PM Prayuth vows crackdown on Koh Tao vices

[Iumentum]

could this finally be someone starting something that will cut short what a lot of "mafia" families are doing in Thailand. Most of the problems with tourists stems directly from these families in their own areas, by coming down on them or removing them it will certainly stop a lot of the crap. Trouble is will they actually do it, this seems to be the bigger question, can they overcome all the corruption these people cause.

I am sure that even if they tried, they wouldn't be able to overcome all the corruption over night. Things takes time, and most importantly, it will require a mentality change among the locals. Locals have to get go of their "mai pen rai" attitude towards corruption, even the small things.

[JOC]

.

.

.

Is that a serious question? Did you even try to look a little into what have been done before you asked that question?

All BS! The jet ski thugs are back on the beaches, taxi are back to their old tricks, no meters on Samui-don't even bother to ask.

Same old Thailand

"Dorethy, we're not in Kansas anymore"

Maybe time to get a metered taxi to the airport??

[inzman]

Hold on now , this kid claims he wasn't on the island, yet he was spotted leaving the island early morning of the attack. I guess it took this long to arrange an alibi. Piss poor policing !!! Why did they not dna test the influential family guy the news says Mon refused a test so they released him! Seriously!

[ClutchClark]

There is a big difference between a crackdown and eradication, the former chases the culprits away to return another day , looks good unfortunately Thailand is cracking down on lots of things, but no eradication.

Hmmm...scratching chin...cant think of many countries that practice eradication.

Well there is communist China.

There is communist North korea.

I think Saudi arabia eradicates a few?

How do the treat their ex-pats?

Edited September 25, 2014 by ClutchClark

[ttthailand]

I think the sooner this kid gets tested and the results are in the sooner we end this mess.

TEST HIM NOW !!!

[ClutchClark]

Hold on now , this kid claims he wasn't on the island, yet he was spotted leaving the island early morning of the attack. I guess it took this long to arrange an alibi. Piss poor policing !!! Why did they not dna test the influential family guy the news says Mon refused a test so they released him! Seriously!

I would also refuse a DNA test.

[JOC]

could this finally be someone starting something that will cut short what a lot of "mafia" families are doing in Thailand. Most of the problems with tourists stems directly from these families in their own areas, by coming down on them or removing them it will certainly stop a lot of the crap. Trouble is will they actually do it, this seems to be the bigger question, can they overcome all the corruption these people cause.

Just shows how little you know about the powerstructure in Thailand.

The very people you want to eradicate corruption, are the ones on top of the foodchain. They don't get their hands dirty, are well respected members of society and their association with "the darker side" is unknown to almost everyone.

Families like the ones on Koh Tao are merely feederfish for the real sharks!

[balford]

I feel a future headline coming on...

No scapegoats found on Koh Tao. Suicide confirmed by contents of brown envelopes.

Now move along - nothing to see here.

Bob A. Relaxed in Lampang

[razer]

A double murder on a very small island. Only way off the island is by boat. 100+ police investigating and police can't find the murderers. Is this an oversimplification?

[wilcopops]

"as military personnel had been deployed on the island to assist the police in probing the murder, he added." why? what can the military del as regards a murder inquiry that the police shouldn't be the specialists in already?

[wilcopops]

It seems that there is now official acceptance that corruption and graft exist on the island and it also looks as if they have clouded the issue enough for the whole thing to descend into farce?

[Iumentum]

could this finally be someone starting something that will cut short what a lot of "mafia" families are doing in Thailand. Most of the problems with tourists stems directly from these families in their own areas, by coming down on them or removing them it will certainly stop a lot of the crap. Trouble is will they actually do it, this seems to be the bigger question, can they overcome all the corruption these people cause.

Just shows how little you know about the powerstructure in Thailand.

The very people you want to eradicate corruption, are the ones on top of the foodchain. They don't get their hands dirty, are well respected members of society and their association with "the darker side" is unknown to almost everyone.

Families like the ones on Koh Tao are merely feederfish for the real sharks!

Unknown by almost everyone? Well, can only be unknown to those who have not been paying attention to anything happening. If you wouldn't relate caretakers, highest ranked police and so on for the top of the food chain, then i am not sure what the top of that chain is. There is a coup for a reason, and that coup is not only because of all the trouble there was in the streets of Bangkok. They removed Yingluck from her post for a reason, and even though that most are aware that she is just a puppet, most also know who her puppet master is.

If people who care about that subject remain ignorant about association to the darker side, it's because they really don't want to believe.

Edited September 25, 2014 by Iumentum

[wilcopops]

"He said police investigation into the murder had been plagued by rumours and unauthorised information spread on the social media." - this is another "blame-shift" -

Where does this "unauthorised information" came from? All these leaks and rumours would appear mainly to come from the police. It seems they have been caught completely unaware by these events and unable or just poorly trained to handle either the investigation or the media circus that surrounds it.

Edited September 25, 2014 by wilcopops

[Iumentum]

"as military personnel had been deployed on the island to assist the police in probing the murder, he added." why? what can the military del as regards a murder inquiry that the police shouldn't be the specialists in already?

Keep the police in a leash and make sure they are doing their job. Same reason why they shortly after the coup did take over the control of many police stations over the country, and removed the police chief from command.

[aussieinthailand]

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday vowed to tackle influential rackets and illegitimate businesses on the tourist island, and pledged to punish soldiers or police patronising these people or their activities.

Dear General P,

Unfortunately this ideal measure, is all too little and all to late, this is not just a problem in Kho Tao, but is infact a serious massive and major problem at every tourist destination in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Give him a chance, so far, I think he has managed to clean up a lot already

What has he cleaned up already?

Is that a serious question? Did you even try to look a little into what have been done before you asked that question?

And yet the question still remains,,, give it a crack mate, what has been cleaned up?

I hear of another crackdown, and it's not an investigation it's a probe, or a fact finding mission, or there's no mafia on Kho Tao,

Anyone want to holiday in Scotland and UK 5 star hotels, restaurants, limo's, at taxpayers expense? oh and you can bring your family also

What's with the "influential people" label? stop trying to sanitize it, Looks like a duck walks like a duck,,, call them what they are, MAFIA, THUGS, STAND OVER MEN, PARACITES, this list goes' on, start without prejudice in Kho Tao and keep going, then Thailand has a chance.

[Yann55]

Could the powers that be in Thai Visa pur-leeeeease declare a crackdown on the word crackdown ? It's getting really annoying...

Thank you in advance...

Edited September 25, 2014 by metisdead
Oversize font reset to normal. TV is having a crackdown on oversize fonts!

[Iumentum]

Give him a chance, so far, I think he has managed to clean up a lot already

What has he cleaned up already?

Is that a serious question? Did you even try to look a little into what have been done before you asked that question?

And yet the question still remains,,, give it a crack mate, what has been cleaned up?

I hear of another crackdown, and it's not an investigation it's a probe, or a fact finding mission, or there's no mafia on Kho Tao,

Anyone want to holiday in Scotland and UK 5 star hotels, restaurants, limo's, at taxpayers expense? oh and you can bring your family also

What's with the "influential people" label? stop trying to sanitize it, Looks like a duck walks like a duck,,, call them what they are, MAFIA, THUGS, STAND OVER MEN, PARACITES, this list goes' on, start without prejudice in Kho Tao and keep going, then Thailand has a chance.

A lot of illegal business around tourist areas for a starter. Airport transport where i am located is under tight control. Several issues within the government ranks have been cleaned, and many still looked into (yes things does take time). Jetski scammers are still in leash and have agreement (but as i said we have to wait and see how it works out). There is ton of things already been and being taken care off, but all does remain to be seen if they will hold up.

But just because we have to wait and see if they hold up, doesn't mean it haven't been cleaned up now do it? Just because you clean your living room after a party, doesn't mean that next saturday morning it will be a huge mess again.

[timewilltell]

Give him a chance, so far, I think he has managed to clean up a lot already

What has he cleaned up already?

Is that a serious question? Did you even try to look a little into what have been done before you asked that question?

All BS! The jet ski thugs are back on the beaches, taxi are back to their old tricks, no meters on Samui-don't even bother to ask.

Same old Thailand

Do you honestly think that everything will happen over night? Yes some of the things are back to "normal" more or less, but where i am, quite a lot still holds for now. But it's not just what you see of crackdowns in tourist areas, people having positions running the country have been held responsible for actions too.

All we can do at the moment is hope for the best, but don't come and say that everything is back to "normal", because it sure ain't around here.

About the jetski thugs, they had come to an agreement, however, we still have to wait and see how things will turn out in practice.

I don't think people in positions running the country have yet been found accountable. In Thai fashion there is a show and a plausible excuse that these people are being dealt with. In reality nothing of substance has come of it. The Army are arresting people and handing over cash to cops in Khon Kaen and the cops deny it with all the valuable evidence somehow disappearing overnight. We have the General sending the Army to sort out influencial figures on. Koh Tao and at the same time the Regional Police Chief saying they are all lovely helpful Thai brothers on Koh Tao and no influential figures. We have the village headman, who looks like a right criminal but we must not judge a book by its cover, saying he had nothing to do with it and he did not know where his son was a week ago, but now he knows he was at University in Bangkok the day of the murders and all of a sudden he has friends and CCTV proof. How much bull needs to be spewed to convince people I wonder and how is it Thais are so gullible. The worse of it is that they think the rest of the world us as ignorant as they are. How did such a lot of low life's get to be influential in Thailand. The hi-so all seem to be deceiving criminals and involved in something distasteful.

The Thai people have become so adept at deceit, they don't even think twice about it. And before the apologists all appear out of the woodwork, I am not saying all non-Thais are honest, just saying that on balance deceit and lying is more prevalent here through society and the Justice system than in most other places. This is a Thai forum and so it is valid to explore the faults of Thai society here.

If there is to be any change in society this mindset needs to change and for change to happen there needs to be a shock. That shock should be a no tolerance policy on corruption without exception and publication of the results. When a few police, village headmen and politicians are in prison along with the drug dealers and users, which is where they belong as they are equally damaging to society if not more so, then maybe others will be not so keen to put their hand out demanding corruption money, it's time for change - come on General, REALLY change things and make Thailand a better place for my children - PLEASE!!

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[Benmart]

He added that he "could not comprehend" why his father had been interviewed and initially suspected by the |police, despite his cooperation and even assistance in providing police with leads and tip-offs.

With that being the case why has there been little or no progress in this case and the subsequent arrest of the offenders?

Deputy national police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmoung said Worra-phan and the other man, owner of Intouch Pub, were interviewed and had never been apprehended as suspects. He said police investigation into the murder had been plagued by rumours and unauthorised information spread on the social media.

Deputy national police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmoung said Worra-phan and the other man, owner of Intouch Pub, were interviewed and would never be apprehended as suspects.

He said police investigation into the murder had been plagued by rumours (solid facts) and unauthorised (positive leads) information spread on the social media (the unpalatable truth).

Large bulky white envelopes were also suspected to be impeding the investigations process along with the insurance cover provided by certain families on the island to protect their self interests and kith and kin.

In the other newspaper's report the BIB have blamed social media for ' confusing ' investigators but they seem to be doing quite a good job of that themselves.

In blaming everybody and anybody except themselves the BIB don't mention all the irresponsible and insensitive statements coming from within their own ranks including the rush to announce more suspects then having to admit they're not linked.

So far this has been nothing like a textbook investigation unless the textbook's from the ' How Not To ' range.

Most professional law enforcement agencies that I am familiar with, have a single spokesperson (Public Information Officer or such) who disseminates information in regards to serious crimes that are under investigation.

Here, it seems, anyone from the lowest to the highest rank is free to give statements or otherwise provide information, be it factual or otherwise.

Their 15 minutes of fame only serves to add to the confusion and subtract from the credibility of the authorities.

[Neeranam]

Message to Prayuth: Don't mess about with this. This is now FAR bigger than the little "big time" players on this island. The world looks on in anticipation of the arrest of the right people and the charging of the police officers who are surely in the pockets of these players. It has become obvious to anybody with half a brain and it isn't just a bunch of Thai people saying "mai pen lai" this time. Come down hard, it doesn't matter if there is nothing left at the end. A clean start appears to be the best option out there.

Have you any idea what could happen if he does this? it could be civil war!

How can he come down heavily on one gangster and not the other 10,000 or so, including one much bigger than the Koh Tao one. What about the Koh Samet and pat Pong owner, the ex-deputy prime minister, etc etc.

Killing a farang in Thailand is kinda like what it was like for a white supremacist killing an African American in Mississipi 100+- years ago. The police don't take it as seriously as they would if it were a Thai. Farang are lower beings with absolutely zero constitutional rights.

Thailand is behind our countries by 30/40/50/100 years in different areas. no point shouting, "if this were in America, UK etc, blah blah blah". It is important to actually understand the way this country works before shouting off at how corrupt, inefficient the police are. There are approximately 100,000 citizens of this country that are above the law. Think about this. You ain't in Kansas no more, as they say.

Some come here as they like the lawlessness of the place. I could argue that here are many more freedoms in Thailand than my own country which is why I live here. If you eradicate all corruption, it would have to everything and IMHO it would take 100 years, so have patience and try to understand the complexities Thailand society.

[bkkgooner]

too little too late

You let people have their own little kingdoms inside a country that exists outside of that country's laws. Thailand needs to have a serious look at these islands that are being destroyed by pollution, constant resort building and corruption. Get rid of the horrible shitty little beach bungalows, clean up the beaches, put a limit on resorts per a certain area of land and make them safe places that attract mostly Thai and foreign families on holiday.

[ChrisY1]

Why is it so difficult to solve this case? Just go to the Rohinga Community nearby, grab a few Illiterate guys from a boat who was drunk at the time of the murders and can't remember anything, Put them at a table with a few look alike murder weapons in front of them with number tags on them and add some farang pointing a finger at the Guys!

Voila! case solved, shut and closed.

Brilliant......

I understand what you're saying......but it would be better to get the real killer/s.....

[WhizBang]

Sorry general, too little and far far too late.

The military should have been sent in on Day One. EVERYBODY knows the RTP are total incompetents and corrupt, yet we have had to wittness, no, the world has had to wittness their incompetence and corrupt ways for almost 2 weeks now.

As for sonny boy, put up or shut up. DNA testing NOW.

Earlier this week I had a good feeling in that it looked like the RTP might actually catch the real killers. But now I see that was only a smokescreen to allow the mafia (and that includes the police) to get all their ducks in a row to protect and clear the real killers.

Thailand really does not understand that the world is watching this charade.

It is also becoming clear to me that NOTHING is going to change in Thailand. After the coup, I had hoped that real change was in the air. But alas, it seems not to be. Back to business as usual, same 'ol, same 'ol.

The really sad thing is that what we are witnessing on Koh Tao is symptomatic of the ENTIRE COUNTRY.

[Iumentum]

The police don't take it as seriously as they would if it were a Thai.

We have seen ton of cases where it's thai killing thai where cases have not been taking seriously either. For many years in many places here, it comes down to a very few things wether or not the case will be taken seriously. Do you have a clue how high the percentage of unsolved murders in Thailand is?

[JOC]

could this finally be someone starting something that will cut short what a lot of "mafia" families are doing in Thailand. Most of the problems with tourists stems directly from these families in their own areas, by coming down on them or removing them it will certainly stop a lot of the crap. Trouble is will they actually do it, this seems to be the bigger question, can they overcome all the corruption these people cause.

Just shows how little you know about the powerstructure in Thailand.

The very people you want to eradicate corruption, are the ones on top of the foodchain. They don't get their hands dirty, are well respected members of society and their association with "the darker side" is unknown to almost everyone.

Families like the ones on Koh Tao are merely feederfish for the real sharks!

Unknown by almost everyone? Well, can only be unknown to those who have not been paying attention to anything happening. If you wouldn't relate caretakers, highest ranked police and so on for the top of the food chain, then i am not sure what the top of that chain is. There is a coup for a reason, and that coup is not only because of all the trouble there was in the streets of Bangkok. They removed Yingluck from her post for a reason, and even though that most are aware that she is just a puppet, most also know who her puppet master is.

If people who care about that subject remain ignorant about association to the darker side, it's because they really don't want to believe.

Funny thing is, that your reply just confirmed, what I said in my post!!

No we are not talking "small fish" like chiefs of police, caretakers and other politicians. They are merely servants to the amart, doing anything needed to keep the feudal system in place. Corruption works a treat in that respect, because everyone is quilty. And therefore have no interest in changing the system.

I bet if a list was published with the names of the 10 most powerful people in Thailand, with real power, you wouldn't reconize any of the names.

But to keep this within forum rules, I will leave it there!

[Lopchan]

BP reporting that BIB are interviewing witnesses at Lotus Bar where Sean McAnna was allegedly seen asking some staff to help wipe bloodstains off his body

Good thing too. Saw a photo of him with his guitar in the back of a baht bus when interviewed by one of the Brit newspapers. They even mentioned the blood stains on his guitar, which were very visible, as being from an accident he had. I'm not a cop or CSI, however it looked like a spray pattern or at least a lot of blood for a guy who looked to be unharmed. Just saying...........NO_ONE can be ruled out until all have been tested, provided a rock solid alibi and been proven to be 100% innocent of any wrongdoing.

I just hope they get the lowlifes who committed this outrage soon and deal with them to the fullest extent of the law. Execution is to good for them, they should be made to suffer for as long as the families of the victims draw breath and suffer the nightmare of losing their loved ones in such a way.

[Albertosez]

I do not use Twitter or Facebook. However, I would like to suggest to those that do " bombard " the UK Journalists who have covered this case and demand full interviews in UK with " Sean and David and Hanna's " other friends who were on Ko Tao with them. They have been silenced and we need to know what "they know." Stories that were promised have never materialized. We do not trust locals to report this properly, but we should campaign for the UK Reporters to give full and transparent interviews with the people that were with the victims on the Island. The interviews should be front page news in the newspapers and the interviews should go on social media as videos.

Once we have this- we can then decide where to go next. If we can't get a proper local conviction - then at least social media can publicize the findings and let future tourists make a considered decision where to spend their money !

[Iumentum]

could this finally be someone starting something that will cut short what a lot of "mafia" families are doing in Thailand. Most of the problems with tourists stems directly from these families in their own areas, by coming down on them or removing them it will certainly stop a lot of the crap. Trouble is will they actually do it, this seems to be the bigger question, can they overcome all the corruption these people cause.

Just shows how little you know about the powerstructure in Thailand.

The very people you want to eradicate corruption, are the ones on top of the foodchain. They don't get their hands dirty, are well respected members of society and their association with "the darker side" is unknown to almost everyone.

Families like the ones on Koh Tao are merely feederfish for the real sharks!

Unknown by almost everyone? Well, can only be unknown to those who have not been paying attention to anything happening. If you wouldn't relate caretakers, highest ranked police and so on for the top of the food chain, then i am not sure what the top of that chain is. There is a coup for a reason, and that coup is not only because of all the trouble there was in the streets of Bangkok. They removed Yingluck from her post for a reason, and even though that most are aware that she is just a puppet, most also know who her puppet master is.

If people who care about that subject remain ignorant about association to the darker side, it's because they really don't want to believe.

Funny thing is, that your reply just confirmed, what I said in my post!!

No we are not talking "small fish" like chiefs of police, caretakers and other politicians. They are merely servants to the amart, doing anything needed to keep the feudal system in place. Corruption works a treat in that respect, because everyone is quilty. And therefore have no interest in changing the system.

I bet if a list was published with the names of the 10 most powerful people in Thailand, with real power, you wouldn't reconize any of the names.

But to keep this within forum rules, I will leave it there!

Are you going to turn it into a new world order conspiracy?

I think in this case most people know what family in Thailand are relatives to one of THE biggest fish!

Edited September 25, 2014 by Iumentum

[jaywalker]

Give him a chance, so far, I think he has managed to clean up a lot already

What has he cleaned up already?

Is that a serious question? Did you even try to look a little into what have been done before you asked that question?

All BS! The jet ski thugs are back on the beaches, taxi are back to their old tricks, no meters on Samui-don't even bother to ask.

Same old Thailand

Do you honestly think that everything will happen over night? Yes some of the things are back to "normal" more or less, but where i am, quite a lot still holds for now. But it's not just what you see of crackdowns in tourist areas, people having positions running the country have been held responsible for actions too.

All we can do at the moment is hope for the best, but don't come and say that everything is back to "normal", because it sure ain't around here.

About the jetski thugs, they had come to an agreement, however, we still have to wait and see how things will turn out in practice.

I don't think people in positions running the country have yet been found accountable. In Thai fashion there is a show and a plausible excuse that these people are being dealt with. In reality nothing of substance has come of it. The Army are arresting people and handing over cash to cops in Khon Kaen and the cops deny it with all the valuable evidence somehow disappearing overnight. We have the General sending the Army to sort out influencial figures on. Koh Tao and at the same time the Regional Police Chief saying they are all lovely helpful Thai brothers on Koh Tao and no influential figures. We have the village headman, who looks like a right criminal but we must not judge a book by its cover, saying he had nothing to do with it and he did not know where his son was a week ago, but now he knows he was at University in Bangkok the day of the murders and all of a sudden he has friends and CCTV proof. How much bull needs to be spewed to convince people I wonder and how is it Thais are so gullible. The worse of it is that they think the rest of the world us as ignorant as they are. How did such a lot of low life's get to be influential in Thailand. The hi-so all seem to be deceiving criminals and involved in something distasteful.

The Thai people have become so adept at deceit, they don't even think twice about it. And before the apologists all appear out of the woodwork, I am not saying all non-Thais are honest, just saying that on balance deceit and lying is more prevalent here through society and the Justice system than in most other places. This is a Thai forum and so it is valid to explore the faults of Thai society here.

If there is to be any change in society this mindset needs to change and for change to happen there needs to be a shock. That shock should be a no tolerance policy on corruption without exception and publication of the results. When a few police, village headmen and politicians are in prison along with the drug dealers and users, which is where they belong as they are equally damaging to society if not more so, then maybe others will be not so keen to put their hand out demanding corruption money, it's time for change - come on General, REALLY change things and make Thailand a better place for my children - PLEASE!!

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Well said!

I've seen, with my own EYES, bribes happening between my old boss & a certain "Military" man a few years ago. After he was 300,000 baht in the hole, he got awarded the contract.

Corruption is just endemic at all levels.

Got pulled over once &, to this day I do not know why, & asked my wife to translate for me, so I could LEARN from the experience how to NOT break the law.

She said, "Just give him some money!". 200 baht later I was off merrily doing whatever I was doing 3 minutes before.

[loongdavid]

...and yet another "crackdown" that will amount to SFA.