PM Prayuth vows crackdown on Koh Tao vices

[Gonzo the Face]

Think, people,,,,, think

Corruption is a negative problem only in countries where the moral fiber of the majority of its citizens deem it to be so.

This moral fiber has been lost in Thailand for generations now and cannot and will not be eradicated overnight or in all probability, in many years.

If you think corruption should be eradicated, you must first think and feel that corruption is wrong. That is just the first step

Now if you will think back to late last year or early this year to the poll group that ran a survey here in Thailand, which survey was reported in the media and showed that 68% of those polled felt there was nothing wrong with corruption as long as you got something out of it.

Now if the people see nothing wrong with a practice how are they to believe that practice is no good ?

So if you see nothing wrong, what is there to fix?

Now with regard to the DNA testing. The samples taken from the various people would be in practice be matched with the samples taken from the victim. That would prove guilt....... but only if the sample holder himself was not corruptible.. If the sample holder was to be corrupt, what would prevent those that be in power, in order to cover up for a grateful donor, from switching the samples to match those of a gullible patsy, so chosen because of being the smallest possibility for causing problems....... such as a migrant worker.

[BestBitterPhuket]

This is very good! They need to make Thailand a tourist destination attracting positive values. Drugs, sex and a sanctuary for foreign criminals, are damaging for the country's image and creates bad examples for young Thais. Decades of mismanagement and rot can't be cleaned up in a day, but at least this is a start.

As for the investigation of the murders, it is beyond shocking. It seems obvious that someone has interfered with the investigation. It is now time to investigate the Koh Tao police for cover up or even participation in the murders, or even just incompetence. Has the DNA tests been sampled from the suspects been compromised? Suspects suddenly coming up with alibis (which can be bought) without mentioning this before. This stinks so bad. Not only the world is watching, but Thais are watching too.

[BestBitterPhuket]

Think, people,,,,, think

Corruption is a negative problem only in countries where the moral fiber of the majority of its citizens deem it to be so.

This moral fiber has been lost in Thailand for generations now and cannot and will not be eradicated overnight or in all probability, in many years.

If you think corruption should be eradicated, you must first think and feel that corruption is wrong. That is just the first step

Now if you will think back to late last year or early this year to the poll group that ran a survey here in Thailand, which survey was reported in the media and showed that 68% of those polled felt there was nothing wrong with corruption as long as you got something out of it.

Now if the people see nothing wrong with a practice how are they to believe that practice is no good ?

So if you see nothing wrong, what is there to fix?

Now with regard to the DNA testing. The samples taken from the various people would be in practice be matched with the samples taken from the victim. That would prove guilt....... but only if the sample holder himself was not corruptible.. If the sample holder was to be corrupt, what would prevent those that be in power, in order to cover up for a grateful donor, from switching the samples to match those of a gullible patsy, so chosen because of being the smallest possibility for causing problems....... such as a migrant worker.

They need to do the DNA sampling of the suspects again, and have the army protect the integrity of the samples. It is the only way. The investigation has been compromised from the beginning.

[Neeranam]

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?

No I don't, please tell.

[Albertosez]

The families have been through hell- but if it was my family then I would sure be obtaining independent DNA Tests in UK before I laid them to rest. It's never to late to re- open the case if they are not satisfied with the outcome- the DNA samples can be compared independently then and expose any tampering at Govt Level!

[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?

No I don't, please tell.

If you don't, then how can you make such statement to begin with?

[aussieinthailand]

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

Now that if came to fruition I could call cleaned up,

but the "influential people" are still everywhere, and that goes for the ones in uniform also, the one's in government, the ones buying mic's and the ones on Scottish holidays, the ones slaughtering elephants for ivory, the one's buying themselves out of gaol, the ones in inactive posts instead of gaol,,,,ETC,,, Nothing has been cleaned up, but there has been a start, and that is all it is just a start, or is it just for show?

[jmccarty]

Again! The criminal aspect will be saying "Thanks for the tip off".

Why does Thailand warn everyone BEFORE they have a crackdown or take criminal action?

Save money and save face!

[Wilsonandson]

Soon be High Season for tourism in Thailand. Hotels will already be fully booked at most favourite destinations. So if hundreds of thousands of tourists are coming to Thailand soon it make perfect sense that now the PM has interviened and will want this whole affair to be resolved proffesionally. The PM has already stressed that the safety of foreign tourists and expats living in Thailand is of high priority. I think this case will be solved soon, because the more it is dragged out the more bad press and Thailand's reputation being dragged through the mud.

[pb1936]

The winners to date in this grotesque crime are the police who have successfully delayed, confused, and failed to apprehend the guilty, even tho' they must be aware of who they are.

However, what is really surprising is that the military PM has not intervened to clean up the hideous mess - after all, this case was a major test case for the new administration and an

opportunity to prove themselves.

As days pass it looks increasingly unlikely that justice will be served.

[khunpa]

Why is it that so many people think that one man, really can change things here in Thailand? Do you really think that all solders in this country are non-corrupt?... and that it will make a difference who takes charge?

The problem in this country is that ALL people (solders included) see corruption as a normal thing and money is the only thing that really counts. No matter who you put to "clean up" things or do crack downs here, they will exploit the opportunity to his/her own advantage. That is the mentality and it will take many generations to get rid of that - if they ever can.

The entire handling of the Koh Tao case, is a perfect example. Nothing has changed or will change. Deep down all Thai-people know this. The rules of corruption are in play and this will not change overnight - despite good intentions from any leader.

[pasak]

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.

... because you've shown yourself to be a small town American with a big mouth.

[Iumentum]

Why is it that so many people think that one man, really can change things here in Thailand? Do you really think that all solders in this country are non-corrupt?... and that it will make a difference who takes charge?

The problem in this country is that ALL people (solders included) see corruption as a normal thing and money is the only thing that really counts. No matter who you put to "clean up" things or do crack downs here, they will exploit the opportunity to his/her own advantage. That is the mentality and it will take many generations to get rid of that - if they ever can.

The entire handling of the Koh Tao case, is a perfect example. Nothing has changed or will change. Deep down all Thai-people know this. The rules of corruption are in play and this will not change overnight - despite good intentions from any leader.

Exactly, it will take a mentality change among the people for it to change. I won't say that all thai are corrupt (i know that neither did you), because it's not true, but most just accept it and have a "mai pen rai" attitude towards it.

[inzman]

I think the new PM prayuth had good intentions, but he must now realize he is in way over his head. He alone cannot clean up this cesspit. No one can and it will take several generations to change the mindset of the population. Oh well, TIT.

[Neeranam]

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?

No I don't, please tell.

If you don't, then how can you make such statement to begin with?

eh?

I said I don;t know the percentage and it looks like you don't either.

[jimbeam1]

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?

Yes it is a serious question. There have been many soundbites, some good work, like clearing of beaches in Phuket, but this can hardly be classed as clearing a lot. I may have missed all the other things that have been done?

He's cleaned up the Bangkok traffic situation & & the taxis/Tuktuks lol

I also seem to remember he done something in Pattaya?

jb1

[gemini81]

Crackdown on a police 'farce' first. Get some real training, send them abroad to learn to be experts. They are an incompetent embarassment to themselves. One international forensics or investigative expert is more useful than the 100 of these idiots they had floating around the other day....just cant believe they still have gone anywhere with this! Pitiful, shameful.

[mataleo]

This is why the real killer of the two tourists in Koh Tao, Thailand, will probably never be found or convicted http://t.co/t78RHZuHcR

[allan michaud]

Warot if you are not guilty then provide DNA to clear your name. Simple !

Got to love his comment.

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.

These leads and tip offs would be the ones aimed only at foreigners I assume? The ones that lead no where.

It is still unclear who actually gave a DNA sample from this family, but I also read 2 people refused to give samples. I don't know what to make of this latest chapter in this farce, if they took DNA off this family only on Tuesday then how can they clear some of them on the same day, when they have stated so often it takes 48 hours to get results. Who exactly didn't give DNA samples and what are the police doing about it. If it was one of this family then DNA from any of them it will show if a relative did it or not.

What the hell are the media doing with this story, can no one ask intelligent questions? Every time there is a statement it is so full of holes it is beyond belief.

[catweazle]

With the whole world watching, I believe that it is about time for Gen. Praytuth to go to Koh Tao personally, put the foot down, enforce DNA tests and rat out the place! The scum of Koh Tao is making him the laughing stock of Thailand if nothing happens. Words are cheap, and mean nothing!

The photo with the puppydog face expression guy holding the facebook printout makes me sick!

[mataleo]

This is the last known photo of Koh Tao murder victims http://t.co/j5q2ohBc8q Hunt for killers seems to be descending into chaos once again

[trainman34014]

Somrot is either on the take or is a complete buffoon, or possibly both if he thinks there are no influential persons on Koh Tao. He is obviously incompetent so sack him.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Exactly this, who does he really expect to believe this shit?The Thais?tourists?media?

If he believes what he says, he should be sacked for being dangerously under-qualified for his job, blimey i don't think he would be qualified for much, or secondly he is a bare faced liar.

Qualities required to become a Police Chief in Thailand:-

1. Corrupt.

2. Under qualified.

3. Incompetent.

4. Bare Faced Liar.

5 Bone Idle.

6. One Mia Noi and several Giks.

7 Very Strong Pointable Finger.

I've got a local one lives not far away from me; he fits all the criteria perfectly.

[Gonzo the Face]

Crackdown on a police 'farce' first. Get some real training, send them abroad to learn to be experts. They are an incompetent embarassment to themselves. One international forensics or investigative expert is more useful than the 100 of these idiots they had floating around the other day....just cant believe they still have gone anywhere with this! Pitiful, shameful.

Well it would seem that there is/was one. Kn Pornthip..... Indeed top flight, top level, world class...... but apparently she stepped on some of the wrong toes. I have seen no mention or her at all....... I guess she just wouldn't go along with someones program.

[DrTuner]

With BiB, draconian is appropriate. Downright medieval would be even better.

[Sawan Chan 7]

With the whole world watching, I believe that it is about time for Gen. Praytuth to go to Koh Tao personally, put the foot down, enforce DNA tests and rat out the place! The scum of Koh Tao is making him the laughing stock of Thailand if nothing happens. Words are cheap, and mean nothing!

The photo with the puppy dog face holding the facebook printout makes me sick!

people who judge without knowing the facts make me sick.

[catweazle]

With the whole world watching, I believe that it is about time for Gen. Praytuth to go to Koh Tao personally, put the foot down, enforce DNA tests and rat out the place! The scum of Koh Tao is making him the laughing stock of Thailand if nothing happens. Words are cheap, and mean nothing!

The photo with the puppy dog face holding the facebook printout makes me sick!

people who judge without knowing the facts make me sick.

Do a few more posts and I might take you seriously, newbie! Doubt you have been reading every single news snippet about this case which I did. I have been walking Koh Tao when you were still swimming against the stream, my friend!

[DLock]

So, 48 hours came and went and no arrests as promised?

Now what?

[pasak]

" "I have witnesses - university friends and lecturers who saw me at the apartment where I reside. They include the apartment residents. They are all ready to testify to help me. Also there is surveillance camera footage showing me staying at the university and the apartment," he added."

And please make it clear to those 'witnesses' that if they are aiding and abetting a criminal by giving false statements then they too will be given prison sentences. Give them a chance to reconsider, that in itself will expose the criminal's guilt.

[jpeg]

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?

You haven't answered. Well. Go on. Answer

[Sawan Chan 7]

With the whole world watching, I believe that it is about time for Gen. Praytuth to go to Koh Tao personally, put the foot down, enforce DNA tests and rat out the place! The scum of Koh Tao is making him the laughing stock of Thailand if nothing happens. Words are cheap, and mean nothing!

The photo with the puppy dog face holding the facebook printout makes me sick!

people who judge without knowing the facts make me sick.

Do a few more posts and I might take you seriously, newbie! Doubt you have been reading every single news snippet about this case which I did. I have been walking Koh Tao when you were still swimming against the stream, my friend!

Lol. A 3 year old veteran.

I actually lived in Ko Pa Ngan for 9 years until 1997 and have met this guy on many occassions. Don't make assumptions.