crime in Thailand (cf Penal Code).

It is one thing for the authorities to accept it, in whatever manner. However, it is quite another for the majority of TV posters to also condone such practices; as very few have expressed overt condemnation.

Most farangs are here for pleasure and not business; and should the crackdown be extended, their 'recreation-hood' (or sole reason for existence) will be endangered.

Who is worse: the prostitution of the punter? Both sleazy yet the former often does it out of economic necessity whereas the latter because s/he is sexually desperate. It seems that the majority of the TV posters appear to fall into this unfortunate category.

He admitted guilt to assault in a Thai court, and there is no other evidential or factual information presented (ie provocation or self defence) to admonish or mitigate his culpability for the offence.

Alternatively, if he admitted guilt just to board his connecting flight, then he is potentially liable for perjury - a much more serious offence under Thai law.

Although others may opine differently, Thai law is fair and just.

'Takki/Tacky' by nature now by name.

The global media presents him as a fool in the global media, and the Thai government appears equally helpless in its clueless attempt to capture him.

On the international stage Thailand is portrayed as a weak and ineffectual regime; which is not true. However, unless Khun Abhisit acts decisively the portrayal will persist and the country's repuation will be damaged forever.

The idea of Foreign Police Volunteers is radical and somewhat untested in other countries. Before you scoff - remember that the alleged problems regarding bribery, violence etc.....go beyond the FPV. If your criticism of them is a veiled attack at the Thai police, or Thai society, or Bar-girls then drop the duplicity and clearly express your concerns. I do not think that the FPV is the problem or, from my knowledge and experience, add to them.

I adamantly believe that the Thai legal system should be fair & just; just accepting inadequate standards means that both indigenous and farangs remain vulnerable.

Thai Law is very specific regarding Alien ownership/ participation in corporate entities in Thailand. The use of a Thai nominee by a foreigner to illegitmately by-pass the rules can be fraudulent. I know that the same rationale (ie fraud) applies in most countries around the world, not just Siam.

Although Thailand needs foreign investment, remember, foreigners are often precluded from investing in their own native countries. Hence the reason why they grasp at the opportunities offered here.

The real question is how many farangs are vulnerable in BKK, Pattaya & Hua Hin should the net be widened!