Expat Developer Shot Dead In Patong

[haihoa]

There seems to be an awful lot of speculation in this thread.

Cherchez la femme.

More speculation: This is the only possible scenario. Wifey discovers that real estate tycoon hubby has somehow found a mistress. Wifey has warned and threatened mistress to butt out to no avail. Mistress is tough with eye on one thing and will not be intimidated. Hubby finally caves to wifey's pressure and calls off affair with mistress. Jilted mistress calls out "hit" on hubby, ironically at the same time wifey calls out her own "hit", not believing hubby will ever end affair. The two hitmen know each other and decide to, rather than compete over the same target, collaborate. Both are neophytes with Brazil-made snubnose .38 (five shot) revolvers purchased in Chinatown. Hubby gets the phoney call to business (emergency) meeting to get him out of the house. Two hitmen on motorbike drive by and fire 10 shots at close range, missing with three. Investigation turns up little with no witnesses coming forward. Wifey eventually reaps the spoils of hubby's mini empire. But when mistress puts out another hit, this time unsuccessful, on wifey, they are both caught by police in the plot and are convicted and sent up for a year or two. End of story.

I do feel for the guy, but this thread was driving me bonkers. Unfortunately, hitmen are cheap. Life here is valued no more or no less than anywhere else in the world. But poverty cheapens all our lives.

[JetsetBkk]

Phuket is getting closer to the wild west every day........

And Patong is Boot Hill.

[eastlight]

doing business in this country is crazy...if you don't have people trying to scam

you constantly, the police will gladly relieve you of your money if the opportunity exists.

buyer beware x 1000

My golden rules for living in Thailand which I have followed successfully for the past 10years:

Don't start a business

Don't marry a Thai lady (or her family)

Don't drive anything (car or motorbike)

Keep a low profile

Don't appear to be rich

Don't act like a prat

[block2]

[quote I wount trust them as far as I can SHITTTTTTTTTTTT.

Ditto

[Metalgear]

Never ever do business in Thailand and never buy a property here. If you marry a Thai lady make sure you take her back to your country. Just live for a while and go back home. Unless you are ready to defend yourself from your enemies with offence first and split.....just like the insurgents in the south.....its tougher for your enemies to wipe you out because they will be dead first.

Remember, Thailand is one of the most dangerous country in the world as it can powerfully tempt foreigners to stay. Its a place that traps life and money with many attractions and pleasures for a man. Then if he is not careful, will be wiped off the face of this world one fine day, his life wasted by many unknowns. And its always a sad ending to die by the bullet for nothing.

[Cohiba33]

Sorry for the guy, and family. Phuket is a wild, and more but we all farang we are for something in this chaos. Pkt change a lot for the last 20 years.

And the money to. Doing business in this country .. crazy oh yes! Thats the rules that we don't know.

[barberofsevilla]

My condolences to Franks family and friends. My girlfriend loved you and I liked your music. Im am sure that these idiots who have done this will be caught soon.

[cookyboy]

Canadian gunned down on his birthday

PATONG, PHUKET: -- A Canadian real estate developer died on his birthday yesterday after he was riddled with bullets by two men on a motorcycle.

At the time of the attack, Francis Alex Degioanni was sitting in his black Toyota outside his seven-story Panorama Condominium block, located in a hillside area off Nanai Rd in South Patong.

Kathu Police officers were alerted to the incident at around 8.30 pm. They hurried to the scene along with doctors from Patong Hospital and rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation.

Medical examination showed Mr Degioanni had seven .38 caliber bullet wounds in his body, four in his arms, one in the head, one in the neck and one in the chest.

Mr Degioanni’s girlfriend, Nanthawadee Phenjaroenwatthana, said that before the incident the two of them were in the condo building waiting to go out to celebrate his birthday.

Mr Degioanni received a telephone call and told her he had to go out for a short while to take care of some business, she said.

When Mr Degioanni got into his car, two men pulled up on a motorbike and opened fire. They then fled, Ms Nanthawadee said.

Kathu Police Superintendent Grissak Songmoonark said that Mr Degioanni had been doing business in Phuket for five years, selling condominiums in Patong to foreign tourists.

The attack may have been the result of a business dispute, but police were also investigating other motives including romantic jealously, he said.

At the time of his death, Mr Degioanni was involved in a court case, having allegedly being cheated out of 20 million baht in a real estate scam, Col Grissak added.

When contacted by the Gazette today, an official at the Canadian Embassy cited legal reasons in declining to give any information about the case.

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-02-20

there you go casae solved, or at least that is what the police will say

[chiang mai]

Do any local expats know where the Panorama Condominium is located?

The Panorama Condo is currently under construction - 2 smallish buildings at the southern end of Nanai road, at soi 9, just in front of the Sun Hill hotel. BUT - we were just talking with a taxi driver friend that hangs out in that exact location, and he told us that the shooting didn't happen there - it was outside his home. Didn't catch the name of the soi, but it's not in the same immediate vicinity.

Drove past the Panorama Condo site last night at 6:15pm, and again at 8pm, and there was no sign of police activity, which would indicate that the shooting didn't occur there.

I live on Soi 9 and there was certainly no police activity there yesterday evening so I suspect you are correct.

[MaryJane]

It never ceases to amaze me how these internet farang forums resort to being platforms for whinging about everything that is bad about Thailand. I agree that many posters on this thread that speculating way too much about the shooter until the facts are in. But hey, what the hel_l, let's slam the Thai people. If life here is so onerous then no-one is pointing a gun at your head forcing you to stay here. As a foreigner if you want respect from Thais then behave in a way that is worthy of respect.

First of all my sincere condolences to the gentleman's family, a terrible way to go and weighs very heavily on your mind to have a loved one taken so violently...so awful.

Comments such as the above about respect. Shame on you...speculation? Take your own advice perhaps.

My brother Dale Henry was murdered Feb/08 in Ranong. He respected Thai culture, the people, and was always nice to everyone. He did not make any waves in the foriegn country he loved. His life was not respected by the Thai people he thought cared for him, his money was!

From past experience...be kind on a thread like this. Family will be here at some point. It really hurts to see unkind things said.

[ThaisGood]

This will probably make some Canadians reading here laugh, and feel angry at the same time. Or maybe just get angry, but I hope not.

I live near in a busy city about an hour south of the Canadian border. I have Canadian relatives. I like Wayne Gretsky. Let's get that out of the way.

Ever since I can remember, there have always been spirited Canadians who come down and setup grand projects, business ventures, often dealing with property. I think there is an inherent desire among some to get out of Canada and "make it big". Some of them are successful. There is always, how to put it nicely.... Whenever there is a Canadian out setting up a deal around here, whatever it is, there is always an air of dodgy, semi-illegal, scam undercurrent. I don't know why. But I have never really heard of a completely legitimate Canadian investor, they have always got something up their sleeve. This is not to accuse all Canadians, just those few who venture out into the international scene with a business of some sort.

So reading this story, obviously he did not deserve to get killed but he likely sought out the intrigue and environment that led to his death.

[cobra]

... remember too there is very little justice for westerners here,most everything is settled with tea money or in this posters case the gun.

Unfortunately so true,

It appears, a viable business option of simply eliminating the problem is always on the table,

TIT,

[sriracha john]

Andrew Drummond's got a story up at the Globe & Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...tory/Front/home

otherwise known as Post #49

[barberofsevilla]

I am sorry to hear the story of your brother. And I am pissed about some of the posters here, too. Ever seen the movie "The Beach"? Ever spent a thought that "Frank Cyberr" (to give him a face...) might even have been a member of this forum? Sorry, but he was one of us. You should make a rally in front of the police station to find his killer, not gossip about him and his girlfriend in a forum.

Whatever. I did not know him (just some of his music that I could find on the net), but my girlfriend did (business). She is Thai and she is shocked about what happened. She told me that Frank was "good", "funny", "handsome", and "always tried to speak Thai", even if she did not get what he was talking about. And "he even did not want a receipt after he paid me for my material last week, how possible?!"

Today she wanted to go to the market to buy flowers - in order to put them in front of his house. In the end, she did not do it, because she is scared also.

It is not about Thai people or foreigners. It is about idiots, who give a shit on other peoples lives. It is about power.

I am sorry for Francis, sorry for his family, sorry for his girlfriend and sorry for all the honest Thais who actually like foreigners but are blamed now.

[skorchio]

There are too many people talking out of their ass in this thread.

A lot - too much - speculation.

Killed on his birthday - sounds like something personal.

I too noticed: "married to a Thai national" and "waiting on his girlfriend"...

Do I need to point something out in this post?

Is that a joke?

[taxin]

doing business in this country is crazy...if you don't have people trying to scam

you constantly, the police will gladly relieve you of your money if the opportunity exists.

buyer beware x 1000

My golden rules for living in Thailand which I have followed successfully for the past 10years:

Don't start a business

Don't marry a Thai lady (or her family)

Don't drive anything (car or motorbike)

Keep a low profile

Don't appear to be rich

Don't act like a prat

What if I only break 5 out of the 6 rules above ? Am I safe ?

[inthepink]

As the adage goes, "Never invest more in Thailand than you're willing to lose...."

A very stupid adage if ever I heard one. Could you tell me in exactly which countries you would invest more than you are willing to lose? Edited February 20, 2009 by inthepink

[snuggzzz]

My sincerest wishes for the family.

A very sad day for honest Thais and Falangs,

[Lorlum]

The fact is

life is cheap here

In Thailand, we believe in vigilante = ศาลเตี้ย

we don't go to the courts of law = ศาลสูง = ศาลชั้นต้น/ศาลอุทธรณ์/ศาลฎีกา

Thai schools of Law are not popular .... just ***nothing at all*** comparing to the school of medicine/bzyness/finanace etc...

In Thailand, we are stupid that we usually classified people into certain classes

# HiSo

# Average

# LoSo

by these criteria : profession/occupation/money & gold/Address and Surname etc...

Trust me we do this more SeRiOuSLy than the westerners do : just ask any of ur Thai friends

Lawyers are considered to be in the Low-to-Average/Moderate class

I am Thai and I DO NOT trust "The police department & Justice system of TH"

If u mess with the Russian Gangs here, it's not da real vigilante hel_l.

But if u're involuntarily on trial / being tried in a Thai court of vigilante, this is the real hel_l.

-------------------------

In Japan ---> drunk driving (Alcohol > 15mg%) = fine 100,000 Yen = fine ~ 950 $US + "1 YEAR IN JAIL"

You have to go to jail for 1 year for drunk driving but NOT EVEN hit somebody

drunk driving + hit a person to death = 15 yrs in jail

In Thailand ---> drunk driving (Alcohol > 50mg%) = fine some little amount of money, you don't go to jail

--------------------------

It's easy to kill someone in Thailand.

crime in Thailand is like an Iceberg --> 90% underwater and unsolved cases

around 10% are solved and in the evening NEWS.

Vigilante rulez

Edited February 20, 2009 by Lorlum

[Frankster]

There are too many people talking out of their ass in this thread.

A lot - too much - speculation.

Killed on his birthday - sounds like something personal.

I too noticed: "married to a Thai national" and "waiting on his girlfriend"...

Do I need to point something out in this post?

Is that a joke?

Normal Thai Business ...

[barberofsevilla]

But they are just unsolved, because the expat-community cares a shit. Sorry. The chinese angyi sticked together. Now they rule the country. But all these fuc_king Farang - most of you - have nothing else to do than blame your fellow-foreigners because they did not behave "Thai-Style".

One of you will be next.

And then there will be a thread on this forum - and people will shit on you and your family also.

Shame on you.

[meelousee]

This is not new, happens to many more than you know about.

Big story when a rich farang gets wacked!

Cops? Solve this fast?

PS: He bought the gun from the cops, 50k ++ no permit but was registered to his Thai wife.

Anyway, ...

RIP my friend

[Jing Joe]

Sadly this puts a whole new meaning to the adage "all his birthdays came at once".

Someone will be grieving.

Reminds me of the shock my wife and I felt last year when her really lovely Thai uncle was shot dead in his car

by shot gun, point blank, to the head last year.

He had a finance business way down south in the L.O.S. was well respected, very straight and didnt carry a gun.

There was something suspicious and his wife aint saying nuttin.

Edited February 20, 2009 by Jing Joe

[deanosan3]

spot on

As the adage goes, "Never invest more in Thailand than you're willing to lose...."

Now the stakes have been raised to risking your life. Is it worth it? Do what Thailand wants you to do, come here, spend money, check out Thailand's daughters, and leave happy...

RIP

[Syl]

But they are just unsolved, because the expat-community cares a shit. Sorry. The chinese angyi sticked together. Now they rule the country. But all these fuc_king Farang - most of you - have nothing else to do than blame your fellow-foreigners because they did not behave "Thai-Style".

One of you will be next.

And then there will be a thread on this forum - and people will shit on you and your family also.

Shame on you.

So what do you expect the expat community to do? go on the warpath, have a demonstration?

You are like many others, shouting at the mouth before the facts are known.

So it seems you joined this forum just to say your bit.

Maybe never have been to Thailand. What do you know ?

Maybe will never post again as well.

Anyway you wont be missed.

Syl.

[barberofsevilla]

Sorry. Just pay some respect to someone who died. That would be enough...

[bobbysan124]

Whatever the motive, condolences to the guy's family and friends. Unfortunate way to come to the end of the road.

[dseawarrior]

The fact is

life is cheap here

In Thailand, we believe in vigilante = ศาลเตี้ย

we don't go to the courts of law = ศาลสูง = ศาลชั้นต้น/ศาลอุทธรณ์/ศาลฎีกา

Thai schools of Law are not popular .... just ***nothing at all*** comparing to the school of medicine/bzyness/finanace etc...

In Thailand, we are stupid that we usually classified people into certain classes

# HiSo

# Average

# LoSo

by these criteria : profession/occupation/money & gold/Address and Surname etc...

Trust me we do this more SeRiOuSLy than the westerners do : just ask any of ur Thai friends

Lawyers are considered to be in the Low-to-Average/Moderate class

I am Thai and I DO NOT trust "The police department & Justice system of TH"

If u mess with the Russian Gangs here, it's not da real vigilante hel_l.

But if u're involuntarily on trial / being tried in a Thai court of vigilante, this is the real hel_l.

-------------------------

In Japan ---> drunk driving (Alcohol > 15mg%) = fine 100,000 Yen = fine ~ 950 $US + "1 YEAR IN JAIL"

You have to go to jail for 1 year for drunk driving but NOT EVEN hit somebody

drunk driving + hit a person to death = 15 yrs in jail

In Thailand ---> drunk driving (Alcohol > 50mg%) = fine some little amount of money, you don't go to jail

--------------------------

It's easy to kill someone in Thailand.

crime in Thailand is like an Iceberg --> 90% underwater and unsolved cases

around 10% are solved and in the evening NEWS.

Vigilante rulez

Excellent Post!

Well-explained and clear... Ateebai mawsom dee jing jing

Thank you very much! Kawp khun mag na krab!

[geriatrickid]

Lots of speculation and no facts. Here's something to munch on;

- The deceased was separated from his wife who left him shortly after she gave birth to their daughter that is now 3 years old. The ex is now back in Patong to care for her daughter.

- The deceased had earned income as a part time model in his youth. This would suggest then then he had the looks and had probably in dealing with the public and marketing, developed to their peak due to the modeling experience.

- The deceased did have money from other ventures that had done well. Not vast quantities, but enough to dispel the suggestion that he was a "Canadian Scam artist". To describe him of such, ignores the reality of the real estate business. It is the selling of a dream. A good looking, well spoken person will do well at it.

- The deceased had spoken out preiously as to an ongoing dispute with a former business partner. His family has elaborated on this and stated that he had accused the person of trying to poison him and was living in fear for his life.

- The developer is a female, which may fuel the romantic speculations of those that have imaginations nurtured by a steady diet of tabloids like the Sun. However, once the person's identity is made public, those that know who's who in the real estate business will be able to offer their own views.

I note that the police have not released this other developer's name. Fair enough as there is no evidence to support the attempted murder accusation or even her involvement in the murder. However, for lesser important people, the name is released in less contentious cases. It causes me to wonder why the name is not released in this case. Have your paper and crayons ready to draw the little dotted lines.

I trust this provides some background information so that the need to blame the victim for this tragedy can be averted.

Edited February 20, 2009 by geriatrickid

[bdenner]

It appears to me that Canadians draw more than their fare share of violence here in LOS. Any particular reason for this?