Australian Girl Shot In The Neck

[sbk]

What is she doing in Thailand anyway

what an odd question,no?

very odd question from a very odd poster.

Pot calling the kettle ...

I don't think it is an odd question. I just said what I though, she looks too nice to hang out in a dive in Kanchanaburi - particularly after all the trouble there seems to be there. Just read other posters opinion about that area, and it has had enough publicity in the western press, no?

Where did you get the idea it was a dive? According to reports it was a crowded tourist bar and she was watching the World Cup. Certainly an innocent enough pastime for a girl out with her sister.

I think this is one situation where trying to blame the girl for being in the wrong place is entirely misguided.

[Donz]

What is she doing in Thailand anyway

what an odd question,no?

very odd question from a very odd poster.

Pot calling the kettle ...

I don't think it is an odd question. I just said what I though, she looks too nice to hang out in a dive in Kanchanaburi - particularly after all the trouble there seems to be there. Just read other posters opinion about that area, and it has had enough publicity in the western press, no?

Its not an odd question for someone who has never been to Thailand before??

But you live there dont you? you sound suprised there is a white person in kancha??

[Phil Conners]

I got the impression from reading the newspaper article, excuse me very much. "Ms Jiamjai believed her friend was the innocent victim of a local feud involving the bar's owner." - Any bar whose owner is involved in a feud causing unknown gunmen to drive up and shoot into the bar is in my book a dive. You are free to disagree, that's what free speech is about.

What is it with the crowd on this forum. I voice an opinion and immediately I have 5 personal attacks. Opinions is what fora is about. What would we be talking about if everybody was just sitting around agreeing with everyone.

Take a chill pill for *'s sake.

[CymruAmByth]

I got the impression from reading the newspaper article, excuse me very much. "Ms Jiamjai believed her friend was the innocent victim of a local feud involving the bar's owner." - Any bar whose owner is involved in a feud causing unknown gunmen to drive up and shoot into the bar is in my book a dive. You are free to disagree, that's what free speech is about.

What is it with the crowd on this forum. I voice an opinion and immediately I have 5 personal attacks. Opinions is what fora is about. What would we be talking about if everybody was just sitting around agreeing with everyone.

Take a chill pill for *'s sake.

Here here!

[stumonster]

No evacuation for shot Aussie tourist

June 20, 2006

AN Australian nurse shot in the neck in a drive-by shooting at a crowded tourist bar near Bangkok has had emergency surgery and is fighting for her life in a Thai hospital.

But Australian Ambassador Bill Paterson said today it was unlikely Brisbane holidaymaker Pam Fitzpatrick, 26, would be evacuated to Australia while she remained in a critical condition.

Ms Fitzpatrick was listed as critically ill after being rushed by ambulance with a police escort from the Thai-Burma railway town of Kanchanburi to Bangkok's Samitivej Hospital overnight.

"I don't think she's in a position to be moved internationally at this point," Mr Paterson said.

Asked whether the shooting should alarm other Australians travelling in Thailand, Mr Paterson said: "Our view is that this is an unusual and unfortunate event.

full story here

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...67-1702,00.html

[Scott]

I hope they post updates on her condition on this site, so we can follow her situation.

[JemJem]

What is it with the crowd on this forum. I voice an opinion and immediately I have 5 personal attacks. Opinions is what fora is about. What would we be talking about if everybody was just sitting around agreeing with everyone.

Take a chill pill for *'s sake.

I know that you are one of the 'hatemonger brigade' here, who often posts offensive stuff about Muslims in general, when an opportunity arises to do so.

Ok...sure, there is the freedom of expression here (well regarding almost everything anyway) and you are entitled to express your opinion.

Well, and here I am, using MY freedom of expression to write how 'unhumanistic' you are.

A woman is fighting for her life; her family and friends are in a terrible state; and you are posting such insensitive stuff.

Earlier on, a poster wrote that guns should be banned. I totally agree with him. But I guess, now, the right-wing pro-gun people will come on and say that people should have the 'freedom to own guns', blah blah.

Cheers,

Jem

[sbk]

I got the impression from reading the newspaper article, excuse me very much. "Ms Jiamjai believed her friend was the innocent victim of a local feud involving the bar's owner." - Any bar whose owner is involved in a feud causing unknown gunmen to drive up and shoot into the bar is in my book a dive. You are free to disagree, that's what free speech is about.

What is it with the crowd on this forum. I voice an opinion and immediately I have 5 personal attacks. Opinions is what fora is about. What would we be talking about if everybody was just sitting around agreeing with everyone.

Take a chill pill for *'s sake.

I didn't think my point was anymore a personal attack on you than yours was a personal attack on this poor girl. It is extremely simplisitic to say she looks too nice to go to Kanchanaburi as it is actually a world famous destination and probably no more dangerous for tourists than say, Miami.

Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time in Thailand knows that a place does not necessarily have to be a dive in order to make enemies. In fact, anyone who is too successful can find himself (or herself) on the wrong end of a feud simply because the competition feels the best way to deal with it is by shooting the competitor.

This girl was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and it is far too simplistic to say she should have known better.

And just because my opinion doesn't coincide with yours does not make it a personal attack.

[Phil Conners]

Gee, have I ventured into the "foreign ladies in Thailand" forum by chance?

[Pattayatony]

What is she doing in Thailand anyway

Thats not an odd question when you consider it came from a ######!!!!!!!!!!!

[sbk]

Gee, have I ventured into the "foreign ladies in Thailand" forum by chance?

Are you actually implying I don't have the right to post in any other sections? Or perhaps you are implying I don't have the right to my own opinions?

You need to take a chill pill bud, or learn some manners

Back to the topic at hand shall we?

[Phil Conners]

No, you know perfectly well what I am implying.

[sbk]

yes, I think I do understand you perfectly

Anyway, since this topic is not about you nor your 19th century opinions about women, shall we get back to the topic at hand?

[ErikaG]

I am very sorry and sad , and i think thailand must stay the land of smile and not as an horrible Irak land.

The murderers have to be punished as criminal !

I do not know where we are going.

the world is going more and more monstrous and unhuman

Nurse shot in neck in drive-by

From correspondents in Thailand

June 19, 2006

A BRISBANE woman is in intensive care in Thailand after being hit in the neck in a drive-by shooting.

Pam Fitzpatrick, 26, of Springwood was wounded when three shots were fired into a crowded bar in Kanchanaburi, about 130km west of Bangkok early today.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) tonight confirmed the shooting, saying Ms Fitzpatrick, a nurse, had been "seriously injured".

"Thai police are investigating the incident and a consular officer from the Australian embassy in Bangkok travelled to Kanchanaburi to assist the woman," a spokesman said.

"She has since been admitted to hospital in Bangkok."

Channel 9 reported Ms Fitzpatrick had been in Thailand just 24 hours after being reunited with younger sister Jenny, who was returning from Europe.

Waratora Jiamjai, a friend of Ms Fitzpatrick, said they were at the bar when two men approached on a motorbike.

"I heard bang, bang, bang ... and then I saw the guys on the motorbike," she told Nine.

"We saw Pam was laying on the floor with her blood on the floor."

Ms Jiamjai believed her friend was the innocent victim of a local feud involving the bar's owner.

Story continued here

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...47-1702,00.html

[meemiathai]

the world is going more and more monstrous and unhuman

I don't think so. The world has always been so and is going to stay so. It's just something some people don't realize.

Hope the girl gets a full recovery.

[ErikaG]

the world is going more and more monstrous and unhuman

I don't think so. The world has always been so and is going to stay so. It's just something some people don't realize.

Hope the girl gets a full recovery.

OK you hope Pam will get a full recovery, I would have believed you very much.

But I think it si unfortunately a very hard wound that hurt her so much. I can not imagine myself if i were her, a 26 yers old girl going on living with such a real wound .

I would like her to survive and without handicaps at all for the rest of her life ! But I do not know if it will be possible.

Her life and her family circle have been broken anyway !

Erika.

[Backpack_thailand]

Sadly, the word going round Kan is that the girl has died today. However can't find anyone who knows for sure!

The girl was drinking in a very small bar and according to rumours was being very loud the previous night, presumably drunk, and was winding up two Thai guys. The next night she received her "visit" in the same bar, which is to be brutally honest a bit of a sh1thole!

A lot of rumours running round as you can imagine, I'm trying to get further details.

Another sad day in our little town!

[lung]

The girl was drinking in a very small bar and according to rumours was being very loud the previous night, presumably drunk, and was winding up two Thai guys. The next night she received her "visit" in the same bar, which is to be brutally honest a bit of a sh1thole!

A lot of rumours running round as you can imagine, I'm trying to get further details.

KAN-news

--------

the " accident" - story is the real one.

still in coma.i listen 2 h ago. but... kan

they not find the boy's yet

Edited June 20, 2006 by lung

[stumonster]

Father flies to shooting victim

June 21, 2006

THE father of an Australian nurse shot in the neck in a drive-by motorcycle attack on a crowded Thai nightspot has arrived in Bangkok to be by his daughter's hospital bedside.

Brisbane holidaymaker Pam Fitzpatrick, 26, was in critical condition in a coma after doctors yesterday performed emergency surgery.

She had been shot once in the back of the neck.

Ms Fitzpatrick, of Springwood in southern Brisbane, was shot early on Monday by unknown assailants at the UP2U bar and restaurant in the town of Kanchanaburi.

Its British expatriate owner had been involved in a bitter dispute with locals and appeared to be the intended target and Ms Fitzpatrick was the innocent victim, Thai police said.

Her father, Kevin Fitzpatrick, arrived in Bangkok early today and went straight to his daughter's bedside at Samitivej Hospital.

"I've come with a completely open mind and the decision will be made once I get the advice from the doctors," he told ABC radio.

full story here

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...10-1702,00.html

The 26-year-old is in intensive care on life support.

Early this morning Mr Fitzpatrick, who says the situation is like a very bad dream, went straight from the airport to the hospital to see her.

He says communication has been poor so far but he understands his daughter is on life support.

"I just hope that the outcome is good. I just hope and pray that it's going to happen but I just don't know," he said.

"I've come with a completely open mind and the decision will be made once I get the advice from the doctors."

continued here

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1667822.htm

Video news coverage available here also

[Ling Kae]

Sadly, the word going round Kan is that the girl has died today. However can't find anyone who knows for sure!

That is not right, I just watched the ABC Asia Pacific news (Wed 7 AM) which has the latest updates, she is still in hospital listed as seriously injured.

[TAWP]

Earlier on, a poster wrote that guns should be banned. I totally agree with him. But I guess, now, the right-wing pro-gun people will come on and say that people should have the 'freedom to own guns', blah blah.

No, we should ban motorcycles and cars. Should reduce the drive-by's.

[sriracha john]

Mr Fitzpatrick later said his daughter was in a very serious condition.

"Her spine is shattered; her spinal cord is damaged - we don't know how much," Mr Fitzpatrick said on Sky News.

"She can't breathe for herself, she's on a respirator.

"As a nurse she seemed to be attracted to helping people who were wheelchair bound and paraplegic and quadriplegic.

"She'll be absolutely devastated if this is how she ends up."

AAP

[ando]

Earlier on, a poster wrote that guns should be banned. I totally agree with him. But I guess, now, the right-wing pro-gun people will come on and say that people should have the 'freedom to own guns', blah blah.

No, we should ban motorcycles and cars. Should reduce the drive-by's.

Come on folks -- this is Thailand.

You pays your money and you takes your chances.

Cheap living, cheap women, cheap everything, and very flexible laws.

I guess a lot of the tourists that venture out into the outskirts of the tourist areas don't realize that as things get cheaper the level of security gets lower.

Sad to hear of this girls misfortune, but thats a chance you take in a developing country.

[sriracha john]

A very vibrant-looking young woman struck down

Pam Fitzpatrick

*WARNING*Viewer Discretion Highly Advised*

medically-graphic photo

The link has the updated news article as well as a photo that shows the profound reality of the devastating physical effects of gun-fire on a human being. The catastrophic repercussions of life's fickle nature.

The startling change in her appearance from the above photo is heart-wrenching...

so beware.. not for the weak of heart..

Keep strong, Pam, and keep fighting...

news update article with accompanying graphic photo- beware

[sriracha john]

Shooting victim may not walk again

From: AAP

AN Australian nurse shot during a drive-by attack on a crowded Thai nightspot has a shattered spine and may never walk again, her father fears.

Brisbane holidaymaker Pam Fitzpatrick, 26, remains critically ill in a coma after being shot once in the back of the neck during an attack early on Monday in a bar in the town of Kanchanaburi.

Tearful father Kevin Fitzpatrick reached her bedside at a Bangkok hospital early today after flying in from Brisbane.

He held Pam's hand as he joined his other daughter and two sons in Bangkok's Samitivej Sukumvit Hospital, where the injured woman is on a respirator, unable to breathe unaided.

Arriving in Bangkok, Mr Fitzpatrick said his daughter was in a very serious condition.

Pam Fitzpatrick had arrived in Thailand at the weekend with her sister, Jenny, and they were visiting Kanchanaburi, near World War II's bridge over the River Kwai, 150km west of the Thai capital.

Jenny Fitzpatrick has been kept under sedation for the past two nights, with doctors concerned about her condition after witnessing her elder sister being gunned down.

It is believed Pam Fitzpatrick is the innocent victim of a bitter dispute involving the British expatriate owner of the town's UP2U bar and restaurant.

Two motorcyclists opened fire on a crowd of revellers who had just watched Australia's Socceroos lose their World Cup match to Brazil, leaving Pam Fitzpatrick in a pool of blood.

She was rushed to a local hospital and later evacuated to Bangkok, where she underwent emergency surgery yesterday.

Hospital spokesman Dr Nithiwat Gijsriurai said she remained in a critical condition.

Meanwhile Thai police have launched a manhunt for the men responsible for the shooting, described by Australian Ambassador Bill Paterson as a random event.

Mr Paterson is in direct contact with Thai government officials "at the highest level" to find out what happened.

[udon]

The girl was drinking in a very small bar and according to rumours was being very loud the previous night, presumably drunk, and was winding up two Thai guys. The next night she received her "visit" in the same bar, which is to be brutally honest a bit of a sh1thole!

A lot of rumours running round as you can imagine, I'm trying to get further details.

Another sad day in our little town!

Is the bar owned by a Thai or a farang?

[stumonster]

a bitter dispute involving the British expatriate owner of the town's UP2U bar and restaurant

so backpack_thailand , is the UP2U bar and resturant owned by a british expatriate ? and if so , with whom is he in a bitter dispute with ?

described by Australian Ambassador Bill Paterson as a random event.

Bill , your 'spin' on the event is crass.

Thai police have launched a manhunt for the men responsible for the shooting

and the 'man' - word used in its loosest possible meaning - ultimately responsible , the one that ordered the intimidation?

[sriracha john]

It is believed Pam Fitzpatrick is the innocent victim of a bitter dispute involving the British expatriate owner of the town's UP2U bar and restaurant.

Is the bar owned by a Thai or a farang?

As per above, farang.

[ando]

It is believed Pam Fitzpatrick is the innocent victim of a bitter dispute involving the British expatriate owner of the town's UP2U bar and restaurant.

Is the bar owned by a Thai or a farang?

As per above, farang.

I have to wonder how the media can state that the British expat bar owner was involved in a BITTER dispute and yet fail to mention who he was in dispute with. It smells a bit of some up and coming journalist trying to embellish the story without proper research.

Perhaps the full story will come out in the next issue. Or if this "news" proves to unfounded speculation based only on rumor, then perhaps it will be overlooked in future editions.

[Phil Conners]

Where did you get the idea it was a dive? According to reports it was a crowded tourist bar and she was watching the World Cup. Certainly an innocent enough pastime for a girl out with her sister.

I think this is one situation where trying to blame the girl for being in the wrong place is entirely misguided.

Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time in Thailand knows that a place does not necessarily have to be a dive in order to make enemies. In fact, anyone who is too successful can find himself (or herself) on the wrong end of a feud simply because the competition feels the best way to deal with it is by shooting the competitor.

This girl was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and it is far too simplistic to say she should have known better.

The girl was drinking in a very small bar and according to rumours was being very loud the previous night, presumably drunk, and was winding up two Thai guys. The next night she received her "visit" in the same bar, which is to be brutally honest a bit of a sh1thole!

So, sbk, do you think perhaps an apology would be in place?

I know that you are one of the 'hatemonger brigade' here, who often posts offensive stuff about Muslims in general, when an opportunity arises to do so.

Ok...sure, there is the freedom of expression here (well regarding almost everything anyway) and you are entitled to express your opinion.

Well, and here I am, using MY freedom of expression to write how 'unhumanistic' you are.

A woman is fighting for her life; her family and friends are in a terrible state; and you are posting such insensitive stuff.

Earlier on, a poster wrote that guns should be banned. I totally agree with him. But I guess, now, the right-wing pro-gun people will come on and say that people should have the 'freedom to own guns', blah blah.

Your muslim-hating-quip is completely irrelevant in this thread. According to forum rules we're not allowed to argue religious issues but I'd be happy to argue that case with you any other place you may like; just let me know.

If you bother to take a second to read some of my posts you will see that I always voice my opinion FOR more gun control (and having many arguments with NRA supporters about that!) - but it's easier to just attack without thinking, isn't it.

As the pieces of this story is being assembled, it looks more and more like she was an adventurous women, who went to a place where she probably shouldn't have gone. She wound up some Thai guys - in a way she was probably used to do at home, but isn't a good idea to do here - and in return she was shot.