A lot of Canadians in the news lately in Thailand

[mike_boogie]

Canadian killed by Thai police officer
Associated Press

January 6, 2008 at 10:20 PM EST

BANGKOK — A Thai police officer fatally shot a Canadian man and wounded his pregnant companion during a scuffle outside a bar in northern Thailand, authorities said Monday.

The officer told investigators the shooting was an accident but he was charged with premeditated murder, said police Col. Sombat Panya of Pai district in northern Mae Hong Son.

John Leo Del Pinto, 25, died early Sunday of two gunshot wounds — one to the face and one to the torso — and his partner, Carly Reisig, also of Canada, was in hospital with a bullet wound in her body, Col. Sombat said.

Their hometowns were not immediately known, Col. Sombat said.

The couple, who had rented a home in the town Mae Hong Son, were drinking at a bar in Pai and began arguing, Col. Sombat said, citing witnesses.

Outside the bar, their argument turned physical and when a police officer tried to intervene the couple attacked him, Col. Sombat said.

The officer, Sgt. Uthai Dechawiwat, told investigators Mr. Del Pinto tried to grab his pistol and the gun “accidentally went off” three times, Col. Sombat said.

However, Sgt. Uthai was charged with premeditated murder for Mr. Del Pinto's death and with “intent to kill” in connection with Ms. Reisig, Col. Sombat said. Sgt. Uthai was released on bail.

The couple had rented a home in Mae Hong Son, on the border with Myanmar, for several years but took regular trips in and out of Thailand to extend shot-term tourist visas, Col. Sombat said.

[Dingo's]

Extremely skeptical of this one, that's for sure. What are the odds that all 3 shots that "accidentally went off" hit two different victims of which were the ones involved in the scuffle? hmmm.........

[sishow]

25yr old who can afford to rent a house for several years. 3 shots fired at two people. Been charged with premeditated murder already.

Something tells me there were in "business" together!

[Dodger]

Good bit of deducerising Si, might think about sending you few pm's now!!

[sishow]

Originally Posted by Dodger

Good bit of deducerising Si, might think about sending you few pm's now!!

And unlike Columbo, I have two proper hands aswell.

[ChoakMyDee]

How the hell did they stay for years by doing tourist visa runs?

[MadNomad]

seems like "the big wheel" keeps turning....Karma's a *****