Norwegian Ex-tourist Police Volunteer Arrested In Pattaya For Drugs Dealing

[Sabre]

16.5 years.

Is that what he got in the end? They must have convicted him on the drugs charge for that sentence, disbelieving the "plant" defence. Had it just been a gun he'd probably be on his way home by now courtesy of an extra-judicial backander.

My understanding is that he got 17 years and a fine of 800,000 Baht, and the sentence was reduced by six months because he admitted guilt on the gun charge.

I also understand Johansen intends to appeal, however it will be another 2 years at least before this is heard.

I think all he can hope for now is a transfer to Norway (apparently he will be eligible after 7 years) or a King's pardon. I don't think many people could survive 16.5 years in a Thai prison.

I feel sorry for him. If I were in his situation I would be psychologically crushed right now.

[sillyman99]

16.5 years.

Is that what he got in the end? They must have convicted him on the drugs charge for that sentence, disbelieving the "plant" defence. Had it just been a gun he'd probably be on his way home by now courtesy of an extra-judicial backander.

My understanding is that he got 17 years and a fine of 800,000 Baht, and the sentence was reduced by six months because he admitted guilt on the gun charge.

I also understand Johansen intends to appeal, however it will be another 2 years at least before this is heard.

I think all he can hope for now is a transfer to Norway (apparently he will be eligible after 7 years) or a King's pardon. I don't think many people could survive 16.5 years in a Thai prison.

I feel sorry for him. If I were in his situation I would be psychologically crushed right now.

You'd be surprised.

Thai jail ain't that bad if you have money, I know people who have served time here, I have visited them, and if they had money and goods to barter, their life was good compared to the Local Thai prison population.

I knew a guy that was in Chonburi prison and for a price he stayed in the medical unit in his own bed at night, cost him 4000 baht per month.

Years ago there was a Farang from Pattaya in Chonburi prison who would be taken out by prison guards to Pattaya to the bars and clubs, everything is or certainly was available for a price.

Japanese prisons are far worse than Thai prisons.

[Sabre]

16.5 years.

Is that what he got in the end? They must have convicted him on the drugs charge for that sentence, disbelieving the "plant" defence. Had it just been a gun he'd probably be on his way home by now courtesy of an extra-judicial backander.

My understanding is that he got 17 years and a fine of 800,000 Baht, and the sentence was reduced by six months because he admitted guilt on the gun charge.

I also understand Johansen intends to appeal, however it will be another 2 years at least before this is heard.

I think all he can hope for now is a transfer to Norway (apparently he will be eligible after 7 years) or a King's pardon. I don't think many people could survive 16.5 years in a Thai prison.

I feel sorry for him. If I were in his situation I would be psychologically crushed right now.

You'd be surprised.

Thai jail ain't that bad if you have money, I know people who have served time here, I have visited them, and if they had money and goods to barter, their life was good compared to the Local Thai prison population.

I knew a guy that was in Chonburi prison and for a price he stayed in the medical unit in his own bed at night, cost him 4000 baht per month.

Years ago there was a Farang from Pattaya in Chonburi prison who would be taken out by prison guards to Pattaya to the bars and clubs, everything is or certainly was available for a price.

Japanese prisons are far worse than Thai prisons.

Thanks, you make some excellent points. I remember a few years ago a story in the Bangkok post about a Thai businessman who was serving a lengthy sentence and yet was regularly spotted outside of jail going about a normal life apparently.

I suppose his Norwegian disability pension will help out too ... that's at least THB20,000 per month ...

Also, the Norwegians tend to look after their own I think ... so I doubt he will be forgotten or left to rot in jail.

Presumably with enough money one could shave a few years off one's sentence ... not sure if they have parole in Thailand ... ?