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#141
24-03-2008, 00:45
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Thais scramble to allay tourist fears after recent assaults
BANGKOK: The Thai police will hand out whistles to female tourists after the latest in a long series of periodic sexual assaults and killings on beaches and elsewhere in the country, officials said. "We will issue the whistles first in risky areas such as beaches, valleys, mountains, national parks, waterfalls and other risky spots," Choochart Suwannakom, commander of the national Tourist Police, said in an interview last week. While Thailand is generally safe for foreigners, recent sexual assaults and killings of foreign tourists have prompted embassies to issue warnings and have led to fears among Thai officials that the country's attractiveness as a tourist destination could suffer. Tourism is the biggest earner of foreign exchange for Thailand, bringing in more than $16 billion last year, accounting for as much as 6 percent of gross domestic product and generating the most jobs of any industry. Last week, the police arrested a 31-year-old laborer in the daytime stabbing death March 15 of a Swedish tourist, Hanna Backlund, 27, on a secluded beach in Phuket, one of the country's leading resort areas. The laborer, Akaradech Tangae, told the police that he had tried to rape Backlund but that "she resisted and I had to kill her," Reuters reported. Choochart played down the recent killings, saying, "I believe security in Thailand is better than in many other countries." He also said that some of the attacks were occasioned by the behavior of the women themselves. Under a front-page photograph of a Western woman in a skimpy bikini, The Bangkok Post quoted Choochart as saying, "They tend to choose a quiet spot away from other people, take off the bikini and sunbathe. That's when the attackers strike." The killing of Backlund was not the only incident of violence involving foreigners to make the news in recent days. On Saturday, a 24-year-old Indian tourist was stabbed to death while trying to break up a fight during the popular Full Moon party on Koh Phangan island. On Sunday, The Bangkok Post reported that the police had admitted failure in their investigation of the widely publicized killing in 2000 of Kirsty Jones, 24, a British backpacker who was strangled to death in a guest house in the northern province of Chiang Mai. "The murders come as a wake-up call for the authorities, who seem to show no concern about the shortage of investment in the tourism industry or the political will to improve the safety of tourists," the newspaper said. More than 14 million tourists visited Thailand last year, by an official count, and the number of arrivals continues to climb. But Thai tourism is an industry built on image - beaches, temples, elephants, smiles - and to threaten that image is considered a serious offense. When two fishermen were arrested in January 2006 for the rape and killing of a young British woman at Koh Samui, another of the country's leading resorts, the prime minister at the time, Thaksin Shinawatra, all but ordered their executions. "They have done huge damage to the country," he said. After receiving a death sentence just two weeks later, one of the men, Wichai Sonkhaoyai, 24, seemed to see his crime in the same light. "I apologize for ruining the country's image," he said. Tourist arrivals in Thailand can fall quickly, as they have in response to reports of bird flu, SARS and terrorist activity elsewhere in the region. The most notable setback in recent years was the tsunami of December 2004, which took the lives of more than 5,000 foreigners, mostly in and around Phuket. After each of these blows, tourism has recovered and resumed its growth. But two continuing problems have drawn travel warnings from foreign governments: a violent Muslim separatist insurgency in the southern provinces, and the danger of violent crime and sexual assault. On Tuesday, the State Department urged Americans to postpone travel to southern Thailand after a bomb attack on a hotel that is popular with foreigners. Two people were killed and 14 wounded. The travel warnings about assaults address themselves particularly to women. "We continue to receive reports of sexual offenses committed against foreign women and men," the British Embassy warns on its Web site. "Female travelers in particular should maintain a high state of personal awareness during their time in Thailand." Two other British women were raped in separate incidents in January 2006, the same month the woman was killed on Koh Samui island, the warning noted. Several killings of tourists have been reported in a little more than a year. In February 2007, two Russian women were shot to death while sitting in beach chairs at the popular beach resort of Pattaya. A 24-year-old laborer confessed to that crime, saying he had intended only to rob the women but "had to shoot them as they were yelling and screaming." A 32-year-old Israeli tourist was stabbed to death during the Full Moon festival in Koh Phangan last April. A gang of teenagers, including the son of a local politician, are the chief suspects. In November, a 27-year-old Japanese woman was robbed and stabbed to death while visiting the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai during the Loy Krathong water festival. The police say they are still investigating that killing. In January, a Canadian tourist was shot to death and his wife wounded in the early morning outside a pub in the northern city of Mae Hong Son. A policeman confessed to the shooting, but said he had acted in self-defense when the couple assaulted him. The Swedish tourist, Backlund, was stabbed to death while walking alone on a secluded beach far from residential areas. A police officer described the suspect as a peeping Tom who "loves to bring friends to this remote and quiet beach to look at naked tourists." The Phuket governor, Nilan Gallayanamit, promised to increase security. "This case has really hurt Phuket's reputation," he said. Source: International Herald Tribune
__________________
 Thai girl saying:"This my brother - not my boyfriend"...
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#142
24-03-2008, 01:09
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Yep, that confirmed what a bunch of people were saying already on this thread.
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#143
24-03-2008, 05:34
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I read that same article in the Bangkok Post listing (all?) the murders but I believe they have left out more than one. What about the Danish man and I quote from the Phuket Gazette:
Kathu Police are now treating as a murder case the death of Danish tourist Henrik Rasmussen, 47, whose body was discovered in a canal behind the Royal Paradise Hotel on February 7. Citing information from doctors at Patong Hospital who examined the body, Kathu Police Investigations Inspector Pol Capt Pratuang Pholmana told the Gazette he now believes Mr Rasmussen died seven to 10 days before his body was discovered. Capt Pratuang speculated that Mr Rasmussen died from two wounds caused by a sharp object: a five-centimeter laceration down to the bone on the back of the neck and a wound about 10cm long to the right arm pit. (End of quote). Wasn't there a Swedish man killed in Kata/Karon not too long ago or maybe that was just an assult? So much for indepth journalism!!!
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#144
24-03-2008, 18:35
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Swedish guy was out near the boxing camp at Rawai last year. Swiss guy in Kata out on his boat...but that was farang on farang. What about the Austrian end of 2006 chased down Bangla road by tuktuk drivers then somehow managed to fall on a knife several times by Soi Seadragon
__________________
Thai girl saying:"This my brother - not my boyfriend"...
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#146
25-03-2008, 11:07
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Special - Safety on Phuket beaches after the murder – views of government, businesses & tourists
To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews Not only natural beauty can attract tourists to visit any destination, but safety is one of the main factors contributing to travelers’ decisions. Our special report today takes a look at security and safety measures at Phuket’s busy Patong beach and quiet beach in Phuket. The island of Phuket is home to many spectacular beaches, some so popular and busy, some seductively hidden and undiscovered by those who are keen to explore the secrets of nature. Patong beach, for example is one of Phuket’s or even Thailand’s famous beaches for tourists around the world. Due to its diversity offered in sun sand sea, water sports and shopping plus its nightlife which is an excitement many don’t miss while visiting Phuket. Management is a key word for tourist destinations in order to accommodate large numbers of tourists and businesses. The Patong Municipality has been developing infrastructure and facilities to catch up with tourism growth. The 2004 tsunami experience led to local governments to learn that not only natural beauty is needed for tourists, but also they have to be secure and assured of safety plus a good environment. This is being recognized by the local administrators, like Pian Keesin, Patong Mayor. Apart from 3 early warning towers in case of any sign of natural disaster as precautionary measures, Patong also currently operates Closed Circuit Televisions or CCTVs at 16 locations on 3 major roads Thaweewong, Rat-Utit and PhraBaramee. The equipment helps police to monitor traffic and crime as the Kathu police superintendent Pol. Col. Krissak Song-moon-naak, who oversees Patong area, explains: "The CCTV system currently operational is one of the very first systems introduced. We use it for traffic plus for security. The technology then needs to improve as it can show traffic accidents with duty officers each shift to control or monitor the operation." In addition, the police are receiving another 4 million baht funding from Patong Municipality to have 10 more CCTVs to cover more areas. The equipment is reported to be more hi-tech and the public will be able to access the camera views via the Internet. Patong mayor confirms its emphasis on supporting the operator. "One main issue is safety. The municipality invests some money to obstruct any crime activities to enable police to locate wrong doers." On the other hand, the 10 kilometre long Mai Khao beach, located just north of Phuket airport is relatively quiet and peaceful at several points like the area near the campsite far from big hotels and more resorts being built elsewhere. Tourists used to compliment it saying it is like paradise as a small local bungalow operator, Mon-si-karn Ruck-rang-si-man-suk told us: "Most guests say this is paradise and we provide equally special services to each client." The more private the more remote it gets, may sometimes lead to more need for safety, as the recent murder on Mai Khao illustrated. Manote Chupak, advisor to the Phuket Tourism and Sports Centre agrees with the idea of local participation in monitoring tourist safety: "We need to establish more networks & have local villagers participate in taking care of tourists." On the government side, the Tourism and Sports Minister, Mr Weerasak Kow-su-rat, on his recent visit to Phuket, sought cooperation from local authorities to install new measures. He stressed that in some areas beaches can be quiet and remote so more beach guards are needed. At the same time, the Ministry is introducing whistles for tourists as a tool to seek help in case of emergencies especially violence against women, as he showed us: Finally let’s hear some comments by (Swedish & Slovakian) tourists on Kata beach to hear what they think of safety here on Phuket’s & nearby beaches: Special report for Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Tuesday 25 March 2008 & สำนักข่าว กรมประชาสัมพันธ์......ThaisNews ประจำวันอังคารที่ 25 มีนาคม 2551
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#147
25-03-2008, 13:37
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Considering how remote that area was where she was killed, I'm thinking that murder could have happened anywhere in the world if the right guy saw her and saw the opportunity of the crime.
Perhaps some tourists have a false image of the safety in LOS with the gentle Thai people and they are leaving common sense at home.I know when I first got here I was enamoured with the Thais and had a false sense of security...now I know that there can be evil lurking behind that smile. People who come here for a 2 week vacation probably have no idea how dangerous it can be. Maybe there is some way they can be warned in their home country before they come here...by their government or the travel agent to exercise basic security...not easy I know as they don't want to affect tourism negatively but I don't think the Thai whistle scheme will address the issue properly. One thing I wonder about is I thought it was common knowledge that being topless on a beach in Thailand is taboo. Every time I go to patong beach, I see farang women running around topless(THE HORROR) and I wonder why. Have they not been told not to be topless? Have they been told and they just don't respect the Thai customs? Do they even know they are in a 3rd world country and they have basically no rights here? Perhaps a small tourist pamphlet as people leave the plane explaining that Thais dress modestly and Thailand isn't completely safe blah blah blah.
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#148
25-03-2008, 14:13
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I really wish they would cover up too...most are horrible sights. It's funny sometimes when you take a Thai lady to the beach how shy they are about changing into beachwear and wearing a bikini and how horrified they are when they see the farang women topless, "why they show like that?" "farang lady not good show her body like that". Mind you, there was an absolutely stunning...Italian I think...lady on Surin beach a few weeks ago with "11 out of 10" breasts and obviously very proud of them 
__________________
Thai girl saying:"This my brother - not my boyfriend"...
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#149
26-03-2008, 07:40
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but i think the farnag lady may have one up on her when they wonder how she can sell her body for sex
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#150
26-03-2008, 11:24
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So when you see a Thai lady on the beach, you assume she is selling her body for sex? I wouldn't want to assume that.
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#151
26-03-2008, 12:00
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__________________
Life may not always be the party you thought it would be, but since we are here, we may as well dance.
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#152
26-03-2008, 13:36
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no, but if we are talking about being judgemental, i would say 70% of the female population in Patong probably should steer clear of it the whole glass house, rocks thing going on 55555
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#153
26-03-2008, 13:37
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oh my god, that must have been pretty crazy to be so close to that good on you trying to help
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#154
26-03-2008, 16:06
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LOL exactly
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#155
26-03-2008, 17:26
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This sounds like somebody whose visits to Thailand have been limited to girly bars and thinks Thailand is just a big *****house. Let me remind you that prostitution is quite common in every western country also...so the question of how a woman can sell her body for sex isn't limited to Thailand, whereas the point about respect for the Thai culture of no public nudity IS.
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#156
26-03-2008, 17:55
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He said Patong beach... And if you want to be pedantic he was referring to the ladies LOS accompanied to Patong beach !!
Now I dont want to be nasty to Rex here.. But I would lay long odds that no one (Thai female) Rex has taken to Patong Beach to wear a bikini, has not at some point in the past sold her virtue.. Wanna take the bet ??
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Men have only 2 emotional states, hungry and horny.. So ladies, if you see me without an erection, make me a sandwich.
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#157
26-03-2008, 18:32
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Yes, I do want to be pedantic and no I do not want to take the bet. I guess you know much more about these guys than I do so I'll assume they'd be with a P4P lady. I've been to Patong beach with my Thai GF and she's not a prostitute but I guess she would be seen as one by anybody on the beach because she's with a farang and that's what bothers me...the myopic view of "she must be a ***** because she's with a farang". I personally don't think every lady Thai on the beach is a prostitute any more than any guy with a towel on his head is a terrorist. That's why I don't think the argument of a farang lady being topless is justified because she's on a beach with prostitutes. What about respect for the Thai culture? Would the same farang lady be ok going topless on a public beach in Thailand in an area where there are no prostitutes? So it's ok to disrespect the Thai culture if you are around Thai prostitutes? So you think it's ok for a farang lady to go topless(THE HORROR) on Patong beach?
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#158
26-03-2008, 18:44
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Oh, every one I have taken to the beach has sold her virtue at a price! What I was pointing out was their funny reactions sometimes when they see topless farang women considering they themselves wear next to nothing at the bars and gogos.
__________________
Thai girl saying:"This my brother - not my boyfriend"...
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#159
26-03-2008, 19:04
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I just noticed that the word ***** is censored on here. Is that a joke? Why can't I say *****?
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#160
26-03-2008, 20:37
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[quote=ChoakMyDee;456860] I've been to Patong beach with my Thai GF and she's not a prostitute but I guess she would be seen as one by anybody on the beach because she's with a farang and that's what bothers me...the myopic view of "she must be a ***** because she's with a farang".
i agree mostly but, her demeanour, style of language, mode of dress, your manner, etc, would tell most people other than newbs, infrequent flyers, family tourists, what her background is. for an opportunistic crime, for a unworldy man in a male dominated society, where women arent too high on the ladder, a single farang female exposing her body on a secluded beach is a prime target for attack if its in his mind. ask most tgs, from outside the bar environment to show her shoulders on a beach and the answer would most likely be a resounding no, showing their shoulders outside their family area is also not on, let alone in public areas.
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everything is for sale in thailand its just how they package it
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#161
26-03-2008, 20:48
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Respect for Thai culture......well this is where we get into the whole glass houses thing again.....it has been said earlier by Lil .... things are tolerated in parts of Phuket and certain other parts of Thailand that are completely against Thai culture. They are tolerated primarily because of money (because we the rude people have it).....and many Thai's do find these tolerated things offensive.....should we follow All Thai culture or not is a big question. We could start a list of all the offensive things done by us foreigners while here and it would be a long list. Topless sun bathing, prostitution and any P4P , public displays of affection, appropriate financial support, girlfriend courting rules, public confrontation, raising ones voice, calling a lie a lie, wrong clothes at temples, all things temple related, touching heads, bribery protocols, the Royal protocols, this would go on and on and on.....and we would all be guilty. These 'areas' are like they are because Thais see the financial benefit of it to them.....and they put up with us being so crass....but to point fingers at who is not respecting Thai culture 'the most' in a place like Phuket.......I think we can safely say EVERYONE who has been here has got it wrong at times. Should every Thai cultural custom be adhered to fully by all......If it was, Phuket would be one unpopulated ... dare i say dull....place. (please excuse my shocking spelling )
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