Woody1 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Get those scum bag Farangs. Throw them in Jail, give them very heavy fines, deport them , and black list them for 99 years. The Pattaya Pantomime, just gets more funny every week. Wonder who the pleasant person was who grassed on them and why ? must have been a right story that one The bust of the century. You have every right to be sarcastic, and yes, the whole episode is both hilarious and pathetic, but let's have a thought of deep sympathy for the 74 year-old guy who actually got arrested. Being arrested in this country is not something I would ever want to go through, whatever the reasons. As for the guy who ratted out on them, let's just say that, once you've spent a few years in this country, you learn that grassing up is nothing short of a national sport, and it's a sad, disconcerting discovery. Why are so many Thais prone to do that ? There must be more than one factor but I'd say that the main one stems from a very rigid pyramidal society where each degree has very little room for independance and must kowtow to those on the degrees above. Humiliation is constant, and must be covered up with a smile, even though it is a very painful experience for all Asians, known as 'losing face'. The resulting accumulated frustration is unfathomable. Ratting out people is one of the meanest forms of revenge. Many, if not most Thais, suffer from both a superiority and inferiority complex with regard to white people (whereas most white people have only the former with regard to non-whites). Every single white business owner I have met in Thailand was grassed out at least once by one or several Thais (staff, neighbors, family, 'friends'), and they have a field day because doing business in this country 100% by the book is near impossible, so there is always one or more points where you just have to 'make do'. These 'loopholes' ought to be called 'wells of corruption', and the combination of grassing out and corruption is a highly stinky one. Welcome to Thailand, brave entrepreneurs ! Absolutely correct! Put an Asian in a uniform and just watch them go! Never mind the police, just look at parking attendants, or security guards, they honestly believe they are world powers.Now amplify this X 100 when a Thai is given a uniform, whistle, a TITLE, a few daft medals that were never earned, and a bit of braiding, and you have all the ingredients for a little Hitler!!! Also, virtually all (or most) motorbike taxi ranks will have one or more guy's working there with radios connected to police frequencies, and they love nothing more than grassing someone up! It's like a national pastime, where they think they have gained face. Pathetic!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Transporter Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 I am one of the bridgpplayers who was detained. The charges of gambling have been dropped. There was no money involved. There were no prizes. The event is known as a "club duplicate pairs" and is played in small clubs all over the world.I will write more when I get home from the police station. When you get home from the police station? Incredible that you even had to go there. Are there small casinos in villages all over Thailand? some staying open all night, Why is this allowed to continue? I have heard stories of Thai women who are married to wealthy farangs losing millions and having to sell their land and home to pay the debts unbeknown to the poor guy. Maybe its all just local gossip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattaya28 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Is "Monopoly" legal ? It uses money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody1 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 I am one of the bridgpplayers who was detained. The charges of gambling have been dropped. There was no money involved. There were no prizes. The event is known as a "club duplicate pairs" and is played in small clubs all over the world.I will write more when I get home from the police station. When you get home from the police station? Incredible that you even had to go there. Are there small casinos in villages all over Thailand? some staying open all night, Why is this allowed to continue? I have heard stories of Thai women who are married to wealthy farangs losing millions and having to sell their land and home to pay the debts unbeknown to the poor guy. Maybe its all just local gossip.Those casinos are over the borders (only a couple of hundred yards), and yes, I have known quite a few older boys loose a lot of money at the hands of their wives in this manner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farang95 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 The informant was a farang or a thai ? how much he got for sharing this information ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johncat1 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Where is the usual photo opp with a bevy of police generals standing in the background, smiling, wearing their Sunday's uniforms, in front of those hard core crimeless? ....... Don't forget the 50 or more pointy fingers too !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydee Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Exactly what law did they break? In contract bridge each player is dealt 13 cards from a deck of 52. So at any one time it is impossible for an individual to possess more than 52 cards unless the person is the director of the event who has responsibility for any cards not in play. Secondly Bridge is not a gambling game played for money. The Thailand Bridge League which has a role in running bridge in Thailand is a highly respected body which has organized international tournaments here in Thailand. Many Thais play Bridge regularly and come from all levels of Thai Society, from royalty ( Kunyings and Moms through to struggling students) in fact the Thailand Bridge League's website in written in Thai. Playing bridge is not restricted to the criminal classes, in fact the difficulty in mastering the game precludes its popularity in the "Bangkok Hilton" and other penitentiaries. The Thais and foreigners who play bridge are not criminals, as none have been found guilty of any misdemeanor as yet and even if they are found guilty of breaching this obscure statute which appears to have been intended to prevent gambling their crime would be somewhat less serious than a minor parking transgression. As far as I am aware, none of those arrested would have known about this statutory provision and the Pattaya authorities seem to have been highly selective in its application. I tend to agree with you about abiding with local laws, but local customs? Save me! I have no intention of entering the Sangha for six months, wearing a sarong or blue farmer's shirt here in Bangkok, nor will I be imbibing in rot gut until I am senseless all of which seem to be a customary among some Thais. I haven't heard bridge players in Thailand, even British ones, overly whining about foreigners in their own countries refusing to conform to cultural norms. Perhaps people who drink red wine with fish, but that is understandable, even James Bond, himself another bridge player was appalled and shot the Russian who did that. And where would you suggest the thousands of Thais who regularly enjoy bridge go? Like chess, bridge is a fascinating and complex game based on contracts. It is played by people who wish to maintain or increase intelligence. Based on your post I would thoroughly recommend you take up the game. This actually made the national TV news, even had the police video. A bunch of confused old folks playing Bridge. Unclear what crime was committed, anyone know? The offense relates to Section 8 of the Playing Cards Act of 1935 which states that an individual is not allowed to possess more than 120 playing cards at any one time. At the Bridge event, considerably more than 120 playing cards were found by officers. I don't see the problem here except for the number of officers involved in the arrest. These people are criminals who broke the law. They knew they were committing a crime but obviously thought as affluent foreigners they were above the law or were too culturally insensitive to care. If you live in a country you should follow its laws and customs regardless of whether you agree with them or not. If you do not want to do that face the consequences or go somewhere else. I bet many of these would be the first to whine about foreigners in their on country flaunting the laws and refusing to conform to cultural norms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johncat1 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 The informant was a farang or a thai ? how much he got for sharing this information ? The informant was probably the owner of an illegal gambling syndicate who thought he was losing a very lucrative business involving Farang money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza40 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 This actually made the national TV news, even had the police video. A bunch of confused old folks playing Bridge. Unclear what crime was committed, anyone know? The offense relates to Section 8 of the Playing Cards Act of 1935 which states that an individual is not allowed to possess more than 120 playing cards at any one time. At the Bridge event, considerably more than 120 playing cards were found by officers. I don't see the problem here except for the number of officers involved in the arrest. These people are criminals who broke the law. They knew they were committing a crime but obviously thought as affluent foreigners they were above the law or were too culturally insensitive to care. If you live in a country you should follow its laws and customs regardless of whether you agree with them or not. If you do not want to do that face the consequences or go somewhere else. I bet many of these would be the first to whine about foreigners in their on country flaunting the laws and refusing to conform to cultural norms. What absolute rubbish, Thais gamble with cards all the time. In my GF's village, she will come home gleeful after winning 20 baht. Like prostitution, it happens everywhere in Thailand despite being illegal. Playing bridge is not even gambling unless it can be proved money is changing hands based on point scores. Whoever is running the BiB in Pattaya should either get a transfer to Mae Hong Son or a brain transplant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjcampbe Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Anyone else find it funny that for ONCE the police raided a card room and the organizers did NOT escape capture? Pretty much says all that needs to be said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaunduhpostman Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 I predict those who dare to take too much of an interest in sports on television will be next. "He watch footbawn evyday! Too mutt footbawn! It's a gambling, shoo-ah! Why him watch evvyday then? It too boring watch all the time you no gambling! Nobody do that!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody1 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Anyone else find it funny that for ONCE the police raided a card room and the organizers did NOT escape capture? Pretty much says all that needs to be said. Hardly going to do a runner (Zimmer) were they!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dictater Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 You can buy playing cards in 7/11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrry Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 There is a bridge club running in Chiang Mai, has been going for years and was thinking of joining. Now glad I didn`t. I suppose technically anywhere where there are groups of people playing cards on a regular basis, even if not for money but the fact that there are cards involved could be classified as a gambling house. In Thailand people that run and organise such events should take advice first, because in Thailand never take anything for granted and why I would not become involved with the running of clubs or groups here. snitch.....they may not have known if you did not tell them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychic Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 There were posts here that lots of money was found, or at least that the tv stated so. Apart from any restaurant receipts, that is clearly false. Now that some "significant" people who run the Thailand Bridge League are involved, I will be fascinated to see how this is explained away. And just as an aside, I seem to remember a local gambling den in Jomtien getting busted a few months back. A fairly insignificant amount of money was confiscated. But to the best of my recollection everyone was fined100 or 200 baht and released. How did this case end up being 5000B bail after 12 hours in a police station and a court date when there was not even any gambling and they had to dig up a law about holding too many cards? Amazing really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil B Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 There were posts here that lots of money was found, or at least that the tv stated so. Apart from any restaurant receipts, that is clearly false. Now that some "significant" people who run the Thailand Bridge League are involved, I will be fascinated to see how this is explained away. And just as an aside, I seem to remember a local gambling den in Jomtien getting busted a few months back. A fairly insignificant amount of money was confiscated. But to the best of my recollection everyone was fined100 or 200 baht and released. How did this case end up being 5000B bail after 12 hours in a police station and a court date when there was not even any gambling and they had to dig up a law about holding too many cards? Amazing really. They should stick to playing monopoly... at lest a few lucky players may have a "Get Out Of Jail" card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KKr Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 32 people playing and each owned more than 120 cards ?Government seals on Card Boxes ?Glad the Police finally cleaned up the last law offenders in Pattaya.Of course all other offenders in the area must already have been caught and put behind bars if they waste their valuable time on a bunch of people playing "Bridge". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mankondang Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Were there known associates of the Kray brothers involved ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolarGolf Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 There's an article on the Bangkok Post website with a video of the incident. Took everyone away on baht buses, even the poor woman with the walking stick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phazey Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buythisdashcam Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 So lucky to live in clowns land <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil B Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 It would make my day if the DSI were to raid Soi9 Cop Shop and caught them skivvying in a back room playing cards ...with the tea money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawadee1947 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 probably the informant lost a lot of money.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrainLife Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 And just as an aside, I seem to remember a local gambling den in Jomtien getting busted a few months back. A fairly insignificant amount of money was confiscated. But to the best of my recollection everyone was fined100 or 200 baht and released. How did this case end up being 5000B bail after 12 hours in a police station and a court date when there was not even any gambling and they had to dig up a law about holding too many cards? Amazing really. Don't ask questions, you know the answer to already, .... FARANG money 5000baht (x32=160.000baht) It seems all charges are already dropped and no court. Wonder if they will get their 5000baht returned and a (monetary) apology? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickyboy Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 i did not realise it was a muslim country and islamic state Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkady Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 I don't suppose they will dare raid the Bridge Section at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. They would get instant transfers to Nakhon Nowhere, if they hauled off a bunch of khunyings and retired police generals' wives from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil B Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 Wot!!!! no climb down yet??? No Apology? No Transfer to inactive post? No it was a mistake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gandalf12 Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 http://news.sky.com/story/1635731/britons-arrested-as-army-raids-bridge-club Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petedk Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 I haven't flown Thai Airways for a while, but when I did (regularly) when flying into BKK I always asked the hostess for a pack of cards which they supply free. Buying cards in Thailand is very costly. On arrival I would simply put them in my pocket and go through customs. I now realise that technically I was breaking the law. You beat me to it. I have 5 or 6 packs of cards from Thai Airways. I had better ditch them in Klong Saen Saeb now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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