Trial dates set for journalist in possession of bulletproof vest, helmet in Thailand

[webfact]

Trial Dates Set for Journalist in Possession of Bulletproof Vest, Helmet in Thailand
by CHRIS FUCHS

BANGKOK: -- A Thai court has set trial dates for a Hong Kong-based photojournalist arrested in August on charges of violating Thai law for possessing a bulletproof vest and helmet after covering a bombing at a Bangkok shrine.

Hok Chun Anthony Kwan, 30, learned at a Nov. 16 pretrial hearing that he will have to head back to court in Bangkok next year for four days in April, Kwan's friend Mark Vancleave told NBC News. Kwan's arrest has drawn sharp criticism from journalist organizations in Hong Kong, as well as from the Asian American Journalists Association, of which Kwan was a member while attending college in Minnesota.

"It's kind of a tough position he's in," said Vancleave, who added that Kwan has unintentionally become a "model for legal theory" in the Thai government's prosecution of journalists who carry body armor while reporting in the field.

In Thailand, a license is necessary to possess bulletproof vests and helmets, considered weapons under Thai law, according to the country's Arms Control Act of 1987. Many media outlets require journalists to wear such gear while on assignment in areas prone to violence.

Full story: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/trial-dates-set-journalist-possession-bulletproof-vest-helmet-thailand-n464801

-- NBC NEWS 2015-11-18

[amerasianex]

It would behoove Thailand as a whole to drop these charges as quickly as possible. It's a bad idea to draw attention to the Thai justice system that is so blatantly flawed and. Targets foreign visitors on a regular basis. Common sense here please.

[Somtamnication]

Such a ridiculous charge. This country has a lot to learn about civility.

[ezzra]

Well, I hope that they will find him guilty and jail him for life this terrorist...What? hang on a minute.. what was his

'crimes' ? possessing a bulletproof vest and a helmet? so all the Thai men going around with concealed weapons

on them such guns, knifes and clubs in their cars and motorcycles, what they should be charged with?

[EnzoRippo]

Thais expect that this guy will not come back. Thus they'll not have to jail him (which would be infamous) + the guy will remain the bad guy escaping "justice".

[flyDelight]

Such a ridiculous charge. This country has a lot to learn about civility.

A long way to go if they still believe in ghosts, fortune tellers and lucky numbers.

Enjoy the many good things of Thailand and ignore the weird sides that one can't understand.

[worgeordie]

Common sense,(maybe in short supply here) should have

been used, he was LEAVING Thailand,why not let him go

home with a warning.job done.

regards Worgeordie

[benalibina]

With courtcases like this, never any shortage of news articles on this forum !

[lostmebike]

Well, I hope that they will find him guilty and jail him for life this terrorist...What? hang on a minute.. what was his

'crimes' ? possessing a bulletproof vest and a helmet? so all the Thai men going around with concealed weapons

on them such guns, knifes and clubs in their cars and motorcycles, what they should be charged with?

Oxygen theft.

And there are more than those carrying weapons that commit this offense.

[BSJ]

"Stupid is as stupid does" Forrest Gump

[Hawk]

In Thailand, a license is necessary to possess bulletproof vests and helmets, considered weapons under Thai law, according to the country's Arms Control Act of 1987."

Weapons?

[DonaldBattles]

If you think the judicial system here will ever make any sense forget it. There are over 10,000 laws on the books many of which were created by the frequent coup members. The police enforce the laws they make for the day.

[gk10002000]

This really is ridiculous and Thailand should be ashamed of the money and effort they are putting into this. OK, one needs a permit for such devices. I can understand that. So fine the man and let's move on. He clearly was not an attacker or somebody out to hurt or kill. What good can this possibly prove for Thailand? This guy must have said something or allegedly have some compromising photos of some Thai officials and they are not going to let go until they punish him

[gk10002000]

Oh and never mind the fact that the coup itself is illegal and there is no legal system in Thailand that meets any standard of except that of right by force

[arrowsdawdle]

Such a ridiculous charge. This country has a lot to learn about civility.

Not to mention they have a lot to learn about weapons. What kind of damage can be done with a helmet and vest? Every Thai is running around with a gun in arm's reach but a bonafide journalist wearing a helmet and vest, as is industry standard under the circumstances, and the prime idiot picks a fight with the media. Amazing Thailand.

[KIWIBATCH]

when will this country grow up...?

[arrowsdawdle]

Meanwhile, the coup meisters diddle an dabble impotent to curtail illegal slavery and human trafficking in the fishing industry. If they had any priorities at all they would be misplaced.

[LannaGuy]

Amazing Thailand

Police Officer can carry guns = no problem

Journalists can carry protection against guns = problem

you could not make it up!

[Cynical Sailor]

In Australia it's illegal to be in possession of a bulletproof vest too.

[cockatoowho]

Such a ridiculous charge. This country has a lot to learn about civility.

A long way to go if they still believe in ghosts, fortune tellers and lucky numbers.

Enjoy the many good things of Thailand and ignore the weird sides that one can't understand.

And the good things are...?

[b4n9]

In Thailand, a license is necessary to possess bulletproof vests and helmets, considered weapons under Thai law, according to the country's Arms Control Act of 1987. Many media outlets require journalists to wear such gear while on assignment in areas prone to violence.

old system, need an upgrade.

[madmitch]

The Thai police officer caught carrying a weapon onto a plane in Japan got off with a warning.

In Thailand, a foreign journalist with protective equipment is going to trial and potentially jail.

Hmmmm

[samsingsong]

Strange isn't it that in this country you can get away with riding a motorbike without a helmet, but not a helmet without a motorbike!

[bangon04]

Hong Kong journos are getting a hard time recently - some were barred from entering the Philippines to cover APEC. Their crime? Asking awkward questions about the police incompetence during the 2010 manila bus siege. The President of the Philippines doesn't like difficult press questions. Sound familiar?

[Alllivesmatter]

Dear Thailand, please cease using the courts and judicial system as a face saving exercise or a way to prove a point. The legal system must be exempt from such childish behaviour where others suffer catastrophic results. To the Japanese journalist - with peace and love face your bullies and be strong. We support you sir.

[kwak250]

On a recent flight home to the u.k my Mother had tweezers took off her at checking in .

She is 70 years old whats she going to do ?

Pluck someone?

[manhood]

The Honkong Journalist just not show up for the trial at court! Easy! and after he should write an article in newspaper and spread around the world about the shit of thai laws and justice!

[Hayduke]

This isn't about body armor. It's about what the defendant does for a living.

A very clear reminder that journalists (especially foreign ones) are liable to be jacked for anything at a moment's notice.

They're being watched; they need to be happy and behave themselves.

Edited November 18, 2015 by Hayduke

[Alllivesmatter]

He should indeed show up at court. Without question.

[ggt]

Stop the insanity...dismiss this case...do not bring more negative attention to Thailand...make exceptions for journalists...this is a no brain-er...but may be too difficult for Thais to understand...