 |
|
|
#1
26-05-2007, 23:13
|
||||
|
||||
|
What is it like to be a Thai Private Eye?
Revised version...
"What is it like to be a Thai Private Eye?" I have lost count of how many times people have asked me that question! They ask… "Is it fun?" I would not exactly say it is fun, but it certainly is enjoyable. "Is it exciting?" It can be exciting or extremely boring it depends upon your personal outlook. But one thing is for sure, it is challenging! "What exactly is it do you do?" We try to find out the truth! Sometimes we spend long hours maybe even several days of mind numbing boredom hanging round for the subject to appear. Sometimes, we work in uncomfortable environments, long hot sticky nights, and even longer hotter sweat drenched days… When you need to go to the toilet, you try your best to hold it in, because you can be sure that after 8hrs watching and waiting once you take your eyes off site, the subject will move and you’ve missed them... So then you spend countless wasted hours not knowing if you are in fact the subject is still there. That is why I try to insist on at least 2 operatives on any surveillance! And then all of a sudden, BINGO! The subject comes into sight and the action starts… The adrenalin rush is intense! Everything is in place and should go according to plan. But then to complicate matters the subject does something you had not calculated into the equation and that is when all the training pays off. Maybe! The need to improvise and think on the run is a pre-requisite in this job. Sometimes you can rock up to a job and it kicks off right on schedule. One just never knows. Either way the adrenaline rush is like nothing you can ever imagine. The exhilaration of the chase is almost as good as sex!... I said almost! In a strange sort of way I love it and yet I also hate it… I love it when things go according it plan. I hate it when it goes tits up, especially through no fault of our own. Being a PI anywhere in the world is not an easy job. But operating in Thailand is a whole different ball game. The heat and the humidity will drain your energy very quickly. Even just sitting in a vehicle for a few hours with the windows up and no Air Con is exhausting! Just try it… You may ask why no Air Con? Answer: So as not to get noticed… You can’t really sit in a (supposedly empty) vehicle with the engine running for hours on end and remain unnoticed… Neighbors, passers by, kids, even dogs will notice you with the engine running… And if the soi dogs know you are in there they will hang around on the off chance you have some food for them… Unless they are dodging Tuk Tuk’s… The most important thing to remember is to continually drink lots and lots of water or you will start to dehydrate even before you know it… And you also need a good strong bladder as you can’t keep getting out to take a piss! So we use large necked ( ) empty 6 Liter bottles of water for the run off. But it is not that easy having to piss sitting down in the dark! You would be surprised just how much water you can store up in your bladder… Also, it’s best to pass on the spicy food a few days before you go out on a job. Your partner in crime may not appreciate you farting in a confined space… If you are a smoker then forget going on covert surveillance! That is the fun of being inside a vehicle! Then there is the excitement of being out in the open! It is great if you like being eaten alive by mosquitoes, or maybe bitten by a diseased, flea ridden soi dog with a bad attitude! Or being accosted by all sorts of Bar Girls, Beggars, Drug Pushers, Lady Boys, Pickpockets, Scroungers, Thieves and general Degenerate Scum who think that just because you are hanging around a street corner at 04:00am you are looking for some action! We have been offered all manner of things in the early hours when all we really want is to be tucked up in a nice cool air conditioned room in a nice big bed with cold crisp cotton sheets and a nice warm girl… Don’t even ask about Go-Go bars and Beer bars… They are no fun either. It’s no fun just sitting there (sober) looking out for a particular girl when you keep getting distracted by even better looking girls who want you to take them home... But you can’t take one home because you’re on somebody else’s dime and they are paying you to be there in a professional capacity. I am sure some of the girls think I am gay! Stop! Don't even go there! Maybe when I sell up and retire I will make it a hobby to visit Go-Go bars for fun. But for now I have to pay the rent. The point I am trying to get across here is that some of you may imagine that we have the Magnum PI life style but the reality is that it's bloody hard work and long hours. Having said all that, there is a lot of satisfaction when it all comes together and you achieve the results you set out to achieve. Finally, as members of this forum, you are all entitled to a 10% discount on all services. I look forward to helping BM’s who need general advice or assistance to find the truth. I am also very busy so if I don't access this forum as often as some folks then please cut me some slack! You can always contact me direct on: charles@thaiprivateeye.com If there are any questions or comments (positive or negative) please feel free to post here I have no problems with openness and honesty... TPE II CR. Ps. Do not kill the messenger! Last edited by Thaiprivateeye : 27-05-2007 at 13:12. Reason: Revised version of original post! 
|
| Guest Info |
|
+:+:+ Forum Headquarter +:+:+ |
|
#2
27-05-2007, 00:02
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
He got Nicke's permission to start a thread , but agree that 'giving something back' may be a good idea.  Quote:
__________________
Member of Phuket Hash House Harriers
|
|
#3
27-05-2007, 00:14
|
||||
|
||||
|
No problemo...
No problemo...
I did make an offer of a 10% discount to members, but I supose I could also add to that. I will wait for the boss to get back to me. In the mean time I will remove the offending post... TPE II CR.
|
|
#4
27-05-2007, 08:11
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
why dont you tell us and stop playing games believe me, I assure you if you do it honestly on here and become part of this board, your PM box will get full in no time for your services although no one will admit to inquiring about your services 
|
|
#5
27-05-2007, 13:19
|
||||
|
||||
Hi all,
Upon reflection the original post was bit too long winded. I am new here and I don't want to rattle anyones cage just yet! I think the revised version above should pass muster. Questions anyone? TPE II CR
|
|
#6
27-05-2007, 17:39
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Well I don't need to use your services, but I am interested as the cost of having a person under surveillance for say a 24hr period. It need not be down to the last Baht, but just a ball park figure. Maybe this is on other BMs minds as well, so I'll ask
__________________
If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat? Last edited by dawsey : 27-05-2007 at 17:56.
|
|
#7
27-05-2007, 17:50
|
||||
|
||||
|
Shouldn't this thread be moved to............What do you do for work?
|
|
#8
27-05-2007, 17:56
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
No Craig. TPE has a thread of his own here, with Nickes blessing, to explain the goings on of PI work. Hopefully he will expand on the details later.
__________________
If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat?
|
|
#9
27-05-2007, 20:30
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
__________________
Help support a Pattaya orphanage
www.OrphanKids.COM
|
|
#10
27-05-2007, 21:29
|
||||
|
||||
|
Cost for surveillance!
Quote:
Hi Dawsey, I have to admit that we have only ever run a few round the clock 24hr surveillance operations. They are bloody hard work!  Most jobs are for 4 - 8 job hours duration per day at the critical times, as normally we have a rough idea of a subject habits and movements, especially if they are in a hotel/bar/club setting or even their own residence. But we are set up for round the clock 24hr surveillance if the need arises. Like most service organizations we charge by the hour. It keeps it simple. Starting at 700 THB per job hour for one (1) operative and increasing by 500 THB per job hour per person after that in direct relation to the amount of personal required. This includes all administration costs such as preparation of reports, editing digital video footage into action clips, cleaning up digital still photographs and reducing same (very time consuming) this is to enable us to compile a daily job report and email this to the client. Plus any other follow up such as shipping the original material burned on DVD to anywhere in the world via courier. Therefore, the overall cost varies upon the complexity of the operation and is dependant upon many things. But most important is the amount of personal assets (manpower) we may need to apply to achieve the desired objective. If the subject is static and we have an established rout plan and fixed mode of transport that the subject uses, then we may just need one 2 man team… Rotating every 4 hrs or sooner if they become compromised. But if the subject is on the move, then we may need 3 or 4 operatives or more. This is the normal operational requirement for mobile surveillance companies worldwide! If you can imagine following a subject from their home in a vehicle, at a minimum we need both a vehicle (maybe two) and a motorbike so as not to lose them in traffic. Especially in Bangkok! That is a least 4 people 2 in the car and 2 on the bike… Drivers and spotters… If the subject gets out of sight of our lead vehicle but is still in view of our motorbike then one would think that all is ok. Not necessarily as the subjects vehicle may enter one of many elevated roadways that are forbidden to motorbikes then we have lost them. Obviously the more people (vehicles) we use the less chance of losing the subject. This is not Television and we don’t work to a script. Each operative works a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 8 hrs. After that their attention to detail and their powers of observation are diminished due to the stressful nature of the job. So even for a typical 24 hr round the clock surveillance we may need more than 6 - 8 people and the logistics for that are quite challenging. Then, there may be additional expenses to consider such as: Hotel or accommodation costs, dependant upon the location of the operation. Entry fees to clubs, or expenses in restaurants, bars, etc, in the pursuit of the subject. Transportation if the subject moves; fuel, road tolls, flights, train, boat, food and beverages etc … But we do charge these at cost which is easily verified. So you see it not so easy to calculate a simple job cost as there are no simple jobs, and it must be done independently. Professional services are not cheap. It all depends upon how important the truth is to the individual. In the long term it may even save the person a small fortune… Or if we are fortunate to get a result then it could save my cliet a large Fortuna! Forgive the pun. I hope I have answered your question. TPE II CR. Last edited by Thaiprivateeye : 27-05-2007 at 21:56. Reason: To correct grammatical errors...
|
|
#11
27-05-2007, 21:50
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Hi MrDK, I don't like to quote statistics as I only see with the "problem cases" but let me just say. Where there is smoke (no pun intended) there is fire! I think it is generally accepted and well documented that a majority of girls go back to bar work when they have been busted, or when their relationships end, as this may be the only way they have of supporting their extended families. Some even go back to the bar before their relationship’s even has a chance to flourish. This is for many reasons not only money. But that is also covered in many threads. We very rarely follow up on old cases because (a) I have no personal interest in doing so (b) because my client moves on and invariably finds another new love… Very few clients want to open old wounds… As far as real life story’s are concerned they are plastered all over the forums by the various board members (dare I say victims) and there are sooo many books out there. But for the truth of factual case histories then you can do no better than to check out "Confessions of a Bangkok Private Eye"... If I tell all here then there will be less material for the movie deal…  TPE II. CR.
|
|
#12
27-05-2007, 22:28
|
|||
|
|||
|
Jeeez, this is just odd to me..........I hope your company have all the right papers to do that kind of work........I have no Idea what's legal or not in Thailand, but to interfere with peoples privat life might be off the limit....
This is not like US-and their silly cheater reality stuff, I hope  Geir
|
|
#13
27-05-2007, 22:37
|
||||
|
||||
|
I used TPE some time ago, (at the beginning of a current relationship).
I mainly wanted verification of marital status, children, ex husband, and the identity of a couple of cellphone numbers. (I had copped a couple of numbers from her cell phone..."who the hell is she calling all the time?". Yeah, a little private eye stuff myself.5555)  Turns out, she was truthfull, regarding her family status and marital situation. The phone numbers (many calls to these), turned out to be he "mom, and her (real) "sister". The services that I'd requested, were handled in a prompt and professional manner. A little bit on the expensive side....but, I guess you get what you pay for. I was pleased with the service...and relieved to know the TRUTH. (I guess we're all a little skeptical, of TG's stories) Pablo 
|
|
#14
27-05-2007, 23:18
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Dear Geir, Thank you for your concern. We would not be in business very long if we were not operating within the law. We only ever record video and photographic evidence outside in the public domain. We do not enter people’s private homes or hotel rooms. We do not record audio without the subject’s knowledge and specific permission. We do not plant any listening devices anywhere. We do not fabricate any false information. We do not confront anyone about their actions. We do not pass judgment on any person/persons we investigate. We do not publish (sensationalize) our cases as they do in the program you mentioned. We do uncover lies and deceit. If I am guilty of anything then that is it. TPE II CR.
|
|
#15
28-05-2007, 06:33
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
Sounds good... at least everything is done the 'right way'. Still glad a lot of my barowner and expat friends that probably could make a lot of money from these kind of investigation stays away from it......... Anyway, sounds like you are buissy, and that means people want your services... Geir
|
|
#16
28-05-2007, 21:19
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Hi Geir, No disrespect, but I believe that you (and many others) just do not realize what being a PI in Thailand or anywhere else entails. I can fully understand why though, as most people have never been involved in the PI business. They get their opinions from TV programs, which are very entertaining, but also a load of bollocks most of the time. This is one reason I wanted to address this issue on this forum in this thread: "What is it like to be a Thai Private Eye?" Before I get flamed, I do realize that it is also an excellent way to spread the word about our services, and may be perceived as "advertising" but I also think that I can enlighten some Board Members, while at the same time entertain them and maybe make some new contacts... If the Mod’s don't agree then I am sure they will let me know... Please remember, it is not just a matter of walking into a Go-GO Bar and drinking a coke while getting paid to watch naked girls dance round a chrome pole… Those jobs are few and far between… Pity really…  I can’t stress it enough… Being a PI requires a lot of self discipline, training, hard work and above all dedication. Believe it or not, I have found that some of the best investigators are Thai females. Thai females as (we all know) they are very observant, very street wise and they don’t miss a trick… Plus they blend into almost any situation. Whereas A Thai male may only be useful in certain situations, but a good intelligent well trained Thai operative is invaluable in this business. Most of the time we are working at unsociable hours and in uncomfortable working conditions. One must remain on the ball all the time and not lose concentration or you won’t achieve the objective. This was also explained in my previous posts. Yes we are quite busy. But as far as making lots of money is concerned I wish! Maybe when I sell the movie rights I will make some money. When one considers the amount of money it takes to kit just one operative out, it is easy to see that there is a lot of investment needed just like any other business. Then there is also the (so called) competition to consider… To stay at the top of the game you have to be much better than the competition. We have to produce results and to produce results you have to be dedicated and committed. It's no use being a school teacher or an E-bay internet marketing executive during the week, and then trying to be a PI at the weekend. That just does not cut it. Just like any professional business you have to give the Private Investigation business 101% effort! I have never owned a bar, but I know for a fact that it is a lot of work and long hours. So even if your friends had prior experience (that's a must) I sincerely doubt that any professional "Bar Owners" would have the time or the inclination to get involved in this business. Remember they would have to live, work and mix socially in the same small close knit community that they would be investigating... Plus it would be way too dangerous for them. I think that may lead to a few more unexplained suicides from balconies if they piss the wrong person off! In my opinion, it would also be unethical to investigate ones close associates, employees and friends. Unless it is directly related to ones business or personal life, and then they may be biased in their own opinion, so it really is not a good idea to shit on ones own doorstep. In this job you have to be a loner. You have to choose your close friends and associates very carefully as your safety may very well depend on their discretion. It is not helpful to have some drunken prat shout across a crowded bar. “Hey there’s my mate Thai Private Eye! How are you TPE still spying on bar girls? Come and have a drink with us then!” This has happened in the past and it really pissed me off! Some people simply fail to understand that this is not a game! This is real life, dealing with real life sometimes real dangerous situations. So if anyone out there gets a buzz out of danger then (with some training and a lot of money) this may be the job for you. But don’t expect to get rich… But I for one love the job…. TPE II. CR.
|
|
#17
28-05-2007, 21:23
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Hi Alfie, Sorry, we don't have any positions open at the moment. But if you want to send me an email to charles@thaiprivateeye.com I would be more than willing to discuss this matter with you in private. TPE II. CR
|
|
#18
28-05-2007, 21:38
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Quote:
|
|
#19
28-05-2007, 22:15
|
||||
|
||||
|
I would be interested to know what percentage of clients contact you after having had a long term relationship,(at least 2 years +) compared to guys that fall in love with a bargirl (and usually start sending money) after 2 weeks ?
|
