webfact Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 British journalist carrying flak jacket plates charged with arms possession in Bangkok BANGKOK (Reuters) - A British journalist was charged with arms possession on Tuesday after being arrested at a Thai airport for checking in flak jacket plates and gas masks, standard equipment for media heading into war zones and other hostile environments. Anthony Cheng, 46, and German freelance journalist Florian Witulski were detained at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, before they could board a flight to Iraq via Turkey for an assignment for China-based broadcaster CCTV English. Thailand's Arms Control Act stipulates that gas masks and ballistic vests are war weapons and those carrying them need a licence. In August 2015, a Hong Kong photojournalist was arrested at the same airport for carrying body armour and a helmet. Charges were later dropped. Cheng was carrying three gas masks and four plates for safety vests, said Somchart Maneerat, a police investigator. "He faces a charge of unlicensed possession of war weapons," Somchart told Reuters, adding that he faced up to five years in prison if found guilty. Cheng was released on bail of 100,000 baht ($2,930) on Tuesday. Witulski, 31, was released early on Tuesday. Witulski told Reuters the men were not aware that licences were required for the safety gear. "The plates were loose and were taken as check-in baggage, as we have done before many times," Witulski said, adding that he and Cheng had travelled to Iraq and Afghanistan several times carrying plates, without being stopped by Thai authorities. The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand urged Thai authorities to drop the charge against Cheng, saying it has offered to work with the government to allow journalists to carry protective equipment. "Under the present implementation of the 1987 law, they are presented with an invidious choice: break Thai law or increase the risk to life and limb," the body said in a statement. "It is worth recalling that two foreign journalists were killed in the violence in Bangkok in 2010; both might have survived had they been wearing body armour." In 2010, Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto and Italian freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi were shot dead, while covering clashes between anti-government protesters and Thai troops in the capital. ($1=34.15 baht) (Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat, Amy Sawitta Lefevre, and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Nick Macfie and Clarence Fernandez) -- © Copyright Reuters 2017-06-01 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmacee Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 No understanding ..only bloody minded money spinning opportunity ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Deerhunter Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 What price common sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunBENQ Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Common sense in Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 What price common sense?I rather suspect that "price" is the most relevant factor... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 They will cut their own throats. when this sort of stupidity gets about then those who have to travel on business will simply stop transiting through Bangkok.There are, if you will forgive the term, other hubs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kabula Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 This article reminded me why I no longer fly! Most everything can be considered a weapon! Even a rolled up newspaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitman Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 So if i bring steel plates which fit in pockets of my jacket i will get arrested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chainarong Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Maybe came to cover a student up rising.................................................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hansnl Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 45 minutes ago, Kabula said: This article reminded me why I no longer fly! Most everything can be considered a weapon! Even a rolled up newspaper. And it is, just like a book, a box of matches, a plastic fork (very nasty). That said, I rather think journalists travelling to war zones, and only changing planes, should not be arrested for possession of "war weapons". But who am I? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emster23 Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 In case any one was wondering what "beyond stupid" would be like, this example should suffice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prbkk Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 And this in a country in which any number of street vendors could provide switchblade knives, samurai swords, those ninja star things and the chains with swinging handles ( sounds like numbskull chuckers?). Probably still can provide them if you ask nicely and pay enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 No doubt a orice will be suggested.And the geese (that lay the golden eggs) will shuffle nearer the abattoir entrance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhizBang Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 How can carrying PROTECTIVE gear (vest/gas mask) be considered a war WEAPON? Thai stupidity at it's finest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeupplease Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 One way of bringing much needed cash into the country, The bib do very little to contain the horrifying local crime that is increasing by the day yet arrest two guys in transit who are reporters off to a war zone who need the items to help them stay a bit safer if that is possible there. Totally nuts and brain dead, you get more sense talking to a brick wall that some of the idiots who run the country. Treat stupid as stupid, better still sit back and laugh at their childish actions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeupplease Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 29 minutes ago, WhizBang said: How can carrying PROTECTIVE gear (vest/gas mask) be considered a war WEAPON? Thai stupidity at it's finest. How wold they know anyhow, never been involved in one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prbkk Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 1 hour ago, Emster23 said: In case any one was wondering what "beyond stupid" would be like, this example should suffice Yes, spot on...even in this hub of dumb decisions this one is a doozy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowboat Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Control freaks who are brain dead. They are defensive. How are they a war weapon more so than a car or truck ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YetAnother Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 absolutely pathetic; if i knew what i now know about this place.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just.a.thought Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 It makes no sense at all...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stargeezr Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 These people are journilists and headed for Iraq, so why are they getting charged in Thailand? Does Thailand not know that there is fighting going on in Iraq, Syria, Libya etc. Get out of the stone age Thailand and into the 21 century with the rest of us. Silly people Geezer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeupplease Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 6 hours ago, YetAnother said: absolutely pathetic; if i knew what i now know about this place.... You would never have entered its borders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hathairat2711 Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Quentin SommervilleVerified account @sommervillebbc 1h1 hour ago More Thanks to @FCCThai : body armour is essential & Thailand shouldn't prosecute journos for having it. @TLCBkk @vaitor @nikcam12 @pakhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Na Lee Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Hoorray Party Time again another sucker will pay that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roamer Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 I suppose there is some kind of logic to body armour being illegal. However, only in countries where it is sometimes necessary to shoot the populace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surangw Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 considered a military munitions item, not allowed to import or export. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laab Muu Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 It's like going to Kentucky and carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket, you just wouldn't have known it was illegal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salerno Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 2 hours ago, roamer said: I suppose there is some kind of logic to body armour being illegal. However, only in countries where it is sometimes necessary to shoot the populace. Like certain areas of Australia? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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