Larry Cunningham to quit as Phuket Hon Con

[Maggusoil]

As they say round my way. Larry's a legend mate. Good on yer.

Salt of the earth. Lets hope the next bloke has the same mettle.

Totally agree about the posing posters trying desperately to read something negative into this.

If you people had real ID's we would all know never to have anything to do with you,

and you could rot in your own miserable little negative corners on your own.

[Commander Tamson]

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.

CLEARLY??? What a very naive statement. Clearly doesn't know how muddied these waters are! Contract up in September? Sitting on the fence re a decision to extent? The latest incident broke the camel's back.

[stevenl]

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.

CLEARLY??? What a very naive statement. Clearly doesn't know how muddied these waters are! Contract up in September? Sitting on the fence re a decision to extent? The latest incident broke the camel's back.

Yes, clearly.

[harrry]

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.

CLEARLY??? What a very naive statement. Clearly doesn't know how muddied these waters are! Contract up in September? Sitting on the fence re a decision to extent? The latest incident broke the camel's back.

Yes, clearly.

Knowing how Australians react I am sure that if there was pressure applied there will be a very widespread media blitz in Australia about the dangers of travelling to Phucket. Australians do not roll over easily especially the good ones like Larry.

[BlackJack]

Cheers Larry, you are a star.Please keep in contact!

George

When Larry is safely back in Australia then we can all eagerly await his book on his experiences over the last 8 years in Phuket

Now that will be an interesting read!

[robertson468]

So if the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, wants to make a statement and back up his words, why does he not put Larry Cunningham forward for the Order of Australia for services to Australian citizens. Then Larry can send Siriporn Tantiphanyatep a nice signed photo in all his regalia.

I don't know Larry, but reading "most of the comments" he sounds like a really good hardworking Guy, with bags of leadership and dedication not only to the Australian Community, but to others who needed his help. If the Contract has come to an end, it has come to an end and it's pointless so many "mindless and negative" second raters maliciously speculating otherwise in an attempt to try and bring a little more excitement to their otherwise boring lives. Well done Sir, on a job clearly well done and I hope your Country recognises your sterling efforts over the year.

[MK1]

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.

I am surprised that they would advertise for such a position particularly when normally Honorary Consul's are not paid for their duties and usually their role is merely ceremonial. Normally a Honorary Consul is nominated through the embassy and the relative foreign dept just ticks the box.

Perhaps on this occasion, DFAT are offering’ Botox’ treatment as part of a expense entitlement to the successful candidate, as Larry looks like he needs it now.

[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.

I am surprised that they would advertise for such a position particularly when normally Honorary Consul's are not paid for their duties and usually their role is merely ceremonial. Normally a Honorary Consul is nominated through the embassy and the relative foreign dept just ticks the box.

Perhaps on this occasion, DFAT are offering’ Botox’ treatment as part of a expense entitlement to the successful candidate, as Larry looks like he needs it now.

The position of HC is not ceromonial. They perform a wide variety of services that would normally be performed by Embassy staff and as such recieve remuneration in the form of an allowance and expenses.

They do have limited diplomatic immunity in regard to their official functions but not for private acts.

This is standard throughout many countries.

Who for example issue tourist visas for thailand in Perth. The answer is that the Thai Honorary Consol does and this is not a ceromonial function.

[MK1]

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.

I am surprised that they would advertise for such a position particularly when normally Honorary Consul's are not paid for their duties and usually their role is merely ceremonial. Normally a Honorary Consul is nominated through the embassy and the relative foreign dept just ticks the box.

Perhaps on this occasion, DFAT are offering’ Botox’ treatment as part of a expense entitlement to the successful candidate, as Larry looks like he needs it now.

The position of HC is not ceromonial. They perform a wide variety of services that would normally be performed by Embassy staff and as such recieve remuneration in the form of an allowance and expenses.

They do have limited diplomatic immunity in regard to their official functions but not for private acts.

This is standard throughout many countries.

Who for example issue tourist visas for thailand in Perth. The answer is that the Thai Honorary Consol does and this is not a ceromonial function.

Then the title ‘Honorary’ should perhaps be removed from the title because’ Honorary ‘means…

“A position given of honor, with no duties attached, and without payment”. source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorary

[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.

I am surprised that they would advertise for such a position particularly when normally Honorary Consul's are not paid for their duties and usually their role is merely ceremonial. Normally a Honorary Consul is nominated through the embassy and the relative foreign dept just ticks the box.

Perhaps on this occasion, DFAT are offering’ Botox’ treatment as part of a expense entitlement to the successful candidate, as Larry looks like he needs it now.

The position of HC is not ceromonial. They perform a wide variety of services that would normally be performed by Embassy staff and as such recieve remuneration in the form of an allowance and expenses.

They do have limited diplomatic immunity in regard to their official functions but not for private acts.

This is standard throughout many countries.

Who for example issue tourist visas for thailand in Perth. The answer is that the Thai Honorary Consol does and this is not a ceromonial function.

Then the title ‘Honorary’ should perhaps be removed from the title because’ Honorary ‘means…

“A position given of honor, with no duties attached, and without payment”. source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorary

You should have read a bit further on the same page and clicked on the link honorary consul. Poor research skills

[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.

Actually we tried here without any luck. (Jinda is actually my wife's name)

Australian Consulate

Jinda Charoen Konsong

236 Chiangmai-Doi Saket Road

Amphur Sansai

Chiang Mai, THAILAND

Telephone: (66 8) 1837-7750

Is there somewhere else we should search for him?. Does he have a favourite bar some place where he hangs out and operates from? That phone number just rings out, tried hundreds of times (well lots and lots) and at the address is just a Thai woman who doesn't speak English so very hard to get advice from her on Australian related issues.

[LivinginKata]

I am surprised that they would advertise for such a position particularly when normally Honorary Consul's are not paid for their duties and usually their role is merely ceremonial. Normally a Honorary Consul is nominated through the embassy and the relative foreign dept just ticks the box.

Perhaps on this occasion, DFAT are offering Botox treatment as part of a expense entitlement to the successful candidate, as Larry looks like he needs it now.

When the previous UK Honorary Consul retired a few years ago the position was openly advertised in local newspapers. These consuls are not really paid a salary, it's described as a 'stipend'. For sure they are not doing this for big money. Expenses are paid for travel on the basis of a car mileage allowance. The role is not just ceremonial. These consuls are expected to tend to their nationals problems over a wide range of reasons, health and death, criminal, etc.

[glassdude007]

Hopefully now,

The passport princess will not follow through with her threats,

now that he is not involved with government issues anymore

watch your back mate..

[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.

Actually we tried here without any luck. (Jinda is actually my wife's name)

Australian Consulate

Jinda Charoen Konsong

236 Chiangmai-Doi Saket Road

Amphur Sansai

Chiang Mai, THAILAND

Telephone: (66 8) 1837-7750

Is there somewhere else we should search for him?. Does he have a favourite bar some place where he hangs out and operates from? That phone number just rings out, tried hundreds of times (well lots and lots) and at the address is just a Thai woman who doesn't speak English so very hard to get advice from her on Australian related issues.

Perhaps you could look a bit more deeply to get the full information:

Edited September 3, 2013 by jackspratt

[simon43]

Larry has done an exceptional job in his role as Honorary Consul for Australia.

I recall an event about 5 years ago when as a Tourist Police Volunteer, I was called to the airport to escort a young Ozzie tourist to Larry's office. The teenager was high on amphetamines and couldn't sit still for 5 seconds.

It was just before 7pm and I phoned Larry.

'Hi Larry, I've got an Ozzie tourist here, high on amphetamines. Can I bring him to your office now so you can 'babysit' him until his parents fly in from Australia?

'Hi Simon, is that the time?? Just drop him by here in the morning...'

==> I had to babysit the guy all night

Smart move Larry, and your resignation is perhaps a smart move as well.

Enjoy your happy memories and your grandkids

Simon

Edited September 3, 2013 by simon43

[RigPig]

I sent an email to the Embassy regarding this incident and received a reply that my appreciation would be forwarded to Larry, I then sent the following email and have received no reply as yet.

"What I would REALLY like to know is will the Embassy be taking up with the Phuket Governor and / or other officials the incident(s) in order for them to understand this behaviour of "fobbing off" blatant scams and rip offs (and giving "lip service" to cover it up with no action), threats made (to the party concerned and to Larry) and the obvious compliance of local police (confiscating a passport and using the guise of making a copy?) is not acceptable, by any standard, international or moral.

I can imagine how that poor man felt being locked up and intimidated in a Thai police station and in the end just being happy to pay his way out. He would have been terrified and that is what these "thugs" play on.

Someone needs to make a stand and I am proud that Larry has done so but feel he must also receive the FULL backing of the embassy so that it may be taken seriously by the Thais responsible. Capitulation is only another method of condoning this behaviour. I realise that there is probably little that can be done in reality, but PLEASE at least register disapproval officially.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke"

Silence is Golden...I guess

[Commander Tamson]

I sent an email to the Embassy regarding this incident and received a reply that my appreciation would be forwarded to Larry, I then sent the following email and have received no reply as yet.

"What I would REALLY like to know is will the Embassy be taking up with the Phuket Governor and / or other officials the incident(s) in order for them to understand this behaviour of "fobbing off" blatant scams and rip offs (and giving "lip service" to cover it up with no action), threats made (to the party concerned and to Larry) and the obvious compliance of local police (confiscating a passport and using the guise of making a copy?) is not acceptable, by any standard, international or moral.

I can imagine how that poor man felt being locked up and intimidated in a Thai police station and in the end just being happy to pay his way out. He would have been terrified and that is what these "thugs" play on.

Someone needs to make a stand and I am proud that Larry has done so but feel he must also receive the FULL backing of the embassy so that it may be taken seriously by the Thais responsible. Capitulation is only another method of condoning this behaviour. I realise that there is probably little that can be done in reality, but PLEASE at least register disapproval officially.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke"

Silence is Golden...I guess

I'd like to think that the Embassy is doing the right here and waiting until Larry is safely off-site before before escalating this situation.

[dudu]

I sent an email to the Embassy regarding this incident and received a reply that my appreciation would be forwarded to Larry, I then sent the following email and have received no reply as yet.

"What I would REALLY like to know is will the Embassy be taking up with the Phuket Governor and / or other officials the incident(s) in order for them to understand this behaviour of "fobbing off" blatant scams and rip offs (and giving "lip service" to cover it up with no action), threats made (to the party concerned and to Larry) and the obvious compliance of local police (confiscating a passport and using the guise of making a copy?) is not acceptable, by any standard, international or moral.

I can imagine how that poor man felt being locked up and intimidated in a Thai police station and in the end just being happy to pay his way out. He would have been terrified and that is what these "thugs" play on.

Someone needs to make a stand and I am proud that Larry has done so but feel he must also receive the FULL backing of the embassy so that it may be taken seriously by the Thais responsible. Capitulation is only another method of condoning this behaviour. I realise that there is probably little that can be done in reality, but PLEASE at least register disapproval officially.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke"

Silence is Golden...I guess

I'd like to think that the Embassy is doing the right here and waiting until Larry is safely off-site before before escalating this situation.

If the Australian embassy were to do something about this,it would be with a higher authority in Bangkok, secondly, they would not waste their breath, because they already know what will happen, absolutely nothing, thirdly,they are probably not happy that Mr.C, voiced his view so publicly on behalf of Australia.

Edited September 3, 2013 by dudu

[ableguy]

Corruption rules here not Buddha its a fact the only God is money and it dont matter a sh....t where the money comes from. do you know any otrher country where murder is commen place { not inc failed muslim states ) ????? and bail is free.

[tingtongteesood]

Sad news indeed, he seems like one of the few good guys here who will stand up for truth and justice, wish there were millions more like him !

[KarenBravo]

I'm sure Thailand has defense pacts and military intelligence sharing with Australia.

I would be very surprised to hear another peep out of any Australian embassy staff over this matter.

[simple1]

I'm sure Thailand has defense pacts and military intelligence sharing with Australia. I would be very surprised to hear another peep out of any Australian embassy staff over this matter.

Australia has a formal arrangement for defense issues with Thailand, details below. I personally know a guy who is a captain (fluent in Thai) in Australian military intelligence based in BKK.

http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Defence_ThaiAus_Relationship.html

[chooka]

I'm sure Thailand has defense pacts and military intelligence sharing with Australia. I would be very surprised to hear another peep out of any Australian embassy staff over this matter.

Australia has a formal arrangement for defense issues with Thailand, details below. I personally know a guy who is a captain (fluent in Thai) in Australian military intelligence based in BKK.

http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Defence_ThaiAus_Relationship.html

There is a detachment stationed at Kananchaburi also. (Ceremonial/War Graves/Hell Fire Pass) My mate was attached there.

[harrry]

The full details of the job vacancy are now on http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Vacancy_Honorary_Consul.html

wonder if they will get somone of his quality for $7500 a year. All I can say is the Australian government are cheapscates who consider services to the thousands who go to Phuket each year is worth less than 30 passport fees.

Edited September 4, 2013 by harrry

[dudu]

Hmmm, might apply as a freelance consul and charge per citizen i advise or pull out of a jam, get rich real quick...

[andreandre]

Hmmm, might apply as a freelance consul and charge per citizen i advise or pull out of a jam, get rich real quick...

Yeh, why not?....when in Thailand, do as a Thai would do

[chooka]

The full details of the job vacancy are now on http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Vacancy_Honorary_Consul.html

wonder if they will get somone of his quality for $7500 a year. All I can say is the Australian government are cheapscates who consider services to the thousands who go to Phuket each year is worth less than 30 passport fees.

around 300K Aussies tourists per year on Phuket, $7,500 how much is that per tourist that the Australian government invests? A person on welfare gets double that and they don't have to do anything for the community.

Edited September 4, 2013 by chooka

[LivinginKata]

Post removed - forum rule 31)

No quotes from Phuketwan.

[harrry]

The full details of the job vacancy are now on http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Vacancy_Honorary_Consul.html

wonder if they will get somone of his quality for $7500 a year. All I can say is the Australian government are cheapscates who consider services to the thousands who go to Phuket each year is worth less than 30 passport fees.

around 300K Aussies tourists per year on Phuket, $7,500 how much is that per tourist that the Australian government invests? A person on welfare gets double that and they don't have to do anything for the community.

2.5 cents.......not even one baht.

Edited September 4, 2013 by harrry

[chooka]

The full details of the job vacancy are now on http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Vacancy_Honorary_Consul.html

wonder if they will get somone of his quality for $7500 a year. All I can say is the Australian government are cheapscates who consider services to the thousands who go to Phuket each year is worth less than 30 passport fees.

around 300K Aussies tourists per year on Phuket, $7,500 how much is that per tourist that the Australian government invests? A person on welfare gets double that and they don't have to do anything for the community.

2.5 cents.......not even one baht.

and with rounding off, 3 cents is rounded off to 5 cents (no 1 or 2 cent coins) and below 3 cents is rounded down so that would zero.