British Couple Fights Bangkok Airport Extortionists

[hughben]

^ Just walk through to immigration. There are a few stores selling cosmetics and booze just before you hit the turn to passport control.

I wouldn't worry too much.

When you leave Thailand, at the airport you'll see the huge KP duty free area, where most of the alleged incidents are happening.

I wouldn't bring in any duty free though when you arrive.

Edited July 21, 2009 by hughben

[hughben]

I was thinking, I wonder how the huge designer labels would feel if they were aware that people could be boycotting their stores because of what's been happening?

I wonder if sales have decreased or are decreasing?

[Hawk]

This story was on the 5 pm news tonight, channel 7.

King Power received a letter from the British Embassy asking them to explain the incident.

There were 3 videos shown, one supposedly of the Ingrams, one of the Malay supposedly stealing cigars and one of the Irish woman which was very unclear.

The news guy mentioned that the Ingrams were stung for B400,000, and the Sri Lankan was also said to be involved.

Kings Power said that they have done wrong.

[jackspratt]

This story was on the 5 pm news tonight, channel 7.

King Power received a letter from the British Embassy asking them to explain the incident.

There were 3 videos shown, one supposedly of the Ingrams, one of the Malay supposedly stealing cigars and one of the Irish woman which was very unclear.

The news guy mentioned that the Ingrams were stung for B400,000, and the Sri Lankan was also said to be involved.

Kings Power said that they have done wrong.

There was a further video of Jack Ruby supposedly shooting Lee Oswald - but it was very unclear.

Obviously another conspiracy

[animatic]

I am travelling to Bangkok airport next week for the first time with my girlfriend and I am looking for advice to avoid this scam.

Does anyone know if there is a way to pass through the airport without even passing through the shopping area.

And other than avoiding the shops can anyone offer any other advice to avoid being extorted by this corruption. I mean it seems to me if they're willing to faulsely arrest you in the shops they will more than likely arrest me if I am merely walking by. Will I be safe by just avoiding the shops.

Easy enough to stay 2-3 meters way from any sales counters.

Worry not. Browsing and picking up items is more the issue.

But if you are not between counters it's hard for them to get

you on video and build a potential 'scare case' to hook you with.

PS

go outside and take a public taxi service getting a ticket and get in line.

Cost aroun 250-300 baht .The people at the out door Public Taxi

ticket desk speak decent English.

The shouting Taxi Limo touts and counter staff,

or guys yelling Taxibehind a cordon,

will cost you 1,000 baht minimum.

If it is a marked meter taxi, meter on, and you got a slip and waited in line

a bit, thenyou are OK, don't let ANYONE pull you away from there.

[truthfulfox]

I am so happy that this heppened to british people and danish after that , this way the world will trust and believe. If that was an other person from a third world country or or from a muslim country , no one will believe and sure every body will back up the thai police . Thanks God , westners are victims too........... now on we know escrots doesn't beyong to the same religion or country

[britmaveric]

^Victims??? Surely you mean thieves???

[bowbells]

I am travelling to Bangkok airport next week for the first time with my girlfriend and I am looking for advice to avoid this scam.

Does anyone know if there is a way to pass through the airport without even passing through the shopping area.

And other than avoiding the shops can anyone offer any other advice to avoid being extorted by this corruption. I mean it seems to me if they're willing to faulsely arrest you in the shops they will more than likely arrest me if I am merely walking by. Will I be safe by just avoiding the shops.

Believe me! they are going to get you and you will be humiliated, fined and put in jail or pay large sums of money....They have IT specialists wired into this forum and after your post you could be targeted because they have your ip address and they will follow you in the airport and get actors to dress up like you and commit crimes then they will video tape it and keep charging over and over again. They have these big shepard's hooks that they can grab you with when you are walking by in the airport and you have to jump and dodge them and if your shoes fall off they will take them and give you a haircut. I even heard that they have an office underneath the BBC and MI6 in London where they monitor people before they even know that they want to go to Thailand....Tony is there now apparently standing on his head and feeding a monkey a banana. BE CAREFUL this is a scam and they are everywhere. Better change your plans I hear Angeles City is nice....have fun....NEXT.....

Edited July 21, 2009 by bowbells

[truthfulfox]

8k pound is a massive amount! They should have fought it if they were innocent, why did they pay? did they steal it? giving in to these scams/extotions will make it continue! if you get in trouble you call your embassy and take it from there, REMEMBER INNOCENT UNTILL PROVEN GUILTY. Things need to change in Thailand

no one is obliged to goto thailand or oblige thailand to change , but every body can change his travel destination. thailand after all is for thai.

[AnaisNin]

<br />

8k pound is a massive amount! They should have fought it if they were innocent, why did they pay? did they steal it? giving in to these scams/extotions will make it continue! if you get in trouble you call your embassy and take it from there, REMEMBER INNOCENT UNTILL PROVEN GUILTY. Things need to change in Thailand

<br /><br /><br />no one is obliged to goto thailand or oblige thailand to change , but every body can change his travel destination. thailand after all is for thai.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Thailand is BANNED in my personal travel list.

[Benjie]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

[Oberkommando]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

More so for the Police involved in the alleged extortion I would imagine.

Especially considering the Police should be there to apprehend and build a case against criminals, and not to assume guilt, bully and intimidate, then try to extort money from the alleged shoplifting culprits.

There's no irony in the topic title either, now the couple has an official letter from the Thai Police stating their complete innocence in these alleged acts.

[ozzieovaseas]

I am travelling to Bangkok airport next week for the first time with my girlfriend and I am looking for advice to avoid this scam.

Does anyone know if there is a way to pass through the airport without even passing through the shopping area.

And other than avoiding the shops can anyone offer any other advice to avoid being extorted by this corruption. I mean it seems to me if they're willing to faulsely arrest you in the shops they will more than likely arrest me if I am merely walking by. Will I be safe by just avoiding the shops.

Believe me! they are going to get you and you will be humiliated, fined and put in jail or pay large sums of money....They have IT specialists wired into this forum and after your post you could be targeted because they have your ip address and they will follow you in the airport and get actors to dress up like you and commit crimes then they will video tape it and keep charging over and over again. They have these big shepard's hooks that they can grab you with when you are walking by in the airport and you have to jump and dodge them and if your shoes fall off they will take them and give you a haircut. I even heard that they have an office underneath the BBC and MI6 in London where they monitor people before they even know that they want to go to Thailand....Tony is there now apparently standing on his head and feeding a monkey a banana. BE CAREFUL this is a scam and they are everywhere. Better change your plans I hear Angeles City is nice....have fun....NEXT.....

hahaha

great work there bowbells,a classic post!!!

To neilsaunders: Im sorry you feel you have to start your trip over here in paranoia and fear.It shouldnt be that way and seeing your post makes me realize the real price of this percieved scamming thats going on....the price of freedom and being able to walk around without fear of state sanctioned extortion

Having said that, IMHO the truth is there are thousands of tourists coming and going from the airport every day and i surmise that very few would be aware of this or are affected.

It seems these scams have been perpertrated once a chrime has percieved to have been committed...So if you are seen stealing and have been caught doing wrong then you are basically stuffed!!

Its quite simple really, dont do anything wrong and you will be fine.

Go back and look at the first 10 or pages of this thread....The usual huge reaction and crazy talk about conspiracies and scams but when kingpower released the feeds the tide of opinion quickly turned against the Brits.

I would think that its a very rare case that anyone completely innocent gets drawn into stuff like this.It seems the Brits were guilty as sin and some of the other cases contained some shades of grey that needed further investigation.

The trouble is justice can never be served when the course of justice is perverted by so called officials and their shady standover men.

Anyway,stay out of harms way,vote with your feet and you will be fine

good luck and have a good trip

[truthfulfox]

Time to bring Thaksin back - there is no discipline in Thailand anymore - from anyone.

BR>Jack

Would this be the same Thaksin who illegally sold KP the right to the Duty Free concession?

Or maybe the same Thaksin who painted the bulls-eye targets on all of our foreheads?

thaksin who scammed his american partner in telecomunication business

[beerchang]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

More so for the Police involved in the alleged extortion I would imagine.

Especially considering the Police should be there to apprehend and build a case against criminals, and not to assume guilt, bully and intimidate, then try to extort money from the alleged shoplifting culprits.

There's no irony in the topic title either, now the couple has an official letter from the Thai Police stating their complete innocence in these alleged acts.

Whaaaat!? Have you seen the video of her moving the wallet to the other side of the display, opening her bag and putting the bloody thing in her bag? And IF it were me, I would expect a letter stating I was completely innocent after paying...nay, being extorted of £7,500, wouldn't you? Have they been refunded or is that the current 'legal' fee for a letter of innocence?

[Benjie]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

More so for the Police involved in the alleged extortion I would imagine.

Especially considering the Police should be there to apprehend and build a case against criminals, and not to assume guilt, bully and intimidate, then try to extort money from the alleged shoplifting culprits.

There's no irony in the topic title either, now the couple has an official letter from the Thai Police stating their complete innocence in these alleged acts.

The Thai police that you just mentioned in the previous sentence as being corrupt? Surely you must understand that this 'letter' is what their money paid for?

Where is the 'fight' in that?

Besides I don't see a video of the police extorting money, we've only got the words of two people (who I've seen in a video stealing) to go upon. How come the professional thieves get the benefit of the doubt?

I don't know whether the police extorted money or not, sounds more like a go between offered them an escape after they got caught stealing. Believe me I'd have much preferred to see them being tried in Thailand, rather than bribing people (also a crime) and running off back to the UK and proclaiming their innocence.

[truthfulfox]

KP is selling faked items made in china ,hongkong and taiwan .

watch from hong kong , perfum from china and clothes from taiwan.............

beleive or not !

[Oberkommando]

Whaaaat!? Have you seen the video of her moving the wallet to the other side of the display, opening her bag and putting the bloody thing in her bag? And IF it were me, I would expect a letter stating I was completely innocent after paying...nay, being extorted of £7,500, wouldn't you? Have they been refunded or is that the current 'legal' fee for a letter of innocence?

The Police said the money was bail money and it would be refunded.

As the official Thai Police letter says they are innocent we must assume the couple in the video are not the Ingrams.

The Thai police that you just mentioned in the previous sentence as being corrupt? Surely you must understand that this 'letter' is what their money paid for?

Where did I mention the Police being corrupt?

I said they were alleged to have extorted the couple accused of shoplifting.

Again, the Thai Police said the money they allegedly extorted from the Ingrams was bail money and would be returned.

Besides I don't see a video of the police extorting money

Because it was allegedly done in a hotel room where due process was not followed.

[Oberkommando]

we've only got the words of two people (who I've seen in a video stealing) to go upon.

Interesting only you can positively identify the couple from the grainy and inconclusive video footage which alone is not sufficient evidence to even identify the alleged culprits, let alone secure a conviction.

How come the professional thieves get the benefit of the doubt?

I see no convictions here.

Indeed, the alleged thieves have proof of their innocence from the Thai Police.

I don't know whether the police extorted money or not, sounds more like a go between offered them an escape after they got caught stealing. Believe me I'd have much preferred to see them being tried in Thailand, rather than bribing people (also a crime) and running off back to the UK and proclaiming their innocence.

A Sri Lankan go-between aided the Police in an alleged attempt at extortion of two alleged shoplifters who were both denied due process and a fair trial.

Additionally, you say you don't know if the Police extorted money yet claim that the Ingrams paid the Police a bribe so you'd do well to get your story straight before posting further.

[beerchang]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

More so for the Police involved in the alleged extortion I would imagine.

Especially considering the Police should be there to apprehend and build a case against criminals, and not to assume guilt, bully and intimidate, then try to extort money from the alleged shoplifting culprits.

There's no irony in the topic title either, now the couple has an official letter from the Thai Police stating their complete innocence in these alleged acts.

Hey Ober, after re-reading (well reading it properly and thinking about it to be honest) your post I think maybe you should have put a smiley at the end! My sentiments remain the same though. I love Thailand but hate these shi*ty things the corrupt and greedy do without seeming to understand that its killing their own country.

[Hawk]

This story was on the 5 pm news tonight, channel 7.

King Power received a letter from the British Embassy asking them to explain the incident.

There were 3 videos shown, one supposedly of the Ingrams, one of the Malay supposedly stealing cigars and one of the Irish woman which was very unclear.

The news guy mentioned that the Ingrams were stung for B400,000, and the Sri Lankan was also said to be involved.

Kings Power said that they have done no ( edited to add no, my mistake)wrong. Of course they deny any involvement.

There was a further video of Jack Ruby supposedly shooting Lee Oswald - but it was very unclear.

Obviously another conspiracy

You don't have to show your ignorance to the whole world, just check before you bleat next time. King Power finally did receive a letter from the Brit. Embassy and there were indeed 3 videos shown.

What a jerk you are with your silly remarks. Want a wine gum?

Edited July 21, 2009 by Hawk

[Benjie]

So they've skipped bail as well then? That's another criminal charge to add to their ever growing list, theft, bribery, skipping bail.

I'm not sure why 'innocent' people would have to post bail in the first place.

I think some people must need their monitors cleaned, the video was not in the least bit 'grainy' on my computer. It clearly shows them shoplifting and they have already admitted its them (or at least him) in the video.

[getgoin]

I saw the video and it seems pretty clear that the women tossed the wallet into her bag while the husband tried to block the view. So there is shoplifting going on at the airport. At least with this British couple.

[beerchang]

Ok, I've posted this on 2 other threads, hope that's not a bad thing but I would like an answer if possible, plus it's on topic. here goes:

I've seen the video and it would appear that she is a thief. I read on TV that the wallet was found in a rubbish bin, sorry I don't know this as a fact. But I did see her take it to the other side of the display, put it down, open her bag and put it in. That's not how to shop!

I would like to know exactly what would have happened if they had said "we're not giving you any money, let's let a judge decide". I understand that they were scared but no wallet was found on them. What would have happened if they refused to pay? I believe, even in Thai law, that only a judge can send you to prison. There isn't a policeman in the world that can put you in prison is there? Detain in a cell yes, but prison? They got £7,500 from these two. Even if, without the stolen item, they were found guilty, what would have been the sentence? Fine (how much for lifting a wallet)? Imprisonment? Must be a member on TV who knows Thai law. Siam legal isn't it?

Perhaps embassies could issue the warning 'If your gonna shoplift and get caught, let the legal system deal with it and don't pay the extortionist scumbags'

Edited July 21, 2009 by beerchang

[hughben]

I think one of the reasons this thread has been so popular is because there is a sense that it could happen to any one of us.

Whether the couple are guilty or not, I think most people (bar the romantics who believe they could sit it out in the Bangkok Hilton while Quincy solves their case) have a nagging fear that the innocent could be a target.

Hence many boycotting the store.

The people who believe they weren't scammed (by the Police), will you be boycotting KP next time you're at the airport?

I won't set foot in the place again.

[bowbells]

This is an statement as to how things go down in Thailand:

When you commit a crime for pretty much anything except for major drug trafficking and get caught you are offered a chance to pay your way out of it. If you cannot pay then you are written up and booked accordingly(incarcerated). If you pay, usually the police will still try to write a report for a lesser offense just to satisfy the paperwork. However you can refuse to pay the money and demand that no report be made at all and the case be dropped altogether. Or, as in the case of the couple who stole the wallet, you could demand a statement (which you payed for) of innocence in the matter so you cannot be done in later for the same crime which also can happen. If there are two parties against each other in a case it is not out of the ordinary for both parties to end up paying even if one person is in the right, ie a bar fight between two people or a car accident. Some people who have been here a while may have noticed that Thais really dont like going to the police and this is the reason. BECAUSE IT COSTS MONEY FOR EVERYONE. A lot of tourists and some expats rightfully like to refer to this as corruption, but it is the way things have been done here for more years than most other countries have been in existence. If it were to be changed there may be serious complications in the system such as spending a few months in prison for stealing a wallet in duty free on video. Thai people will never deny this is happening. It is normal to them however corrupt to us. Try it out and ask a Thai person if they want to call the police and see what they say. Anyway I am throwing this post to the wolves!

[DMasut]

Everybody should boycott or avoid king power shops, anyway it's always more expensive than on the streets.

In case you haven't noticed, Everybody IS ALREADY BOYCOTTING Thailand!

There new slogan should be The Land Of Lies!

On my return from a recent reconnaissance to the Philippines.Truly- The Land of Smiles! I booked a taxi from the Taxi stand ,for 1,500 baht.They gave me a ticket with 1,500 written on it.

As we left the Airport the taxi driver started to renegotiate the fare.I refused.On Koh Chang I left my car to have a puncture repaired.They replaced all my Yokohama tyres with shit tyres.They said the car didn't arrive with Yokohama tyres!We called the police but what could they do?My word against the garage, and they were his neighbours!Generally The Thais dealing with Falang are indolent,greedy and ruthless.And thats the officials!

May I reccomend the diving , women and service in Fillys!

1,500 THB TAXI TO WHERE!?! WAS HE DRIVING YOU TO MALAYSIA?! 500 BAHT plus Tolls for most areas of Bangkok.

ALSO ( A TIP) Go to arrivals area to get a cab. Wait until someone arrives and off loads and jump in. Make sure meter is used. If no meter, get out and wait for next taxi.

CORRECTION: It is not "Land of Lies" it is "LIELAND" <---GET IT RIGHT!

TYRES: DO LIKE I DO EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD I GO WHEN I AM GETTING CAR REPAIRS..I TAKE DIGITAL PHOTOS OF MY CARE AND AREAS TO BE REPAIRED TO PROVE IF PARTS I PAID FOR WERE REPLACED, OR IN YOUR CASE...REMOVED...AND REPLACED

[bowbells]

Ok, I've posted this on 2 other threads, hope that's not a bad thing but I would like an answer if possible, plus it's on topic. here goes:

I've seen the video and it would appear that she is a thief. I read on TV that the wallet was found in a rubbish bin, sorry I don't know this as a fact. But I did see her take it to the other side of the display, put it down, open her bag and put it in. That's not how to shop!

I would like to know exactly what would have happened if they had said "we're not giving you any money, let's let a judge decide". I understand that they were scared but no wallet was found on them. What would have happened if they refused to pay? I believe, even in Thai law, that only a judge can send you to prison. There isn't a policeman in the world that can put you in prison is there? Detain in a cell yes, but prison? They got £7,500 from these two. Even if, without the stolen item, they were found guilty, what would have been the sentence? Fine (how much for lifting a wallet)? Imprisonment? Must be a member on TV who knows Thai law. Siam legal isn't it?

Perhaps embassies could issue the warning 'If your gonna shoplift and get caught, let the legal system deal with it and don't pay the extortionist scumbags'

They would have been charged and put in a holding cell for months until their trial. If they were found guilty they would have done time. If they were found innocent, which is unlikely because of the tape, they would be set free.

[DagonKhan]

I've seen the video and it would appear that she is a thief. I read on TV that the wallet was found in a rubbish bin, sorry I don't know this as a fact. But I did see her take it to the other side of the display, put it down, open her bag and put it in. That's not how to shop!

I would like to know exactly what would have happened if they had said "we're not giving you any money, let's let a judge decide". I understand that they were scared but no wallet was found on them. What would have happened if they refused to pay? I believe, even in Thai law, that only a judge can send you to prison. There isn't a policeman in the world that can put you in prison is there? Detain in a cell yes, but prison? They got £7,500 from these two. Even if, without the stolen item, they were found guilty, what would have been the sentence? Fine (how much for lifting a wallet)? Imprisonment? Must be a member on TV who knows Thai law. Siam legal isn't it?

Perhaps embassies could issue the warning 'If your gonna shoplift and get caught, let the legal system deal with it and don't pay the extortionist scumbags'

I wouldn't jump to conclusions so quickly about their guilt. Did you see her leave the shop in the video? The letter accompanying that video on KP's website says it is shown quite clearly, but I only saw a woman walking towards what appears to be the cashier's desk before the video cut off. I question myself as to what happened, I can't be sure, the picture is just not clear enough. No wallet found on them? Too many loose ends there. Are you sure the couple in the video are the same people who all this fuss is about? You would expect that at least that minor detail could be established before they're convicted on TV!

Why would they agree to provide 'The Times' with photo's of themselves and tell them their story? They've paid the extortion money, no one would ever know about what happened if they had just gone about their business as usual when they returned to the UK.

[loong]

I've only just noticed the irony in the topic title.

I'd expect we won't hear much from the couple again, probably try and keep a low profile now that they've been caught out on video. Must be quite embaressing professionally I would have thought.

What do you mean - NOW they've been caught on video??? They would have been shown the video at the time.

So they've skipped bail as well then? That's another criminal charge to add to their ever growing list, theft, bribery, skipping bail.

I'm not sure why 'innocent' people would have to post bail in the first place.

I think some people must need their monitors cleaned, the video was not in the least bit 'grainy' on my computer. It clearly shows them shoplifting and they have already admitted its them (or at least him) in the video.

You really are proving how little you know and that you are desperate to pin anything on this couple.

They didn't skip bail, the charges were dropped. They have a letter to prove that. They also have a letter allowing them to leave the country.

Many innocent people have to post bail, if they don't innocent people have to be held in custody until the court hearing.

Are you trying to tell us that your magic computer lets you see a crystal clear image? Rubbish!

Having said that, IMHO the truth is there are thousands of tourists coming and going from the airport every day and i surmise that very few would be aware of this or are affected.

It seems these scams have been perpertrated once a chrime has percieved to have been committed...So if you are seen stealing and have been caught doing wrong then you are basically stuffed!!

Its quite simple really, dont do anything wrong and you will be fine.

Yes, you only have to worry if somebody is caught on video that looks vaguely similar to you.