Falling For A Fake

[Lite Beer]

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Falling for a fake
Pakorn Puengnetr
The Nation

Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart gives details about his findings in a recent Kom Chad Luek television interview.

BANGKOK: -- Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart, the scientist who proved that the GT200 explosives detector was a fake, looks back on the reasons why Thailand fell for the scam

When leading Thai scientist Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart was asked to look into the controversial GT200 explosives detector, which has been ruled fraudulent by a foreign court, he discarded his extensive scientific knowledge in favour of his instincts.

He chose to rely on his scepticism in proving that the expensive device was not scientifically viable for military work, thus preventing further loss of life and a swathe of wrongful prosecutions.

Back in 2009, he met with military units, most of them still convinced that the GT200 was a reliable device that could detect explosives planted in insurgency-infested areas in the deep South, and patiently explained that they would keep dying. The GT200 was a fake, he told them, and innocent people were being subjected to arrest and prosecution because the device had picked up superficial explosive-related stains on their clothes or bodies.

"Back then I wasn't thinking about corruption, or about the military units that bought and used them earning [illicit] profits [from the high unit price]. My only mission was to produce a reliable scientific test that showed GT200 was, as others have put it, am empty plastic case. The military units really believed that the device worked for them, arguing somewhat illogically that having the GT200 was better than not having them, or having nothing at all," says the lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's science faculty who holds a PhD in his field.

A member of community website Pantip.com's Wahko discussion group, where high-tech fans and science buffs debate various subjects, Jessada says that several other people, among them fellow scientists, figured out that the GT200 was a scam early on. That, he stressed, was before the BBC's investigation in 2010, which revealed that the ADE 651 bomb detector used by the Iraqi army and police, among others, was a fake.

"That led to a discussion about the GT200 used by the Thai military, especially in the deep South. The probe started with a basic online research, jointly done by many Wahko group members," he says, adding that several online articles revealed significant irregularities in statements made by the GT200 manufacturer.

"I think the makers of the GT200 would have won a Nobel prize if the device had worked in the way they promised.".

Another motive for Jessada and his fellow academics in leading an official investigation was the lack of interest shown by Thai scientists in producing proof that the device did not work. They could easily have done so, he points out, especially in the wake of the BBC's report that a test conducted in Thailand had clearly revealed the GT200 was a scam.

"The GT200 has been decommissioned in many countries, and investigations into those recommending the purchases are now underway. In Thailand, however, even after the GT200 test was conducted, nothing was done, though the agencies did discontinue its use."

Earlier this month, a British court found wealthy businessman Jim McCormick guilty on three counts of multimillion-pound fraud in relation to the three types of fake bomb detectors he sold to state security agencies across the world - including Thailand. The GT200 were purchased for between Bt800,000 and Bt1 million plus per unit by several government agencies tasked with internal security and narcotics suppression, the UK-based manufacturer Global Technical having also claimed that the device could detect drugs.

"Thailand has learned a major lesson from the GT200 issue, especially as it relates to the purchasing regulations of government agencies. It's vital that the specifications of very expensive devices be verified scientifically, through tests conducted by outside agencies, and not just be approved for purchase on verbal recommendations by the top people in the relevant agencies," Jetsada says.

"To me, the biggest question is why purchases were authorised and made without any tests being conducted. The brochure says the GT200 can detect explosives laid or planted in a radius covering several kilometres and we simply believed the advertising."

"In reality, nothing that can detect explosives better than sniffer dogs though their deployment to Thailand’s south is shunned because of perceived Muslim sensitivities. But even Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia or Kuwait deploy dogs for bombs detecting," he says.

The GT200 made a lot of money for its manufacturer and for McCormick, he notes, because they simply offered "what the buyers wanted.

"In Thailand, which is not renowned for its strength in science and where irrationality is widespread, a ploy like this works. We were open to exploitation because the GT200 answered our dreams."

-- The Nation 2013-05-05

[Thai at Heart]

BANGKOK: -- Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart, the scientist who proved that the GT200 explosives detector was a fake, looks back on the reasons why Thailand fell for the scam.......

Now, we are going to need 1000 words to say the word corruption.

[BookMan]

Although the entire episode is slightly comedic (one of the detectors was a novelty golf ball finder) there are 2 serious issues arising from it.

1. Graft/corruption of some type that allowed the purchase of the fraudulent detectors

2. The fact they were useless as bomb detectors. Giving off false and random alerts, they put innocent people's lives at risk

[arthurboy]

BANGKOK: -- Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart, the scientist who proved that the GT200 explosives detector was a fake, looks back on the reasons why Thailand fell for the scam.......

Now, we are going to need 1000 words to say the word corruption.

You have summed up this thread beautifully. No more needs to be said because no one will ever be held accountable for this dangerous fiasco.

Case closed.

[GeckosDiving]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

[maidu]

Here's a test: Put bits of various explosive ingredients (no, not your mother-in-laws pumpkin pie recipe) in 30 numbered paper bags. Some bags are empty and some contain non-explosive items. Run the tester near them. Write down results. Check bags to gauge device's veracity.

Why this would be tough to do in Thailand:

>>>> Few Thais have scientific training and analytical thinking abilities required.

>>>> Person who placed items in bags can't keep it secret.

>>>> Belief in ghosts is so prevalent among Thais, that if results didn't fit with what they wanted to find, they would attribute it to supernatural.

>>>> Higher ups in the pay-off trough wouldn't want the $30,000 devices to be proven to be hoaxes. They might miss a payment on their Lexus.

Next, try a test with voodoo surgeons in the Philippines.

[Neilly]

Funny enough quite a lot of that goes on in this country

[Nisa]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

I thought it was going to be about ladyboys.

[Pimay1]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

I thought it was going to be about ladyboys.

I thought the same thing.

[Locationthailand]

Falling for a fake is one thing, doing nothing about it is another. The players who were paid off must be very high for there to be no investigation - oh sorry - DSI is busy trying to nail Sukhumband, Abhisit et al, far more important... Meanwhile the NACC is still thinking what to do!!!

[Thai at Heart]

Falling for a fake is one thing, doing nothing about it is another. The players who were paid off must be very high for there to be no investigation - oh sorry - DSI is busy trying to nail Sukhumband, Abhisit et al, far more important... Meanwhile the NACC is still thinking what to do!!!

The government, in fact no Thai government can touch the army. Simple.

[expat888]

Typical. Never responsible for their actions.

I surprised it's not a foreigners fault.

Edited May 5, 2013 by expat888

[NongKhaiKid]

BANGKOK: -- Asst Prof Jessada Denduangboripart, the scientist who proved that the GT200 explosives detector was a fake, looks back on the reasons why Thailand fell for the scam.......

Now, we are going to need 1000 words to say the word corruption.

Nail absolutely smashed on the head. Unfortunately for the gentleman concerned he can hardly claim to have discovered they were fakes as the BBC did it.that long before anyone here knew about. Look at the situation, who was involved, the money both over and under the table and the massive loss of face, little wonder he's jumping through hoops trying to explain it away.

[Cuban]

Wow - what stunning insight this man has offered, after the event!

Where was he on day one?

Why did Thai army continue to use the detectors and spokesman say they were fine when the first courts cases kicked off in 2008/9 ?

[EyesWideOpen]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

I thought it was going to be about ladyboys.

Haha that was my very first thought too... Have I been in Thailand too long???

[malcy]

They didn't want to deploy sniffer dogs because that might upset the people who are planting the bombs ?? Go figure !

[Chao Lao Beach]

So you mean that the Rolex on Sukhumvite and the Bomb Detectors that I bought for the special price of 300 Baht because I was "his friend" might actually be fake?

[Chao Lao Beach]

They didn't want to deploy sniffer dogs because that might upset the people who are planting the bombs ?? Go figure !

Thainess

[laislica]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

I thought it was going to be about ladyboys.

Haha that was my very first thought too... Have I been in Thailand too long???

Ha Ha

TVF, the Hub of wrongly identified threads!

[SOTIRIOS]

......4 years later.....with 100% proof......still in denial....

...typical....

[smutcakes]

Yawn, nothing will happen. The current administration wont investigate as they don't want a coup, the Democrats would not investigate as they don't want to piss of their main supporter and their only means of getting into power.

It would be nice if the UK media published details of the purchasers if they are aware.

[Utley]

2013 Thailand Index of Economic Freedom: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/thailand

Thailand’s movement toward greater economic freedom has stalled after four years of steady improvement. Although economic fundamentals remain relatively solid, serious challenges require deeper institutional reforms. Political instability continues to undermine the investment climate and hold economic activity far below potential levels. The judicial system remains vulnerable to political interference, and property rights are not strongly protected. Systemic corruption further undercuts the rule of law and hampers stable long-term economic development.

[how241]

Wow - what stunning insight this man has offered, after the event!

Where was he on day one?

Why did Thai army continue to use the detectors and spokesman say they were fine when the first courts cases kicked off in 2008/9 ?

+1

[RefinedGentleman]

In reality, nothing can detect explosives better than sniffer dogs though their deployment to Thailand’s south is shunned because of perceived Muslim sensitivities.

Insane!

[laobali]

Falling For A Fake ?? I Thought this thread was going to be talking about the PM

I thought it was going to be about ladyboys.

No, they are the real thing. Ask any Thai.

[Secondmouse]

Jim McCormick received a 10 year sentence on Thursday and will probably be out within 6 years...I wonder how much of the 37 million (pounds) he's stashed and won't be 'seized' NEXT May (2014) !

Edited May 5, 2013 by metisdead
Bold font removed.

[USNret]

You all are overlooking the best line of the entire article: "In Thailand, which is not renowned for its strength in science and where irrationality is widespread, a ploy like this works."

Classic!

[JetsetBkk]

You all are overlooking the best line of the entire article: "In Thailand, which is not renowned for its strength in science and where irrationality is widespread, a ploy like this works."

Classic!

And the most shocking line, about which I dare not comment for fear of being sent 'on holiday':

"nothing that can detect explosives better than sniffer dogs though their deployment to Thailands south is shunned because of perceived Muslim sensitivities."

[RigPig]

"In Thailand, which is not renowned for its strength in science and where irrationality is widespread, a ploy like this works. We were open
to exploitation because the GT200 answered our dreams."

Sounds like "whitening cream" to me

[Tatsujin]

Typical. Never responsible for their actions.

I surprised it's not a foreigners fault.

At some point it will be . . . give it time.