Two Tourists In Pai Shot By A Police Officer

[PhilHarries]

I have been in this country for several years and along with my Thai wife have noticed that it's slowly turning to <deleted>.

It is certainly getting worse, but the longer you remain here the more you see and the more you understand the way it works, and it ain't pretty.

Thailand has some very real and dangerous social problems it has to face in the near future. Forget the fantasies about "Buddhist social fabric" and other such nonsense, if you can't read the signs the way Thailand is going, you're in for a real shock.

Sadly I am coming to the same conclusion, just take the case in today's Bangkok Post (assuming they have the facts correct this time) of the children in Trang that pelted a passing train with rocks and bottles. This is the same behaviour that is endemic in the UK today and, while only perhaps an isolated incident, is an indication of how a country seems to readily take on the bad traits of another culture whilst ignoring the good.

[PhilHarries]

The fact the he was a cop and has been trained to use a weapon makes hs case worse.

Raises an interesting question. Just how much firearms training to the Thai police receive? I'm no expert but I believe that in the west as much, if not more, training is given on how not to use the weapon than how to use it. I am also certain that any firearms training program will strongly advocate that the weapon is dismantled and locked safely away before hitting the bottle.

[Thai at Heart]

The fact the he was a cop and has been trained to use a weapon makes hs case worse.

Raises an interesting question. Just how much firearms training to the Thai police receive? I'm no expert but I believe that in the west as much, if not more, training is given on how not to use the weapon than how to use it. I am also certain that any firearms training program will strongly advocate that the weapon is dismantled and locked safely away before hitting the bottle.

If the training is anything like the other training received for handling a deadly weapon, namely a car, then go forward, go back would equate something to point and press, and bang.

[Journalist]

The moral of this story is.....

"Don't fight battles you can't win"

[DamianMavis]

"Raises an interesting question. Just how much firearms training to the Thai police receive? I'm no expert but I believe that in the west as much, if not more, training is given on how not to use the weapon than how to use it. I am also certain that any firearms training program will strongly advocate that the weapon is dismantled and locked safely away before hitting the bottle."

I have helped train the pattaya police on gun retention drills (attacker tries to take the gun away) and at the time they didnt have any idea how to properly keep their firearm.... maybe they have received additional training and that has all changed but I would guess no... and probably the same for the rest of the country.

Damian

Edited January 8, 2008 by DamianMavis

[DamianMavis]

The moral of this story is.....

"Don't fight battles you can't win"

Son of a.... cmon did you even read this thread? There was NO fight, just an attack by a maniac, or is punching women in the head out of the blue a fight to you? I think the moral of the story is "try not to be in the area of homocidal drunk corrupt police"... good luck with that one.

Damian

Edited January 8, 2008 by DamianMavis

[DP25]

I don't think any of the involved parties are telling the whole truth. While the cop's story is obviously ridiculous, the girl's story that they were quietly walking and minding their own business only to have a Thai man jump out of the bushes and start punching her face for no reason doesn't seem likely either.

[Journalist]

The moral of this story is.....

"Don't fight battles you can't win"

Son of a.... cmon did you even read this thread? There was NO fight, just an attack by a maniac, or is punching women in the head out of the blue a fight to you? I think the moral of the story is "try not to be in the area of homocidal drunk corrupt police"... good luck with that one.

Damian

Alright, so the moral is....."Judge not lest ye be judged"....or...."When in a glasshouse, don't throw stones'

[joskydive]

The moral of this story is.....

"Don't fight battles you can't win"

Son of a.... cmon did you even read this thread? There was NO fight, just an attack by a maniac, or is punching women in the head out of the blue a fight to you? I think the moral of the story is "try not to be in the area of homocidal drunk corrupt police"... good luck with that one.

Damian

Alright, so the moral is....."Judge not lest ye be judged"....or...."When in a glasshouse, don't throw stones'

Are there any morals in this 'story' fact! I'm blowed if I can see any.

[jumnien]

Back in the '70's I used to sport a haircut, or lack thereof, very similar to the deceased. I got a lot of aggressive attention from law enforcement officers. I cut my hair and even though my behavior was much worse, the negative attention from the police stopped in its tracks. Anyway, come to Thailand no matter who your hairdresser is. Let your freak flag fly. But remember to smile and say "yes sir, officer" even in a blackout. It worked for me!

[Arkady]

Irrespective of position, an accidendent can change the way the legal system applies the law.

Bail will be given in most cases where an accident occurs.

In this case the shooter claims the gun was fired accidentaly.

One shot fired hitting no targets - accidental.

Two shots fired hittig no targets - accidental - maybe.

Three shots fired no targets hit - not accidental any more.

Three shots fired all hiting the targets - Now way. Going to have a hard time justifying this.

The fact the he was a cop and has been trained to use a weapon makes hs case worse.

In most countries. Prehaps the officals would do well to re-consider thier bail decision.

There are more facts in this case to be considered in court before punishment is handed out if any.

For every ones sake may justice be carried out.

What you have missed is that bail is automatically granted to police charged with any crime except murdering other police or somehow causing grave offence to a senior policeman or other very influential Thai. They are allowed to use their position as surety and don't need to post any cash or assets. The police know perfectly well that none of the three shots were fired by accident and they don't share our outrage at this heinous crime against foreigners with no influential connections. None of that wouldn't have entered into their thinking in recommending bail to the court. What they were thinking about is how to cover up this embarrassing crime which might cause trouble for the station commander and other colleagues and how to prevent any more nasty facts surfacing about their activities as a result of the unwelcome spotlight on their small precinct. The best way to do this is close ranks and let the killer roam around freely intimidating witnesses and concocting his story. You have seen this over and over again if you have been here for any length of time. Ask Chalerm how it is done by a top practioner. He may soon be in charge of the police again, so his view is particularly relevant.

You may also be interested to know (from Khunying Pornthip, the spiky haired pathologist) that most provinces don't have any forensic pathologists at all. Most of them are in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, so you can be sure that there aren't any in Mae Hong Song. Murders are attended by a police doctor untrained in pathology whose job is to support the police version. Often they don't even attend the crime scene at all, particularly in the deep South, and just file a fake report. Don't expect justice - just the least onerous outcome that the police can engineer for their boy.

[DamianMavis]

I don't think any of the involved parties are telling the whole truth. While the cop's story is obviously ridiculous, the girl's story that they were quietly walking and minding their own business only to have a Thai man jump out of the bushes and start punching her face for no reason doesn't seem likely either.

You doubt the womans story? And her Thai boyfriends? I dont see why. There were no bushes by the way, more likely he was in an area with other people (street food vendors and alcohol sellers) saw the couple and was angered for what ever got his drunken psycho self going and just acted on his anger, like so many people do in Thailand. Why is it hard to believe he did this with no ACTUAL provocation? It happens all the time. He probably went up to them to physically hurt her or them based on his personal reason for anger, but once pushed (knocked down?) and embarassed in front of witnesses lost face and had to kill people for it... happens ALL THE TIME.

Damian

Edited January 8, 2008 by DamianMavis

[Arkady]

The fact the he was a cop and has been trained to use a weapon makes hs case worse.

Raises an interesting question. Just how much firearms training to the Thai police receive? I'm no expert but I believe that in the west as much, if not more, training is given on how not to use the weapon than how to use it. I am also certain that any firearms training program will strongly advocate that the weapon is dismantled and locked safely away before hitting the bottle.

Bear in mind that there is no standard police side arm. The first bribes received by a new policeman go to pay for his own gun as no one wants to use the ancient government issue .38s which they believe are dangerous as well as of course being a loss of face to be seen with one. Thus they all have different weapons ranging from tiny Saturday night special .32 revolvers to Desert Eagles .55 semi automatic cannons. Obviously they have to buy their own ammunition for this varied arsenal and after perhaps a very basic course shooting practice is on their own time. So I think you can imagine how much weapon training they get. Finally it is illegal for them to carry a gun off duty and out of uniform, unless they belong to a plain clothes unit and have a license to carry a concealed weapon. Not many of these are issued and they have to be renewed annually. To put it into perspective consider the number of occasions that Thai police open fire on crowed streets, often hitting passers by.

[Journalist]

Thai people do get amazingly angry once the calm surface is breached. Incandescent.

Jai yen is the social convention that prevents them going ballistic more frequently.

[permanent_disorder]

okay, maybe i will get called a shiny pink glasses wearing thai apologist, but few thinks i can not believe here.

first i don't think all the thai police a blood hungry murders only on the look-out to show falang their power.

and the story according to the girl: a man came out of the blue and hit her in her 'painted' face, and her good old pal with the current job in a tattoo shop and future plans to take a job in the eminently respectable profession 'english teacher' just say. "dear sir you can hit her in the face" and then our blood hungry super drunk police officer shout ' i kill you' have to go to his motobike to get his gun. i don't know so much about thai police like a lot of you - but is it normal to carry the gun not on the body but put it somewhere on the motobike?

and why wold anybody start to fight with someone who points a gun one me? why not hands up and stand still? mr. leo start to fight same as the policeman says.

i also doubt that this reporter who works also for 'news papers' like the Sun give us a 'well-balanced' report. he makes a living of selling 'stories'.

i will not further speculate. for me right now it's just a very tragic story. a result of a situation that went horrible out of control and not cold blood murder.

i also disbelief taht the thaiboy friend and the the girl are now have to fear for their lifes. you watch to much movies or read to much thaivisa stories.

and the police man out on bail - i guess i would be the same in the west. policeman don't get the same treatment as a criminal of course. off duty is was still somehow 'on duty'. he is a resident there, have family ties, did a good job in the past - so highly unlikely that he will be on the run. and this event will haunt him in his dreams forever. and yes the shooting was wrong and must get a punishment for it but not from a jury like someone of you.

okay, maybe i am wrong the future will show it.

[Arkady]

The fact the he was a cop and has been trained to use a weapon makes hs case worse.

Raises an interesting question. Just how much firearms training to the Thai police receive? I'm no expert but I believe that in the west as much, if not more, training is given on how not to use the weapon than how to use it. I am also certain that any firearms training program will strongly advocate that the weapon is dismantled and locked safely away before hitting the bottle.

A new policeman uses his first bribe money to buy his own gun and they can use any type of gun they feel like. It would be a huge loss of face to be seen carrying one of the ancient government issued .38s. This means there is no standard police side arm to train them with and there are huge differences in safety features between revolvers, single pressure and double pressure semi autos for example. They also have to buy their own ammo which mitigates against training and practice. It stands to reason that a police force that allows its cops to use any side arm they feel like also allows them to use their guns however they feel like. Witness the number of police shootings in crowded areas often hitting innocent bystanders.

[YoungAndRice]

It is amazing how hard some of you are trying to make it so that someone was responsible or could have prevented something. In life, sometimes shit happened. You can keep telling yourself that the departed was at fault if that makes you feel safer or better, but its just another lie you are telling yourself.

[jumnien]

The departed is departed, sad story. However, this story contains a warning to many disrespectful tourists not to pretend that Thai people are fundamentally a different sort of species when offended. They can react much like our compatriots back home. This is not an indictment of the deceased, just a bit of information that could save someone's life.

[lannarebirth]

The departed is departed, sad story. However, this story contains a warning to many disrespectful tourists not to pretend that Thai people are fundamentally a different sort of species when offended. They can react much like our compatriots back home. This is not an indictment of the deceased, just a bit of information that could save someone's life.

Assuming the tourist couple was drunk, disorderly or discourteous, which would be to assume facts not in evidence, they would likely have spent the evening in the "drunk tank" or holding cell, to appear before a magistrate at a later date. It is extremely unlikely they would end up dead and/or in hospital.

[DP25]

You doubt the womans story? And her Thai boyfriends? I dont see why. There were no bushes by the way, more likely he was in an area with other people (street food vendors and alcohol sellers) saw the couple and was angered for what ever got his drunken psycho self going and just acted on his anger, like so many people do in Thailand. Why is it hard to believe he did this with no ACTUAL provocation? It happens all the time. He probably went up to them to physically hurt her or them based on his personal reason for anger, but once pushed (knocked down?) and embarassed in front of witnesses lost face and had to kill people for it... happens ALL THE TIME.

Damian

Yes, I doubt the woman's story, just as I doubt the police man's story. The police officer randomly attacking the woman totally out of the blue doesn't seem likely, though it is possible. More likely there was some type of altercation or confrontation, the police officer got pushed to ground, maybe after hitting the woman first, and in his rage got his gun out and started shooting. I'd prefer to hear from other witnesses, but that may prove impossible. Regardless, it's ridiculous that they let him out on bail after killing one and attempting to kill a second.

[canuckamuck]

Here is the front page news from Calgary, the city Leo was from. http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2008/0...757907-sun.html

The Calgary man shot to death by an off-duty Thai police officer is being touted as a hero for defending a female friend. Carly Reisig said she was punched in the face by the attacker moments before the fatal shots were fired. In an interview with a Thai newspaper from her hospital bed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Reisig, 24, said Calgarian Leo John Del Pinto was shot twice -- once in the face and once in the chest -- after coming to her aid. "I just want everybody to know Leo saved my life by giving his own and he's a hero in my eyes," Reisig said. The pair, along with Reisig's Thai boyfriend Fuen, were walking from one bar to another in the small town of Pai, in northern Thailand, when a man suddenly approached them and punched her in the forehead.

"Leo shouted at him, 'You can't hit her!' and pushed him away from us," Reisig said. "Then the man went to his motorbike and got his gun and Leo tried to get it away from him. "They had a struggle for the gun, then the man got control of the gun and stepped back and shot Leo directly in the face. "Leo fell to the ground and the man pointed the gun at his heart and fired a second shot. "Then he turned around to me and aimed for my heart and shot me in the chest." Reisig then blacked out, with a bullet lodged in her chest, just 2.5 cm from her heart. "When I came to, I saw Leo lying dead on the road beside me," she said. "I can't believe my best friend is dead and I've got a bullet right beside my heart."

Reached at the family's home in Chilliwack, Reisig's mother Suzanne said, despite previous reports, her daughter was not pregnant. Suzanne said Carly had been in Thailand for about a year, travelling and teaching English, and Del Pinto had joined her a few days before his death. "It's very upsetting," she said. "She's very upset. She saw her friend killed and she's been shot, it's a very terrible situation."

Suzanne said Reisig is still listed in critical condition and she didn't know when her daughter would return to Canada. Del Pinto family spokesman Ross Fortune said the family is hoping Leo's body will be returned to Canada as soon as possible.

"We are hoping by the end of this week, but depending on flights it may not be until next week," he said. Fortune added the family is taking some solace in the fact Leo died protecting a friend. "That is the type of person he was," he said. "Obviously the family is devastated, regardless of the circumstances, but they are very proud of the fact their son is a hero and they certainly regard him that way."

Sgt. Major Uthai Dechawiwat, 37, was arrested and charged with premeditated murder. Thai officials suggested to media there Dechawiwat was trying to break up a fight between the couple when his gun went off during the struggle, a charge Reisig flatly denied.

"There was never a fight, that is not true," she said. "John was my ex-boyfriend, but still my best friend, we had nothing to argue about."

[permanent_disorder]

I don't think any of the involved parties are telling the whole truth. While the cop's story is obviously ridiculous, the girl's story that they were quietly walking and minding their own business only to have a Thai man jump out of the bushes and start punching her face for no reason doesn't seem likely either.

You doubt the womans story? And her Thai boyfriends? I dont see why. There were no bushes by the way, more likely he was in an area with other people (street food vendors and alcohol sellers) saw the couple and was angered for what ever got his drunken psycho self going and just acted on his anger, like so many people do in Thailand. Why is it hard to believe he did this with no ACTUAL provocation? It happens all the time. He probably went up to them to physically hurt her or them based on his personal reason for anger, but once pushed (knocked down?) and embarassed in front of witnesses lost face and had to kill people for it...

happens ALL THE TIME.

Damian

happens ALL THE TIME?

i doubt the womans story as well / why- see my post above.

i would call it a few singulary cases. but maybe i live in the 'wrong' neighborhood to know the really truth of thailand. or read an TV forum not often enough.

[Arkady]

okay, maybe i will get called a shiny pink glasses wearing thai apologist, but few thinks i can not believe here.

first i don't think all the thai police a blood hungry murders only on the look-out to show falang their power.

and the story according to the girl: a man came out of the blue and hit her in her 'painted' face, and her good old pal with the current job in a tattoo shop and future plans to take a job in the eminently respectable profession 'english teacher' just say. "dear sir you can hit her in the face" and then our blood hungry super drunk police officer shout ' i kill you' have to go to his motobike to get his gun. i don't know so much about thai police like a lot of you - but is it normal to carry the gun not on the body but put it somewhere on the motobike?

and why wold anybody start to fight with someone who points a gun one me? why not hands up and stand still? mr. leo start to fight same as the policeman says.

i also doubt that this reporter who works also for 'news papers' like the Sun give us a 'well-balanced' report. he makes a living of selling 'stories'.

i will not further speculate. for me right now it's just a very tragic story. a result of a situation that went horrible out of control and not cold blood murder.

i also disbelief taht the thaiboy friend and the the girl are now have to fear for their lifes. you watch to much movies or read to much thaivisa stories.

and the police man out on bail - i guess i would be the same in the west. policeman don't get the same treatment as a criminal of course. off duty is was still somehow 'on duty'. he is a resident there, have family ties, did a good job in the past - so highly unlikely that he will be on the run. and this event will haunt him in his dreams forever. and yes the shooting was wrong and must get a punishment for it but not from a jury like someone of you.

okay, maybe i am wrong the future will show it.

Yes you are wrong. The only thing that might haunt the murderer in his dreams will be his incompetence in missing Carly Reisig's heart by an inch. With her out of the way it would be a simple matter to deal with the Thai boyfriend and he and his colleagues would be feeling a lot happier. You can be sure that discussions are ongoing on contingency plans to finish the job. Del Pinto is probably not the first person he has despatched. The guilt is extirpated by a simple merit making ceremony, a very modest donation and the wearing of amulets to ward off ghosts. Do you think the death squad killers of the 2,500 in the war against drugs or the soldiers that piled people onto trucks like logs at Tak Bai have any trouble sleeping? There is never any shortage of people to do these jobs. Get real.

[thaigene2]

Thai people do get amazingly angry once the calm surface is breached. Incandescent.

Jai yen is the social convention that prevents them going ballistic more frequently.

Someone else above made reference to bad traits being adopted here like the UK, violence more random, stones and bottle throwing at cars and trains.

I'd say you can only supress the population (like also in the UK) with societal 'conventions' of class and 'know your place' til it finally blows up...I don't think it happens overnight, but it happens like a leaky wheel - the leak grows larger, etc. Also like the UK, the oppressed/supressed will take it out on someone else, rather than the deserving targets - and they usually aim for soft ones - tourists, migrants, etc. Notice how no one ever attacks the rich - in either country - even if they got their wealth through ill-gotten gain? Even if they were driven over at a bus stop, etc? Who knows why - Sociologists I suppose.

[Claymore]

okay, maybe i will get called a shiny pink glasses wearing thai apologist, but few thinks i can not believe here.

first i don't think all the thai police a blood hungry murders only on the look-out to show falang their power.

and the story according to the girl: a man came out of the blue and hit her in her 'painted' face, and her good old pal with the current job in a tattoo shop and future plans to take a job in the eminently respectable profession 'english teacher' just say. "dear sir you can hit her in the face" and then our blood hungry super drunk police officer shout ' i kill you' have to go to his motobike to get his gun. i don't know so much about thai police like a lot of you - but is it normal to carry the gun not on the body but put it somewhere on the motobike?

and why wold anybody start to fight with someone who points a gun one me? why not hands up and stand still? mr. leo start to fight same as the policeman says.

i also doubt that this reporter who works also for 'news papers' like the Sun give us a 'well-balanced' report. he makes a living of selling 'stories'.

i will not further speculate. for me right now it's just a very tragic story. a result of a situation that went horrible out of control and not cold blood murder.

i also disbelief taht the thaiboy friend and the the girl are now have to fear for their lifes. you watch to much movies or read to much thaivisa stories.

and the police man out on bail - i guess i would be the same in the west. policeman don't get the same treatment as a criminal of course. off duty is was still somehow 'on duty'. he is a resident there, have family ties, did a good job in the past - so highly unlikely that he will be on the run. and this event will haunt him in his dreams forever. and yes the shooting was wrong and must get a punishment for it but not from a jury like someone of you.

okay, maybe i am wrong the future will show it.

All reporters make a living selling stories. Some chose to either be employed or self employed. Reuters AP and AFP sell to the SUN. The reporter here is merely reporting what the Canadian girls version is and that it varies greatly from the police version. Choose which one you wish to believe or wait. If there is negative stuff on the Canadian girl it will out.

It is you who is speculating with seemingly no authority at all. i.e. He has family ties, did good job, will be haunted forever etc. That's not the word coming from Pai btw

[Arkady]

For those who have questioned the bail, it is automatically granted to police charged with any crime except murdering other police or somehow causing grave offence to a senior policeman or other very influential Thai. They are allowed to use their position as surety and don't need to post any cash or assets. The police know perfectly well that none of the three shots were fired by accident and they don't share our outrage at this heinous crime against foreigners with no influential connections. None of that would have entered into their thinking in recommending bail to the court. What they were thinking about is how to cover up this embarrassing crime which might cause trouble for the station commander and other colleagues and how to prevent any more nasty facts surfacing about their activities as a result of the unwelcome spotlight on their small precinct. The best way to do this is close ranks and let the killer roam around freely intimidating witnesses and concocting the best story he can. Because of the pyramid like revenue structure described in my earlier post the police levels above the Pai police precinct have vested interests in supporting the cover up to protect their own income streams.

As it is could be of relevance here, you may also be interested to know (from Khunying Pornthip, the spiky haired pathologist) that most provinces don't have any forensic pathologists at all. Most of them are in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, so you can be sure that there aren't any near Pai. Murders are attended by a police doctor untrained in pathology whose job, according to K Pornthip, is simply to support the police version. (Remember all those pictures of dangerous drug dealers pictured dead clutching a bag of speed in one hand and an expendable ancient pistol in the other hand.) Often the police doctors don't even attend the crime scene at all, particularly in the deep South where murders are so common and the crime scene may be dangerous, and just file a fake report based on what the police told them. (Pornthip said that the few victims of the war against drugs that she and her colleagues were allowed to examine at the scene nearly all had powder burns on their heads indicating they were taken by surprise and shot at point blank range rather than in the claimed shoot outs.) The police don’t bother much with scientific evidence but rely overwhelmingly on confessions which they are expert in extracting. But in this case it is not going to be forthcoming.

[Arkady]

okay, maybe i will get called a shiny pink glasses wearing thai apologist, but few thinks i can not believe here.

first i don't think all the thai police a blood hungry murders only on the look-out to show falang their power.

and the story according to the girl: a man came out of the blue and hit her in her 'painted' face, and her good old pal with the current job in a tattoo shop and future plans to take a job in the eminently respectable profession 'english teacher' just say. "dear sir you can hit her in the face" and then our blood hungry super drunk police officer shout ' i kill you' have to go to his motobike to get his gun. i don't know so much about thai police like a lot of you - but is it normal to carry the gun not on the body but put it somewhere on the motobike?

and why wold anybody start to fight with someone who points a gun one me? why not hands up and stand still? mr. leo start to fight same as the policeman says.

i also doubt that this reporter who works also for 'news papers' like the Sun give us a 'well-balanced' report. he makes a living of selling 'stories'.

i will not further speculate. for me right now it's just a very tragic story. a result of a situation that went horrible out of control and not cold blood murder.

i also disbelief taht the thaiboy friend and the the girl are now have to fear for their lifes. you watch to much movies or read to much thaivisa stories.

and the police man out on bail - i guess i would be the same in the west. policeman don't get the same treatment as a criminal of course. off duty is was still somehow 'on duty'. he is a resident there, have family ties, did a good job in the past - so highly unlikely that he will be on the run. and this event will haunt him in his dreams forever. and yes the shooting was wrong and must get a punishment for it but not from a jury like someone of you.

okay, maybe i am wrong the future will show it.

All reporters make a living selling stories. Some chose to either be employed or self employed. Reuters AP and AFP sell to the SUN. The reporter here is merely reporting what the Canadian girls version is and that it varies greatly from the police version. Choose which one you wish to believe or wait. If there is negative stuff on the Canadian girl it will out.

It is you who is speculating with seemingly no authority at all. i.e. He has family ties, did good job, will be haunted forever etc. That's not the word coming from Pai btw

Andrew Drummond, the reporter of The Nation article and the interview of Carly Reisig does work for a lot publications particularly in the UK. His stories show up in the Daily Telegraph as well as the Sun. Most foreign correspondents here do business reporting but Drummond is one of the few that do human interest stories mainly involving Brits. From what I have seen of his work his reporting and research are pretty top notch and he is not scared to report stories that some people here might not like. He has received several death threats in the past and was badly beaten up while doing a story on the Pattaya mafia.

[DamianMavis]

You doubt the womans story? And her Thai boyfriends? I dont see why. There were no bushes by the way, more likely he was in an area with other people (street food vendors and alcohol sellers) saw the couple and was angered for what ever got his drunken psycho self going and just acted on his anger, like so many people do in Thailand. Why is it hard to believe he did this with no ACTUAL provocation? It happens all the time. He probably went up to them to physically hurt her or them based on his personal reason for anger, but once pushed (knocked down?) and embarassed in front of witnesses lost face and had to kill people for it... happens ALL THE TIME.

Damian

Yes, I doubt the woman's story, just as I doubt the police man's story. The police officer randomly attacking the woman totally out of the blue doesn't seem likely, though it is possible. More likely there was some type of altercation or confrontation, the police officer got pushed to ground, maybe after hitting the woman first, and in his rage got his gun out and started shooting. I'd prefer to hear from other witnesses, but that may prove impossible. Regardless, it's ridiculous that they let him out on bail after killing one and attempting to kill a second.

Isnt that almost exactly what I said? Minus the initial altercation.

Damian

[tokyosheep]

Already, we've determined that an execution took place. I'd guess some beligerent tourists insulted the wrong Thai guy. He may or may not have been a cop, doesn't much matter now does it. Lesson learned: drink lots of water, walk slowly and respect the local population. Funny, works just about everywhere.

Did not take long for the thai apologists did it?

The victim is now the guilty?

Stick to trying to find work for 2 year olds as your sense of morality is lost!

You may turn out to be right, let's wait and see if our victim was guilt-free. It's just that every day I see tourists doing stupid, terribly insulting things here in Thailand without reproach. For the same behaviours these tourists would be carved into pieces in my home country. I don't know where you guys are hanging out, but if the Thais around you seem particularly violent, I'd ask yourselves what it is that made you choose that locale. Most of us find the Thailand we've lived in for a long time to be rather peaceful and the people rather friendly.

your either blind, stupid, married to a young lovely thia gal half you age or what I do not know...wake up! see a doctor, your living in another world.. I,ve been here 27 years 99.9% of the people I know, diplomats, professonals, etc agree with me, albeit, secretly

[jumnien]

Already, we've determined that an execution took place. I'd guess some beligerent tourists insulted the wrong Thai guy. He may or may not have been a cop, doesn't much matter now does it. Lesson learned: drink lots of water, walk slowly and respect the local population. Funny, works just about everywhere.

Did not take long for the thai apologists did it?

The victim is now the guilty?

Stick to trying to find work for 2 year olds as your sense of morality is lost!

You may turn out to be right, let's wait and see if our victim was guilt-free. It's just that every day I see tourists doing stupid, terribly insulting things here in Thailand without reproach. For the same behaviours these tourists would be carved into pieces in my home country. I don't know where you guys are hanging out, but if the Thais around you seem particularly violent, I'd ask yourselves what it is that made you choose that locale. Most of us find the Thailand we've lived in for a long time to be rather peaceful and the people rather friendly.

your either blind, stupid, married to a young lovely thia gal half you age or what I do not know...wake up! see a doctor, your living in another world.. I,ve been here 27 years 99.9% of the people I know, diplomats, professonals, etc agree with me, albeit, secretly

Looks like someone got to Happy Hour a little early today!