Worldwide Violence

[mikethevigoman]

FROM THE UK,,,Man charged over girl's stab attack</h1>A man has been charged with the attempted murder of schoolgirl Jessica Knight, stabbed 30 times in a "frenzied attack" while walking through a park.

French national Kristoffer Beddar, 21, of Daisy Hill Drive, Adlington, Chorley, will appear at Chorley Magistrates' Court on Friday morning after being questioned and charged over the attack on the 14-year-old.

Jessica was found "covered in blood" by a cyclist alerted by her screams after the attack in Astley Park, Astley Village around 5.15pm on Monday.

She remains in a critical but stable condition at Manchester Children's Hospital.

Beddar is originally from France but has been living with members of his English family, police said.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill, from Lancashire Police, said: "The fact that we have charged someone in relation to this offence does not mean our inquiry is at an end and I would like to renew my appeal for anyone with information to come forward, especially anyone who may have been in the park or surrounding area between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Monday.

"We would like to speak to them because we feel they may have valuable information which could help our investigation.

"We are continuing to make detailed searches of the park area, in particular for the weapon we believe was used in this incident.

"If anyone does come across a knife they should not touch it, but contact police immediately."

The weapon is described as a 3in bladed lock knife with a steel handle and is steel-grey in colour.

Edited January 25, 2008 by mikethevigoman

[yorkman]

Yes Mike, but the numbers do not add up.

I am entirely with you that crap happens in the UK too, on a very regular basis. As it does in most of the western world.

The deaths in Thailand (by murder) are exaggerated by some on here who have little to do.

But, nevertheless, the deaths in the tourist areas are a cause for concern. As an example, Pattaya, unsurprisingly as it attracts the scumbags around the world to tour or live, seems very prone to this. They get lots of deaths from drunken bahaviour, associating with low lifes, or general stupidity.

There are many many more violent places than Thailand, try some places in Africa for an eye opener, or, rather closer, Indonesia, or the Philippines.

[GuestHouse]

What's the point of discussing violence in other parts of the world if you live in Thailand - The statistics for other parts of the world are an irrelevance unless they refer to where you live.

As for Yorkman's assertion that some people exaggerate the deaths by murder in Thailand - Perhaps some people do, but what is absolutely certain is the Thai authorities cover up (wrongly attribute) more than a few deaths and make pretty dismal attempts at clearing up others.

[yorkman]

What's the point of discussing violence in other parts of the world if you live in Thailand - The statistics for other parts of the world are an irrelevance unless they refer to where you live.

As for Yorkman's assertion that some people exaggerate the deaths by murder in Thailand - Perhaps some people do, but what is absolutely certain is the Thai authorities cover up (wrongly attribute) more than a few deaths and make pretty dismal attempts at clearing up others.

Errrrr yes, the Thai authorities do certainly gloss over a few "problems" , no question.

But the OP's point was that is is not all hugs and smiles around the world apart from Thailand.

The statistics are certainly not irrelevent, but I feel very safe, because I do not put myself in harms way, even in Thailand. Perhaps I am an idiot?

As said, I agree with the OP, it is certainly more dangerous in Thailand if you have half a brain, but the UK (or elsewhere) is just as bad if you have not.

Common sense really (if it were common) will see you through many issues in Thailand.

Edited January 25, 2008 by yorkman

[GuestHouse]

Well I think there is a problem with that line of thought too.

If we look at the people who move to live in Thailand, most I am sure (and it is only an assumption) come from pretty safe environments, there will be some of course who do not, but simply on the basis of the income and capital requirements to move to Thailand it is clear that most are not coming from run down poverty racked backgrounds - And it is those backgrounds that most violence and murders occur.

So Jo Briton, moves from his middle class or upper working class neighborhood to Thailand, his home has not been some run down drug riddled estate - And violence is a neighborhood/class dependent in the UK.

Take for example the young couple murdered in Kanchantaburi - middle class, well educated and on any measure of who suffers from crime among the least likely people to be murdered.

[Nignoy]

It is the same situation everywhere, here on beautiful Bribie Island, (the Ko Samui of the Sunshine Coast) population 20,000 ,we have had 3 murders this yearand violent home invasions are a daily occurence, we feel definitely safer as pensioners in Hua Hin or Leong Nok Tha Nignoy

[howtoescape]

Walking through the Victoria station area of London last Sunday night, just after getting off my flight after spending 3 months in LOS, i went for a bag of chips, there were 3 drunk lads in the shop (East European) one was staring directly at me waiting for me to say something or stare back so he could start trouble.

I can honestly say that after spending a total of about 1.5 years of my life in Thailand i have never been intimidated in this way. Today whilst walking past a pub there was some drunken fool starting a fight with the bouncer at 3PM.

Whilst the murder rate in England is low for a western country the random violence for no reason or for drunkenness is staggering, and women are getting more and more involved.

I am a very fit healthy 32 yo male, i have hit punch bags for half my life and work out regularly so i can take care of myself, however i dont go into any town centre in any UK city for a night out any more in fear of violence, i just dont like to take the risk.

[Lickey]

Is this true? come on Pattaya ex-pats, stick up for yourselves!!!

quote yorkman,

. As an example, Pattaya, unsurprisingly as it attracts the scumbags around the world to tour or live,

[PhilHarries]

Is this true? come on Pattaya ex-pats, stick up for yourselves!!!

quote yorkman,

. As an example, Pattaya, unsurprisingly as it attracts the scumbags around the world to tour or live,

As an ex Pattaya expat I partly agree with yorkman's assertion. It is unfortunate but Pattaya does attract a certain degree of low lifes but probably no more than Bangkok, Phuket or Samui. The difference being that there is a more lurid, sensationalist English language press to report the wrong doings. The problem with this perception is that anyone who sits drinking beer sporting a beer gut, shaved or close cropped head, tattoos and a football shirt is instantly a mindless hooligan. Such narrow minded outlook is inevitably the property of people who live by the rule "judge a book by it's cover" and who are often part of the, self perceived, self elected, intellectual elite.

Places like Chiang Mai are totally free of this phenomenon and all the expats there are group huggy, smiley, lovey dovey,nice people who spend their entire day picking up rubbish and helping old ladies across the street.

As for the OP. Yes there is violence in other parts of the world. Any more earth shattering revelations you'd like to share with us?

[mikethevigoman]

What's the point of discussing violence in other parts of the world if you live in Thailand - The statistics for other parts of the world are an irrelevance unless they refer to where you live.

As for Yorkman's assertion that some people exaggerate the deaths by murder in Thailand - Perhaps some people do, but what is absolutely certain is the Thai authorities cover up (wrongly attribute) more than a few deaths and make pretty dismal attempts at clearing up others.

I wondered how long it would take for mr grump to appear ! . i posted because some people that have been here a while seem to forget that there is crime elsewhere and like this case ,unprovoked .as mentioned elsewhere here some of the murders /deaths here in thailand possibly have part blame at least on the victim, what did this poor girl do ? .so which is the more severe crime,.and by the way where did i mention statistics ? i just added one case !

[mikethevigoman]

Is this true? come on Pattaya ex-pats, stick up for yourselves!!!

quote yorkman,

. As an example, Pattaya, unsurprisingly as it attracts the scumbags around the world to tour or live,

As an ex Pattaya expat I partly agree with yorkman's assertion. It is unfortunate but Pattaya does attract a certain degree of low lifes but probably no more than Bangkok, Phuket or Samui. The difference being that there is a more lurid, sensationalist English language press to report the wrong doings. The problem with this perception is that anyone who sits drinking beer sporting a beer gut, shaved or close cropped head, tattoos and a football shirt is instantly a mindless hooligan. Such narrow minded outlook is inevitably the property of people who live by the rule "judge a book by it's cover" and who are often part of the, self perceived, self elected, intellectual elite.

Places like Chiang Mai are totally free of this phenomenon and all the expats there are group huggy, smiley, lovey dovey,nice people who spend their entire day picking up rubbish and helping old ladies across the street.

As for the OP. Yes there is violence in other parts of the world. Any more earth shattering revelations you'd like to share with us?

Have tattoos and a beer gut then do we phil ? ,i live in pattaya, and yes there are a lot of lowlifes here, they are attracted here like they are to spain/torquay, its a nicer place to live than sunderland and manchester,but actually its no different to torquay or spain,they move there for the same reasons, ( or europe in general ) hence my reminder for the blinkered lot saying this dosent happen here and there crowd, IT DOES !,.however i have to confess i have come to hate my tattoos for fear of being mistaken for one of these 8 am leo beer drinkers seen in soi diana sat with the bar cleaners !

[taxexile]

Psychologists on Tattoos

One certainly does not need to be a sociopath in order to get tattoos, nor does the appearance of a tattoo mean that a person is one. However, numerous studies have shown that most sociopaths do indeed have tattoos as being one of their strongest common factors. In addition, a well-known crime writer stated in an interview that every single one of the many serial killers he had spoken with had had multiple tattoos. For many people, tattoos hold no negative connotation; for those who already have serious personality defects, tattoos are often a very visible symbol of it. For those in the latter category, everything about tattoos has an entirely different purpose and meaning than it does to the majority-- why they feel the need to get them, and what they represent.

Psychologists tend to refer to tattoos as "body modification;" and most have both very strong opinions and knowledge about how tattoos are connected to those who are in the minority. On the most clearly defined side, psychologists state that for those who already exhibit signs of personality defects, tattoos are but an extension of their anti-social personalities. It is said that these types of individuals who engage in drug use, promiscuity, and violence, merely make tattoos a part of that particular lifestyle.

Psychologists state that these traits, coupled with tattoos, are linked to subclinical psychopathy. In clearer terms, for this segment of the population, getting tattoos is yet another means of "thumbing one's nose" at society, and of displaying one's sense of self-importance. As one of the foundations of sociopathy is to refuse to adhere to what is generally considered to be acceptable behavior. given that tattoos still have some degree of negativity associated with them, they are of special allure to those who already have serious personality problems. For these people, acquiring tattoos is primarily an aggressive means of defying what is conventional.

In using tattoos in this manner, one also presents a "tough" image. The problem with this is when one uses what to most people is relatively harmless to portray a sense of toughness, it is rare that the individual in question will stop at artwork. For one who connects tattoos with toughness, aggression in his behavior is also a very real possibility.

While this fact is relevant to sociopaths in general, and cannot afford to be overlooked, it takes on an even darker side for those who commit serious violent crimes. In research regarding serial killers, a much worse connection comes up about tattoos. Continuing with the factors already evident in sociopaths, there are the additional factors of causing bodily harm and of refusing to let go. In plainer terms, these types of individuals gain tattoos-- often by their own attempts-- both as a means of expressing hatred and as a means of permanently holding on to the objects of their hatred.

On a slightly lesser but still important scale, as most of the individuals who fall into the categories of sociopaths and violent criminals were subjected to severe abuse in childhood, it is relevant to note that it is not unusual at all for them to display, in their adult life, tattoos with the name or some representative symbol of their abusive parent.

When facts like this are taken into consideration, even if much of the population isn't aware of it, it's no wonder tattoos have such a negative reputation. While it is true that most people in the United States of America choose to get tattoos for no negative reason and no underlying motives whatsoever, learning that tattoos are a common standard amongst sociopaths and serial killers does tend to lend a less-than-desirable quality to the entire subject.

[mikethevigoman]

Psychologists on Tattoos

One certainly does not need to be a sociopath in order to get tattoos, nor does the appearance of a tattoo mean that a person is one. However, numerous studies have shown that most sociopaths do indeed have tattoos as being one of their strongest common factors. In addition, a well-known crime writer stated in an interview that every single one of the many serial killers he had spoken with had had multiple tattoos. For many people, tattoos hold no negative connotation; for those who already have serious personality defects, tattoos are often a very visible symbol of it. For those in the latter category, everything about tattoos has an entirely different purpose and meaning than it does to the majority-- why they feel the need to get them, and what they represent.

Psychologists tend to refer to tattoos as "body modification;" and most have both very strong opinions and knowledge about how tattoos are connected to those who are in the minority. On the most clearly defined side, psychologists state that for those who already exhibit signs of personality defects, tattoos are but an extension of their anti-social personalities. It is said that these types of individuals who engage in drug use, promiscuity, and violence, merely make tattoos a part of that particular lifestyle.

Psychologists state that these traits, coupled with tattoos, are linked to subclinical psychopathy. In clearer terms, for this segment of the population, getting tattoos is yet another means of "thumbing one's nose" at society, and of displaying one's sense of self-importance. As one of the foundations of sociopathy is to refuse to adhere to what is generally considered to be acceptable behavior. given that tattoos still have some degree of negativity associated with them, they are of special allure to those who already have serious personality problems. For these people, acquiring tattoos is primarily an aggressive means of defying what is conventional.

In using tattoos in this manner, one also presents a "tough" image. The problem with this is when one uses what to most people is relatively harmless to portray a sense of toughness, it is rare that the individual in question will stop at artwork. For one who connects tattoos with toughness, aggression in his behavior is also a very real possibility.

While this fact is relevant to sociopaths in general, and cannot afford to be overlooked, it takes on an even darker side for those who commit serious violent crimes. In research regarding serial killers, a much worse connection comes up about tattoos. Continuing with the factors already evident in sociopaths, there are the additional factors of causing bodily harm and of refusing to let go. In plainer terms, these types of individuals gain tattoos-- often by their own attempts-- both as a means of expressing hatred and as a means of permanently holding on to the objects of their hatred.

On a slightly lesser but still important scale, as most of the individuals who fall into the categories of sociopaths and violent criminals were subjected to severe abuse in childhood, it is relevant to note that it is not unusual at all for them to display, in their adult life, tattoos with the name or some representative symbol of their abusive parent.

When facts like this are taken into consideration, even if much of the population isn't aware of it, it's no wonder tattoos have such a negative reputation. While it is true that most people in the United States of America choose to get tattoos for no negative reason and no underlying motives whatsoever, learning that tattoos are a common standard amongst sociopaths and serial killers does tend to lend a less-than-desirable quality to the entire subject.

I was in happy go go on sunday last and there was a guy in there ,farang ,50s with his entire face covered in borstal tattoos, had an expression like he had just killed his mother and father before he came out ! ( being in happy had no effect either it seems ! ) now if he hasnt got some mentality issues id be surprised,. WHY would anyone want to do that ? way beyond me,. Edited January 26, 2008 by mikethevigoman

[toptuan]

What's the point of discussing violence in other parts of the world if you live in Thailand - The statistics for other parts of the world are an irrelevance unless they refer to where you live.

This head-in-the-sand outlook is a relic of a bygone era. That attitude worked in the 1800's, but it's now the 21st century. People should be concerned about worldwide statistics of this nature because...

1) People travel in increasing numbers year by year. Yes, most of us live in Thailand, but you might be surprised how many of us venture out beyond it's borders from time to time. I'll be in Beijing for 4 weeks this year. I'm quite interested in crime levels in China's capital. Someone who travels widely without being armed with this kind of knowledge, travels at their own peril.

2) The world is a much more connected place in this century: Multi-national companies, import-export business, internet, TV, other world-wide media, etc. When I hear about violence in the Philippines, or USA, my thoughts immediately go to the people I know there, and with whom I've worked (or now work). I wonder about how it will impact my business dealings and personal life.

3) The influence of the entertainment media on worldwide culture. Unfortunately, the violence-served-up-for-entertainment coming from the West has had a serious influence on world-wide culture, especially over the last 40 years, and continues to do so. It's now a global epidemic. Hong Kong and Thai film companies feel like they've finally "arrived" when they can ante-up to the level of traditional violence offered in western media. What comes from other places in the world affects where you live. It pays to keep abreast of the level of violence elsewhere, especially if that culture is being exported to your doorstep.

No more isolated or insulated islands of solitude left. Sorry.

[TokyoT]

Oh the horror – there is violence in the world (outside of Thailand)?

I see the OP is about the UK. Can it be true that this plague has also spread to other parts of the world?

Can someone post one from the US? What about France? How about Madagascar? Surly it cannot have spread to New Zealand?

[mikethevigoman]

Oh the horror – there is violence in the world (outside of Thailand)?

I see the OP is about the UK. Can it be true that this plague has also spread to other parts of the world?

Can someone post one from the US? What about France? How about Madagascar? Surly it cannot have spread to New Zealand?

Im afraid it has, havent you heard, they murder sheep all the time !..to point at your sarcasm ,thats what im saying, there is a lot of people living in thailand that are not aware of outside happenings, arent you lucky that you do ,N zealand ? Is there anyone there to cause any crime ? Edited January 26, 2008 by mikethevigoman

[JacknDanny]

Walking through the Victoria station area of London last Sunday night, just after getting off my flight after spending 3 months in LOS, i went for a bag of chips, there were 3 drunk lads in the shop (East European) one was staring directly at me waiting for me to say something or stare back so he could start trouble.

I can honestly say that after spending a total of about 1.5 years of my life in Thailand i have never been intimidated in this way. Today whilst walking past a pub there was some drunken fool starting a fight with the bouncer at 3PM.

Whilst the murder rate in England is low for a western country the random violence for no reason or for drunkenness is staggering, and women are getting more and more involved.

I am a very fit healthy 32 yo male, i have hit punch bags for half my life and work out regularly so i can take care of myself, however i dont go into any town centre in any UK city for a night out any more in fear of violence, i just dont like to take the risk.

This is a good post.

I started feeling more like this 9 yrs ago, just before I moved over here.

Things have certainly got a lot worse in the UK, and with a young son now, even with all the frustrations over here, I believe that myself and my family are a lot safer over here than we would be back in UK

[TokyoT]

N zealand ? Is there anyone there to cause any crime ?

Sure all those white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous population.

[GuestHouse]

I wondered how long it would take for mr grump to appear !

If you don't like my opinions take your complaint to the moderators - If they don't agree with you - Hard Chease.

[JacknDanny]

N zealand ? Is there anyone there to cause any crime ?

Sure all those white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous population.

[mikethevigoman]

I wondered how long it would take for mr grump to appear !

If you don't like my opinions take your complaint to the moderators - If they don't agree with you - Hard Chease.

Its an observation, and my opinion, up to the mods what they do, .Chease ?

[mikethevigoman]

N zealand ? Is there anyone there to cause any crime ?

Sure all those white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous population.

I tried to lighten things up, seems i failed miserably

[onzestan]

Just want to add my 2 cents.

Having been born and raised in the red light district of the port of Antwerp 67 years ago I know a thing or 2 about

such a neighborhood. There was definitely less violence then than there is now.

My point is however that such neighborhoods do indeed attract the low life's of this world and where sex and booze is cheap there will be an abundance of this kind of people. Add to this the sky rocketing use of drugs of the last 2 decades and you have a recipe for rampant violence. What worries me the most however is the violence amongst the very young, in my opinion due to the violent computer games, the political correctness of todays modern times and the ever growing availability of drugs and pushers targeting the youths and lets not forget the role of the media.

Violence is indeed growing everywhere to such an extend that I'm feeling more and more that I'm to old for this sh!t.

As I said my 2 cents.

onzestan

[TokyoT]

I tried to lighten things up, seems i failed miserably

Ok on the bright side of things:

The white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous New Zealand population do tend to be less violent than the white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous Native American population (well at least off the rugby pitch).

[mikethevigoman]

Just want to add my 2 cents.

Having been born and raised in the red light district of the port of Antwerp 67 years ago I know a thing or 2 about

such a neighborhood. There was definitely less violence then than there is now.

My point is however that such neighborhoods do indeed attract the low life's of this world and where sex and booze is cheap there will be an abundance of this kind of people. Add to this the sky rocketing use of drugs of the last 2 decades and you have a recipe for rampant violence. What worries me the most however is the violence amongst the very young, in my opinion due to the violent computer games, the political correctness of todays modern times and the ever growing availability of drugs and pushers targeting the youths and lets not forget the role of the media.

Violence is indeed growing everywhere to such an extend that I'm feeling more and more that I'm to old for this sh!t.

As I said my 2 cents.

onzestan

Spot on Stan, this is more like the sort of comment i was hoping for, this girl was murdered in a park in the daylight, not in walking st or Amsterdam or Antwerp,.Thailand is no worse than other places if the "area " is taken into account i feel,.

[mikethevigoman]

I tried to lighten things up, seems i failed miserably

Ok on the bright side of things:

The white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous New Zealand population do tend to be less violent than the white Europeans that stole the land from the indigenous Native American population (well at least off the rugby pitch).

A touch of humour ? . but ill leave the Aussies to answer that one ,.

[Ricardo]

Places like Chiang Mai are totally free of this phenomenon and all the expats there are group huggy, smiley, lovey dovey,nice people who spend their entire day picking up rubbish and helping old ladies across the street.

Thus saving the BiB the trouble !

PS. I sometimes also tell people the correct time !