Jan 3, 2015, 10:09 pm
Last edit by: aBroadAbroad
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Thailand Forum Lounge-Thread: Thai News & Open Discussion
Nov 9, 2018, 2:28 am
#1096
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Dumbass Tourists Facing 10 Years in Prison for Vandalizing Ancient Thai Wall 
https://thepointsguy.com/news/touris...ent-thai-wall/
According to Reuters, Brittney Schneider of Canada and Furlong Lee of the UK were arrested last Friday for defacing an ancient wall in Chiang Mai.
The tourists, both 23, were caught spray-painting remains of a 13th-century fortress near the Tha Phae Gate. And it’s going to be hard for either Schneider or Lee to convince authorities to go easy on them. Reuters reported that the pair was documented committing the crime on a CCTV.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/touris...ent-thai-wall/
According to Reuters, Brittney Schneider of Canada and Furlong Lee of the UK were arrested last Friday for defacing an ancient wall in Chiang Mai.
The tourists, both 23, were caught spray-painting remains of a 13th-century fortress near the Tha Phae Gate. And it’s going to be hard for either Schneider or Lee to convince authorities to go easy on them. Reuters reported that the pair was documented committing the crime on a CCTV.
The wall isn't 13th century. It was built in the mid 80's
Stupid people do stupid things. I'd like to see Thailand crack down on more serious crime. But, that's just my opinion.
Nov 9, 2018, 11:05 am
#1097
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall was also built in the 1980s but it doesn't mean it's okay to tag it!
Nov 10, 2018, 12:19 am
#1098
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
The current "Tha Phae Gate" sits on the remnants of the original wall that surrounded the city and dates back to 1296 when King Mengrai of Lannathai put his capital in Chiang Mai. The current gate was rebuilt in 1985-86.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall was also built in the 1980s but it doesn't mean it's okay to tag it!
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall was also built in the 1980s but it doesn't mean it's okay to tag it!
It's not appropriate to tag it. But, 10 years in a Thai prison. If I was locked up for every inappropriate thing I did in my youth, I'd be serving a life sentence. Doesn't mean it's right.
Nov 10, 2018, 6:11 am
#1099
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,193
It's easier to get to Paris than the moon. Both are lovely, but hardly comparable.
It's not appropriate to tag it. But, 10 years in a Thai prison. If I was locked up for every inappropriate thing I did in my youth, I'd be serving a life sentence. Doesn't mean it's right.
It's not appropriate to tag it. But, 10 years in a Thai prison. If I was locked up for every inappropriate thing I did in my youth, I'd be serving a life sentence. Doesn't mean it's right.
Nov 10, 2018, 7:44 am
#1100
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
It's easier to get to Paris than the moon. Both are lovely, but hardly comparable.
It's not appropriate to tag it. But, 10 years in a Thai prison. If I was locked up for every inappropriate thing I did in my youth, I'd be serving a life sentence. Doesn't mean it's right.
It's not appropriate to tag it. But, 10 years in a Thai prison. If I was locked up for every inappropriate thing I did in my youth, I'd be serving a life sentence. Doesn't mean it's right.
Indeed, the punishment should match the crime ... this is apparently the usual attempt to squeeze them for some Baht. In a Trumpian world, this is called negotiation!
Nov 10, 2018, 10:12 pm
#1101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
In an attempt to get a current status - maybe the Canadian woman was released - I did see a nugget I hadn't noticed before.
The pair found the nearly depleted can of spray paint on the ground, which someone discarded (OMG, littering, 20,000 baht fine and five years in jail, surely). So again, I'll stipulate that is was a stupid thing to do, but it's not like they planned some massive tagging effort, and visited the local HomePro to stock up on spray paint.
Minor infraction, 5,000 baht fine tops, and deportation is sufficient.
I don't think anyone is under the impression that this structure is 700 years old, merely that it exists on/near the site of a previous wall.
The pair found the nearly depleted can of spray paint on the ground, which someone discarded (OMG, littering, 20,000 baht fine and five years in jail, surely). So again, I'll stipulate that is was a stupid thing to do, but it's not like they planned some massive tagging effort, and visited the local HomePro to stock up on spray paint.
Minor infraction, 5,000 baht fine tops, and deportation is sufficient.
I don't think anyone is under the impression that this structure is 700 years old, merely that it exists on/near the site of a previous wall.
Nov 11, 2018, 6:27 pm
#1102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
Any criminal justice system is designed to discourage behavior that the society deems inappropriate/unacceptable/undesirable (pick one or insert your own adjective). The more that a society wants to discourage certain behavior, the more severe the penalty will be. In a society like Thailand, where respect is so important, they have attached a penalty to this offense which is much more severe than we in the west might attach to the same offense. But I think that it's inappropriate for us to substitute our value system for theirs, or to measure the punishment provided for by law against our own laws.
Take that kid who keyed a car in Singapore a few years back. His punishment was some number of lashes, IIRC. Punishment was predictable, quick and short. And severe enough that he's unlikely to do it again. Compare to the U.S., where a good lawyer can cast sufficient reasonable doubt even on facts which are certain, where justice can take years for final adjudication, during which the accused may be in jail, and the punishment far from certain, what with time off for good behavior, parole, etc.
What's more, what would our reaction be if other countries started taking positions on our criminal justice system in the U.S.?
Take that kid who keyed a car in Singapore a few years back. His punishment was some number of lashes, IIRC. Punishment was predictable, quick and short. And severe enough that he's unlikely to do it again. Compare to the U.S., where a good lawyer can cast sufficient reasonable doubt even on facts which are certain, where justice can take years for final adjudication, during which the accused may be in jail, and the punishment far from certain, what with time off for good behavior, parole, etc.
What's more, what would our reaction be if other countries started taking positions on our criminal justice system in the U.S.?
Nov 11, 2018, 8:20 pm
#1103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Thailand has many, many, many, many "unusual" laws, most of which have maximum fines/jail terms associated with them, and a "legal" system based on a hierarchical (Three Seals, 1805) application of punishment. And that's fine, obviously.
I'd just like to see the "authorities" pursue all acts of "vandalism" with equal zeal. And apply the "appropriate" punishment. If every single act of graffiti were similarly "prosecuted" then Thailand would need to build at least a few dozen more prisons.
Just my opinion, can't see how that is inappropriate?
My opinion is that this man and woman should be fined, and deported. Can't see how imprisoning them serves any purpose at all.
Nov 11, 2018, 11:37 pm
#1104
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: M&S, Radisson
Posts: 758
Furthermore, laws are not made by society. Even in a well-functioning democracy, political economy considerations play a role. And Thailand is not a full democracy. E.g., the Economist classifies it as a hybrid regime (i.e., somewhere in the middle between a flawed democracy and a full-blown authoritarian regime). Particularly the judiciary is not independent and bound by the law.
Nov 11, 2018, 11:42 pm
#1105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
That statement is debatable on multiple levels. For one, there is a good amount of empirical evidence that increasing sentencing rules doesn't deter criminals (i.e., the amount of crimes committed doesn't fall in response to more severe minimum and/or maximum penalties).
Furthermore, laws are not made by society. Even in a well-functioning democracy, political economy considerations play a role. And Thailand is not a full democracy. E.g., the Economist classifies it as a hybrid regime (i.e., somewhere in the middle between a flawed democracy and a full-blown authoritarian regime). Particularly the judiciary is not independent and bound by the law.
Furthermore, laws are not made by society. Even in a well-functioning democracy, political economy considerations play a role. And Thailand is not a full democracy. E.g., the Economist classifies it as a hybrid regime (i.e., somewhere in the middle between a flawed democracy and a full-blown authoritarian regime). Particularly the judiciary is not independent and bound by the law.
Nov 12, 2018, 5:41 am
#1106
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: M&S, Radisson
Posts: 758
Where is here, Thailand or the USA? There clearly is a striking difference with regard to the rule of law. You are aware that since 2014, in several cases military courts more or less arbitrarily took over cases? And let's not even start speaking of the powers of the king when it comes to the judiciary.
Nov 12, 2018, 4:32 pm
#1107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Early on still so who knows where this might go, when and how it will be enforced, smokers should be cautious and maybe carry some extra cash to quickly resolve any "legal" issues.
Also, vaping and e-cigarettes, currently "illegal"/"outlawed", may become legal.
No more smoking in public in Thailand
Smokers heading outside the front of buildings in Thailand for a quick cigarette will soon be a thing of the past. New laws have been enacted that will shortly come into force.
This includes condos, rental buildings, pubs, hotels, religious buildings, karaoke establishments, restaurants, laundries, salons, cinemas, parking areas, spas, areas for Thai massage, clinics, hospitals, schools, swimming pools, fitness parks, clinics and ‘other places’, according to Thai Rath. The regulations also specify precisely where internal smoking areas in buildings may be located.
People flouting the new regulations will be fined 5,000 baht.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...ic-in-thailand
Dates clarified for new smoking bans and regulations
The Thai Public Health Ministry official announcement has been issued for smoking bans from no smoking zones.
The fine will be 5,000 baht.
The announcement will be enforced from February 3 next year.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...nd-regulations
E-cigarettes and vaping to be legalised in Thailand
The excise department says they will be taxing the devices and vaping liquids leading the way to their legal use in the Kingdom.
Many people have criticised Thai authorities for being behind the times in regards to their laws prohibiting vaping and vaping products.
E-cigarettes are legal and taxed in many parts of the world but in Thailand tourists wondered if they could face jail time for vaping.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...ed-in-thailand
Also, vaping and e-cigarettes, currently "illegal"/"outlawed", may become legal.
No more smoking in public in Thailand
Smokers heading outside the front of buildings in Thailand for a quick cigarette will soon be a thing of the past. New laws have been enacted that will shortly come into force.
This includes condos, rental buildings, pubs, hotels, religious buildings, karaoke establishments, restaurants, laundries, salons, cinemas, parking areas, spas, areas for Thai massage, clinics, hospitals, schools, swimming pools, fitness parks, clinics and ‘other places’, according to Thai Rath. The regulations also specify precisely where internal smoking areas in buildings may be located.
People flouting the new regulations will be fined 5,000 baht.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...ic-in-thailand
Dates clarified for new smoking bans and regulations
The Thai Public Health Ministry official announcement has been issued for smoking bans from no smoking zones.
The fine will be 5,000 baht.
The announcement will be enforced from February 3 next year.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...nd-regulations
E-cigarettes and vaping to be legalised in Thailand
The excise department says they will be taxing the devices and vaping liquids leading the way to their legal use in the Kingdom.
Many people have criticised Thai authorities for being behind the times in regards to their laws prohibiting vaping and vaping products.
E-cigarettes are legal and taxed in many parts of the world but in Thailand tourists wondered if they could face jail time for vaping.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national...ed-in-thailand
Nov 12, 2018, 4:49 pm
#1108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
This new mall/development is in the local news, as it had a grand opening. The drone light show was interesting.
It also houses Thailand's first official Apple Store, previously we made do with online fulfillment from Singapore and local, thrid party resellers.
Built to astonish
At Iconsiam, magnificent art and architecture evoking the Golden Land of legend temper luxury consumerism
BANGKOK, only a small trading post in the 15th century when Ayutthaya ruled the known world, became the capital of Siam 236 years ago, superseding Thon Buri on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s certainly undergone much radical change since then, mainly in the last 50 years, while Thon Buri – the capital for just 14 years – has remained its quiet neighbour.
Now, though, Iconsiam – the most expensive mixed-use development in Thai history at a price tag of Bt54 billion – is about to change the face of Thon Buri and the lifestyles of its residents forever. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opened the newest landmark on Charoen Nakhon Road yesterday in what was billed as a “Mega Phenomenon”. The event at dusk was by invitation only, but everyone can join in the rest of the opening festivities today and tomorrow.
Built to astonish
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/...ns-in-bangkok/
It also houses Thailand's first official Apple Store, previously we made do with online fulfillment from Singapore and local, thrid party resellers.
Built to astonish
At Iconsiam, magnificent art and architecture evoking the Golden Land of legend temper luxury consumerism
BANGKOK, only a small trading post in the 15th century when Ayutthaya ruled the known world, became the capital of Siam 236 years ago, superseding Thon Buri on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s certainly undergone much radical change since then, mainly in the last 50 years, while Thon Buri – the capital for just 14 years – has remained its quiet neighbour.
Now, though, Iconsiam – the most expensive mixed-use development in Thai history at a price tag of Bt54 billion – is about to change the face of Thon Buri and the lifestyles of its residents forever. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opened the newest landmark on Charoen Nakhon Road yesterday in what was billed as a “Mega Phenomenon”. The event at dusk was by invitation only, but everyone can join in the rest of the opening festivities today and tomorrow.
Built to astonish
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/...ns-in-bangkok/
Nov 18, 2018, 12:39 pm
#1109
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
Speaking about structures, Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper now has the highest rooftop bar and sky walks in the kingdom. But you have to shell out 1,050 THB for the "privilege": Bangkok?s Tallest Building Opens Skywalk
Tickets to the skywalk? They come at two levels: 850 baht tickets offer access to the 74th floor, while 1,050 baht tickets offer access to all the three floors (74th, 75th and 78th).
Tickets to the skywalk? They come at two levels: 850 baht tickets offer access to the 74th floor, while 1,050 baht tickets offer access to all the three floors (74th, 75th and 78th).