RIP King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Oct 16, 2016, 3:17 am
#61
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
I don't believe so, based on past actions. However, it is not bailable, so count on a multi-month stay if you're arrested for same, particularly now. And, of course, you would be taken into custody on your next entry into Thailand as a number of people have discovered. The info is in the immigration computers.
A different approach might be simply to respect the grief of the Thais during this difficult time and not try to push the envelope, the same as you would for a neighbor at home who suffered such a loss and was in mourning.
A different approach might be simply to respect the grief of the Thais during this difficult time and not try to push the envelope, the same as you would for a neighbor at home who suffered such a loss and was in mourning.
Oct 16, 2016, 3:25 am
#62
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: EK Pleb
Posts: 246
Under Thailand’s Extradition Act 2251 (2008), a Lese-Majeste offence could potentially be extraditable. It qualifies in so far that it’s considered by the Thai Authorities to be a serious criminal act and the penalty is greater than one year (potentially up to 15 years).
Thailand has extradition treaties with 14 countries including the USA, UK and a number of EU countries but this doesn't stop them from applying for the extradition of someone in a country with whom they don't have a treaty.
Although Thailand might apply for the extradition of an individual from an overseas country, it would be up to the Court within that country to decide if that extradition warrant should be exercised based upon the information that has been provided with the warrant.
Even if they were able to identify the person, I personally think that it’s unlikely that the Thai Authorities would go down the extradition route for a Lese-Majeste offence committed by someone outside of Thailand.
Most likely the individual’s ‘tag’ would be placed on a database which is used to monitor internet traffic. Should that individual come to Thailand and use that ‘tag’ whilst they are in Thailand it would be flagged up together with the IP address that they used. It would then be a simple matter of a 5am knock on the door.
Thailand has extradition treaties with 14 countries including the USA, UK and a number of EU countries but this doesn't stop them from applying for the extradition of someone in a country with whom they don't have a treaty.
Although Thailand might apply for the extradition of an individual from an overseas country, it would be up to the Court within that country to decide if that extradition warrant should be exercised based upon the information that has been provided with the warrant.
Even if they were able to identify the person, I personally think that it’s unlikely that the Thai Authorities would go down the extradition route for a Lese-Majeste offence committed by someone outside of Thailand.
Most likely the individual’s ‘tag’ would be placed on a database which is used to monitor internet traffic. Should that individual come to Thailand and use that ‘tag’ whilst they are in Thailand it would be flagged up together with the IP address that they used. It would then be a simple matter of a 5am knock on the door.
Oct 16, 2016, 5:10 am
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Most joint extradition treaties stipulate that applicable crimes must be recognized in both countries. As most countries do not have lese majeste laws, extradition is not possible.
Thai authorities occasionally rattle their sabers, both to threaten political opponents and to whip up the ultra-royalists, saying they will lodge protests with foreign governments but nothing ever comes from this.
There has been at least one '5:00 AM case'; that of Thai-born American citizen Joe Gordon who was arrested during a trip back to Thailand (as much by accident - he was not arrested upon arrival, and it was not a result of some sophisticated IP address monitoring), and ended up serving 2 1/2 years.
Ultra-royalists have even threatened charging the U.S. Ambassador with lese majeste, apparently unaware that such a threat is itself a violation of the lese majeste law as Ambassadors serve with the endorsement of court of Chakri, as approved by the King.
Thai authorities occasionally rattle their sabers, both to threaten political opponents and to whip up the ultra-royalists, saying they will lodge protests with foreign governments but nothing ever comes from this.
There has been at least one '5:00 AM case'; that of Thai-born American citizen Joe Gordon who was arrested during a trip back to Thailand (as much by accident - he was not arrested upon arrival, and it was not a result of some sophisticated IP address monitoring), and ended up serving 2 1/2 years.
Ultra-royalists have even threatened charging the U.S. Ambassador with lese majeste, apparently unaware that such a threat is itself a violation of the lese majeste law as Ambassadors serve with the endorsement of court of Chakri, as approved by the King.
Oct 16, 2016, 5:46 am
#64
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Today was the first day I spent outside the neighborhood for any length of time. Today is a Buddhist holiday, Wan Awk Phansa , the last day of Lent.
All clothing/fashion shops display only black clothing in the windows.
Uni Qlo, H & M were mobbed. Most people have some black clothes, specifically for mourning ceremonies, but most do not have enough for a month, or year. I certainly do not. Obviously poor people, and immigrant laborers, cannot be expected to get a whole new wardrobe. I think all government employees, and there are millions, have to wear black for the full year. Not sure how deep into the semi- and private employee pool this will extend but suspect no one will want to be subject to judgment. Uniforms are de rigueur here for many.
Most web-sites and apps are in black and white.
The color on the cable TV channels is muted, not entirely black and white, but unsaturated. The Dodgers and Cubs uniforms look mostly grey/black rather than blue.
I'm guessing that movies shown in cinemas would not be similarly impacted?
AFAIK, alcohol sales may be prohibited through Monday. Not sure about beyond, but I would expect bars to be quiet (no music allowed), and maybe early closing times, like 9:00 - 10:00 PM? Obviously this is uncharted territory, and there will be some variations.
The nightly mourning ceremony is interesting to watch.
All clothing/fashion shops display only black clothing in the windows.
Uni Qlo, H & M were mobbed. Most people have some black clothes, specifically for mourning ceremonies, but most do not have enough for a month, or year. I certainly do not. Obviously poor people, and immigrant laborers, cannot be expected to get a whole new wardrobe. I think all government employees, and there are millions, have to wear black for the full year. Not sure how deep into the semi- and private employee pool this will extend but suspect no one will want to be subject to judgment. Uniforms are de rigueur here for many.
Most web-sites and apps are in black and white.
The color on the cable TV channels is muted, not entirely black and white, but unsaturated. The Dodgers and Cubs uniforms look mostly grey/black rather than blue.
I'm guessing that movies shown in cinemas would not be similarly impacted?
AFAIK, alcohol sales may be prohibited through Monday. Not sure about beyond, but I would expect bars to be quiet (no music allowed), and maybe early closing times, like 9:00 - 10:00 PM? Obviously this is uncharted territory, and there will be some variations.
The nightly mourning ceremony is interesting to watch.
Oct 16, 2016, 6:53 am
#65
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
For tourists visiting in a week... is it mandatory to wear black? I obviously won't be wearing any colorful clothing, but will gray and navy do? Also, anything to look out for aside from no obscenely loud talking or laughing in public? Street food vendors still open? Alcohol still served in big hotels?
Oct 16, 2016, 11:08 am
#67
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,283
Rama 9 delayed coronation for ~ 4 years after the tragic death of his older brother on 9 June 1946. A Prince Regent 'ruled' in his stead as he left to return to his studies in Switzerland. The Coronation took place on 5 May 1950. But technically his reign began upon the death of his brother, Rama 8, the then King.
As for tourists, I think you want to be respectiful, but no one is going to expect you to dress in all black or all white. But I think I would pick up one of these black ribbons
https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/st...55008132722688
Last edited by glennaa11; Oct 16, 2016 at 11:26 am
Oct 16, 2016, 1:48 pm
#68
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,619
For tourists visiting in a week... is it mandatory to wear black? I obviously won't be wearing any colorful clothing, but will gray and navy do? Also, anything to look out for aside from no obscenely loud talking or laughing in public? Street food vendors still open? Alcohol still served in big hotels?
If you want to show respect, which the locals would appreciate, then bring a black armband and wear it on top of your regular clothes. For men, it should be on the left arm.
I would expect the chain hotels to serve alcohol as usual, and the street food stalls should be back on the streets. The late-night sidewalk "bars" that line Sukhumvit could be prevented from operating over the next 28 days.
I'd recommend treating this as if you were at the wake/funeral of someone you didn't know well. You aren't expected to show overt grief, but be respectful of the feelings of others.
Oct 16, 2016, 2:11 pm
#69
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Remember that the news is managed very carefully in Thailand, particularly news about the royal family. Another possible explanation is that it was "suggested" to the Crown Prince that he wait a year so that he can think about whether he really wants to give up the life he has created for himself in western Europe. There is little doubt that he will have the support of the Thai people. He was chosen by H.M. The King as successor; and the people here have unlimited respect for the late King, including his judgment.
Oct 16, 2016, 2:34 pm
#70
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
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Under Thailand’s Extradition Act 2251 (2008), a Lese-Majeste offence could potentially be extraditable. It qualifies in so far that it’s considered by the Thai Authorities to be a serious criminal act and the penalty is greater than one year (potentially up to 15 years).
Thailand has extradition treaties with 14 countries including the USA, UK and a number of EU countries but this doesn't stop them from applying for the extradition of someone in a country with whom they don't have a treaty.
Although Thailand might apply for the extradition of an individual from an overseas country, it would be up to the Court within that country to decide if that extradition warrant should be exercised based upon the information that has been provided with the warrant.
Even if they were able to identify the person, I personally think that it’s unlikely that the Thai Authorities would go down the extradition route for a Lese-Majeste offence committed by someone outside of Thailand.
Most likely the individual’s ‘tag’ would be placed on a database which is used to monitor internet traffic. Should that individual come to Thailand and use that ‘tag’ whilst they are in Thailand it would be flagged up together with the IP address that they used. It would then be a simple matter of a 5am knock on the door.
Thailand has extradition treaties with 14 countries including the USA, UK and a number of EU countries but this doesn't stop them from applying for the extradition of someone in a country with whom they don't have a treaty.
Although Thailand might apply for the extradition of an individual from an overseas country, it would be up to the Court within that country to decide if that extradition warrant should be exercised based upon the information that has been provided with the warrant.
Even if they were able to identify the person, I personally think that it’s unlikely that the Thai Authorities would go down the extradition route for a Lese-Majeste offence committed by someone outside of Thailand.
Most likely the individual’s ‘tag’ would be placed on a database which is used to monitor internet traffic. Should that individual come to Thailand and use that ‘tag’ whilst they are in Thailand it would be flagged up together with the IP address that they used. It would then be a simple matter of a 5am knock on the door.
You missed the use of long-range drones to take out offenders
Extradition is not a tool of even the remotest credibility.
Although a surprising number of western nations still have variants of l-m offences on their books (Germany recently employed one of these), the idea they would respond to a request for extradition for such an offence is preposterous.
Last edited by IAN-UK; Oct 16, 2016 at 2:45 pm
Oct 16, 2016, 4:15 pm
#71
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,120
Looks like the mourning period may be taken further with a review of NYE festivities
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
Oct 16, 2016, 4:19 pm
#72
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,120
Looks like the mourning period may be taken further with a review of NYE festivities
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
Oct 16, 2016, 6:12 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
For tourists visiting in a week... is it mandatory to wear black? I obviously won't be wearing any colorful clothing, but will gray and navy do? Also, anything to look out for aside from no obscenely loud talking or laughing in public? Street food vendors still open? Alcohol still served in big hotels?
As this is uncharted territory it is challenging to make specific recommendations re: loud talking or laughing, or behavior in general, but again, most "authorities" recommend remaining somber.
People still have to eat so street food is available as before. I would think that most major hotels would be serving alcohol, maybe as of today or tomorrow. There is still the 'normal' day-time retail store sales hours, which obviously remain in effect. Even though the King was a music lover, composer and American Jazz aficionado, there have been many calls by the "authorities" to refrain from playing music, dancing, having fun, etc.
There is no King, the Regent is 96 years old; there is no Grand Patriarch, and the 'government' remains a military dictatorship for the foreseeable future. Certainly dark times for the Thai people with little to guide them but their grief.
Oct 16, 2016, 6:46 pm
#74
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,619
Looks like the mourning period may be taken further with a review of NYE festivities
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/e...e-party-plans/
I think the hotels might be on solid ground to arrange special dinner, indoor/rooftop events, etc... but I think it's extremely unlikely that fireworks would be permitted during the official year-of-mourning.
Oct 16, 2016, 7:12 pm
#75
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
After reading all above my suggestion for first-time visitors of Thailand is to postpone their visit until mourning is over and now King/Queen/whoever is crowned and life is officially back to normal.