Norwegian Stein Dokset Accused Of Murder Refuses To Give Testimony: Phuket

[HOOD Robin]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

Yes the man should be given a fair hearing whether he turns out to be guilty or not. It is unconscionable that a case of this magnitude is not transparently fair - just picking up any old mucker from the street and trying to persuade their acceptance is just not on. But then again it is Thai culture and its not Chinese New Year anymore. This smells worse than his house. It seems they just want to get the conviction, take the photos and cobblers to justice. Thai style!

What more can i say than "TiT".... It's really a SCANDAL what's going on with the justical system in TH... 1 BIG joke ! Those Thai poo jais just don't care for a human life.... no matter if that guy's guilty or not... they just should do it the CORRECT way. But Thais don't understand the word "correct" just like they don't understand so many other "natural" words! The only thing they understand is "money" and "corruption".... very sad !

[jbrain]

Anyone yet considered that maybe a qualified interpreter could also have a job at a local news paper ?

So the journalist he refused could have well been qualified ?

Edited March 8, 2013 by jbrain

[Locationthailand]

Three lawyers and they can't get the right translator? What is missing here?

[bigbamboo]

However you look at it this creepy guy needs locking away........ anywhere.

[Yahooka]

However you look at it this creepy guy needs locking away........ anywhere.

Really ??.Then we would really have a big problem with prison overcrowding ...........................

[tropo]

Read all the Comments He will come out clear no circumstantial evidence only evidence from decomposed body i think if the Lawyer he engaged will have 90 % chance to clear him out as there is no direct evidence he will come out ,Lawyer should fight tight only as an discussion not offending any one this is for only an opinion on discussion .

legal system will not take the evidence under force he should not say he pushed even he says so he can turn down his statement under coercion he will be free i am talking in purely as an legal system prevailing laws i am also a Lawyer

Perhaps he should get you as his interpreter..........Confusion should be the plea !

Perhaps you should stop poking fun at people whose native language is not English. You could try your hand on a Thai forum and see how you go.

[endure]

Can the proposed interpreter speak Norwegian or is everyone assuming that the accused ought to stand trial using English?

[warfie]

Read the story, then try to work-out how the reporter decided that "refused the services of the court appointed interpreter" = "refused to give testimony"....

And, *TRY* to remember that this is supposed to be a civilised society, innocent until proven guilty... remember?

[iSabai]

If you commit (or are accused of committing) a crime in Thailand , you are subject to the laws of the country. Like it or not, fair by farang standards or not, corruption playing a huge part or not, that's the way it is here.

Are there those accused (and ultimately convicted) unjustly at times? Yes, I'm sure. Are there those that think because it's Thailand they can get away with (or pay their way out of) anything? Yes, I'm sure.

Bottom line is that you're playing without a home field advantage here, and you will suffer the consequences of that disadvantage should you get yourself into a situation where things play out that way. Everyone should be aware of, and be forewarned of that eventuality before they come here to play.

[mylk]

Anyone yet considered that maybe a qualified interpreter could also have a job at a local news paper ?

So the journalist he refused could have well been qualified ?

I'd imagine it's the fact that they are part of the media that is his concern. A lot of misconstrewed journalism runs rampant, here and i can fully understand that he would want no part of it. Someone associated in the media could really coherse opinion in such a case.

[Phronesis]

Why shouldn't a farang on trial for his life be entitled to a farang interpreter who speaks Thai?

Moreover why shouldn't a Norwegian on trial for his life be entitled to a Norwegian interpreter who speaks Thai?

[Kripe]

Whatever the circumstances surrounding the death and the likelihood of a fair hearing in Thailand (none), he surely must have known if he continued to conceal the body on his own premises it would be found eventually. He has been living on borrowed time.

A fair trail would still convict him IF he is quilty- If he deseve a conviction he will be convicted...

[Maestro]

A post with false geographical information and the replies to it have been removed.

[Nisa]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

More outrageous that there is an assumption that the interpreter isn't qualified when the court, the prosecutors and the defendant's 3 lawyers have no problem with her and the only one who does is a guy who doesn't speak or understand fluent Thai that killed his girlfriend and kept her body in the house for years.

If he doesn't like the court appointed and paid for interpreter than he should hire his own... or better yet just not kill your girlfriend and stick her in a box and shuffle her corpse around the house for years.

[Kripe]

Can the proposed interpreter speak Norwegian or is everyone assuming that the accused ought to stand trial using English?

It might not be so easy to find an interpreter who can translate "court language" from Thai to Norwegian. as earlier mentioned TWO interpreter should be present Thai-English and English-Norwegian unless a Thai-Norwegian adequate qualified is appointed t this task. Most Norwegians understand English.... If not the case can be solved as described.

[tropo]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

More outrageous that there is an assumption that the interpreter isn't qualified when the court, the prosecutors and the defendant's 3 lawyers have no problem with her and the only one who does is a guy who doesn't speak or understand fluent Thai that killed his girlfriend and kept her body in the house for years.

If he doesn't like the court appointed and paid for interpreter than he should hire his own... or better yet just not kill your girlfriend and stick her in a box and shuffle her corpse around the house for years.

You're getting a bit ahead of yourself here. At this stage it is only alleged that he killed his girlfriend. That's what courtrooms are for - to save ourselves from people like you who can't comprehend the concept of presumption of innocence. You'd have been right at home during the witch burning era.

Edited March 8, 2013 by tropo

[endure]

A number of off topic posts have been removed. Please stick to the topic.

[Nisa]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

More outrageous that there is an assumption that the interpreter isn't qualified when the court, the prosecutors and the defendant's 3 lawyers have no problem with her and the only one who does is a guy who doesn't speak or understand fluent Thai that killed his girlfriend and kept her body in the house for years.

If he doesn't like the court appointed and paid for interpreter than he should hire his own... or better yet just not kill your girlfriend and stick her in a box and shuffle her corpse around the house for years.

You're getting a bit ahead of yourself here. At this stage it is only alleged that he killed his girlfriend. That's what courtrooms are for - to save ourselves from people like you who can't comprehend the concept of presumption of innocence. You'd have been right at home during the witch burning era.

This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her. The guy has admitted he killed his girlfriend during a fight and has admitted to hiding the body for years in his home.

Presumed innocence is simply a legal term (for the court rooms) which means a defendant shouldn't have to prove his innocence but rather the state needs to prove his guilt. Presumed innocence also only applies to those actually judging the accused including judges, all over the world, who often hold these "innocent" people in jail before and during trial.

Can you imagine telling a loved one, such a daughter that has been raped, that they have to believe their attacker is innocent unless the judge says otherwise?

I could be wrong but when people bring up presumed innocence and try to act as though it applies to people expressing opinions outside of court, such as on a discussion forum, I think they know better and for whatever reason just don't want to believe in the person's guilt but for whatever reason are incapable or unwilling to share their reasons for this desired belief. I think maybe most of us have played this card at one time or another when for whatever reason we just didn't want to believe in somebody's guilt despite overwhelming information saying differently.

[tropo]

This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her. The guy has admitted he killed his girlfriend during a fight and has admitted to hiding the body for years in his home.

Presumed innocence is simply a legal term (for the court rooms) which means a defendant shouldn't have to prove his innocence but rather the state needs to prove his guilt. Presumed innocence also only applies to those actually judging the accused including judges, all over the world, who often hold these "innocent" people in jail before and during trial.

Can you imagine telling a loved one, such a daughter that has been raped, that they have to believe their attacker is innocent unless the judge says otherwise?

I could be wrong but when people bring up presumed innocence and try to act as though it applies to people expressing opinions outside of court, such as on a discussion forum, I think they know better and for whatever reason just don't want to believe in the person's guilt but for whatever reason are incapable or unwilling to share their reasons for this desired belief. I think maybe most of us have played this card at one time or another when for whatever reason we just didn't want to believe in somebody's guilt despite overwhelming information saying differently.

I think you missed this from the OP:

"When he was arrested by the Thai federal police last year, Dokset explained that June had died accidentally during a scuffle in which she hit her head on the wall and fallen down the stairs."

Accidental killing? Manslaughter? Premeditated murder?

I'm not playing any cards. I don't want to believe anything. I would be interested only in the truth.

You guys aren't interested in the truth as you cling to your beliefs. Your belief is that he must have killed her because of the way he disposed of the body. There will never be any physical evidence to prove it one way or the other so there is reasonable doubt, isn't there?

Edited March 8, 2013 by tropo

[Nisa]

This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her. The guy has admitted he killed his girlfriend during a fight and has admitted to hiding the body for years in his home.

Presumed innocence is simply a legal term (for the court rooms) which means a defendant shouldn't have to prove his innocence but rather the state needs to prove his guilt. Presumed innocence also only applies to those actually judging the accused including judges, all over the world, who often hold these "innocent" people in jail before and during trial.

Can you imagine telling a loved one, such a daughter that has been raped, that they have to believe their attacker is innocent unless the judge says otherwise?

I could be wrong but when people bring up presumed innocence and try to act as though it applies to people expressing opinions outside of court, such as on a discussion forum, I think they know better and for whatever reason just don't want to believe in the person's guilt but for whatever reason are incapable or unwilling to share their reasons for this desired belief. I think maybe most of us have played this card at one time or another when for whatever reason we just didn't want to believe in somebody's guilt despite overwhelming information saying differently.

I think you missed this from the OP:

"When he was arrested by the Thai federal police last year, Dokset explained that June had died accidentally during a scuffle in which she hit her head on the wall and fallen down the stairs."

Accidental killing? Manslaughter? Premeditated murder?

I'm not playing any cards. I don't want to believe anything. I would be interested only in the truth.

You guys aren't interested in the truth as you cling to your beliefs.

What do you think I missed? As I said, he has admitted to killing her during a fight and also admitted to hiding the body for years. As I stated in the first line of my post "This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her."

So, I am not really sure what you think I missed because what you are quoting only confirms what I wrote.

[Kripe]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

More outrageous that there is an assumption that the interpreter isn't qualified when the court, the prosecutors and the defendant's 3 lawyers have no problem with her and the only one who does is a guy who doesn't speak or understand fluent Thai that killed his girlfriend and kept her body in the house for years.

If he doesn't like the court appointed and paid for interpreter than he should hire his own... or better yet just not kill your girlfriend and stick her in a box and shuffle her corpse around the house for years.

You're getting a bit ahead of yourself here. At this stage it is only alleged that he killed his girlfriend. That's what courtrooms are for - to save ourselves from people like you who can't comprehend the concept of presumption of innocence. You'd have been right at home during the witch burning era.

This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her. The guy has admitted he killed his girlfriend during a fight and has admitted to hiding the body for years in his home.

Presumed innocence is simply a legal term (for the court rooms) which means a defendant shouldn't have to prove his innocence but rather the state needs to prove his guilt. Presumed innocence also only applies to those actually judging the accused including judges, all over the world, who often hold these "innocent" people in jail before and during trial.

Can you imagine telling a loved one, such a daughter that has been raped, that they have to believe their attacker is innocent unless the judge says otherwise?

I could be wrong but when people bring up presumed innocence and try to act as though it applies to people expressing opinions outside of court, such as on a discussion forum, I think they know better and for whatever reason just don't want to believe in the person's guilt but for whatever reason are incapable or unwilling to share their reasons for this desired belief. I think maybe most of us have played this card at one time or another when for whatever reason we just didn't want to believe in somebody's guilt despite overwhelming information saying differently.

Presumed innocent is a court phrase ! Not that I believe that this guy is innocent, but he has yet not been proven guilty!! If I go home with a girl and she go to the police the next day claiming I raped her, it doesn't make me neither guilty nor innocent. But if I didn't rape her I am not guilty of rape, I might be guilty because I have a wife!!! - slightly off topic, but this guy is not guilty no matter if your daughter say he is!!! - I have two sons myself, and I know where your emotions are placed, if someone "killed" my son by accident it would be hard for me to accept -someone- innocent. Make no asumptions, this guy might be guilty, but who say he is? you are, without knowing anything but what you read on the internet!!!

Edited March 8, 2013 by Kripe

[ALFREDO]

Three lawyers and they can't get the right translator? What is missing here?

For the lawyers the woman seemed Ok.

Maybe they had not enough conversation what Dokset believes is ok.

He probably feared she would spilling gossip later in the newspaper. Or,he did not like, what she or the newspaper wrote about him beforehand.

[johnlandy]

This is Thailand. Guilty or not, does anyone blame this guy for being quiet? I hope not.

I certainly don't. It is his right not to testify.

But here in the realm with it's xenophobic disposition they hate farang with a vengeance.

As for human rights, thay is not in their dictionary.

[ALFREDO]

This is not a case of if he killed her but the circumstances under which he killed her. The guy has admitted he killed his girlfriend during a fight and has admitted to hiding the body for years in his home.

Presumed innocence is simply a legal term (for the court rooms) which means a defendant shouldn't have to prove his innocence but rather the state needs to prove his guilt. Presumed innocence also only applies to those actually judging the accused including judges, all over the world, who often hold these "innocent" people in jail before and during trial.

Can you imagine telling a loved one, such a daughter that has been raped, that they have to believe their attacker is innocent unless the judge says otherwise?

I could be wrong but when people bring up presumed innocence and try to act as though it applies to people expressing opinions outside of court, such as on a discussion forum, I think they know better and for whatever reason just don't want to believe in the person's guilt but for whatever reason are incapable or unwilling to share their reasons for this desired belief. I think maybe most of us have played this card at one time or another when for whatever reason we just didn't want to believe in somebody's guilt despite overwhelming information saying differently.

I think you missed this from the OP:

"When he was arrested by the Thai federal police last year, Dokset explained that June had died accidentally during a scuffle in which she hit her head on the wall and fallen down the stairs."

There will never be any physical evidence to prove it one way or the other so there is reasonable doubt, isn't there?

So, his wrongdoing, hiding the body, lying about all and not inform the authorities, servers him now well,

if the circumstances of the death had not been so innocent as he is stating?

[hubahuba]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

Danish ??? Read the report again...He Is NORWEGIAN by all other reports.

[A Member]

Do Thai courts have recognised interpreters, or are they accepting anybody who claims to speak the Thai and English?

There is / was an interpreter in a Pattaya court who is Danish yet is accepted as an English interpreter. One of his claims to fame is that many years ago he was the only foreigner invited to Kamnan Poh's birthday party !

[webfact]

Dokset murder trial postponed for want of a translator
Phuket Gazette


The murder trial of Stein Havard Dokset has been postponed until August 22. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- The murder trial of Stein Havard Dokset was due to continue today but was postponed until August 22 after it was discovered that no court translator was available.

Mr Dokset, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend Rungnapa Suktong and leaving her remains in a trash bin for months, appeared at Phuket Provincial Court today at 9am (story here).

After a six-hour wait, the judge informed the court that an English-Thai translator was not available.

A Phuket reporter volunteered to be the translator, but Mr Dokset refused, saying he wanted to use the court translator.

“We have had a heavy caseload and neglected to book a translator in advance. We tried to find one this afternoon, but could not,” the judge said.

“The case is postponed to August 22, at which time the case investigators will be called in to give their statements in court again,” he added.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Dokset-murder-trial-postponed-for-want-of-a-translator-20441.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-03-09

[grumpyoldman]

Now here's a guy that had a decent excuse for not showing up to the TV party

[NanLaew]

Anyone yet considered that maybe a qualified interpreter could also have a job at a local news paper ?

So the journalist he refused could have well been qualified ?

I'd imagine it's the fact that they are part of the media that is his concern. A lot of misconstrewed journalism runs rampant, here and i can fully understand that he would want no part of it. Someone associated in the media could really coherse opinion in such a case.

Good point. Everyone is aware of the hack jobs that the foreign language papers in Phuket and Pattaya do on local news events, particularly crime reporting. Even the national papers make an arse out of it. Think about it, if you were on trial, regardless of how qualified in your language the court-assigned interpreter claims to be, would you be really comfortable with someone who was reporting all the gossip, rumour, speculation and heresay that surrounded this story when it broke? Someone who may have already misreported events and therefore has as opinion as to your guilt or otherwise? And you are happy to rely on them for unbiased and accurate translation of your words in a court of law? His defence lawyers should have been censured by the judge for not trying hard enough. Maybe they were, but the local reporters missed the significance and chose to make up the 'refuses to testify' headline because they, like a lot of people posting here, seem to misunderstand the meaning of impartiality.

There's a few getting all wound up about death sentences here. Has the prosecution publically stated that this is their intent? Or is it something made up by a 'reporter' to spice up the story?

I rest my case.

(sorry, couldn't help myself)

Edited March 9, 2013 by NanLaew

[stevenl]

It is outrageous that a man on trial for his life cannot be given the services of a properly qualified interpreter. How can he get a fair hearing there is any doubt in anybody's mind about what is actually being said in court?

What steps are being taken by Denmark to ensure one of their nationals is treated as equitably as a Thai person before a Danish court would?

Thailand's record on human rights is not a proud one and this case should be taken, if necessary, to the International Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair outcome.

Yes the man should be given a fair hearing whether he turns out to be guilty or not. It is unconscionable that a case of this magnitude is not transparently fair - just picking up any old mucker from the street and trying to persuade their acceptance is just not on. But then again it is Thai culture and its not Chinese New Year anymore. This smells worse than his house. It seems they just want to get the conviction, take the photos and cobblers to justice. Thai style!

How does anybody know this translator is not recognised/certified?

Ah, posy 58 answers this.

In that case, yes, I understand his refusal, I'd want to be guaranteed my words are translated correctly, and not be dependent on somebody who is kind of enough to try to help out but who is not trained for this.

Edited March 9, 2013 by stevenl