Russian Conductor Charged In Thai Sex Probe

[Wozzit]

Funny coincedence: he was accused in 98 in the very same crime, but was realesed later.

Can you please give us some proof of that allegation? I can't find any information about it.

[FarangCravings]

Im sure he will get his trial, but seems he is very well connected what with buddys with Russias PM so might slip through the net

I'd hate to have you on my jury.

There is nothing new in cases like this being tried by press prior to being found guilty cases such as

Garry Glitter GUILTY

Pete Townsend NOT GUILTY

Michael Jackson WHO KNOWS but was found innocent but the accusation was always was there

A very famous case in the USA where a whole familys life was destroyed by trial by press the Mcmartin case http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMartin_preschool_trial they were ultimately found innocent but still suffered death threats even after being found not guilty, they lost everything in that case. Its a rare case

Generally those that are charged 9 times out of 10 there is reason behind the charges and someone who is whiter than white does not usually get dragged into something like that with the exception of a few very rare cases.

In this case the guy is now accused of Raping a 15 year old and they have that boy so the only way to eliminate trial by press is to have the press not informed until after the result of the trial until that is the case people are going to make judgements on that persons lifestyle, sexual orientation, past accusations, and what he is supposedly accused of, and make a subconcious decision on there guilt or innocence.

Thats just the reality of the fact.

Of course he is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty but its not always realistic to presume people will take that stand

[nikkoid66]

This is really embarrassing.... the guy doesn't seems to like to be on camera.

[Jingthing]

This is really embarrassing.... the guy doesn't seems to like to be on camera.

Who would, under those circumstances. I don't get your point. What did you expect from him? An impromtu tap dancing performance perhaps?

[Arkady]

As usual there is no suggestion that the police are planning to go after the procurers who provide underage boys and girls and offer them to tourists in Pattaya. No doubt they know who they are and take kick backs from them as well as get them to hand over the odd client, so they can look good occasionally busting foreign paedophiles without any effort. As with the drug trade the worthless Thai police have no intention of trying to curb such a lucrative business. They are directly to blame for child prostitution in Pattaya which can be stamped out, if the government has a will, just as it was stamped out in Havana in the 50s and 60s.

[jfchandler]

You missed the whole point...

My prior post here commented on the fact that the original media reports here made no mention of any arrest...only that he had paid some unspecified bail and was released.

You first get arrested on suspicion of committing an offence and get interviewed. The police may then need to investigate further dependent upon what was said in the interview, so release you on bail to return at a later date. They can then interview you again and then bail, charge or release you with no charge.

It's standard practice to bail without charge. The bail just means there are conditions attached - return to the police station on the required date, stay away from potential witnesses, do not leave the country etc.

[FarangCravings]

As usual there is no suggestion that the police are planning to go after the procurers who provide underage boys and girls and offer them to tourists in Pattaya. No doubt they know who they are and take kick backs from them as well as get them to hand over the odd client, so they can look good occasionally busting foreign paedophiles without any effort. As with the drug trade the worthless Thai police have no intention of trying to curb such a lucrative business. They are directly to blame for child prostitution in Pattaya which can be stamped out, if the government has a will, just as it was stamped out in Havana in the 50s and 60s.

Nothing wrong with setting up Paedophiles the more stings the better to get the scum and prevent them from predating on kids.

A tourist knows very well they should not be with a child having sexual relations NO EXCUSES

[jfchandler]

I suppose it's too much to ask for there to be any clarity about this... but...

The AFP news reports talk about the charge being that he allegely raped a teen-age boy.

The Pattaya Daily report talks about child pornography and prostitution charges.

While perhaps related, the two different descriptions of the supposed charges have a gap roughly the size of the Grand Canyon...

And while we're on the subject, indeed as Arkady commented, what has happened with the Thai man, the supposed child prostitution ringleader, who gave up the Russian. Absolutely no mention in the articles of him being arrested or charged with anything....

[bangon04]

UPDATE:

Russian conductor charged with raping boy in Thailand

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, July 7, 2010 (AFP) - Grammy-award-winning Russian conductor Mikhail Pletnev has been charged in Thailand with raping a 14-year-old boy, a crime that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail, police said Wednesday.

Pletnev, artistic director of the acclaimed Russian National Orchestra, was released Tuesday after he posted 300,000 baht (9,300 dollars) bail following his arrest in the Thai resort of Pattaya.

Viola player Yuri Bashmet, another Russian musician who grew up through the Soviet system to become an international classical star, said he was "in shock" at the news of Pletnev's arrest.

"If it is true then he will have to answer according to the law," Bashmet told Russia's Komsomolskaya Pravda.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-07-07

There's a resounding show of support from one of his "colleagues". The Russians mentioned and contributing during this thread seem to be underwhelming in their support of his innocence....

[jomtienbob]

Jeez one of the most obvious things that comes to mind here is what an obvious target Mr. Mikhail Pletnev would be to the cunning and evil-doers that skulk and lurk throughout Pattaya and its realms, making contacts with local natives so as to have a wide network of opportunity to snare juicy and apparently affluent prey such as Mr. Mikhail Pletnev. Then on top of that there threats from those criminals without formal jobs also!!

There has been several high profile suckers snared in the Pattaya region over the years and some of them have indeed been caught in compromised positions with illicit activities or substances however the lure of lucre always exceeds the balance of sanity let alone justice and fair play and thus you have all media knee jerk reacting to sensationalized police statements etc etc and The TV forum is not excluded from that either.

In regards to Mr. Pletnev he does seem to brazenly offer his open door for investigation by police or media and whilst this is perhaps foolish at a minimum it is CERTAINLY not the natural actions of a wrong-doer when snared or caught unawares! Please give this guy a break, and don't jump on the mass-media's normal lynch-mob mentality of guilt by implication under the camera lens. The days of true investigative journalism are almost dead in our home countries and have probably never been known here nor never will be. Just imagine yourself in this guy's shoes before rushing to any judgment about anything and remember that the majority of people involved are probably angling themselves for a piece of the large chunk of change that Mr. Pletnev will no doubt be alleviated of regardless of his guilt or innocence.

For those that have been here a while you'll know I speak the truth.

[FarangCravings]

Jeez one of the most obvious things that comes to mind here is what an obvious target Mr. Mikhail Pletnev would be to the cunning and evil-doers that skulk and lurk throughout Pattaya and its realms, making contacts with local natives so as to have a wide network of opportunity to snare juicy and apparently affluent prey such as Mr. Mikhail Pletnev. Then on top of that there threats from those criminals without formal jobs also!!

There has been several high profile suckers snared in the Pattaya region over the years and some of them have indeed been caught in compromised positions with illicit activities or substances however the lure of lucre always exceeds the balance of sanity let alone justice and fair play and thus you have all media knee jerk reacting to sensationalized police statements etc etc and The TV forum is not excluded from that either.

In regards to Mr. Pletnev he does seem to brazenly offer his open door for investigation by police or media and whilst this is perhaps foolish at a minimum it is CERTAINLY not the natural actions of a wrong-doer when snared or caught unawares! Please give this guy a break, and don't jump on the mass-media's normal lynch-mob mentality of guilt by implication under the camera lens. The days of true investigative journalism are almost dead in our home countries and have probably never been known here nor never will be. Just imagine yourself in this guy's shoes before rushing to any judgment about anything and remember that the majority of people involved are probably angling themselves for a piece of the large chunk of change that Mr. Pletnev will no doubt be alleviated of regardless of his guilt or innocence.

For those that have been here a while you'll know I speak the truth.

I would not be in his shoes as I dont associate or know any pedophiles that would name me when they get arrested and implicate me in the same sort of activities

He is innocent until proven guilty

agreed

[Jingthing]

There ought be a forum rule against shameless Pattaya bashing. The Pattaya metro area is now a major city with lots of diverse things happening all the time. And yet people who have never even been here have such idiotic opinions about the place.

It seems over the years that the most rabid Pattaya bashers are Phuketians. I have been there a number of times (but stopped going for obvious reasons, rip off city) and I can easily imagine why. Folks back home often have a negative biased view of Thailand in general. So its easy to say, all the bad things happen in Pattaya, not in virginal Phuket. Nice try, we know better.

Back to the Russkie ...

Edited July 7, 2010 by Jingthing

[FarangCravings]

There ought be a forum rule against shameless Pattaya bashing. The Pattaya metro area is now a major city with lots of diverse things happening all the time. And yet people who have never even been here have such idiotic opinions about the place.

Back to the Russkie ...

GREAT more rules on TV dont you think theres enough censorship already

Back to the Ruskie

[jdinasia]

Jeez one of the most obvious things that comes to mind here is what an obvious target Mr. Mikhail Pletnev would be to the cunning and evil-doers that skulk and lurk throughout Pattaya and its realms, making contacts with local natives so as to have a wide network of opportunity to snare juicy and apparently affluent prey such as Mr. Mikhail Pletnev. Then on top of that there threats from those criminals without formal jobs also!!

There has been several high profile suckers snared in the Pattaya region over the years and some of them have indeed been caught in compromised positions with illicit activities or substances however the lure of lucre always exceeds the balance of sanity let alone justice and fair play and thus you have all media knee jerk reacting to sensationalized police statements etc etc and The TV forum is not excluded from that either.

In regards to Mr. Pletnev he does seem to brazenly offer his open door for investigation by police or media and whilst this is perhaps foolish at a minimum it is CERTAINLY not the natural actions of a wrong-doer when snared or caught unawares! Please give this guy a break, and don't jump on the mass-media's normal lynch-mob mentality of guilt by implication under the camera lens. The days of true investigative journalism are almost dead in our home countries and have probably never been known here nor never will be. Just imagine yourself in this guy's shoes before rushing to any judgment about anything and remember that the majority of people involved are probably angling themselves for a piece of the large chunk of change that Mr. Pletnev will no doubt be alleviated of regardless of his guilt or innocence.

For those that have been here a while you'll know I speak the truth.

I would not be in his shoes as I dont associate or know any pedophiles that would name me when they get arrested and implicate me in the same sort of activities

He is innocent until proven guilty

agreed

An incredibly naive response ---- how would you know what the private lives of all the Thai people you have met are like much less the foreigners?

Anyone, anywhere, anytime can get caught up in a false charge. The more well known you are, or the wealthier you are percieved to be, the more likely it is to happen. That the police rely on people that they know to be guilty to provide evidence to get a lesser sentence makes credibility an issue.

[FarangCravings]

There ought be a forum rule against shameless Pattaya bashing. The Pattaya metro area is now a major city with lots of diverse things happening all the time. And yet people who have never even been here have such idiotic opinions about the place.

It seems over the years that the most rabid Pattaya bashers are Phuketians. I have been there a number of times (but stopped going for obvious reasons, rip off city) and I can easily imagine why. Folks back home often have a negative biased view of Thailand in general. So its easy to say, all the bad things happen in Pattaya, not in virginal Phuket. Nice try, we know better.

Back to the Russkie ...

Most pedophilia happens in Pattaya although Chiang Mai is catching up fast with 2 cases this last month but Pattaya has the bad rap because it deserves it, it attracts the dregs of society criminals, perverts and Pedos and no one denys it that does not live there hel_l even some nice guys that live there complain of the low lifes.

if I want a wild weekend of girly action im off to Pattaya theres no where better for that sort of action and Patts advertises itself for that and I certainly would not go there for the beach

cant deny it

Phuket cant hold a candle to Patts

Edited July 7, 2010 by FarangCravings

[Jingthing]

Sometimes it pays to be a nobody.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Russian conductor can leave Thailand despite charges: court

BANGKOK (AFP) -- A Thai court Wednesday granted permission for Russian conductor Mikhail Pletnev to leave the country temporarily following his arrest on charges of r_ping a 14-year-old boy, a spokesman said.

"The court allowed him to leave the country temporarily after he sought permission," said a judiciary official in Pattaya, where the Grammy award-winning musician was arrested.

Pletnev, artistic director of the acclaimed Russian National Orchestra, was released Tuesday after he posted 300,000 baht (9,300 dollars) bail. He is required to report back to court in Thailand every 12 days.

The musician first shot to fame as a virtuoso pianist, winning the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1978 at the age of 21.

He is a member of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's advisory council on culture and art and in 2005 won a Grammy award for best chamber music performance.

The Russian government has sent an "urgent order" to its embassy in Thailand to look into the situation and provide consular assistance to Pletnev, according to a statement carried by the Interfax news agency.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-07-07

[Jingthing]

Correction. Usually, it pays to be a big shot.

[mrdome]

Just what is wrong with FarangCravings? Does not know Thailand too well, that is for sure.

I'm not saying the guy is guilty or innocent but it's obvious more evidence is needed. I've seen how it is fabricated here and for those interested, there are past cases that show this.

[FarangCravings]

Just what is wrong with FarangCravings? Does not know Thailand too well, that is for sure.

I'm not saying the guy is guilty or innocent but it's obvious more evidence is needed. I've seen how it is fabricated here and for those interested, there are past cases that show this.

Yeah I got no clue just arrived this afternoon

[ableguy]

Regardless of the charge and the outcome ... What a nightmare to have that media circus trample around in your house without being able to throw them out. Disgraceful!

Are you for real, kidnap, rape of a minor?

[Jingthing]

FaringCravings just arrived this afternoon. We got that. Give him a break. He doesn't know the score.

[ableguy]

Another such story about Pattaya. The place needs to be cleaned up as it is dragging Thailand down.

Thailand does not need dragging down, as far as Pattaya goes its already there.

[Scott]

Multiple identical posts deleted.

[webfact]

It's all a misunderstanding : Pletnev

A Grammy-winning Russian pianist arrested for allegedly r_ping a Thai boy in Pattaya on Wednesday denied the charge, saying he had never een involved in any illegal or illicit dealings with children.

In an exclusive interview with Pattaya Daily News, Mikhail Pletnev, founder of the Russian National Orchestra, said that it is all a misunderstanding but he would cooperate with police investigating the case.

Pletnev was arrested and charged after police questioned him on Monday at a restaurant he co-owned in Pattaya on Monday. He was released on Bt300,000-bail.

He promised not to leave the country although he is due to go on a European tour later this week.

He is a famous pianist, conductor and composer. He won a Grammy in 2005 for an arrangement of Prokofiev's Cinderella. He has also performed as a guest conductor of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Having played for such dignitaries as the Russian and American Presidents, various royal families, celebrities, he has intermittently been residing in Thailand for the last 15 years.

According to Pattaya Daily News, police apprehended Pletnev due to his relationship with a Thai man, Traiphop Bunphasong who was arrested on Sunday and later implicated as the leader of a child prostitution racket in Pattaya.

Pletnev told PDN that he had known Traiphop for many years and that he was a talented artist, but that he had no knowledge of any illegal activities that Traiphop is alleged to have been involved with.

Pletnev owned two houses in Pattaya, both of which he was paying Traiphob to look after whilst he was away. He also owns a restaurant and several businesses, including a badminton club in Thailand.

He revealed that he had never been involved in any illegal or illicit dealings with children.

Police had only found one photograph of himself and a Thai friend which was taken in Switzerland several years ago, at the time the Thai man was approximately 25-years-old, he said.

Pletnev did not deny that there may be indecent material on his computers as he was so frequently not at home and gave access to the houses to Traiphob.

He revealed that he was open to having the police come and check the computer systems, confident that any offending material could be traced to a time at which he was not in the country.

-- The Nation 2010-07-07

[phantomfiddler]

To suggest that there is a high probability that any artist is "bent" shows a level of ignorance beyond comprehension ! You are a winner !

[phantomfiddler]

To suggest that there is a high probability that any artist is "bent" shows a level of ignorance beyond comprehension ! You are a winner !

In addition, I once had a whole busload of narcotics police come down from Bangkok and take my place apart, all because an a*s*h*le decided he wanted to cause problems after I had fired him. It is a terrifying experience, and should only be warranted if there is strong evidence to support the claim.

[rhinoboy55]

Who really cares if this guy like young boys? What the hel_l? Do you lose sleep over it? I don't. If the parents of these boys or the government ot the local society wants to protect them from this they will and if not, well then, welcome to the 3rd world, and welcome to the way our world is. And is he hurting them? Maybe he is very nice to them and they like whatever he is entertaining them with and maybe he is just enjoying their youth and their innocent beauty. You know it was not so long ago in history that girls were married at 12, and that is in the usa. But now we have greedy lawyers and crackhead lawmakers saying they have to be 18 or maybe 21 to have sex and for all I know they will make a law that says it is just plain illegal to have sex one of these days with anyone and we will have to pay some authority to do it. God made all of us the way we are and we are all ok in some sense. I get upset when I see replys of hate for people doing what the creative maker of the universe made them to do. If we want to stop all of the beautiful music and art we will also have to stop people from being who they are and doing what they enjoy, and loving what they love.

And another aspect of this is what about the scumbag Chinese guys who sell these kids and hurt them and do what ever they do? Is that ok? We never see any mention of that here. Always the bad foriegner. And I believe they call it bad so they can make money pure and simple. I was told many times that during the vietnam days of R&R nobody cared one dam bit about who or what you played with in Thailand as long as you did not hurt anyone. So lets all take a break on this age thing and condeming people eh?

[wimpy]

When you say "bent", just which definition are you referring to??

Verb

bent

1. Simple past tense and past participle of bend.

[edit] Adjective

bent (comparative more bent, superlative most bent)

Positive

bent

Comparative

more bent

Superlative

most bent

1. (Of something that is usually straight) folded, dented
2. (derogatory, colloquial, chiefly UK) Homosexual.
3. Determined or insistent. He was bent on going to Texas, but not even he could say why.
4. Of a person leading a life of crime.
5. (slang, soccer) inaccurate at shooting That shot was so bent it left the pitch.
6. (colloquial, chiefly US) Suffering from the bends

[Andyfez]

I reckon it's down to the Thai Police's bad English.

They thought they were arresting a World Class Penis.