New Zealand Sports Head Murdered In Thailand

[TheGhostWithin]

The New Zealand president of the World Croquet Federation has been killed in Thailand.

Croquet New Zealand said Charles Jones, who has received a Queen's Service medal for his contribution to the sport, was murdered.

Executive director Murray Taylor said members were shocked at the news.

He said Croquet New Zealand was trying to support Mr Jones' family.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the death of a New Zealander in Pattaya in Thailand.

A spokesman said staff were providing consular assistance to the family.

- Source: Newstalk ZB via the New Zealand Herald newspape: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10747339

Edited August 24, 2011 by TheGhostWithin

[webfact]

Kiwi croquet boss 'murdered' in Thailand

LATEST: The Kiwi president of the World Croquet Federation has reportedly been murdered in Thailand.

Charles Jones had been in the country following the World Golf Croquet Championships in England, it was reported.

People commenting on Jones' Facebook page said he was murdered while in his apartment in Jomtien, Pattaya.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman confirmed a New Zealander had died in Thailand.

"The New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok is aware a New Zealander died in Pattaya in Thailand and the embassy is providing consular assistance to the family."

Jones had received a Queen's Service medal for his contribution to croquet.

He most recently spent time living in Westport, where he was born and raised, and regularly played the organ at the town's Roman Catholic church.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/5505302/Kiwi-croquet-boss-found-dead-in-Thailand

-- stuff.co.nz 2011-08-15

[Atmos]

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

Edited August 24, 2011 by Atmos

[Soutpeel]

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

We all know what the BiB are going to conclude anyway...

[visions]

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

We all know what the BiB are going to conclude anyway...

BiB findings.....Same as the Chiang Mai fiasco cover up.... The USA wild west was a sunday school picnic compared to present time Thailand.

But any farang in pattaya or phuket is wide open for "an accident" Places to avoid like the plague.

[lovelomsak]

May he Rest In Peace.

I donot wish to take anything away from such a tragic death. But I feel many foreigners who come here donot really grasp the concept that life has no value here, thais donot care about your status in your home country, your life has the same value as a Burmese squid fishers. We all know how the Burmese workers get thrown overboard at sea rather than pay them. The wild east is a reality and people should be aware of it or stay home.

Edited August 25, 2011 by lovelomsak

[Oberkommando]

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

Neither are the bungling and corrupt Thai Police though.

[geriatrickid]

Considering the propensity for inaccurate reporting it is not advisable to make unfounded accusations. Anyone recall the alleged 10 man Thai gang that supposedly murdered the former telephone fraudster? It turned out to be 2 swedes. How about people wait for some reliable facts?

[rametindallas]

One of the Thai definitions of "suicide" is "killing a farang".

This is a grotesque statement - surely against forum rules.

So far no one has confirmed that he was murdered - it was something stated on Facebook (!), nor that, if he was, it was a Thai that did it.

NZ Herald: Kiwi robbed before death in Thailand.His telephone and computer were missing and safe unopened. They surmised he was killed when he wouldn't give up the combination.

[Humphrey Bear]

Cuts from the New Zealand Herald article :

The New Zealand president of the World Croquet Federation refused to give thieves the combination to his apartment safe before he was killed in Thailand.

Charles Jones was reportedly murdered in a rented apartment in Pattaya, a popular holiday resort about 165km southeast of Bangkok.

His sister Alison McMillan said thieves had taken Mr Jones' computer and cellphone around the time of his death.

He had refused to give them the combination to a safe in the apartment, she said.

Mr Jones' death was revealed by a travelling partner Stuart Yeatman, who said he had been murdered.

The NZ Embassy are aware of the event and are liaising with the police, but information is not so far forthcoming.

[Scott]

My condolences to the friends and family of the victim.

[Richard4849]

Seems a bit of a stretch to say he was murdered because he wouldn't give up the safe combination...a wild assumption at most, as there were apparently no eyewitnesses.

[AngelofDeath]

Once again, Pattaya make the news -- for the wrong reason.

[Mario2008]

My condolences to the family.

Please keep in mind that the family/friends might read this thread, so post with that in mind and lets keep speculation down to a minimum.

[jimbeam1]

Seems a bit of a stretch to say he was murdered because he wouldn't give up the safe combination...a wild assumption at most, as there were apparently no eyewitnesses.

Dead if he did dead if he didn't.

RIP

jb1

[TheGhostWithin]

_{Tributes flow for Kiwi murdered in Thailand}

_{Tributes are flowing for a West Coast man murdered while on holiday in Thailand.}

_{Charles Jones, 56, of Westport, the New Zealand president of the World Croquet Federation, was on his way home from a world croquet tournament in London.}

_{Friends found his body in his hotel apartment in Jomtien, Pattaya, a popular holiday resort 165km south of Bangkok, after he failed to turn up for breakfast.}

_{Long-time friend Paul Archer said the death was "an absolute tragedy''.}

_{"I'm reeling from the shock of it. It's been a brutal brutal death}

_{"He's world president of croquet, he's a JP, he's a QSM. He's hugely involved in the Westport community as he was in the Wellington communityHe was selfless with his time.''}

_{Mr Jones, a late convert to Catholicism, played the organ in Westport's St Canice's Church and was a volunteer helper at the O'Conor Memorial Rest Home. He returned to Westport about five years ago to look after his ailing mother, Jean, who died last year.}

_{"When his mother was dying, for 22 days he laid by her side. He wouldn't leave her,'' Mr Archer said.}

_{Mr Jones was an "incredible organiser'' in his career with the defence forces, he said.}

_{Buller Mayor Pat McManus, who heads the O'Conor Home Trust, said Mr Jones' death was "a real shock reverberating all around the Home''.}

_{"He was the type of guy everybody loved.''}

_{Mr Jones' contribution to the community, and his achievements in world croquet, were huge, Mr McManus said.}

_{O'Conor Home spokeswoman Reece Durrant said Mr Jones was a ``wonderful'' man.}

_{"He had a huge influence in all of our lives up here.''}

_{West Coast-based Green MP Kevin Hague said he had known Mr Jones for a long time and liked him a lot.}

_{"I particularly remember that he was really organised and smart and he had a terrific sense of humour.''}

_{Mr Jones had also had a strong sense of values and duty, Mr Hague said.}

_{West Coast/Tasman MP Damien O'Connor said Mr Jones was an invaluable contributor to the community in so many ways.}

_{Mr Jones was born and bred in Westport. He did a chef's apprenticeship, then changed career track in 1975 when he began working for the Army in a civilian capacity at Linton Camp.}

_{He was director of co-ordination, land command, when he left the defence force 26 years later having worked all over New Zealand, and in London.}

_{He worked for Veterans Affairs for 18 months as overseas commemorations coordinator, then retired.}

_{He was elected unopposed as New Zealand president of the World Croquet Federation last year - only the second New Zealander to hold the role in 25 years - for a four year term.}

_{He had followed his mother into the sport as a schoolboy and been involved in croquet administration for over 40 years. He had been president of the New Zealand Croquet Council for four years, represented New Zealand and managed national teams. He was also a qualified referee.}

_{Mr Jones received a Queen's Service Medal for his contribution to the sport.}

_{His sister Alison McMillan told the Herald thieves had taken Mr Jones' computer and cellphone around the time of his death. He had refused to give them the combination to a safe in the apartment, she said.}

_{"It's tragic. It's unbelievable, but it's happened and it's true. We just have to wait and see now what the police say.''}

_{- NZPA}

[pampal]

RIP

[Rimmer]

UPDATE

New Zealand Tourist killed in his Jomtien apartment

PATTAYA: -- A New Zealand National was found dead in a Jomtien condominium on Tuesday and Police suspect he was murdered. Initially local Police attempted to prevent journalists from reporting on the murder, however following enquiries from global news organizations, the story has now been released to the media. Mr. Charles Edmund Jones aged 58, President of the World Croquet Federation, who was on his way back from UK to New Zealand, was found in his rented room in Jomtien on Tuesday Afternoon. He had arrived two days before the incident and had just begun a six week holiday here in Thailand. We spoke with Police Lieutenant Colonel Lat, Deputy Chief of Pattaya Police who updated us on Thursday in relation to progress in finding the killer. The officer indicated Mr. Jones may have met someone on Pattaya Beach who was taken back to his room. They currently believe they know who may have committed the murder but are not prepared to release details surrounding the case until they have concluded their initial investigations.

Full story HERE

-- Pattaya One 2011-08-25

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Rimmer]

Off topic posts and conjecture removed, please understand that relatives of the deceased could be reading this thread.

[Rimmer]

Kiwi croquet chief found dead in Thailand

PATTAYA: -- A New Zealand citizen, who was also president of the World Croquet Federation, has been killed in Thailand.

Croquet New Zealand have told Newstalk ZB Charles Jones was murdered.Members of Croquet New Zealand are shocked at the news according to their executive director Murray Taylor.

Mr Jones was killed in Pattaya, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand and about 165km southeast of the country’s capital Bangkok.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs say they have been made aware of the death of Mr Jones and staff are providing consular assistance to his family.In a Wanganui Chronicle story from January 2010, Mr Jones said “croquet’s tentacles are now reaching far and wide”.

Full text HERE

-- PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2011-08-25

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Suradit]

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

We all know what the BiB are going to conclude anyway...

Is there no topic, no situation, no moment of sadness that rises above the self-satisfying rush to Thai bashing?

[soundman]

This topic has had a number of posts removed.

I will remind members to adhere to Thai Visa forum rules.

7) Not to post slurs or degrading comments directed towards any group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

[kobrien]

May he Rest In Peace.

I donot wish to take anything away from such a tragic death. But I feel many foreigners who come here donot really grasp the concept that life has no value here, thais donot care about your status in your home country, your life has the same value as a Burmese squid fishers. We all know how the Burmese workers get thrown overboard at sea rather than pay them. The wild east is a reality and people should be aware of it or stay home.

Very well said,I find it amazing how many people shout about human rights when something bad happens to them out here,I think if

you go pass that first two week holiday stage and cant see the regard that Thailands poverty stricken eyes view falangs then you should never leave your home country in the first place.

I felt sorry in the early days when I read stories about some falang getting mugged...that is until you find out he was wondering around pissed in a all Thai area,thats like

walking into the lions den with the keys to KFC in your pocket!

[RichardinBKK]

Newsflash: Many countries,and most large urban areas have “zones’ for crime, corruption, drug abuse andprostitution.

Why it comes as a surprise to you (all) that Thailandhas this problem is beyond me, since it was the Americans who turned it into aprivate whorehouse for GI’s during the Vietnam Invasion.

May of you contribute to this problem, since you indulge in “AdultEntertainment” of every sort, and then have the audacity (read” “stupidity”) tolook down on Thailand and judge the many …by the actions of a few.

As to comments about the American Wild West…you sir, are anidiot. Please just browse any press publicationany day of the week to read about multiple shootings, children raped andkilled, homicides at sporting events, political corruption…unless you arealready absorbed with news of the smoldering ashes of the UK, its corruption scandalwith phone hacking…massive unemployment…all while the “Royals” throw lavishweddings.

In other words…look in your own cultural mirror, and <deleted>

I do have one question…if it is so god awful here…WHEN AREYOU LEAVING? (Please!)

May he Rest In Peace.

I donot wish to take anything away from such a tragic death. But I feel many foreigners who come here donot really grasp the concept that life has no value here, thais donot care about your status in your home country, your life has the same value as a Burmese squid fishers. We all know how the Burmese workers get thrown overboard at sea rather than pay them. The wild east is a reality and people should be aware of it or stay home.

[RichardinBKK]

I could not agree more.

It is like a formula ((News) + (Conjecture)) x ((Ignorance + Hate)) = Postings on this site.

You all have over stayed your welcome.

Go back to the utopia you came from.

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

We all know what the BiB are going to conclude anyway...

Is there no topic, no situation, no moment of sadness that rises above the self-satisfying rush to Thai bashing?

[RichardinBKK]

Oy my God...how did you find your way to this site Sir? You sound absolutely sane, fair and thoughtful! Amazing!

Considering the propensity for inaccurate reporting it is not advisable to make unfounded accusations. Anyone recall the alleged 10 man Thai gang that supposedly murdered the former telephone fraudster? It turned out to be 2 swedes. How about people wait for some reliable facts?

[Jingthing]

Apartment or condo? Where exactly? It's very sad and also creepy of course another murderer runs loose among us.

[RichardinBKK]

of?

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

Neither are the bungling and corrupt Thai Police though.

This makes no sense... The police now "pre-bungle' cases you have no working knowledge

[normac44]

To me it does not matter where or how he was killed.He was a fellow Kiwi and he deserves to rest in peace. Haere Ra.

[VictorOne]

note that 'murder' not confirmed, MFAT says 'died'

Facebook - maybe not the most reliable source for a newspaper to quote from.

We all know what the BiB are going to conclude anyway...

Exactly. The murder is hardly news is it.

What would be "news" would be is if they ever apprehend a perp and he is convicted and put in fron of a firing squad (although that would not be a really good idea either because they would probably execute an innocent person)