Larry Cunningham to quit as Phuket Hon Con

[timewilltell]

Enjoy your grandchildren Larry. We know each other and Though we did not always see eye to eye I salute for for al, your good work and wish you the very best. Take care my friend.

[SOTIRIOS]

....after basically being told to .' shut his mouth or else'.......

[minikev]

Large balls, good morals and a disregard for your own safety are the main requirements for the job. Not so many real applicants I'm sure.

I think Mr Cunningham may have put a chink in the armour!!

Enjoy your grandkids and Well done.

[StefanBBK]

What a sad day. Respect Mr. Cunningham for all your hard work and courage! Good luck and enjoy your grandchildren.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[dudu]

Large balls, good morals and a disregard for your own safety are the main requirements for the job. Not so many real applicants I'm sure.

I think Mr Cunningham may have put a chink in the armour!!

Enjoy your grandkids and Well done.

Can one just pull back on this and put it behind him? he lives in this place,does business there and has to shut up and watch the corruption and scams keep going on around him,without a single thing he can do about it and now probably be taken for a fool by the governor's office, as another loud mouthed falang who got taught a lesson, the good die hard in this country, I wish him all the best.

[bunta71]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

idiot

[chooka]

Large balls, good morals and a disregard for your own safety are the main requirements for the job. Not so many real applicants I'm sure.

I think Mr Cunningham may have put a chink in the armour!!

Enjoy your grandkids and Well done.

I think that the authorities in Phuket will bring pressure on Australia to ensure that the next Consul is more subdued and will tow the Thai party line. He/She will not fight against the wrongs inflicted on tourists and Thailand will probably even demand that they are involved in the selection process. Someone like the Consul in Chiangmai would probably suit Thailand perfectly. A ghost who is never seen or heard of and impossible to contact. The consul in Chiangmai is a little like Big Foot, a myth, some actually believe he/she exists but no factual sightings.

[harrry]

Someone like the Consul in Chiangmai would probably suit Thailand perfectly. A ghost who is never seen or heard of and impossible to contact. The consul in Chiangmai is a little like Big Foot, a myth, some actually believe he/she exists but no factual sightings.

Having seen in person the honorary consul in Chiangmai this week, and recieved extraordinary assistance from him I do not think this is fair. Nest time I guess I will have to take a photo with him holding a dated newspaper or something.

[awayego]

A truly sad day indeed and a great loss to all Aussie expats. The next person has got hell of a pair of shoes to fill and it is going to take a big man/woman to come near Larry. The guy not only worked tirelessly for Australians but for all people, Thais and Farangs on the island trying to expose the scams along with lifting the image of Phuket and making it a safer place.

I truly hope the Governor and TAT realise what he actually did for the place and thank him with a farewell dinner. I would guess tho he will only get an escort to the airport to make sure he gets on a plane so that the Governor, TAT, J.J and the other jet ski operators can throw a party to celebrate.

I wish you all the best mate, you gave it your all but the corruption is cemented into Thai society and only a nuclear bomb will budge it a cm or two.

It is not just Aussie expats who will miss Him!

Here, here! Until recently, I lived on Phuket for five years and was well aware that Larry Cunningham represented, de facto, not only Aussie interests but all of us farang.

As a Brit, I was/still am embarrassed by the complacency and silence of other consular reps who would have done well to take a leaf out of his book.

I know consular reps are not supposed to be outspoken or controversial but sometimes it is absolutely necessary to 'face up' to Thai hypocrisy, indifference and blatant corruption.

Had Larry Cunningham had more support maybe, just maybe, his voice might have been even louder and heard even more widely.

Thanks a million Larry from non-Aussies too!

[andreandre]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

idiot

+1

[Secondmouse]

The timing is rather too coincedental, regardless.

Read into it what you want but if you read the OP it is said that his contract was up. I for one wouldn't put up with all the thankless shyt particularly when these wanke_rs are not gonna change an <deleted> thing.

They will still be scamming tourists until the moon turns to green cheese.

If anyone thinks otherwise 'I am real pleased for you'

....I'm sure the saying about the moon is that it's made of 'cream cheese' ..and not 'green cheese'...just a thought......

[harrry]

The timing is rather too coincedental, regardless.

Read into it what you want but if you read the OP it is said that his contract was up. I for one wouldn't put up with all the thankless shyt particularly when these wanke_rs are not gonna change an <deleted> thing.

They will still be scamming tourists until the moon turns to green cheese.

If anyone thinks otherwise 'I am real pleased for you'

....I'm sure the saying about the moon is that it's made of 'cream cheese' ..and not 'green cheese'...just a thought......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moon_is_made_of_green_cheese

the facts are out there......just a thought.

[eezergood]

I honestly would put my hand up if I thought I could afford the time -

[Cats4ever]

I wonder what you need to do to apply?

Call the embassy.

Not contribute to TV.

[pogal]

A truly sad day indeed and a great loss to all Aussie expats. The next person has got hell of a pair of shoes to fill and it is going to take a big man/woman to come near Larry. The guy not only worked tirelessly for Australians but for all people, Thais and Farangs on the island trying to expose the scams along with lifting the image of Phuket and making it a safer place.

I truly hope the Governor and TAT realise what he actually did for the place and thank him with a farewell dinner. I would guess tho he will only get an escort to the airport to make sure he gets on a plane so that the Governor, TAT, J.J and the other jet ski operators can throw a party to celebrate.

I wish you all the best mate, you gave it your all but the corruption is cemented into Thai society and only a nuclear bomb will budge it a cm or two.

It is not just Aussie expats who will miss Him!

True, he has fought for everyone's rights in Phuket (including Thai's!) but I do agree getting out now is better. With the amount of extra-judicial killings that go on in Thailand (examples are numerous in google: https://www.google.com/#q=thailand+murders+of+politicians ), sometimes seemingly for minor reasons, I think it is very wise for Mr. Cunningham to move on (whether or not it has anything to do with this latest incident or not). Good luck to you sir.

[mikebell]

Moral of the story - Don't make waves in Thailand.

If only other countries' diplomats would speak up, maybe some improvements might appear.

[stevenl]

Large balls, good morals and a disregard for your own safety are the main requirements for the job. Not so many real applicants I'm sure.

I think Mr Cunningham may have put a chink in the armour!!

Enjoy your grandkids and Well done.

I think that the authorities in Phuket will bring pressure on Australia to ensure that the next Consul is more subdued and will tow the Thai party line. He/She will not fight against the wrongs inflicted on tourists and Thailand will probably even demand that they are involved in the selection process. Someone like the Consul in Chiangmai would probably suit Thailand perfectly. A ghost who is never seen or heard of and impossible to contact. The consul in Chiangmai is a little like Big Foot, a myth, some actually believe he/she exists but no factual sightings.

Of course not, they will not get involved at all, and will not try to get involved.

[stevenl]

Moral of the story - Don't make waves in Thailand.

If only other countries' diplomats would speak up, maybe some improvements might appear.

You either did not read or do not understand the story (or have no idea how these processes work).

[Commander Tamson]

What a sad day. Respect Mr. Cunningham for all your hard work and courage! Good luck and enjoy your grandchildren.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

My sentiments entirely - you'll be a difficult man to replace. On behalf of all farangs I wish you only clear skies ahead.

CT

[Commander Tamson]

My worry is that this news is not entirely coincidental! I don't believe he's had the tap on the shoulder from Australia, but maybe a very positive threat to him and/or his family/business locally. And that that bitch Siriporn sees this as a victory for her and her cronies.

Maybe the real story will come out after he has safely left the island/country!

[jackspratt]

. Someone like the Consul in Chiangmai would probably suit Thailand perfectly. A ghost who is never seen or heard of and impossible to contact. The consul in Chiangmai is a little like Big Foot, a myth, some actually believe he/she exists but no factual sightings.

An interesting comment from someone, who despite clear evidence to the contrary, maintained their insistence that the Chiang Mai Oz Hon Consul was a Thai female, and a business to boot.

Perhaps if you starting looking in the right place you may be able to locate Mr Walther.

[zoza]

Moral of the story - Don't make waves in Thailand.

If only other countries' diplomats would speak up, maybe some improvements might appear.

You either did not read or do not understand the story (or have no idea how these processes work).

well I read the story and it seemed to be about, a young boy getting ripped off, and then the honoree

consul trying to help, then he got threatened by a Thai government official for doing his job.

now the honoree consul is getting out of Phuket quickish.

mr Cunningham gives a clue by his statement "if they can find anyone brave enough"

mr wise (the Australian ambassador to Thailand) gives a clue by saying what a good bloke and hard

worker mr Cunningham was, while failing to mention the rip-off, the assault, the illegal seizure of the

boys passport, and lastly not least the threats made to a representative of the Australian consul in Phuket.

I would think most tv members can work out for themselves how these "processes" work here in los

[deesquared]

It was time. He's been here 8 years and can't speak Thai. I have to believe that is one of the main reasons he has had a contentious relationship with the Thai authorities. Once you have damaged a relationship in Thailand it is very difficult to get it back.

[chooka]

My worry is that this news is not entirely coincidental! I don't believe he's had the tap on the shoulder from Australia, but maybe a very positive threat to him and/or his family/business locally. And that that bitch Siriporn sees this as a victory for her and her cronies.

Maybe the real story will come out after he has safely left the island/country!

Yes I think certain people in high places are rejoicing that they can now feast more freely on farangs without Larry making it public. He was a hurdle and has been removed.

[MK1]

I know it is an honoury position, but is it formally recognised by the Australian government? Will the position be advertised?

It is something that I would stick my hand up to do.

Larry Cunningham should be proud of his commitment over the last 8 years!

Frankly this kind of position is probably one that if you have to ask for it you should not get it.

Agree about Larry Cunningham.

The post was originally a voluntary one, established a long time back when not too many visited Phuket. Therefore, why would anyone want to volunteer to do this job these days and have to suffer the consequences of pain and stress for nothing as Larry did for so long?

The pain of doing the job; is not worth the pain. Therefore, someone professional should be employed and posted in Phuket, as opposed to taking advantage of the kind hearted and someone else’s time and money.

Moreover, someone with significant financial acumen in Phuket would also be needed to fit the criteria of honorary role which is not likely to eventuate.

[chooka]

. Someone like the Consul in Chiangmai would probably suit Thailand perfectly. A ghost who is never seen or heard of and impossible to contact. The consul in Chiangmai is a little like Big Foot, a myth, some actually believe he/she exists but no factual sightings.

An interesting comment from someone, who despite clear evidence to the contrary, maintained their insistence that the Chiang Mai Oz Hon Consul was a Thai female, and a business to boot.

Perhaps if you starting looking in the right place you may be able to locate Mr Walther.

Don't worry we have tried calling the number provided and attending the address on a few occasions no sign of this elusive Consul. We have now given up because we are quite sure there is no such person. A Thai woman with poor English is all we could locate and she knew very little about Australia so couldn't help an Aussie.

[harrry]

I know it is an honoury position, but is it formally recognised by the Australian government? Will the position be advertised?

It is something that I would stick my hand up to do.

Larry Cunningham should be proud of his commitment over the last 8 years!

Frankly this kind of position is probably one that if you have to ask for it you should not get it.

Agree about Larry Cunningham.

The post was originally a voluntary one, established a long time back when not too many visited Phuket. Therefore, why would anyone want to volunteer to do this job these days and have to suffer the consequences of pain and stress for nothing as Larry did for so long?

The pain of doing the job; is not worth the pain. Therefore, someone professional should be employed and posted in Phuket, as opposed to taking advantage of the kind hearted and someone else’s time and money.

Moreover, someone with significant financial acumen in Phuket would also be needed to fit the criteria of honorary role which is not likely to eventuate.

There is an honorarium paid....but frankly you could never pay for someone of Larry's calibre with it. I think the Pucket honorary consul was appointed in the aftermath of the Tsunami when it was realised that dealing with everything from Bangkok was not the most efficient way.

[stevenl]

Moral of the story - Don't make waves in Thailand.

If only other countries' diplomats would speak up, maybe some improvements might appear.

You either did not read or do not understand the story (or have no idea how these processes work).

well I read the story and it seemed to be about, a young boy getting ripped off, and then the honoree

consul trying to help, then he got threatened by a Thai government official for doing his job.

now the honoree consul is getting out of Phuket quickish.

mr Cunningham gives a clue by his statement "if they can find anyone brave enough"

mr wise (the Australian ambassador to Thailand) gives a clue by saying what a good bloke and hard

worker mr Cunningham was, while failing to mention the rip-off, the assault, the illegal seizure of the

boys passport, and lastly not least the threats made to a representative of the Australian consul in Phuket.

I would think most tv members can work out for themselves how these "processes" work here in los

So it is the latter, you don't know how these processes work.

If you think that within a few days a decision like this can be made and communicated in the way that was done here that is obvious.

He may have gotten sick and tired of the BS coming his way, but this specific case clearly has nothing to do with his resignation.

[stevenl]

I know it is an honoury position, but is it formally recognised by the Australian government? Will the position be advertised?

It is something that I would stick my hand up to do.

Larry Cunningham should be proud of his commitment over the last 8 years!

Frankly this kind of position is probably one that if you have to ask for it you should not get it.

Agree about Larry Cunningham.

The post was originally a voluntary one, established a long time back when not too many visited Phuket.<snip>

Yes, it was not very busy here after the tsunami, but to say that not many people visited Phuket may be besides the truth.

[harrry]

Position Title:

Honorary Consul (Phuket)

Location:

DFAT

Application Closing Date:

18 September 2013

Status:

Opening for applications

quoted from the Australian embassy site.

A paper which cannot be quoted has the full job offer but as yet it is not on the embassy website.