Canadian Condo Owner Claims False Arrest

[tom21]

I think you'll find that the laws are specifically written so that they can be selectively enforced. I don't think it is an accident that the law is vague.

If you refuse to keep a low profile and offend the wrong person you ARE going to be guilty of something.

in a nutshell ....... you go into the jungle monkey will piss on you!

i hope you are not refering to thai's

[Junglejumbo]

It's the law that every year owners of condos are elected to be "kamagann" or committee members who share a meeting with the chosen management company of the building. This is according to the Condo Act which is actually making things easier for condo owners. There have been several problems in Thailand with corrupt management companies. I for one have had this experience in my condo, and I used to join from time to time the committee, and use my auditing back ground to check things which they've already audited. I wasn't happy with our old management company and voted to remove them.

Personally, I would use the Condo Act to help me, which says that every owner Thai or aliens (providing that the building isn't more than 40% owned by foreigners) is entitled to be elected for the committee.

However, in order to obtain a work permit a person must be earning more than 60,000 baht a month (in Bangkok) and have registered capital of.....etc,etc. Therefore, this would be impossible for someone who is actually a tourist or retiree and therefore contradict the Condo Act (work permits are also issued for specific jobs so using a work permit for another job would still break the law).

Put it another way, if you can get a work permit for being on the commitee then that's just great. No more visa trips!!!!!! All I have to do is go to one meeting every 3months and whoppy, I can get a 1yr biz visa.

Most condos do actually pay their members a small fee, like Bt500 per meeting and should a work permit be needed for the job then that also implies that Thai committee members as well as management company members should submit their Bt500 per meeting for income tax purposes but who's going to do that? Therefore, they could also have committed a crime and worth a counter charge.

My guess is that the police will let this issue slip regarding the committee and work permit, hence the excuse that the chief is in Bangkok. I am just thinking about the consequences in Pattaya where so many committees are almost entirely made of foriegn retirees and long-term tourists.....

This sounds like to me that the management company have paid the police Bt5,000 to put this guy in a cell for a night just to scare him and stop him asking difficult questions in the meeting. What this guy needs to do is get some support from the other committee members and vote to push out this management company. Its' easy. Only two members of the Committee are needed to put the topic on the agenda and the committe can decide by themselves. They no longer need to get a 70% approval from all the residents as the case before the new Condo Act....Go for it....

[midas]

When I read stories like this I feel this country deserves to suffer

a bit of hardship.

When they going to grow up here? One minute they want to be the " hub "

of everything under the sun but the next minute they want to enforce these

pathetic protectionist laws in a manner which even countries like Cambodia

wouldn't even consider because they realize foreigners bring in money.

[GarryP]

Just read this line on the Department of Employment, Thailand site:-

1. Definition

“Alien” means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality;

“ Work ” means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

Then I certainly wouldn't need a work permit for some of the committees I have served on. No knowledge required, just an excuse for a laugh (exerting energy oops) or a kip.

Edited March 25, 2009 by GarryP

[RubbaJohnny]

Thats it.. Not getting my own coffee anymore..

The way the Thai labor law is written its illegal to wash my car, to change the TV channel, to flush my toilet. In any sane country a law like this would have been challenged and defined.

I mean for a start the definition of the word, contains the word its defining.. it requires a seriously sub level IQ to make that a legal statute.

I'm here on a retirement visa so I have a maid and a girlfriend to do all the "work". So far my plan has worked and I have not been arrested.

TIT. I too hope this guy is paying his taxes. If the Thais target you they will get you. What's next?

Well get up a lot earlier to skin a condo lizard

Excellent post of course cash is at the heart of it and he thought he's best a local shark as they in the sordid Phillippines never give alcal a chance to disasappoint you!

Economy tip is if you can vertically integrate the maid gardener girl friend into one role aka the Mrs

Of course as the priest who married us warned

'MARRIAGE IS AN EXPENSIVE WAY TO GET FREE LAUNDRY'

Don't trust Condos esp now even in UK OZ etc landlords rort on service fees or don't maintain or overcharge

Check any tenants assoc for feedback in a country with deeply biased and unevenly applied laws

Condos Avoid there are plots and v cheap renters and homes for sale

Also I have heard there are some remnants of bent cts jurisprudence and unbelievably bent BIB in land of Smirks although no mention in TAT nor the official guide who ushered me to the Limo at Swampy ( I wonder what happened to our luggage,perhaps that nice Nigerian valet forgot to put the Loius Vuitton in the caboose!)

It's like Queensland with Chicago cops afriend observed

Edited March 25, 2009 by RubbaJohnny

[stevenl]

However, in order to obtain a work permit a person must be earning more than 60,000 baht a month (in Bangkok) and have registered capital of.....etc,etc

This is not correct. Also a volunteer, earning 0, can get a workpermit.

[Lite Beer]

However, in order to obtain a work permit a person must be earning more than 60,000 baht a month (in Bangkok) and have registered capital of.....etc,etc

This is not correct. Also a volunteer, earning 0, can get a workpermit.

Correct. There is no minimum monthly wage to apply for a work permit.

There is for applying for anual extensions at Immigration.

[InterestedObserver]

However, in order to obtain a work permit a person must be earning more than 60,000 baht a month (in Bangkok) and have registered capital of.....etc,etc

And just where did you pick up that tidbit of misinformation? Explain please.

[quiksilva]

There is an important legal distinction to be made between being a committee member and being a "Juristic Person", which many seem to have missed.

A Juristic Person is legally accountable for the entire Juristic Condominium, its akin to being a Director of a company, and as such its completely different to most condo owners' positions even if they do serve a term or so on the committee.

Typically JP's are not paid a salary but as others have said you don't have to get paid for the government to consider it work.

I think this is likely the distinction that is causing all the fuss. I suspect that the Thais are probably wondering how this farang can be the JP of this local legal entity. All Juristic Condominiums must be 51% Thai owned, just as with Thai companies and other such Juristic entities, and whilst there are no proviso's that I know of that say the JP must be Thai, but just saying that they may have a case for saying that he is working without a permit.

edit for further clarification: see the almighty wikipedia description for further information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juristic_person

Edited March 25, 2009 by quiksilva

[mikejphuket]

Thank you very much for your thoughtful post. I am on the owners' committee of a condo in Phuket and am one of the signatures for the bank accounts so am a little concerned.

It's the law that every year owners of condos are elected to be "kamagann" or committee members who share a meeting with the chosen management company of the building. This is according to the Condo Act which is actually making things easier for condo owners. There have been several problems in Thailand with corrupt management companies. I for one have had this experience in my condo, and I used to join from time to time the committee, and use my auditing back ground to check things which they've already audited. I wasn't happy with our old management company and voted to remove them.

Personally, I would use the Condo Act to help me, which says that every owner Thai or aliens (providing that the building isn't more than 40% owned by foreigners) is entitled to be elected for the committee.

However, in order to obtain a work permit a person must be earning more than 60,000 baht a month (in Bangkok) and have registered capital of.....etc,etc. Therefore, this would be impossible for someone who is actually a tourist or retiree and therefore contradict the Condo Act (work permits are also issued for specific jobs so using a work permit for another job would still break the law).

Put it another way, if you can get a work permit for being on the commitee then that's just great. No more visa trips!!!!!! All I have to do is go to one meeting every 3months and whoppy, I can get a 1yr biz visa.

Most condos do actually pay their members a small fee, like Bt500 per meeting and should a work permit be needed for the job then that also implies that Thai committee members as well as management company members should submit their Bt500 per meeting for income tax purposes but who's going to do that? Therefore, they could also have committed a crime and worth a counter charge.

My guess is that the police will let this issue slip regarding the committee and work permit, hence the excuse that the chief is in Bangkok. I am just thinking about the consequences in Pattaya where so many committees are almost entirely made of foriegn retirees and long-term tourists.....

This sounds like to me that the management company have paid the police Bt5,000 to put this guy in a cell for a night just to scare him and stop him asking difficult questions in the meeting. What this guy needs to do is get some support from the other committee members and vote to push out this management company. Its' easy. Only two members of the Committee are needed to put the topic on the agenda and the committe can decide by themselves. They no longer need to get a 70% approval from all the residents as the case before the new Condo Act....Go for it....

[jbaldwin]

From the orginally article it seems that the Canadian was acting as the "Juristic Person Manager". This is the individual who is the legal representive of the condominium and who has similar power and duties as a director of a limited company.

I am a member of a condo committee. Our advice has always been that the Juristic Person Manager must either be Thai or have a work permit. This advice has come from both the companies that have acted as our Condominium Managers and also independent lawyers.

Our Condo committee has seven members - six falang and one Thai. The Thai was appointed as the Jusistic Person Managers as our Committee was fully aware that the post holder would be consider to be working.

[khundon]

Just read this line on the Department of Employment, Thailand site:-

1. Definition

"Alien" means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality;

" Work " means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

He is F***ed then.

[taxexile]

"Juristic Person Manager".

by juristic person manager , do you mean the chairman of the committee , voted to the position by the committee?

[golfnut]

He told the Gazette that he was not working in Phuket, but had merely been elected by fellow condo owners as their "juristic person" representative at an annual meeting, as required by the Thai Condominium Act.

Mr Nixon concedes that Thai labor law as it applies to foreigners is vague about what actually constitutes "work", but he feels the law is being selectively enforced in his case at the behest of the condo management, with whom he has had a disagreement about management fees.

This makes no sense. One minute he is the juristic person, the next he is has quarrels with "management".

The article has been amended in the phuket gazette as it was not accurate on its initial writing. If you go to phuket gazette.net you will see the amended article

[george]

Update:

Canadian condo owner claims false arrest

PHUKET CITY: -- A Canadian man who has lived in Phuket for over a decade has been arrested for working illegally in Thailand, a charge he claims stems from a dispute over maintenance fees with one of the co-owners of a condominium complex in which he owns five units.

Phuket Immigration Police, led by Investigations Inspector Suparerk Pankosol, yesterday afternoon arrested 49-year-old Canadian national James “Jimmy” Nixon.

Mr Nixon was earlier this month asked by Immigration officials to present himself for questioning on March 23.

After questioning by Immigration and Labor Department officials, he was escorted by Immigration police to Tah Chat Chai Police Station, where he was formally charged at around 1pm.

Mr Nixon, from Toronto, was detained in a cell for about three hours while his lawyer and police disputed the validity of the condominium chanote title deed he had brought with him to post police bail. The document was eventually accepted and Mr Nixon was released around 9pm.

Speaking to the Gazette from inside the jail cell, Mr Nixon explained that he started spending winters in Thailand about 20 years ago to escape the Canadian climate, and now owns five units at Blue Canyon. He has also been a member of the Blue Canyon Country Club since its inception in 1992.

He told the Gazette that he was not working in Phuket, but had merely been elected by fellow condo owners as their “juristic person” representative at an annual meeting. Serving as a condo owners’ representative is an unpaid position and does not constitute work, he maintains.

“I just serve as a safety net to protect the common interests of all the co-owners in our condo estate,” he said.

There are many foreigners on the island in similar positions, and to his knowledge none has ever been accused of working here illegally for this reason, he says.

Mr Nixon concedes that Thai labor law as it applies to foreigners is vague about what actually constitutes “work”, but he feels the authorities are selectively enforcing the law in his case at the behest of one of the condo co-owners who is in arrears on his maintenance fees.

Phuket Immigration admit to arresting Mr Nixon, but told the Gazette they could not give more details about the case until Lt Col Suparerk returns from a seminar in Bangkok.

Today, Mr Nixon spent all morning in a holding room at Phuket Provincial Court. He was finally allowed to leave the court at about 5pm, after he was formally charged for working without a work permit and his lawyer posted court bail.

“Does the local government really want to ask us to keep investing in properties and not allow us to sit on management committees? There is something strange about this. If Thai authorities don’t want foreign investors, I think they should just tell us clearly, as opposed to arresting us,” he said.

There are often cases in which “aliens” are arrested in Thailand for doing work which would not be considered illegal for foreigners without work permits in other countries.

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-03-25

[thaiwanderer]

some further clarifications apparent in the updated report - he had an appointment with them - would be interesting to find out if he continued in the position after he was on notice or is he just moaning about the original 'injustice'?

now looks like the aggrieved other party is one of the other condo owners who hasn't paid / disputes the fees (may or may not be the developer etc.)

farang condo owners' positions can be protected without a farang being the JP so he's a bit ahead of himself

his comments about that the thai government should tell farangs clearly rather than arresting them is infantile - he knew (or should have known) what he was doing - its not even as if he is a bored retiree with only one unit he owns and occupies and has merely got involved a little with the committee (and even then would be his own look out) - he takes no responsibility for what has happened even though it is entirely his own fault

the 'false arrest' headline is still inaccurate even against what he claims, suggest 'Canadian blames everyone else for his own actions'

Anyhow sterling work by the PG to point out that laws differ in different countries

There are often cases in which "aliens" are arrested in Thailand for doing work which would not be considered illegal for foreigners without work permits in other countries.

[blaiz]

some further clarifications apparent in the updated report - he had an appointment with them - would be interesting to find out if he continued in the position after he was on notice or is he just moaning about the original 'injustice'?

now looks like the aggrieved other party is one of the other condo owners who hasn't paid / disputes the fees (may or may not be the developer etc.)

farang condo owners' positions can be protected without a farang being the JP so he's a bit ahead of himself

his comments about that the thai government should tell farangs clearly rather than arresting them is infantile - he knew (or should have known) what he was doing - its not even as if he is a bored retiree with only one unit he owns and occupies and has merely got involved a little with the committee (and even then would be his own look out) - he takes no responsibility for what has happened even though it is entirely his own fault

the 'false arrest' headline is still inaccurate even against what he claims, suggest 'Canadian blames everyone else for his own actions'

Anyhow sterling work by the PG to point out that laws differ in different countries

There are often cases in which "aliens" are arrested in Thailand for doing work which would not be considered illegal for foreigners without work permits in other countries.

Always seems to be those individuals that want to impose their 1st world countries ethics and morals in the LOS. If you really care about this country and it’s people you could at least try to be a little concerned over the many injustices that go on here, whether its between expats/thais or thais/thais. Rather than blame this guy, tell it like it reads unless you know something the rest of us don’t this is a pretty simple case of extortion, at best. I mean come on we have a situation here that can be pulled on any one of us expats here, for merely painting your house.

If had invested in 5 of those condos, (and if they are the blue canyon condos those are a pretty penny).. I would want some pull on that committee myself, I am also a committe member on several condos I own, dont really participate but it keeps me informed. Been living here 18 years never occurred to me to get a second and third work permit to participate on those committees, which im not even sure is possible. I have dozens of friends or at least friends of friends that are participating similarily here on committees whether they be condos, NGOs, charities, or sport organizations none i know of have workpermits for that purpose.

Whether he is the JP or not is non the matter, if this guy was the deciding vote on this committee we would see the same injustice. My guess is this article has been written as he has decided to out this into the media because he believes he has done nothing wrong and this is the only way he can protect his investment and for that matter himself. I figure this guy isn’t going down without a fight, he would have turn tailed along time ago before it got to this stage. This looks like another bullet solution, I think he is lucky to not be lying face down with lead poisoning by now.

I think this is a chance for logical expats to take a bit of a stance in this forum. Granted there is limited knowledge here, but im sure it will all come out soon. My guess is he will take it as far as it will go in the media, this is what might be keeping him alive.

Lets get some facts on this one before we start cutting this guy up, from what i have read so far it sounds like he been railroaded.

Never know one day you might actually be able to invest here without looking over your shoulder for a stray bullet or a jail sentence.

[dotcom]

This donkey should shut his mouth,

Claiming this rule isn't enforced elsewhere isn't helping his case. His interpretation of Thai labor law isn't helping his case.

Where I live I know for sure some owners don't pay their maintaince fee & there isn't a dam thing the condo association can do about it.

They can't lock the owner out of his unit.

Since condos are supposed to be 51% Thai owned & above why does this idiot get involved in whether or not owners are paying their maintaince fee?

The best thing this Nadian can do is to put his units with a property management company & disappear into the woodwork.

I totally agree with blaiz. This ain't your homecountry & it never will be.

Calling attention to oneself in this manner will get you blacklisted.

[Maestro]

...He told the Gazette that he was not working in Phuket, but had merely been elected by fellow condo owners as their “juristic person” representative at an annual meeting. Serving as a condo owners’ representative is an unpaid position and does not constitute work, he maintains...

From the report in Phuket Gazette the status of Mr. Nixon is not clear. He refers to himself as the “juristic person representative elected by fellow condo owners at an annual meeting". This could indeed be the Juristic Person Manager, as this person is defined as the person representing the Juristic Person in matters relating to the common property, mostly towards Thai government offices and courts. However, this person would normally be paid a salary and would unlikely be a foreigner. If he were a foreigner, he would definitely need a work permit, even if he received no salary.

The more likely possibility is that Mr. Nixon was elected a member of the committee. As such, he should not need a work permit, unless he were actually working for example as treasurer, signing cheques, which are usually signed by the Juristic Person Manager and a designated member of the committee, or perhaps by two committee members at the behest of the Juristic Person Manager.

--

Maestro

[thaiwanderer]

Always seems to be those individuals that want to impose their 1st world countries ethics and morals in the LOS.

not sure what 1st world standards i am apparently applying to the reported situation???

it seems like he is the one wanting to apply different rules to the situation

If you really care about this country and it's people you could at least try to be a little concerned over the many injustices that go on here, whether its between expats/thais or thais/thais. Rather than blame this guy, tell it like it reads unless you know something the rest of us don't this is a pretty simple case of extortion, at best. I mean come on we have a situation here that can be pulled on any one of us expats here, for merely painting your house.

Caring about 'this country and its people'? you know me so well - to care i should grieve over a farang who appears to have broken the law and is moaning about it and talking down the laws of the country he is a guest in without acknowledging his own role in it all?

I am telling it like it reads (it is PG afterall) - (as reported) the guy is moaning about a situation he has got himself into. Yes he is getting rolled over because of a dispute and in an ideal world that would not occur - rather the laws would be consistently and forcefully enforced across the board (and perhaps the laws might be different?) (BUT they are not). However he knew (or should have) known the rules (both written and real world - including sparodic enforcement) - if he didn't like them he should not have played the game. Now he's got burnt he's moaning about it??

no one forced him to do anything - many farangs rely on what others do and have done without apparent problem - thats fine but if for whatever reason the knock on the door comes and the authorities scrutinise what you have done (however unofficially you might think its been 'encouraged' in the first place) you should have the grace to accept the consequences (since surely you assessed that risk at the outset - if not, more fool you)

[paperwerks]

THAIVISA: how about a legal opinion on this???

We all know volunteer work is illegal here without a WP. However, what constitutes work?

For example, food preparation is a job reserved for Thai people whether paid or volunteer. I understand that. But adding some Nam Plaa to my bowl of Kwiitiyo is also food preparation. Can I be arrested for this?

Technically, from a legal perspective the way the law is written I believe the answer is "yes"

Any foreigner opening a bottle of beer by himself (whether he is paid or unpaid) is engaging in drinks preparation and is also subject to arrest depending on how the law is interpreted because he is working and doing a job reserved for Thais.

Until I hear otherwise from a lawyer or someone who can explain the law, I think you "probably" won't have problems being a kammagan unless you have an enemy but you "may" be breaking the law because the law is very unclear and if you have an enemy you very obviously can be subject to arrest and the expense of hiring a lawyer. TIT

[Alwaysright]

I always thought you could do stuff around your own home without any problems....for example working in the garden or painting something. Am I wrong?

The other day I was shoveling some stuff around the yard and the BIB cruised by, stopped & chatted with me.....they didnt say anything but were rather amused that a farang knew how to use a shovel....they told me they thought that back in my home country that I would of had thai people digging holes for me ....they were highly amused when I told them that in farangland we actually build our own houses, paint, work in the garden, clean etc.

To make matters worse, I'm not actually living in the house yet because we are making renovations etc before moving in.

Is someone suggesting they might come back and arrest me for what I was doing ....you've got to be joking, right?

I also clean my motorcycle regularly, clean the house....as I am sure most people do?? Whats the go?

If he rents out his condos then he is working,he should have kept his mouth shut,stayed off the board and not made anybody mad.

[barky]

Always seems to be those individuals that want to impose their 1st world countries ethics and morals in the LOS.

not sure what 1st world standards i am apparently applying to the reported situation???

it seems like he is the one wanting to apply different rules to the situation

If you really care about this country and it's people you could at least try to be a little concerned over the many injustices that go on here, whether its between expats/thais or thais/thais. Rather than blame this guy, tell it like it reads unless you know something the rest of us don't this is a pretty simple case of extortion, at best. I mean come on we have a situation here that can be pulled on any one of us expats here, for merely painting your house.

Caring about 'this country and its people'? you know me so well - to care i should grieve over a farang who appears to have broken the law and is moaning about it and talking down the laws of the country he is a guest in without acknowledging his own role in it all?

I am telling it like it reads (it is PG afterall) - (as reported) the guy is moaning about a situation he has got himself into. Yes he is getting rolled over because of a dispute and in an ideal world that would not occur - rather the laws would be consistently and forcefully enforced across the board (and perhaps the laws might be different?) (BUT they are not). However he knew (or should have) known the rules (both written and real world - including sparodic enforcement) - if he didn't like them he should not have played the game. Now he's got burnt he's moaning about it??

no one forced him to do anything - many farangs rely on what others do and have done without apparent problem - thats fine but if for whatever reason the knock on the door comes and the authorities scrutinise what you have done (however unofficially you might think its been 'encouraged' in the first place) you should have the grace to accept the consequences (since surely you assessed that risk at the outset - if not, more fool you)

In essence thaiwanderer what you say is correct, logical even, however, there is a case for the morality of it , being fair and reasonable if you like.

For me it's simple, if the Thais want to take foreigner's money for property then said foreingers should be provided certain rights over the property. Otherwise it's just a scam. But, no surprise there.

[patklang]

If you owned a bar(under your gf/wife name) and opened a beer for somebody in the bar you could get arrested.

I heard of a guy who greeted customers with a handshake and got done for working without a work permit.A mate of mine got done 50,000 baht for having a copy of a music cd on the premises.

Welcome to Thailand

Just retire and let the world go by,no problem

[taxexile]

THAIVISA: how about a legal opinion on this???

agreed.

[blaiz]

not sure what 1st world standards i am apparently applying to the reported situation??? it seems like he is the one wanting to apply different rules to the situation

What I am referring to here is some like to believe the LOS justice is in black and white, sorry I'm sure you would be mistaken to believe law enforcement is anything but completely grey. Laws are enforced by the wealthy and powerful and until you stop joining the Thai law bandwagon this is gunna continue. Foreign investment here both monetarily and socially is the way forward for any country. I believe your first post indicates you are willing to allow this grey area to exist and continue to propagate through your comments this mentality. I for one while trying to mind my own business here and stay out of trouble have an opportunity in anonymity to put forward ideas that here may be dangerous and totally against the flow of present Thailand, and this is the beauty of internet social media. Your comments only reinforce longstanding opinions are the roots of evil in this society namely to never question authority and allow laws and regulation to create injustice. While you may truly love this country and its people, you are propagating its perpetual poverty and lack of basic rights by your interaction in this forum. Humanity is a valuable thing that should be stood up for especially in places of safety from prosecution such as Thai Visa.

Caring about 'this country and its people'? you know me so well - to care i should grieve over a farang who appears to have broken the law and is moaning about it and talking down the laws of the country he is a guest in without acknowledging his own role in it all?

no one forced him to do anything - many farangs rely on what others do and have done without apparent problem - thats fine but if for whatever reason the knock on the door comes and the authorities scrutinise what you have done (however unofficially you might think its been 'encouraged' in the first place) you should have the grace to accept the consequences (since surely you assessed that risk at the outset - if not, more fool you)

I am in no way asking for grief or condolence, he may indeed by a swindler and deserve all he gets and I may well jump on the same wagon as you at that point. But unless we are reading this differently, I am seeing a guy that has no recourse here, but to explain his situation all be it one sided and to his benefit, to the press and hope there are some people that will join him in his protest. Regarding “grace” you may have a higher ethical and moral standard than I, but I can tell you I would be fighting this tooth and nail till the bitter f##king end, even if I was wrong, forget grace. Having those 5 condos living here for 10 years he probably has other investments here as well, those condos alone would have to be worth upwards of 2 million US$, plus golf memberships and vehicles etc. This is a guy that has come here and put millions into this country, he must have some connections there must be some heavies on him here, I don’t think this has anything to do with breaking the law.

Thaiwanderer, I like surely as you, break the law as grey as it is here everyday. Whether it’s bagging my own groceries, driving over the speed limit, cooking my families dinner, mowing my lawn, coaching a local football team, teaching my girlfriend to play the guitar etc etc. They will have to pry my family, my home, and my guitar out of my cold dead hands before i lay down to this. I will spend every last dime in litigation for false arrest and reparations, and every media on this planet will hear about it. So as far as I can see from this article while there is no way I would be caught in this situation here, stupidity is not one of those Thai law grey areas, its legal.

[Jimjim]

Foriegn footballers in the UK must have a work permit! Is football 'work'? Work permit laws are the same all over the world.

That's a laugh. They're actually very different all over the world. The way the Thai labor law is read in English is vastly different from many countries and their ideas of "work."

[imaneggspurt]

"Does the local government really want to ask us to keep investing in properties and not allow us to sit on management committees? There is something strange about this. If Thai authorities don’t want foreign investors, I think they should just tell us clearly, as opposed to arresting us,” he said." ...........................But they wont as its a one way law,like many that can be changed/modified at will, and that goes from wearing a helmet ( sometimes permitted ) to murder, ( which with money seems to allegedly get some off the hook )

[Lite Beer]

Inflamatory posts deleted.

[afw69]

1. i sympathize with the man as kicking down the bamboo curtain is a most formidable endeavor.

2. this story just shows the contrast and therby the unfairness of the two cultures.

3. until such time as global society will focus on the racism that is taught and lived in "asia", these sorts of abuses of the law will continue.

we can hope that the thai justice system will focus on the charge at hand and rule in an unbaised way as though they were blind to race or nationality of the defendant.

4. ive been going to thailand since 1996 and always am aware of the deep seated racism and facism here. thus, i always stayed surface here, that is i never got serious about anything. i see them for what they are and want.

5. if you western white men, knowing and educated choose to go against the grain in siam and achieve and live long to enjoy, then i am in awe of you.

6.i believe there is a high probabilty that prolonges exposure to living in thai will be hurtfull so i choose not to. short time is ok with me!

7. PLEASE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THE CRIME STATISTICS FOR THAILAND. THE MURDER RATE, GUN VIOLENCE NUMBERS ETC. this way you will know what you are exposing yourself to.

8. i say go around. visit all the countries in the region. dont just stay in thailand all the time, there are other countries that have offerings not found in thai. both good and bad.

9. if this legal matter happened to an asian in the west it would be called racism and the tables would be turned. dont forget where you have come from expats and the idealisms you were taught. dont choose tyrany.

10. stop giving everything away and unify to make a change for the better. western goverments need to do alot more to assure globalism is open to all the world not just a one way take and no give!