‘I Watched Him as He Died,’ Witness to Disabled Man’s Murder Recalls

[Brer Fox]

I am not taking this lightly, says interim chief of Metropolitan Police Bureau Sanit Mahathavorn. It is re-assuring that he says that as some recent cases have certainly not been taken very seriously. And we all know which ones they are.

[Yann55]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

Very well put.

Your comment about the authorities likely to lose what little credibility they have left is particularly relevant, and one may well add : 'if any'.

The only kind of credibility they do have is clearly indicated by the fact that, of all the witnesses present, only one (a lawyer, at that) seems ready to come forward.

So ... what people do believe in this country, coming from whatever authorities or their relatives, are the threats, and that is unspeakably shocking.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Yann55

[Jai Dee]

More off-topic and argumentative posts have been removed from this thread.

[tabarnak]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

Yes but let's not forget that 4 of those savage animals are cop kids and knowing the thai justice it would not be surprising to see the charges droped

[Dogmatix]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

From reading the same quote on other sources I think he was talking about the possibility of prosecuting the horrible girlfriend.

[mike324]

Two years on, and the Junta's main claim to legitimacy was supposedly overhauling the police. Obviously it was just a smokescreen; removing Thaksin's men (and murdering CSD officers) and just replacing them with lackeys.

The whole legal and "justice" system here is of course an absolute joke. But there seems to be a lot of ordinary Thais really up in arms about this latest case though, interesting now to see how this plays out.

To be honest, change can't be made over night and habits die hard. Nonethelss I do feel like there is a small change in the way police act, and slightly less corruption. At least it is a good start, police and civil servants are starting to watch their backs more. Thais need to continue to stand up together as a community and voice their opinions freely in order to push for more change.

[Dogmatix]

In addition to regular extortion and intimidation by the brown suited armed protection racket ordinary city dwellers are also terrorised by brutal gangs of their children armed with home made guns and swords. I have personal knowledge of a case where a low ranking policeman's son murdered another young man he didn't even know simply for fun and to show off to his pals with a home made .22 pen gun. Despite copious witnesses the police never pressed charges but persistently threatened the victim's family instead. No one captured that case on camera and it didn't make the news.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Dogmatix

[Docno]

And to think... in another recent thread here, some forum members referred to people who helped the police as "snitches"... This witness is far braver than any of the cowards who committed this vile act...

[Dogmatix]

The acting Bkk police is making noise about this case, as ordered from above, to calm criticism. But in rule of law jurisdictions a squad of special investigators would be sent in from outside would be sent in to handle a case like this to avoid conflicts of interest. Here Chockchai police are still allowed to handle the investigation and send the case to prosecutors themselves. Guaranteed this will take s long time and when the media has lost interest, they will send a watered down case to prosecutors.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Dogmatix

[Plutojames88]

My thoughts are the victims family will be forced into incriminating the victim.

It's highly unlikely convictions will occur.

This is Thailand and hardly surprising

[oldsailor35]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

The culprits come from police families ..........say no more !

[robblok]

Thailand should do regarding alcohol the same as many Middle East countries do. There if you are a foreigner you can buy a license but locals can not buy one. As Thai's are obviously incapable of handling drink probably best to make sure they do not have access to it

I have seen plenty of foreigners getting aggressive after a drink. I think alcohol and yabaa are equally dangerous for some people. People are always talking about the dangers of drugs.. but i see far more alcohol fueled fights. (use is higher sure but alcohol has always been known to incite aggression). I have seen studies that class alcohol as one of the most damaging drugs.

[chrissables]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

At 18 parents don't control their children, they are adults already.

Therefore they (if found guilty) should have an adults punishment.

[atyclb]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

Yes, that is quite incredible.

So video of them slaughtering a man is not sufficient....

Didn't you watch the vdo? You can't see the faces of those men at all. It could have been anyone. Even the son of a policemen? At any rate, a couple of well placed threats against certain witnesses families will ensure a short term memory of this action. Misplaced evidence perhaps... The vdo is the only thing that can't be made to go away and it doesn't have enough detail to convict someone.

the six already admit it was them involved (though claiming self defence LOL) therefore why can the video not be used to show their actions ?? Their faces in the video are therefore a moot point.

Edited May 6, 2016 by atyclb

[NeilSA1]

And to think... in another recent thread here, some forum members referred to people who helped the police as "snitches"... This witness is far braver than any of the cowards who committed this vile act...

"In fact, Ananchai said, hes the only witness to come forward,"

It would be great if those that can, would use the services of this brave person for any legal matters in future.

[Baerboxer]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

You know too well what is likely to happen.

Wealth, elite hiso, well connected family, political connections, close relations in police, close relations in military are all "valid" reasons apparently for an offender to receive special considerations and for their prosecution to be very delayed. Even if it goes ahead, eventually, and they are found guilty then expect and appeal and then a further appeal. Finally a light sentence, possibly reduced thanks to their wonderful co-operation with police, then suspended as they've never been to prison before and some community service that no one bothers with.

If you don't fit into one of those categories, expect swift, harsh, treatment and incarceration.

Look at the amount of stalled cases currently hanging around. Whatever happened to the ex-police ex-MP and the mysterious crash death of his 'friend" and the fraud share transfer? or the two wealthy Chinese-Americans who savagely assaulted the young Aussie? Or the Merc driver who killed two; or the girl who doesn't appear to have done her community service? Or the Red Bull boy killing case? Or the guy who shot his ex while cleaning his UZI at a restaurant dinner table?

When the privileged are involved, lots of hot air and BS gets trotted out with plenty of vows to do this that and the other. Yet nothing happens and those responsible walk away.

How the BiB, justice system and authorities must hate social media. People want justice for all, OMG, they'll want equality next!

[Baerboxer]

Thailand should do regarding alcohol the same as many Middle East countries do. There if you are a foreigner you can buy a license but locals can not buy one. As Thai's are obviously incapable of handling drink probably best to make sure they do not have access to it

I have seen plenty of foreigners getting aggressive after a drink. I think alcohol and yabaa are equally dangerous for some people. People are always talking about the dangers of drugs.. but i see far more alcohol fueled fights. (use is higher sure but alcohol has always been known to incite aggression). I have seen studies that class alcohol as one of the most damaging drugs.

Very different aspects to alcohol and illegal drugs. Availability, spectrum of use, abuse, quantity consumed etc. Different debate.

Alcohol, has been, is, and will be, responsible for many instances of violence and is a dangerous drug. Many many people simply don't regard it as a drug or appreciate the dangers.

Go to any night club or pub where people are taking alcohol in large quantities. Watch them closely. You will see them change, in behavior, appearance and actions. The amount of violence in European or American or Australian cities and towns that is fueled by alcohol is phenomenal. Ask any law enforcement , first responder, A&E, security stall and they can usually give you many examples.

I have seen both males and females become very violent having consumed large quantities of alcohol, and attacking people for little reason.

[Holy Cinema]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

Yes, that is quite incredible.

So video of them slaughtering a man is not sufficient....

Didn't you watch the vdo? You can't see the faces of those men at all. It could have been anyone. Even the son of a policemen? At any rate, a couple of well placed threats against certain witnesses families will ensure a short term memory of this action. Misplaced evidence perhaps... The vdo is the only thing that can't be made to go away and it doesn't have enough detail to convict someone.

And the BIB who attended the murder were all blindfolded as were all the people standing around with brains in neutral snapping selfies and generally enjoying the developing saga as it played out, so no creditable evidence is available - - is that what is being inferred.

Shades of "Koh Tao" ??

[Tomtomtom69]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

At 18 parents don't control their children, they are adults already.

Therefore they (if found guilty) should have an adults punishment.

Not in Thailand. They are legally adults only at 20. Secondly, in Thai culture it is normal for parents to be responsible for their children until they've finished their education, gotten a job etc. Thai parents usually view their children aged under 25-30 as kids and in terms of maturity they are about right.

[Tomtomtom69]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

You know too well what is likely to happen.

Wealth, elite hiso, well connected family, political connections, close relations in police, close relations in military are all "valid" reasons apparently for an offender to receive special considerations and for their prosecution to be very delayed. Even if it goes ahead, eventually, and they are found guilty then expect and appeal and then a further appeal. Finally a light sentence, possibly reduced thanks to their wonderful co-operation with police, then suspended as they've never been to prison before and some community service that no one bothers with.

If you don't fit into one of those categories, expect swift, harsh, treatment and incarceration.

Look at the amount of stalled cases currently hanging around. Whatever happened to the ex-police ex-MP and the mysterious crash death of his 'friend" and the fraud share transfer? or the two wealthy Chinese-Americans who savagely assaulted the young Aussie? Or the Merc driver who killed two; or the girl who doesn't appear to have done her community service? Or the Red Bull boy killing case? Or the guy who shot his ex while cleaning his UZI at a restaurant dinner table?

When the privileged are involved, lots of hot air and BS gets trotted out with plenty of vows to do this that and the other. Yet nothing happens and those responsible walk away.

How the BiB, justice system and authorities must hate social media. People want justice for all, OMG, they'll want equality next!

I don't know about the other cases you've referred to but the case of those Chinese kids attacking the Aussie they have no status in Thailand as foreigners and non-residents. Probably they just paid a large amount of money and were deported and blacklisted. Otherwise, they would have been locked up.

In another case - Aussie ecpat accidentally kills Thai bouncer in Phuket. Pays an undisclosed sum and is allowed to walk free.

Thai style justice.

[SOTIRIOS]

...well-suited to his profession then.....

...couldn't call the police....???

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Plenty of Thainess going around lately. Must be due to the heat.

Thainess? Looks more like Madness.

[chrissables]

Great parenting skills evident in this story: where was your 18 year old between 0200-0800? Oh, out drinking and attacking disabled people. Just the usual high jinx for teenagers. Parents do have to take some responsibility for their kids and it is certainly not the first time these creeps have been out and up to no good: first time offenders? BS, this will be part of a pattern of anti-social behaviour but this time it went way too far and they got caught. Get them off the streets for the next 20 years and the parents can visit them every Sunday.

This story so represents the dark underbelly of Thai society and the sense of entitlement/privilege assumed by these 'connected' types. Made all the worse by the fact that the victim was trying to made the best of his lot, working under difficulty to support his family.

If the authorities let this lot off lightly or try to weasel out of it in some backhanded way, they will lose what little credibility they have left. Enough is enough.

At 18 parents don't control their children, they are adults already.

Therefore they (if found guilty) should have an adults punishment.

Not in Thailand. They are legally adults only at 20. Secondly, in Thai culture it is normal for parents to be responsible for their children until they've finished their education, gotten a job etc. Thai parents usually view their children aged under 25-30 as kids and in terms of maturity they are about right.

I was not talking in legal terms.

Cultural wise i know they often stay at home with their parents. That does not make them still a child.

Maturity wise, i agree

But surely anyone who is 18+ is an adult?

[dunroaming]

This is Thailand and still people here are judging by western standards. Most Thai people do not live by western standards and often without the western sense of morality. Money, sex, power and food seem to be the motivating forces in Thailand and moral integrity tends to not exist at all. This is how they choose to live and there is no real incentive for them to change. If you choose to live in Thailand then the sooner you accept the way things are the better for your peace of mind. I know I couldn't and eventually for the sake of my son we moved away.

[callaway]

Thailand should do regarding alcohol the same as many Middle East countries do. There if you are a foreigner you can buy a license but locals can not buy one. As Thai's are obviously incapable of handling drink probably best to make sure they do not have access to it

I am sure this will endear farang to the Thai people even more. They do not think much of us now, but having them sit and watch us drink would be the last straw. Totally stupid idea.

[ozyjon]

I read somewhere about,,,

'' the first encounter with the thailand people found them to be of childlike quality ''

that was then, then they found alcohol, this is now.

[Mystified]

Well all six of them can blame it on the alcohol, say sorry and be free, voila Thai justice.

I just can't get my head around the "I was drunk...alot" defense reminds me of America in 50- 70s people got off because of that but we finally woke up and figured it was a lame excuse. The whole "wai" I'm sorry okay all is forgiven just seems insane but than again not my culture.

Like babies riding outside of a car seat. We did it sure but learned that's a terrible idea now just an example of learning from your mistakes

[metisdead]

A post containing profane content has been removed:

8) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[tukkytuktuk]

New footage of attack.

[Trouble]

Most disgusting statement here is that there isn't enough evidence yet to forward to prosecutors.

Witnesses, video evidence, murder weapons seized, a mutilated corpse, threats to next of kin.. Jesus how much more evidence could possibly needed i wonder.

Seems almost no crime is off limits to cover up, or at least attempt to

Yes, that is quite incredible.

So video of them slaughtering a man is not sufficient....

Didn't you watch the vdo? You can't see the faces of those men at all. It could have been anyone. Even the son of a policemen? At any rate, a couple of well placed threats against certain witnesses families will ensure a short term memory of this action. Misplaced evidence perhaps... The vdo is the only thing that can't be made to go away and it doesn't have enough detail to convict someone.

It does seem the police arrived on the scene as the perpetrators were still there. Police had to fire shots into the air to bring about control. Surely some of these officers will also be able to testify. Hopefully the police are just getting there case put together so that it can go forward. I really think there is no way around the fact that they will be prosecuted and found guilty. The sentence however will be interesting.