Krabi Police ramp up tourist security as trial looms for Bobby Carter murder suspects

[Lite Beer]

Krabi Police ramp up tourist security as trial looms for Bobby Carter murder suspects
Phuket Gazette

Police in Ao Nang, Krabi, have launched a campaign to ramp up tourist security ahead of the coming tourism high season. Photo: Krabi Police

KRABI: Police in the tourist area of Ao Nang, across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, have beefed up patrols and launched a tourist-friendly campaign to heighten security ahead of the huge influx of visitors expected during the tourism high season.

The move to boost safety comes as the public prosecutor prepares to bring to trial three musicians for the stabbing murder of American tourist Bobby Ray Carter Jr and the assault of his 27-year-old son at the Little Longhorn Saloon bar in July (story here).

Police have ramped up their efforts to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

“Following what happened, we ordered entertainment venue owners and other business operators along the beach to call the police if their staff are in altercations with tourists,” Krabi Town Police Superintendent Thaksin Pochakorn explained.

“There is no excuse for bar staff attacking tourists,” he said.

Officers have also boosted the number of patrols in the area, set up checkpoints to search for weapons and drugs, and assigned plainclothes police to mingle with patrons at venues to keep an eye on any developments, he added.

“We also have our own tuk-tuk roaming the streets. This helps us keep in contact with tourists, assist them with advice and explain to them what to be wary of in the area,” Col Thaksin explained.

“This makes tourists feel close to police officers and feel safe while on holiday here,” he said.

“We urge tourists to be aware of potentially dangerous behaviors when they get drunk. Swearing and being rude could anger some people and result in a physical attack,” Col Thaksin warned.

The deadly brawl which was the catalyst for the security boost left Bobby Ray Carter Jr with fatal stab wounds and his son, Adam, 27, with serious head injuries and a stab wound to the arm. Both were rushed to Krabi Hospital, where Bobby Carter was pronounced dead soon after arrival.

The three band members – Ratikorn Romin, 27, from Phang Nga; Nopanan Yoddecha, 26, from Krabi; and Sathid Somsa, 40, from Bangkok – did not flee the scene and were immediately arrested.

Hours later at Krabi Town Police Station, all three accepted charges related to brawling, but denied any intent to kill.

An officer at the Krabi Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to the Phuket Gazette on Friday that a date for the trial to begin had not been set.

Col Thaksin told the Gazette that police handed the case over to the public prosecutor on October 13.

“There was a delay in handing over the case to the public prosecutor because we had to question many witnesses and because investigators have yet to find the murder weapon,” Col Thaksin said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Krabi-Police-ramp-up-tourist-security-as-trial-looms-for-Bobby-Carter-murder-suspects-23002.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-12-11

[terryp]

the police AoNang are a joke , they are too busy taking care of their own tourist related business's!!!! to even care about what goes on ...they drive the idiotic police tuk tuk around a couple of times a day, but its mostly parked with no police visible..while the massive amount of road accidents spray markings multiply by the day, vehicals stollen , house break-ins are a growth industry...yes the police are well in control

[connda]

What ever happened to the Bangkok cab driver that hacked the American to death with a machete? I never saw a follow-up regarding a trial. Perhaps I just missed it. Anyone know?

[Katipo]

In my 10 years in Thailand I have never had an encounter with the Tourist Police, positive or otherwise. My point is, do they actually pro-actively approach tourists like in the lovely photo above, or is it just for show?

[Suffinator]

Massive tourism? Didn't the Minster of Finance say there's been a huge decline? Maybe more tourist fancy flocking to Thailand for a stabbing whilst the police roam around on the take.

[lostmebike]

Like we're really gonna see a heightened police presence in Ao Nang. Their far too busy to be out at night!

Thought it was open-season for the locals on tourists last time I was there in 2011.

[Travel Dude]

Good action by the Police in Krabi. I support your actions. Good cops!

[Deez]

Annual Lip Service

[connda]

In my 10 years in Thailand I have never had an encounter with the Tourist Police, positive or otherwise. My point is, do they actually pro-actively approach tourists like in the lovely photo above, or is it just for show?

Yes, I've seen them chatting with tourists in Chiang Mai. Some of them are friendly and helpful. I sort of think that some of the one's that aren't so helpful are somewhat English-language impaired in a shy, "I really don't know how to speak English very well" sort of way.

[tetleythedog]

What ever happened to the Bangkok cab driver that hacked the American to death with a machete? I never saw a follow-up regarding a trial. Perhaps I just missed it. Anyone know?

Probably nothing! We are a dispensible necessity to Thais. So many come here every year that a few getting murdered is nothing to them. If they could they would just ask us to Western Mail the money and stay at home.

For a Buddhist nation life means nothing to them.

[Bender]

this place is just a joke!

[Jim walker]

They are all a bit late with the tourist safety concerns, tourists are fed up with all the crime committed against them and are no longer coming to Thailand

[Travel Dude]

They are all a bit late with the tourist safety concerns, tourists are fed up with all the crime committed against them and are no longer coming to Thailand

Figures show differently. But yes, westerners are being replaced by more regional business like China/Russia/India/Korea and the organized sex tours, the so called incentives from India and Turkey keep coming...

[kurnell]

Not many positive comments for Krabi

[Travel Dude]

Remember Evil man of Krabi? See below the link from you tube by the father of the rapped girl: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRErWjo809g&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGRErWjo809g

[BigSkip]

Remember Evil man of Krabi? See below the link from you tube by the father of the rapped girl:

what link?? its gone............

[evadgib]

Remember Evil man of Krabi? See below the link from you tube by the father of the rapped girl: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRErWjo809g&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGRErWjo809g

Drummond reported on Friday that the perp received a 20 year sentence.