Dutch Ambassador To Thailand To Be Relieved

[Mario2008]

The Dutch ambassador to Thailand will be relieved after an internal investigation about the integrity of the embassy and its staff.

According a report in the Dutch newspaper, "De Telegraaf". http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/8447006/__Ambassadeur_Bangkok_exit__.html?sn=binnenland

reports about mishaps at the embassy reported in that newspaper a few months ago have been confirmed. The ambassador wil leave within a few months.

[JurgenG]

What's wrong with these people, they are supposed to represent their country and they act like common criminal.

And the Dutch are not the only one.

HONG KONG (Nov. 25, 2010) — The top French diplomat in Hong Kong and Macau has been suspended and recalled to Paris, a consulate spokeswoman confirmed, as an "administrative investigation" gets under way. "The Consul-general of France for Hong Kong and Macau was recalled and immediately left his post," the ministry spokesperson said. "He is suspended from duty. An administrative investigation has been started based on the circumstances behind the decision."

These facts would likely not meet the requirements of professional conduct for a French diplomat."

http://www.google.co...cf0304f8c22.481

He is suspected of stealing two bottles of very expensive wine, like if he couldn't afford to buy them !!!!

Edited December 9, 2010 by JurgenG

[Xircal]

In the Dutch case, the ambassador apparently mutilated a passport belonging to his ex-partner in an attempt to hide the fact he was a transsexual.

[GuestHouse]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

[Beetlejuice]

Great article, shame it`s all in double Dutch.

Nice to know someone is getting relieved.

[Thaifan2]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

LINK PLEASE .How could he try and sell a whole Embassy without the Thai governament be involved ?

[saakura]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

If i remeber correctly, he had already made a deal on paper. The buyer then went to court because the deal was not honoured.

Edited December 9, 2010 by saakura

[saakura]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

LINK PLEASE .How could he try and sell a whole Embassy without the Thai governament be involved ?

Google it, you will get the links. It is true, was reported in all national newspapers for several months during that time. An incredible but true story. The ambassador sold the embassy!!!!! The guy was dismissed and has subsequently changed his name and surname. He claimed that he was cheated by the prospective buyers who convinced him that it was just a valuation exercise. Most beleived his story, there was no way he was going to be able to sell the embassy.

[noise]

Since many ambassadors are appointed in payment for services rendered or massive contributions to a political party, it would be interesting to learn what diplomatic back ground (if any) the ambassadors cited here actually have.

[StreetCowboy]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

LINK PLEASE .How could he try and sell a whole Embassy without the Thai governament be involved ?

Google it, you will get the links. It is true, was reported in all national newspapers for several months during that time. An incredible but true story. The ambassador sold the embassy!!!!! The guy was dismissed and has subsequently changed his name and surname. He claimed that he was cheated by the prospective buyers who convinced him that it was just a valuation exercise. Most beleived his story, there was no way he was going to be able to sell the embassy.

I doubt he really wanted to sell the embassy. He probably just wanted the money.

SC

[DP25]

In the Dutch case, the ambassador apparently mutilated a passport belonging to his ex-partner in an attempt to hide the fact he was a transsexual.

Why would he need to do this? Not like he's the ambassador from Saudi Arabia

[Carib]

Very rough google translation ( tried to correct some parts) from the article by the Dutch world broadcasting system; http://www.rnw.nl/ne...ailand-vertrekt

The Dutch ambassador to Thailand, Tjaco van den Hout, will leave earlier than planned. A former employee had filed complaints last summer in The Hague about abuses at the embassy. But according to correspondent Michel Maas not the reason for the departure of Van den Hout.

The complaints were about wasting money, passport fraud and friendly dealings with criminals. "A committee of Foreign Affairs in response to complaints that traveled to Bangkok," says Maas. "They examined the embassy and no abuses emerged."

"I have the letter with the findings of the inquiry and recognized none of these complaints could be proven." according to a spokesman for Foreign affairs. Incidents have happened at the embassy in the past, which were not acceptable.

Corrupt accountants

For example, what went wrong, adds Maas, was that a Thai accountant embezzled over 300,000 Euros a year ago. "The man was arrested and is now a prison sentence of 37 years out. It was partly the reason that Foreign Affairs instituted an investigation into the embassy. But since then, nothing wrong happened. "

A former co-worker of the embassy filed complaints out of resentment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "His contract was not renewed at that time because he did not perform up to par," says Maas. "Only then he threw himself on as a whistleblower."

Ambassador Van den Hout said his own work to give up his job because his wife will be employed abroad. The family moves to that country. Maas correspondent: "There is no reason for him to resign because of the investigation He will not leave right away, but in the course of next year. "</SPAN></SPAN>

Edited December 10, 2010 by Carib

[LaoPo]

In the Dutch case, the ambassador apparently mutilated a passport belonging to his ex-partner in an attempt to hide the fact he was a transsexual.

Incorrect.

It wasn't the Ambassador but a member of the Consular staff who did so.

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

..true..I almost forgot about that....what's wrong with those Embassy people......do they work too hard ?

LaoPo

[fletchsmile]

Unlike a former Thai ambassador to the Netherlands who was caught trying to sell the Thai Embassy to a local businessman.

LINK PLEASE .How could he try and sell a whole Embassy without the Thai governament be involved ?

My first thought was that this was one of GH's dry humourous quips. Then I though back, and yes I remember this. GH is spot on this did take place. Can't remember if it was the Netherlands though, but there's a certain irony to it don't you think

[Fookhaht]

Since many ambassadors are appointed in payment for services rendered or massive contributions to a political party, it would be interesting to learn what diplomatic back ground (if any) the ambassadors cited here actually have.

Aye, matey, there's the rub.

[hawthorne]

Never a reason to be dishonest. Positions of power or have access to those that do have power make an honest thief a real thief. The US consulate employees have good jobs, tend to be low paying, they do not get any overseas tax breaks like other non-gov workers, To make up for the salary they do get overseas privilages and perks with the job. They are made to feel they are the elite which too many people forget these are purely perks. They are dealing with companies who constantly ask for favors. In 3rd countries palms are easily greased to help out in sooooo many matters. It is true that ambassadors tend to go to people who have made large contributions to campaigns or political organizations. Yes there are career diplomats who are ambassadors but the larger and more important trading partners tend to have strings attached to the person nominated as ambassador.