Hong Kong photographer to face Thai trial over flak jacket

[Jonmarleesco]

I wonder why police wearing flak jackets bother carrying guns if they're already wearing a weapon? Or two. Perhaps that's why motorcyclists rarely bother to follow the one law, just in case they fall foul of another one.

But given ex-Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrachang 'unknowingly' entered Japan with an item that was recognisable as a weapon, but eventually got away with it, the Thais might just want to rethink pressing on with this farce, possibly utilising non-Thai logic instead of the homegrown version.

[Jonmarleesco]

the problem in Thailand is they keep bringing up these antiquated laws which nobody has heard about I am sure this gentleman didn't know he was breaking the law and I am quite sure the people of Thailand don't know about this law either .

'... I am quite sure the people of Thailand don't know about this law either.' A reasonable assumption, given Thais in general give little credence to so many laws.

[bermannor]

I just ask myself why he wore the jacket.

Had he only hand luggage, was his luggage close to the limit? I didn't read a statement of him.

[Don Mega]

I just ask myself why he wore the jacket.

Had he only hand luggage, was his luggage close to the limit? I didn't read a statement of him.

If you bothered to actually read the opening post of this thread you would have noticed where it says he was carrying the vest.

[bermannor]

I beg your pardon, Super Member.

Did the airport, where he departed gave any comment?

In the case of the Thai with the pistol in Japan, Thai airport gave a lame statement

[Chicog]

They seem to be unable to stop themselves looking like idiots.

[bermannor]

"Are adult or child bulletproof vests allowed? (worn, carry-on, or checked-luggage)"

Interesting thread on FlyerTalk forum.

[somchaismith]

Ignorance is not a defence.

[arrowsdawdle]

Thailand to try HK journalist for possessing flak jacket

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Monday decided to put a Hong Kong photojournalist on trial for possession of a bulletproof vest and a helmet, which are considered weapons in Thailand.

Hok Chun Anthony Kwan, 30, was detained when he was about to board a plane on Aug. 23 after covering the aftermath of a deadly bomb explosion at a shrine in Bangkok. Kwan, a Hong Kong and Canadian citizen, works for the Hong Kong-based Initium media group. He earlier worked on the Minnesota Daily newspaper while attending the University of Minnesota.

His lawyer, Pawinee Chumsri, said he pleaded not guilty to the charge of weapons possession after being indicted by the court, which set a pre-trial hearing for Nov. 16. The trial will be held sometime in 2016, she said.

Pawinee said Kwan did not intend to violate Thai law. "Kwan believes he is not guilty. He only brought the jacket to protect himself," she said.

Under the Arms Control Act, a license is needed to possess body armor, which is considered a weapon. Violations are punishable by up to five years in jail. The law has rarely if ever been enforced for journalists covering the country's sometimes-violent political turmoil over the past nine years. Many large news organizations require their staff to wear protective gear in dangerous situations.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand expressed disappointment over the filing of formal charges against Kwan.

"Instead of charging Mr. Kwan, the Thai authorities should consult with the media community in Thailand ... to explore a way around the 1987 law, which was surely not intended to prosecute journalists carrying out their normal duties," it said in a statement.

Pawinee said Kwan is free on bail and will travel back to Hong Kong on Tuesday.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-10-13

A helmet and flak vest are weapons but vendors walk the streets selling machetes with impunity while nearly every Thai guy keeps a gun close by? Thainess [sakdina] at work.

[arrowsdawdle]

Thailand to try HK journalist for possessing flak jacket

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Monday decided to put a Hong Kong photojournalist on trial for possession of a bulletproof vest and a helmet, which are considered weapons in Thailand.

Hok Chun Anthony Kwan, 30, was detained when he was about to board a plane on Aug. 23 after covering the aftermath of a deadly bomb explosion at a shrine in Bangkok. Kwan, a Hong Kong and Canadian citizen, works for the Hong Kong-based Initium media group. He earlier worked on the Minnesota Daily newspaper while attending the University of Minnesota.

His lawyer, Pawinee Chumsri, said he pleaded not guilty to the charge of weapons possession after being indicted by the court, which set a pre-trial hearing for Nov. 16. The trial will be held sometime in 2016, she said.

Pawinee said Kwan did not intend to violate Thai law. "Kwan believes he is not guilty. He only brought the jacket to protect himself," she said.

Under the Arms Control Act, a license is needed to possess body armor, which is considered a weapon. Violations are punishable by up to five years in jail. The law has rarely if ever been enforced for journalists covering the country's sometimes-violent political turmoil over the past nine years. Many large news organizations require their staff to wear protective gear in dangerous situations.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand expressed disappointment over the filing of formal charges against Kwan.

"Instead of charging Mr. Kwan, the Thai authorities should consult with the media community in Thailand ... to explore a way around the 1987 law, which was surely not intended to prosecute journalists carrying out their normal duties," it said in a statement.

Pawinee said Kwan is free on bail and will travel back to Hong Kong on Tuesday.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-10-13

Actually, it makes Thai army sense that the vest and helmet are illegal in LOS because it ruins the fun and effectiveness of live fire zones. If you can't kill the stories you can at least kill the reporters.

[Kannikapor88]

Never seen a country that can make enemies so fast as Thailand - pretty amazing stupidity here ...

[IAMSOBAD]

are motorcycle helmets and riding gear illegal too?

[Don Mega]

are motorcycle helmets and riding gear illegal too?

Why would they be ?

Edit: Actually I think they banned helmets down south Thailand.

Edited October 13, 2015 by Don Mega

[Ace of Pop]

Why don't they ban Life Jackets as well.

[manhood]

For insurance reasons journalists have to wear bullet proofed vests in certain situations like riots, wars and more

we also had to do that and never had any problem with it and it was never mentioned as a WEAPON

what the <deleted> is that! Well Thais are far from this world, still in the jungle for me! Not down from the trees yet!