Calanen wrote on May 20
th, 2009 at 4:47pm:
No need to avoid Thailand.
Just avoid stupidity. Usually. These people in this situation were unlucky, and yes, foreigners always lose in Thailand. And elsewhere in Asia.
The lady that has been charged with taking that bar mat, argued angrily with a General in the Thai police. In front of his troops. Knowing the Asian psyche as I do, the only thing that was going to guarantee, was that she was nailed to the wall. She is going to have to apologise, profusely, to the General, and everyone else, unless she has some real good friends in Canberra.
Soldiers often have those friends in Canberra - doubt she will. One never knows.
Friday 22nd I listened to Micheal Smith on 4bc interview the owner of the Aussie bar (he is an Australian).
The owner said that there were a couple of off duty police in the bar at the time and saw the bar mat being nicked.
The cops chatted her but apparently she tried to do a runner but was quickly caught.
When they caught her she abused them and subsequently refused to sign any statement(s) which meant the matter could not proceed to court.
According to the bar owner, her problem was entirely of her own making. (silly arrogant cow)
I am all for expecting people who come to our country to obey our laws and have regard for our culture and I also think that it is an entirely reasonable requirement on us when we visit any other country.
If what the bar owner claimed is true, this woman can consider herself very lucky that a Thai official stuck his neck out for her but because of her lousy behaviour, other decent Australian tourists may face a tough time.
Cheers.