Young Aussie plunges to death from Bangkok hotel balcony - body found completely naked

[ClutchClark]

10 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

If there is anything we know with absolute certainty, it is the fact that the police labeling this a suicide means absolutely nothing. A cursory 10 minute examination of the room, and his fingerprints on the balcony was perhaps all that was required to come up with this expert opinion. I am not saying it was not a suicide, but it does appear unlikely. How many of us would jump to our deaths naked? And why wouldn't his prints be on the balcony if it was his room? Was his girlfriend interviewed? Was there any actual evidence to suggest suicide? A note? Any indications of distress? Eye witnesses? What else was taken into account to come up with this "scientific conclusion"? 

 

 

Its interesting how many TVF members mistake a news article for the actual police report. 

 

The absence of investigative details in the Coconut does not mean they were not performed.

 

 

Edited August 7, 2016 by ClutchClark

[Kwasaki]

3 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Many of us have had first hand experiences and encounters with the police here. And many of us found them to be thoroughly unimpressive, on nearly every level. I do not particularly like the police. Anywhere. But, in the US I have had dealings with police detectives, that left me with the impression that they were competent, smart, and capable. Not here. 

 

That's unfair .

Edited August 7, 2016 by Kwasaki

[spidermike007]

1 minute ago, ClutchClark said:

 

Mike, glad you have arived and are asking the hard questions of a trained TV investigator. 

Where did you get your training? CSI: Miami? 

 

Its interesting how many TVF members mistake a news article for the actual police report. 

 

The absence of investigative details in the Coconut does not mean they were not performed.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps you are correct. One can only hope a thorough and conclusive investigation took place. One can only hope enough regard for this foreigner, and his family was paid, and it resulted in the detectives being called in, and spending hours, and resources trying to make a conclusive determination.

 

Your guess is as good as mine. We just don't know the answer to this, do we? One can only guess. When one is directly exposed to shoddy work, over and over again, one tends to surmise. 

[Agent Sumo]

Just now, spidermike007 said:

 

 

Perhaps you are correct. One can only hope a thorough and conclusive investigation took place. One can only hope enough regard for this foreigner, and his family was paid, and it resulted in the detectives being called in, and spending hours, and resources trying to make a conclusive determination.

 

Your guess is as good as mine. We just don't know the answer to this, do we? One can only guess. When one is directly exposed to shoddy work, over and over again, one tends to surmise. 

 

Well seeing as the family said he died as the result of an accident, there were no signs of a struggle and the deceased's finger and footprints were on the balcony, I'd not be surprised if this case was closed.

 

Let's move on, shall we?

[sweatalot]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

If there is anything we know with absolute certainty, it is the fact that the police labeling this a suicide means absolutely nothing. A cursory 10 minute examination of the room, and his fingerprints on the balcony was perhaps all that was required to come up with this expert opinion. I am not saying it was not a suicide, but it does appear unlikely. How many of us would jump to our deaths naked? And why wouldn't his prints be on the balcony if it was his room? Was his girlfriend interviewed? Was there any actual evidence to suggest suicide? A note? Any indications of distress? Eye witnesses? What else was taken into account to come up with this "scientific conclusion"? 

 

What you say is the essence of this matter. Too many sudden deaths declared suicides by Thai police (normally after a very short time) - and good reason not to trust their investigation skills or willingness.

It should be routine that every sudden death has to be scrutinized to exclude a crime, and forensic specialist need be involved. But in this country the standard procedure seems to be that the police have a short look at the scene and decide it was suicide. (I remember a case where the victim had his hands bound behind his back.) Where was this?

Oh, Koh Tao of course

[Rorri]

45 minutes ago, Agent Sumo said:

 

Couldn't be more wrong

 

A lot of the farang suicides here happen when the deceased is alone.

 

I don't understand the reluctance - certainly on the part of the rank and file TV forum membership - to accept that Westerners coming/living here can be unhinged or just plain old, batshit crazy.

 

Maybe they believe that the Western (white) tourist/(s)expat's life must be so wonderful, so idyllic that he or she couldn't possibly want to end his or her own life and that, if he or she comes to a sticky end, a local must be at the centre of it.

 

Sorry but, judging by the state of the farang trainwrecks I see every single day wandering around or pickling their livers in Bangkok, I'm surprised many more aren't in the morgue.

 

 

I didn't  say "all"? You seem to have miss-read my comment.

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and inflammatory posts and replies have been removed. 

[Shawn0000]

16 hours ago, starchild5 said:

 

Good Points. The problem is how they die and why farangs alone...millions of tourist and 1000s of expats but that includes Japanese, Indians, Chinese, Koreans too...

 

If it was just natural...Japanese, Chinese, Indians should figure in Jump too..but 90% of the news is farangs jumping...WHY?

 

Farang's are physically stronger, they can handle alcohol better than Asian's...I don't think women would take chances with farang more than Japanese..who are physically weak and can get drunk easily...

 

Farangs have high IQ on average, went to better universities, have good income...This does not add up..The stats don't tell the whole story. A Farang when he encounter a low railing in Balcony...would say...Hmmmm...that's awfully low...I should be careful here, when Im drunk with my Thai gf.

 

I don't think PUSHING theory works either....because...to push a 80 to 100kg farang by a 40kg bar girl would require lot of effort and TIMING...if she misses...she is done...She does not eat good healthy food to be physically stronger to push a guy...all MSG street food...

 

When i was in college...and drunk....people tried to push me and others into a dirty sink hole..and even with 5 guys....they were not able to grab me, and push me to the hole from a height...ITS NOT EASY TO PUSH A GUY is what I'm trying to say even being drunk...Its 80kg push and shovel by a 40kg bar girl...without the guy knowing..

 

Things are not adding up...Its high time...The western government take this on a diplomatic level and involve foreign expertise....

 

it would be interesting to see an average height of those that have fallen, I am tall and often I see handrails in Thailand that are well below my centre of gravity, I suspect the reason that more Fallangs fall than Asians is due to our average height bring higher.

 

 Your comment is a little odd when comparing Japanese, Chinese and Indians to mention the 'high' iq of fallangs , I think you will find all those countries are leaving the West for dust in regard to education.

 

And I really don't think that diplomats are going to get involved in a situation of a very average amount of accidental deaths just because of some tabloid hype, why would they?

[Shawn0000]

15 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

15 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

Are all those stats you quote for tourists/expats or citizens of each country? 

 

If citizens then what is the worldwide average for tourists/expats?

 

Are all those stats you quote for tourists/expats or citizens of each country? 

 

If citizens then what is the worldwide average for tourists/expats?

 

 

No, they are numbers for residents, that is why I used numbers of expats not tourists to make the ratio, obviously if we were to look at tourists it would have to be calculated to take into account the time they are in the country, but for expats the numbers are directly comparable as they are here full time, and the numbers actually show us that including the tourist deaths by falling the amount would be nothing unusual for just the numbers of expats in Thailand alone within in a Western country, so there really is nothing to see here except tabloid hysteria reporting on each and every fall as if it were news.

 

 

[Bluespunk]

9 minutes ago, Shawn0000 said:

 

No, they are numbers for residents, that is why I used numbers of expats not tourists to make the ratio, obviously if we were to look at tourists it would have to be calculated to take into account the time they are in the country, but for expats the numbers are directly comparable as they are here full time, and the numbers actually show us that including the tourist deaths by falling the amount would be nothing unusual for just the numbers of expats in Thailand alone within in a Western country, so there really is nothing to see here except tabloid hysteria reporting on each and every fall as if it were news.

 

 

Hmm, ok but for me if you are looking at the numbers of expat deaths by falling then they can only be compared to similar stats of expats falling worldwide or in other countries. 

 

Or or is that what you have done? 

 

P.S. I am not trying to pick an argument here, just want to be clear on what your stats are based on and how they apply to thailand. 

Edited August 7, 2016 by Bluespunk

[taichiplanet]

a brief report in Australian press

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-07/australian-man-falls-to-his-death-from-bangkok-hotel/7698668

[farcanell]

8 hours ago, Rorri said:

So many comments referring to "suicide" where do you get this idea, it certainly  isn't  mentioned in this story. One thing I have noticed, so many deaths when a "girlfriend/katoey" is present, few happen when guys are alone.

 

What a ridiculous statement (second sentence).... Most all homicides are found alone.... Which is why every death, especially were the body is found alone, should be treated as a homicide, until proven otherwise

[Shawn0000]

46 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

Hmm, ok but for me if you are looking at the numbers of expat deaths by falling then they can only be compared to similar stats of expats falling worldwide or in other countries. 

 

Or or is that what you have done? 

 

P.S. I am not trying to pick an argument here, just want to be clear on what your stats are based on and how they apply to thailand. 

 

I have taken deaths by falling stats from US and compared them to deaths by falling stats of foreigners in Thailand, and then compared just the number of expats in Thailand to the percentage of deaths by falling in US, this shows that of expats alone we would expect a similar number of deaths, but then of course there are the millions of tourists as well which make up a large number of those deaths and so we can see that the number of deaths by falling of foreigners in Thailand is not actually high at all, at least not in comparison to the US.

 

I see no reason to compare expats with anything other than people in general.  Is there any particular reason for your feelings that expats are in some way unique beings thus incomparable to mankind as a whole?

[sambum]

On 8/6/2016 at 1:12 PM, Lex Talionis said:

The family believe it was an accident. They must know something that we don't.  Have to admit though that his being found naked is a bit suspicious. 

 

The family believe it was an accident possibly because .............. someone in a uniform told them so.

And  "At the time of the discovery of the body Bang Rak police said they were gathering evidence and were keen to interview the woman who had checked in with the Australian on the 28th of July."

 

Wonder if she'll ever be found, or even seriously looked for?

[Rorri]

31 minutes ago, farcanell said:

 

1. What a ridiculous statement (second sentence).... Most all homicides are found alone.... Which is why every death, especially were the body is found alone, should be treated as a homicide, until proven otherwise

I was referring to "suicides", as per the first part of my comment. Geez, some people will only take part of a comment simply to argue. READ the whole bloody comment, then take it in the correct context.

[farcanell]

37 minutes ago, Shawn0000 said:

 

Ok it is rare, but it also is known to occur, it would not be in that book otherwise, right?  I am sure you aren't daft enough to take "quite common" as meaning it is the norm, but instead understand it for its intentional meaning of being something that is well recorded.

 

 

Actually, I am daft enough to view the term " quite common" to be "normal".... Or at least closer to normal than "rare".... But yes... It does happen, though (apparently), loosely and usually at the sides vs behind the back (save yourself the ordeal at looking at all the gruesome pictures in this matter)

 

but never mind... Semantics, right?

 

However, for info, something that is common in suicides, is to "pad" the ligature area to decrease pain.... Now that's something that I have never heard mention of in one of these articles.

[Chicog]

51 minutes ago, farcanell said:

 

What a ridiculous statement (second sentence).... Most all homicides are found alone.... Which is why every death, especially were the body is found alone, should be treated as a homicide, until proven otherwise

 

What?

Most deaths will be treated as natural causes (pending autopsy results) unless there are suspicious circumstances.

 

 

[Bluespunk]

1 hour ago, Shawn0000 said:

 

I have taken deaths by falling stats from US and compared them to deaths by falling stats of foreigners in Thailand, and then compared just the number of expats in Thailand to the percentage of deaths by falling in US, this shows that of expats alone we would expect a similar number of deaths, but then of course there are the millions of tourists as well which make up a large number of those deaths and so we can see that the number of deaths by falling of foreigners in Thailand is not actually high at all, at least not in comparison to the US.

 

I see no reason to compare expats with anything other than people in general.  Is there any particular reason for your feelings that expats are in some way unique beings thus incomparable to mankind as a whole?

Nope. Just think with stats about some thing as specialised as number of deaths by falling you should only compare like with like.

 

E.G. expats with expats, residents with residents, citizens with citizens etc...

 

Otherwise how do you know one particular group in any given society is dying more or less frequently in a specific manner than a comparable group in any other society?

 

 

Edited August 7, 2016 by Bluespunk

[farcanell]

34 minutes ago, Chicog said:

 

What?

Most deaths will be treated as natural causes (pending autopsy results) unless there are suspicious circumstances.

 

 

 

Good point...

 

I stand corrected... (Although a shattered body following another balcony fall does come under the umbrella of "suspicious" , IMHO)

[Chicog]

1 minute ago, farcanell said:

 

Good point...

 

I stand corrected... (Although a shattered body following another balcony fall does come under the umbrella of "suspicious" , IMHO)

 

Even then, it wouldn't automatically be ruled a homicide.

 

 

 

 

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed again. 

[chiang mai]

On 06/08/2016 at 0:48 PM, clockman said:

Check out, www.farang-deaths.com scary stuff.

 

In twenty years, if the site continues to accumulate data, it could be a decent site. As things stand it's a grandstanding site trying to earn clicks.

[geriatrickid]

No evidence of suicide or of foul play at this time, and yet we have multiple conclusions.

This part of the  established timeline should provide a hint of what occurred;

Police are also looking for the Thai woman who checked in with Beath — she had left by the time police arrived.

Does one's g/f or significant other take a runner  if one is in distress or injured? 

Looks to me more like death due to misadventure.  It will be interesting to see if the deceased was in an intoxicated state. Let's come back and discuss when the lab work is done, ok?

 

[farcanell]

26 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

No evidence of suicide or of foul play at this time, and yet we have multiple conclusions.

This part of the  established timeline should provide a hint of what occurred;

Police are also looking for the Thai woman who checked in with Beath — she had left by the time police arrived.

Does one's g/f or significant other take a runner  if one is in distress or injured? 

Looks to me more like death due to misadventure.  It will be interesting to see if the deceased was in an intoxicated state. Let's come back and discuss when the lab work is done, ok?

 

 

Definitely the way to go.... Wait and see what the crime lab comes up with.

 

oh wait.... I'm yet to see this sort of follow up...., if you do, in a Thai version, I'm sure everyone will be grateful to you, if you spread the information.... Please

Edited August 7, 2016 by farcanell
Missing word

[Prbkk]

One wonders if the RTP would be in pursuit of this mystery woman had it not been for pressure: they were quite prepared to write this off as an accident or suicide ( may well still turn out to be the case) , with references to footprints and fingerprints. Anything else doesn't fit with the agenda of the tourism minister. We all know that from long observation and, rightly, an abundance of cynicism.

[mettech]

It is unfortunate that it does happen and he was just a kid at 25 years old perhaps he found out that his girl friend was also a lot of farangs girl too???

Suicidle mood I guess.

[ClutchClark]

3 hours ago, geriatrickid said:

 

Police are also looking for the Thai woman who checked in with Beath — she had left by the time police arrived.

Does one's g/f or significant other take a runner  if one is in distress or injured? 

 

 

 

She was a prostitute. 

[mcfish]

If she was a hooker then of course she did a runner, something to do with zero morals.

Has to be suicide on probabilities. The odds of him standing on a balcony buck naked and tripping are very very small.

A 5ft pip squeak launched him? No way!

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

[callaway]

22 hours ago, Agent Sumo said:

 

What the hell do you know about the deceased's life? What do you know about the hotel's balcony - its name isn't even mentioned.

 

The guy was butt naked and fell off a balcony. He could've been pissed up or high as a kite - you don't know.

 

Still, I suppose the fact that he was white and young is more than enough reason for the Thaivisa CSI (Armchair Division) to apportion blame to anyone but the deceased. 

A suicide verdict does not blemish the good name of Thailand. Ask TAT. Firstly having been a 25 year old Aussie I am probably more aware of his attitude than an a non Aussie. Secondly what does the name of the hotel have to do with it. I have stayed in probably 50 or 60 hotels in Thailand and can say with out a doubt, that of those with balconies, all have been too low. The height would not meet the standard of any other country. As for the "Armchair division" I thought "could have been pissed or high as a kite" pretty speculative. So wind in your neck turtle.

Edited August 8, 2016 by callaway
add more text

[ClutchClark]

22 minutes ago, callaway said:

A suicide verdict does not blemish the good name of Thailand. Ask TAT. Firstly having been a 25 year old Aussie I am probably more aware of his attitude than an a non Aussie. Secondly what does the name of the hotel have to do with it. I have stayed in probably 50 or 60 hotels in Thailand and can say with out a doubt, that of those with balconies, all have been too low. The height would not meet the standard of any other country. As for the "Armchair division" I thought "could have been pissed or high as a kite" pretty speculative. So wind in your neck turtle.

 

Solid post. Great insight.

 

Edited August 8, 2016 by ClutchClark