Blocking of Krabi video considered

The Nation

The victim's father

KRABI: -- It is possible to block from viewing in Thailand a YouTube video clip produced by the father of a Dutch girl who was reportedly raped in Krabi, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry Suwat Sitthilor said yesterday.

The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image".

In addition, a video clip promoting Thailand as a tourism destination will be produced and distributed among ambassadors of many countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, UK and China, he added.

"I am now consulting with the Information and Communications Technology Ministry about the possibility of blocking the video from being viewed in Thailand," he added.

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape. He quoted provincial tourism police chief, Pol Maj-General Loi Ingkhaphairoj as saying: "The woman had dinner with the Thai suspect and a foreign man. Later, she told the foreign man to return to the hotel before heading off with the suspect."

Krabi police said earlier yesterday that they would produce a clip to counter the one produced by the father, because they believe some of the points mentioned are incorrect, provincial police chief Pol Maj-General Nuntadet Yoinuan said yesterday.

The YouTube clip entitled "Evil Man from Krabi" condemns Krabi police for failing to bring justice to his 19-year-old daughter, who was allegedly raped while celebrating her birthday at Ao Nang beach earlier this year.

News reports say that the birthday party was held on July 28 at a bar on Ao Nang beach and that suspect Chumpon Khaonuan had offered to take the girl back to her apartment on his motorbike. In her testimony, the victim told police that she was beaten so badly that she had to stop resisting in order to survive. She was treated for her injuries at a Krabi hospital before she filed a police report and returned to the Netherlands.

Chumpon was arrested on September 20 and released on bail later.

In the video, the father sings: "Evil man of Krabi, we've got to put him in jail. Evil man of Krabi, we don't accept no bail. They let him free, so he can do it again and again. Don't you feel the pain you put inside my child?" The clip has gone viral on YouTube.

Separately, DPA reported that Western tourists have cancelled a large number of hotel bookings and local tourism authorities are complaining that the clip is affecting their earnings.

-- The Nation 2012-11-10

related topic:

Krabi tourism hit by Dutch video clip

http://www.thaivisa....tch-video-clip/

KRABI: -- It is possible to block from viewing in Thailand a YouTube video clip produced by the father of a Dutch girl who was reportedly raped in Krabi, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry Suwat Sitthilor said yesterday.

"The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image"

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape...

This story is clearly an attempt to deny the situation, while also the beginning of a smear campaign.

The father and family should be advised to bring strong legal action against this kind of dangerous claptrap, while the Dutch government should begin an equally robust action against the Thai government,and quickly.

Is the daughter willing to come back to testify or is this a matter of they want justice done magically. Regretfully but unavoidably, you need to have victims relive their experience through testimony if you want prosecution ... even in his country.

Well it can be blocked in Thailand, but doing so will likely just massively INCREASE the viral nature of the video internationally .... where the international tourists come from.

"The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image"

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape...

No comment necessary.

A lot of politician types say stupid stuff all over but all that matters is what the legal system says. I honestly don't know the facts of the case but assumed she was raped but what I am also guessing is she had been drinking and possibly invited/allowed the guy back to her place. Cases like this in the west are not always easy to prosecute and would be based a lot on credibility which means both his and her past being looked at. I have no idea what the injuries were in terms of her going to the hospital but obviously if we are talking injuries of struggle or being overpowered then the case should become much much easier but she may very well have gone to the hospital after sobering up worry she may have got some STD or impregnated. Any links to the actual crime and arrest being reported?

I think that many Thai men don't believe there is such a thing as rape. The problem there is that most of these like minded thinkers are in the police force.

What a joke, shifting the blame saying it is not rape because she had diner with the guy and others. The fact that she was beaten up says enough. Disgusting how Thais seem to have to save face instead of acting and admitting faults.

I can only hope actions like these will give it more popularity. Hope the father can grab some more attention and cost Thailand loads of money. Its sad actually that this is the only way for justice

So does this mean that it is ok to eat a meal with the Thai Governments Tourism Ministers daughter, then beat the crap out of her and rape her in his book?

Banning it will add fuel to the fire and make it an international disgrace for the Thai Gov. Simple solution, stop giving bail to convicted murders and confessed rapist in exchange for some cash.

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape. He quoted provincial tourism police chief, Pol Maj-General Loi Ingkhaphairoj as saying: "The woman had dinner with the Thai suspect and a foreign man.

Separately, DPA reported that Western tourists have cancelled a large number of hotel bookings and local tourism authorities are complaining that the clip is affecting their earnings.

News reports say that the birthday party was held on July 28 at a bar on Ao Nang beach and that suspect Chumpon Khaonuan had offered to take the girl back to her apartment on his motorbike. In her testimony, the victim told police that she was beaten so badly that she had to stop resisting in order to survive. She was treated for her injuries at a Krabi hospital before she filed a police report and returned to the Netherlands.

Chumpon was arrested on September 20 and released on bail late

This guy might achieve, through his actions, better justice for his daughter but he isn't go to do anything to hurt Thailand in tourism .. might even help increase it just like the Tsunami ultimately did. Although their numbers are decreasing there are still lots of farangs attracted to Thailand who want to get away with crimes (especially ones involving sex) they can't as easily get away with back home. As for blocking it in Thailand ... what would be the purpose except as some pissing contest with the dad. Not like people here are going to pack up and leave because they heard of another alleged crime being handled badly in Thailand.

Krabi Tourism chief blames police rape case cover-up for tourism backlash

Phuket Gazette

The YouTube video 'Evil man from Krabi' (pictured) has gone viral, prompting British tourists to cancel their holidays to the area for fear of their safety, said the Krabi tourism chief. Image: YouTube

PHUKET: -- The president of the Krabi Tourism Association has criticized the police for their handling of a rape case, accusing the local authorities of a failed cover-up that has now backfired and is costing local resorts lost revenues through booking cancellations by tourists.

The news follows the posting online of a YouTube music video called “Evil man from Krabi”. The video, posted online three weeks ago, protests the release of a local tour guide accused of rape.

Text shown on the YouTube video reads: “In the night of July 27 our beloved daughter was beaten badly and raped by a Thai tour guide in Ao Nang of Krabi. The man escaped and was found after one month. They put him in jail but now he is free on bail and denying what happened.”

Yesterday, Krabi Tourism Association president Ittirit Kinglek said the video had since “gone viral” on social networking websites, and was now prompting British tourists to cancel their holidays to Krabi.

“Nobody wants anything like this to happen, and now the video has started to affect Krabi. Some British tourists have canceled their hotel reservations at five-star hotels where they were planning to come this high season because they do not feel safe,” said Mr Ittirit.

“Krabi provincial authorities tried to keep the news secret, but the story has spread and now it has come back to hit Krabi even harder.

“This is a great example showing that government officers should solve problems, not ignore them. You have to help tourists and make them feel that they have not been abandoned by the Thai government,” he stressed.

Mr Ittiarak extended an invitation for officials to allow tourism businesses to help deal with issues involving tourists.

“We are willing to lend a hand, whenever you call. In some cases where officials and our members have worked together to help tourists we have received feedback from the tourists themselves that they were truly impressed that we did not abandon them,” he said.

The tourism chief urged local authorities to be more transparent in their handling of affairs involving tourists

“Being quiet does not make things better, and public safety measures must be clear and in the public view.

“We are willing to help officials anytime – just call. If we allow such things to happen, it will surely affect Krabi tourism in the long term,” he added.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...lash-19392.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-11-10

A government official gives his opinion that this was not a rape. He has cancelled the requirement for the judiciary with this statement.

No prizes for answering this question. Are we surprised?

Separately, DPA reported that Western tourists have cancelled a large number of hotel bookings and local tourism authorities are complaining that the clip is affecting their earnings.

I hope this is true but I doubt it!

I agree that this can and does happen elsewhere, however the difference is that in most cases justice can be seen to be done! In Thailand once the victim departs it is typical to adopt th 'out of sight out of mind attitude'.

If there is concern over cancellations those affected should perhaps take it up with the police and the accused, but again it is typical to lay the blame on everyone else other than those truly responsible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRErWjo809g

Well produced and edited music video. Is there a link to the actual crime in the news or the suspects name or what he has been charged?

Is the daughter willing to come back to testify or is this a matter of they want justice done magically. Regretfully but unavoidably, you need to have victims relive their experience through testimony if you want prosecution ... even in his country.

From what I've seen it would probably be re-enacted with the alleged rapist taking part with a stupid grin.

It seems like it's the loss of income that's the main reason for this statement.

One day the Thai authorities will suprise the hell out of me and instead of shooting the messenger they will heed the message. But I wont hold my breath

It is - as always - beyond belief that these buffoons fail to understand that their stupid, dangerous comments only exacerbate the situation, taking it beyond being a 'local' issue.

The reported comments from the Nation and elsewhere are already going viral. So, I wonder if the authorities will order a media blackout on this.

I hope they do because then they will see the full power of the internet and social media brought to bear on this.

Thailand, the hub of we don't give a dam_n.

Is the daughter willing to come back to testify or is this a matter of they want justice done magically. Regretfully but unavoidably, you need to have victims relive their experience through testimony if you want prosecution ... even in his country.

From what I've seen it would probably be re-enacted with the alleged rapist taking part with a stupid grin.

It seems like it's the loss of income that's the main reason for this statement.

The only reason this is seeing the light of day is $$$$ money $$ money $$ money or the lack of it to some in this case

.

Mr Minister said"the incident could not be considered rape” Referring to a police report that said that they had had a meal together. This is an outrageous statement at best. What it is saying is that in Thailand, you can eat a meal with a lady, offer her a lift to her hotel and on the way brutally bash and rape her, and ho hum, it is OK. Outrageous.

​Lets Hope that the pressure holds people accountable. If every Thai Visa members wrote to a Krabi tourist operator and let them know their thoughts, action might come with the people being effected saying nail the bu$#@rd and give genuine justice.

As it is (according to one of the articles above) mostly British tourists cancelling their holidays on Krabi, I think that their reason would more likely be the assault on the British couple a few weeks ago by a gang of juvenile bikers. This was reported big in the British and European media.

The video on the evil man had less then 50.000 views until 2 days ago.

"The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image"

What a joke, do not care about the victim or justice for the victim. They only care about Thailand's image.

People should realize before the arrive that Thailand is not the same same as any civilized nation. Thailand

is like the wild west. They should realize that Thailand is a 3rd world nation where laws are not obeyed and

there are laws for the rich, laws for the Thais and laws for foreigners

I think that many Thai men don't believe there is such a thing as rape. The problem there is that most of these like minded thinkers are in the police force.

and furthermore, clueless politicians that have absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape.

and whose only concerns are the monetary fallout from crime on tourists, instead of justice.

The Tourism Minister has nothing whatsoever to do with getting involved in a criminal investigation.

.

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRErWjo809g

Well produced and edited music video. Is there a link to the actual crime in the news or the suspects name or what he has been charged?

You just don't get it.....

I think that many Thai men don't believe there is such a thing as rape. The problem there is that most of these like minded thinkers are in the police force.

and furthermore, clueless politicians that have absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape.

and whose only concerns are the monetary fallout from crime on tourists, instead of justice.

The Tourism Minister has nothing whatsoever to do with getting involved in a criminal investigation.

Does any country not have some character in government who is prone to making ridiculous comments. Possibly he only meant it was not "forced rape" as one US politician claims is different and whose colleague recently stated it is God's will should a rape victim get pregnant ... and these are comments made around elections time in a first world nation.

What this moron says means nothing. He is about tourism and has nothing to do with the justice system and doubt he has a law degree. On top of it, I find it a frequent thing for English reports on what Thai leaders say are often misquoted or taken out of context but if not mistaken, this guy is known for making stupid comments.

Well it can be blocked in Thailand, but doing so will likely just massively INCREASE the viral nature of the video internationally .... where the international tourists come from.

Banning it will add fuel to the fire and make it an international disgrace for the Thai Gov.

Coming soon to a computer screen near you...

I helped report 2 hugger-mugger* assaults on visiting friends that I had booked into the same hotel, identifying the perpetrator by name and description, but on both occasions the BIB were uninterested because the victim was leaving shortly. I then informed the hotel owners that their customers were being preyed upon, and again total disinterest until I informed them that the regular referral bookings I had been making for several years would now cease.

Shortly afterwards, the attacker was so violently assaulted that he disappeared to parts unknown.

Never underestimate the reactions of a Thai when you affect their income.

*FYI hugger-mugger - Pickpocket thief who covers his/her crime by embracing victim, "You take me home with you". Often, and in this case, khatoi with enough years for the inevitable masculine changes to make him a sexual nightmare. Often, and in these cases, turn into quite violent assaults.

*

Does any country not have some character in government who is prone to making ridiculous comments. Possibly he only meant it was not "forced rape" as one US politician claims is different and whose colleague recently stated it is God's will should a rape victim get pregnant ... and these are comments made around elections time in a first world nation.

What this moron says means nothing. He is about tourism and has nothing to do with the justice system and doubt he has a law degree. On top of it, I find it a frequent thing for English reports on what Thai leaders say are often misquoted or taken out of context but if not mistaken, this guy is known for making stupid comments.

"Does any country not have some character in government who is prone to making ridiculous comments."

Possibly but usually only one or perhaps two. This government seems have been picked from the moron tree, and every one of them fell on their head coming down.

hahaha thats a laugh the moment they block this video he just have to post another version with a slightly different title

Censorship in all its forms is wrong. If Thailand wants international respect they must get their fingers out of the internet and stop censoring - period (they block Rolling Stone magazine for crying out loud)! As someone else said, by censoring this issue, it will aid it going viral and make Thailand look like a backward totalitarian state bent on mind control (controlling information and entertainment is draconian and is an attempt to control how a society thinks, it is a distortion and is always wrong). How's that for promoting tourism.

More information on cases like this should be published ! Block it in Thailand and show also the censorship that is here !!!! The rest of the world will see it and that is important. Hope more people who had problems in Thailand as a tourist will use the press to get this kind of things published. 281979 views should be 1 million !!!!!

What a moron, nobody in Thailand is viewing the video, except maybe TV members. Its the rest of the world that would be visiting Thailand that is viewing the video. Not likely this moron could get the rest of the world to block the video.

Well it can be blocked in Thailand, but doing so will likely just massively INCREASE the viral nature of the video internationally .... where the international tourists come from.

It's gone easy beyond youtube already.

As for making Thailand look bad, doing this just makes it a little worse.