Foreigner Got Stabbed To Death At Rachada

[hUsh]

I'm posting this in behalf of my friend's very sad experience. Below is a witness report written by my friend who survived the attack. Unfortunately, his other friend died resulting from this.

____________________________________________________________________

Subject: My friend (a foreigner from Butan) got stabbed to death on Saturday morning at Rachada/Rama IX.

Below is my story of what happened to me and my friend on Friday night (Saturday morning) at Rachada.

I used pseudonyms in this article. Please, contact me to get the full names and phone numbers. The police report is filed at Ding Daeng Police station.

Bangkok, 7/30/2005 11:36 PM

Witness Report:

At around 4:43am on Saturday the 30th of July, 2005, I and my friend Y, who studies Marketing with me at Bangkok University International College, left Rachada Soi 4 to go to Sukhumvit. I was driving my motorcycle and Y was sitting behind me. We drove on Rachada and stopped at the red traffic light Rachada/Rama IX, right opposite Fortune Town. Y and I were talking, and waiting for the traffic light to turn green, when all over sudden something hit me from behind. Then I turned around and I saw that Y was lying on the road. Three young motorcycle gang boys were stabbing him with knifes and machetes and beating him up with from what I remember a wood stick, about the size of a bat. They stabbed him in his back, totally smashed his knee, cut his right hand, and beat him at several other parts around his body. Everything went so fast. I was only focused on Y, and told him to get back on the motorcycle, so that we could drive away. Then the traffic light turned green. Y, pumped up with adrenalin, still had enough energy to get back on my motorcycle, and said: "Bring me to the hospital!", where I said yes, I will bring you to Rama IX hospital. The motorcycle gang had left, and all the cars started driving. Nobody stopped and helped us. However, then he said he feelt very dizzy and lost his consciousness.

4:50am – I stopped at the side of the road, and put Y flat on the ground, next to the sidewalk. Then, I stopped a young Thai man with his girlfriend to ask them to call the police and the ambulance with my mobile. Then about 4 minutes after that two motorcycles came with blinking lights, but they were not police, they were not wearing uniform. They carried walky talkies, flash lights, etc. I think they are voluntary police or something. They then called the police over the radio. A few minutes later, two police officers from Ding Daeng Police station showed up on their motorcycles. They looked at him and called the ambulance, who took at least over 12-15 minutes to reach the scene!!! I told them to call Rama9 hospital or Bangkok General Hospital because they are right next to the accident. I told them to hurry because Y was bleeding really bad. But they didn't listen, instead they called Ratchatevij Hospital at the Victory Monument. Eventually the ambulance came and they put Y in the ambulance car, where he then lost his heartbeat and they had to resuscitate him. They cut open his jeans, and you could see that his knee was totally smashed and crushed. He was bleeding so much, as they hit the main artery in his left leg. The doctors said that they will have to amputate his leg. Then the ambulance drove away, and the police officer told me to follow the ambulance, which I did. The ambulance went onto the express way, and I followed the ambulance even though I am not allowed to drive on the expressway. The ambulance then drove so fast that I couldn’t catch up with it, so I lost the ambulance. I went off one exit, having no idea where the ambulance was going. But the police officer at the accident scene told me which police station he works for. So, I went to Ding Daeng Police station to find out which hospital they are bringing Y to. I also called the tourist police three times, but nobody answered!!! Then, the Ding Daeng Police found out that he is in the Ratchatevij Hospital next to Victory Monument. However, I had no idea where that was. So, I asked the policeman to please show me the way to the hospital. I had blood all over me and my motorcycle, so they could see how serious the situation was. However, they refused to bring me to the hospital. Then I asked them to tell the motorcycle taxi to bring me to the hospital. They told the motorcycle taxi and I followed him with my motorcycle for 50 baht. Eventually, I arrived at the hospital; Y was bleeding very heavily. The staff at the hospital responded immediately with the best to their capabilities.

6:43am – I called R, Y’s Butanese friend who then called Y’s brother. They all arrived at the hospital 30 minutes later.

Eventually, one of the police officers that I talked to at Ding Daeng police station came to the hospital. It was the same officer who I asked before to show me the way to the hospital. He then asked me what happened, and I told him with the help of a translator. Then, the police officer and I took a Taxi back to the accident scene, where he took two photos and then talked to the police officer that was controlling the traffic light (at the time of the accident the police booth was unoccupied). This officer then said that Huaykwang police station is responsible for this.

10:00am - We went back to the hospital, where a nurse took care of my wound at my neck. After that, I left the hospital.

The doctors at the hospital were trying their best to stabalize Y, as he lost a lot of blood. He lost his heart beat several times. After the amputation of his left leg, he went into such a bad state that they could not recover his heartbeat. He passed away on Monday afternoon.

Until now, the police has not contacted me or the family, which I think is really strange.

I have to add that during the whole night, Y did never get into an argument or fight with anybody. He was with me and his Butanese friends first at RCA and then he went with me to Rachada Soi 4, where he and me sat by ourselves at a table, drinking beer. The incident was totally surprising to me. Maybe they were after the wrong guy. I did not have a chance to talk to Y after this incident as he lost consciousness.

A similar incident happened to my friend R, who also studies at Bangkok University. He walked across a pedestrian bridge and was hit from behind. They hit him so hard that he lost consciousness. He almost lost the ability to speak. He nearly died. This was a total surprise and random attack as happened to Y.

by: P

[mike_l]

A very sad story indeed :D Sorry for your loss.

I stay close by Ratchada and travel by that Fortune Hotel intersection often. I've never seen anything like that happen though or felt in any danger myself, but reading this is like a wake-up call.

Could it have been mistaken identity ? Soi 4 does seem a dodgy area in terms of fights in my experience. I don't go very often, but I've seen fights there about a third of the time I do go. They've been quite serious too - say, one guy with blood all over his face and clothes as a result of being beaten by a club, or police releasing some kind of gas to break up a fight involving around 20 people (I don't what it was, I just heard some noise and all of a sudden everyone in the area myself included started couging, sneezing and struggling to breathe). I wonder if your friend was an innocent victim of a gang there looking to carry on the fight or get revenge for something.

The only part of the story that seems a bit strange to me is leaving soi 4 at 4.45am - doesn't everywhere there close around 1.30/2am ? Although there's open late places on soi 6, so perhaps that's where he meant.

Edited August 2, 2005 by mike_l

[LoveDaBlues]

Sorry for the loss. Stupid and pointless......what a terrible way for a life to end. ANOTHER random act of violence.

[SEAtramp]

My deepest sympathy.

I hope the replies you receive here are also sympathetic. Certain members of this board like to think that Thailand is a land of smiles where only backpacking scum are on the receiving end of Thai brutality.

And certain posters even block a thread for attempting to highlight the situation.

Edited August 2, 2005 by SEAtramp

[Firefan]

Sad indeed. My condolences. Certainly sounds like case of mistaken identity.

[WhiteShiva]

My deepest sympathy.

I hope the replies you receive here are also sympathetic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree - very sorry to hear about your friends misfortune.

Certain members of this board like to think that Thailand is a land of smiles where only backpacking scum are on the receiving end of Thai brutality.  And certain posters even block a thread for attempting to highlight the situation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe we were in disagreement on this issue on another thread, and I thought the exchange of opinions between ourselves and several other posters was interesting and well within the limits of good taste and manners. Hence I was very surprised to see the topic closed. Any idea why this happened?

[ray23]

My deepest sympathy.

I hope the replies you receive here are also sympathetic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree - very sorry to hear about your friends misfortune.

Certain members of this board like to think that Thailand is a land of smiles where only backpacking scum are on the receiving end of Thai brutality.  And certain posters even block a thread for attempting to highlight the situation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe we were in disagreement on this issue on another thread, and I thought the exchange of opinions between ourselves and several other posters was interesting and well within the limits of good taste and manners. Hence I was very surprised to see the topic closed. Any idea why this happened?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

First let me say that I'm very sad for the loss of your friend and the trauma you went through

Now I hope I'm very wrong if this was an act of random violence, this rings of gang initiations in the states. Wherein acceptance in a gang requires proving you are willing to murder. I really do hope that Thai youths are not going that direction.

As to the Police investigation, this is the time I would find out if Mr. Thaksin meant what he said when he said he would help farrangs.

These guys have bragged about this to there friends, you can bet on it. Someone not invloved knows who they were and the Police if they try, can find these guys, but only if they try.

This cannot change what you have been through but maybe it can provide some closure

[Tolley]

My deepest sympathy.

I hope the replies you receive here are also sympathetic. Certain members of this board like to think that Thailand is a land of smiles where only backpacking scum are on the receiving end of Thai brutality.

And certain posters even block a thread for attempting to highlight the situation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry to hear this very sad story.

I am not sure why the last thread on the topic of violence was blocked.

It just seems no matter how much evidence is produced certain people refuse to open their eyes to the violence in Thailand.

[ilyushin]

Terrible. Sad news. Hope justice will be served to those who inflected the blows and took your friend's life.

[SEAtramp]

WhiteShiva I believe we were in disagreement on this issue on another thread, and I thought the exchange of opinions between ourselves and several other posters was interesting and well within the limits of good taste and manners. Hence I was very surprised to see the topic closed. Any idea why this happened?

Also suprised, and wondered why !

[Curt]

WhiteShiva I believe we were in disagreement on this issue on another thread, and I thought the exchange of opinions between ourselves and several other posters was interesting and well within the limits of good taste and manners. Hence I was very surprised to see the topic closed. Any idea why this happened?

Also suprised, and wondered why !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It was going in circles.

[uncle paul]

WhiteShiva I believe we were in disagreement on this issue on another thread, and I thought the exchange of opinions between ourselves and several other posters was interesting and well within the limits of good taste and manners. Hence I was very surprised to see the topic closed. Any idea why this happened?

Also suprised, and wondered why !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It was going in circles.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so what if it was going in circles it was an important topic.

power corrupts!

Edited August 2, 2005 by uncle paul

[Curt]

so what if it was going in circles it was an important topic.

power corrupts!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At some point, it becomes pointless.

It became rants; no one was making any points.

It comes down to those who believe that, for the most part, these situations can be avoided (stop drinking before 4am), and those that think these occurances are typical.

I know these situations are serious. My wife's sister was shot dead, through the head, in Bangkok.

Did she deserve it? No.

Could she have avoided it? Yes.

We can't do anything about violent street thugs, drunks and crooked cops, Thai or whatever.

All we can do is take responsibility for ourselves.

[Heng]

I have to add that during the whole night, Y did never get into an argument or fight with anybody. He was with me and his Butanese friends first at RCA and then he went with me to Rachada Soi 4, where he and me sat by ourselves at a table, drinking beer. The incident was totally surprising to me. Maybe they were after the wrong guy. I did not have a chance to talk to Y after this incident as he lost consciousness.

A similar incident happened to my friend R, who also studies at Bangkok University. He walked across a pedestrian bridge and was hit from behind. They hit him so hard that he lost consciousness. He almost lost the ability to speak. He nearly died. This was a total surprise and random attack as happened to Y.

Sorry for your loss. Hit and run? No robbery attempt at all?

[hUsh]

First of all, thank you for all those who send their sympathies..

IMO, Bangkok is generally a safe city. However, there are violences that are often neglected (often times when it involves foreigner --correct me if i'm wrong). And when you've actually experienced something horrible and sad like this, you want action -- hoping that people would do something. However, the police haven't done anything so far...

Just sending all my care to people out there..

[Heng]

First of all, thank you for all those who send their sympathies..

IMO, Bangkok is generally a safe city. However, there are violences that are often neglected (often times when it involves foreigner --correct me if i'm wrong).

Actually, it's the Thai on Thai violence that often goes neglected (there's a LOT more than is being reported). Only the juicy items or items with good photos make it to the newspapers. Heck, I could probably do well to start up a 24 hour crime coverage channel.

[CarlBkk]

Violence in Thailand is a pretty important subject to talk about, whether it's opinions on Thai on Thai, Thai on Farang or Farang on Farang. If an establishment or area gets a reputation for being dangerous then information on this board can help broadcast that. There's also a lot of people with good contacts on this board who can find out causes/solutions.

I do think that closing the previous thread on this subject was a rash judgement by the Mod, especially as no warnings or reasons were given. I, and I think a few others, couldn't really understand why it was closed so quickly and now I can see the same topic being continued on this thread!

[LoveDaBlues]

It just seems no matter how much evidence is produced certain people refuse to open their eyes to the violence in Thailand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tolley, I hear ya. Some people just don't get it. These same people usually have a cutesy, simplistic answer as to how the violence could have been avoided in the first place. Hindsight is always 20/20. Sure......where you go, how you act, the people you associate with, the hours you keep.....these things have a bearing on your 'exposure' to violence. However, you may INCREASE your chances of NOT being a victim....but you can't eliminate the possibility altogether. So even the most careful out there can be a victim.

I've lived in Las Vegas the past 18 years. Like most people I keep up with the local news/happenings. Here's one from about 10 years ago. A guy was acting rowdy in The California Club. He was 'escorted' from the property by security. If my memory is correct it was around 10 pm. A short time later an older English gentleman comes strolling down the sidewalk on the South side of the building where this cretin was concealed in a doorway. When the English guy comes into range ........boom......the cretin stabs him once through the heart with no warning. Stealthy, quick, and fatal. Okay....you guys with all the answers.....what did the English gentleman do wrong? How could he have avoided being stabbed?

Some people need to GET REAL.....random violence can and does happen to the best of us.......no matter how careful one is.

ps - I also think closing the previous thread was not warranted. If someone thinks the thread is pointless then simply don't get involved.

[Curt]

It just seems no matter how much evidence is produced certain people refuse to open their eyes to the violence in Thailand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here's one from about 10 years ago. ...........

........ Some people need to GET REAL.....random violence can and does happen to the best of us.......no matter how careful one is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now you have me worried!

However, you may INCREASE your chances of NOT being a victim....but you can't eliminate the possibility altogether

I don't see it as pulling oneself from the inevitability being a victim.

I see it as avoiding becoming one

Still, I think you've acknowledged my point.

These latest Thailand incidents happened in the wee small hours, in neighborhoods most of us wouldn't take our mothers/kids.

Don't recall any good memories from closing bars up.

Don't recall any good memories of drinking at 4 am.

In fact, most actual memories from that time frame often involve the police, the hospital, or both!

Seriously, this year alone, there have been over 50 lethal shooting up in South LA.

I drive through there all the time.

I don't have any real fear.

I don't hang there late at night.

I don't hang in the bars with the hommies.

I don't give the hommies any crap.

Might I get caught in a crossfire?

Sure.

But, it's far more likely I will be run down by a soccer mom late for her daughter's practice.

Same holds true when I'm in Bangkok, although it's more likely I'll get impaled by a Wave, a Sonic or a tuk tuk!

Edited August 3, 2005 by Curt

[WhiteShiva]

Some people need to GET REAL.....random violence can and does happen to the best of us.......no matter how careful one is. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think anyone disputes this. The point discussed in the other thread was (I believe) if there is a high probability of becoming a victim of random crime in Thailand. And the point being made was that staying away from certain areas, at certain times of the day (night), and taking certin precautions (don't get drunk, don't act provocatively, be aware of what is happening around you) would diminish the statistical chance to a point were it is nothing to be concerned about.

In the incidence mentioned by the OP - the guy's only mistake was to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I'd say that driving around on a motorbike in the early morning you are much more likely to be killed by a drunk driver that stabbed by thugs. And that would have been my motive for not venturing out on a bike in the middle of the night.

Does random violence happen in LOS - for sure. But I bet you if you look at the causes of deaths amongst Thais (or foreigners) here it is pretty far down on the list.

[penelope]

in 12 years of living in LOS I have honestly never seen a violent act ! a bit of luck, timing and smarts has to do with that...but then again that could apply to any metropolis in the world. touch wood.

[ray23]

in 12 years of living in LOS I have honestly never seen a violent act ! a bit of luck, timing and smarts has to do with that...but then again that could apply to any metropolis in the world. touch wood.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Probably an odd question I have assumed that this is a subdistrict within Bangkok am I right?

[penelope]

in 12 years of living in LOS I have honestly never seen a violent act ! a bit of luck, timing and smarts has to do with that...but then again that could apply to any metropolis in the world. touch wood.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Probably an odd question I have assumed that this is a subdistrict within Bangkok am I right?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes.

[ronz28]

That's terrible

But it's a lot worse across the border from Laredo, Texas. Since January, more than 100 people have been killed in Nuevo Laredo. Human rights groups say that in the past two years more than 400 people have been kidnapped, including more than 40 Americans. Authorities have said the violence is a war between Mexico's two most powerful drug gangs to control key routes.

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico (AP) - The United States will close its consulate for one week to assess the security of its employees and consulate visitors in this Mexican border town after a shootout between drug gangs using machine guns, grenades and a rocket launcher.

[Sarpedon]

Sympathies go to the victim and all who have been affected by this. What a disgusting display of violence.

[Tolley]

At the risk of labouring a point I think that the main issue here is that violent incidents against farangs seem to be on the increase in Thailand.

The second major point is that again in this story the police failed to act in a manner that inspires any confidence in them dealing with, or heaven forbid solving the crime.

This seems to be a common theme.

What message does this send to the perpertrators?

They can act with impunity when it comes to tourists.

Losts of posters here are saying that we can well avoid these situations by avoiding late night venues and alcohol etc.

Yes but if the situation deteriorates further we will have these same posters saying well if you stay at home and never go out you will not likely be a victim of violence.

Thailand is promoting itself as a world class tourist destination.

Tourists want to go out and have fun and at the same time expect some protection from the police and the law.

At the moment this does not seem to be happening.

[Jai Dee]

Tourists want to go out and have fun and at the same time expect some protection from the police and the law.

The traffic lights at the Rachada/Rama IX intersection could hardly be classed as a tourist area.

My condolences to your friend hUsh.

[WhiteShiva]

At the risk of labouring a point I think that the main issue here is that violent incidents against farangs seem to be on the increase in Thailand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fact or speculation? Anything to back up this claim? I have lived here for a while, and I have been unable to detect any trend whatsoever.....

[Tolley]

Tourists want to go out and have fun and at the same time expect some protection from the police and the law.

The traffic lights at the Rachada/Rama IX intersection could hardly be classed as a tourist area.

My condolences to your friend hUsh.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry I don't get your point.

They were tourists or expats that recieved little help from the police and were victims of mindless violence.

Tourists are allowed to venture outside Suk and Patpong aren't they?

[Tolley]

At the risk of labouring a point I think that the main issue here is that violent incidents against farangs seem to be on the increase in Thailand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fact or speculation? Anything to back up this claim? I have lived here for a while, and I have been unable to detect any trend whatsoever.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You may want to start reading the papers a bit more and start talking to people about what is going on around you.