Four arrested for attack on British family in Hua Hin as first photos of the victims are released

[ExpatLife]

If those vile vermin will get less prison time than 10 years, than this country's judicial system is

a joke and a mockery, and should not be called the land of smiles anymore, more like the land vicious

thugs and brutality.....

AS much as I would like to see that happen, countries such as England, Australia and much of Europe will often only hand down a few years for such an assault. Heck in the US I have seen cases where someone stabbed and killed someone else in a fight and was given a couple of years for manslaughter. Don't get your hopes up for this case

[KOZMO]

It is their first offence. Even they did a terrible thing. A first offence for assault does not carry a prison sentence. Not only in Thailand, but all western countries also. So when everyone hears that they got a fine and a 4 month suspended sentence, don't be complaining that they got special treatment, because victims were foreigner. This is the standard sentence, including in our countries.

no so! in the United States they have a "hate" crime law that includes old folks! hit an old person and go to jail! period

Show me the law and the penalty.

This would come under the common assault law. It was not premeditated and first offence.

Though there is an extra penalty, for assault if it was 2 or more doing the crime.

Suspended sentence. Standard.

I also get sick of people going on about victims being paid off to avoid prison. This is not true. Thailand has a very good law, that every victim is entitled to compensation from the criminal. This sum can be agreed upon before court, it has no bearing on the criminal sentence which by the law must be enforced. Or, the victim can prosecute the criminal in a civil case if victim feels compensation is not enough.

Many countries do not have the victims compensation law. Everyone makes money, the lawyers, the court (fines ) with the victim recieveing nothing. I have been a victim,the money does help cover costs of medical, court attendances, and other.

What have you been smoking???? What meds are you on?????

[joebrown]

It is their first offence. Even they did a terrible thing. A first offence for assault does not carry a prison sentence. Not only in Thailand, but all western countries also. So when everyone hears that they got a fine and a 4 month suspended sentence, don't be complaining that they got special treatment, because victims were foreigner. This is the standard sentence, including in our countries.

no so! in the United States they have a "hate" crime law that includes old folks! hit an old person and go to jail! period

Show me the law and the penalty.

This would come under the common assault law. It was not premeditated and first offence.

Though there is an extra penalty, for assault if it was 2 or more doing the crime.

Suspended sentence. Standard.

I also get sick of people going on about victims being paid off to avoid prison. This is not true. Thailand has a very good law, that every victim is entitled to compensation from the criminal. This sum can be agreed upon before court, it has no bearing on the criminal sentence which by the law must be enforced. Or, the victim can prosecute the criminal in a civil case if victim feels compensation is not enough.

Many countries do not have the victims compensation law. Everyone makes money, the lawyers, the court (fines ) with the victim recieveing nothing. I have been a victim,the money does help cover costs of medical, court attendances, and other.

To put what you are saying into context please explain why the Red Bull heir has yet to stand trial in a Thai court of law.

[Tywais]

The law as per this situation:

OFFENCE AGAINST BODY

Section 295 Whoever, causes injury to the other person in body or mind is said to commit bodily harm, and shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

Section 296 Whoever, committing bodily harm, if such offence having any circumstance as prescribed by Section 289, shall be imprisoned not out of three years or fined not out of six thousand Baht, or both.

Section 297 Whoever, commits bodily harm, and thereby causing the victim to receive grievous bodily harm, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to ten years. Grievous bodily harms are as follows:

1. Deprivation of the sight, deprivation of the hearing, cutting of the tongue or loss of the sense of smelling;
2. Loss of genital organs or reproductive ability;
3. Loss of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or any other organ;
4. Permanent disfiguration of face;
5. Abortion;
6. Permanent insanity;
7. Infirmity or chronic illness which may last throughout life;

Infirmity or illness causing the sufferer to be in severe bodily pain for over twenty days or to be unable to follow the ordinary pursuits for over twenty days.

Section 298 Whoever, committing the offence under Section 297 under any circumstance as prescribed by Section 289, shall be imprisoned as from two years to ten years.

Section 299 Whenever, grievous bodily harm is caused to any person in an affray in which three persons upwards are engaged, whether such person be a participant in such affray or not, the participants in such affray shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding two thousand Baht, or both.

If the participant in such affray can show that he has acted in order to prevent such affray or in lawful defense, he shall not be punished.

Section 300 Whoever, committing the act by negligence and such act to cause the grievous bodily harm to the other person, shall be imprisoned three years or fined not out of six thousand Baht, or both.

thailandlawonline

[meatboy]

In my country, when a foreigner is robbed or beaten. Someone from an organisation will go to visit the victim. All medical expenses are paid by the government. Victims are given any assistance they need by finance or amenities. There are often gifts of flowers or chocolates .this process helps victims with a nice last memory of the country. It also can counterbalance a little bit of their horrible memory. This is actually very beneficial to their healing.

Well done tat for helping these guests in your country.

anyone seen anyone from the BRITISH EMBASSY

[andygrr]

If those vile vermin will get less prison time than 10 years, than this country's judicial system is

a joke and a mockery, and should not be called the land of smiles anymore, more like the land vicious

thugs and brutality.....

10 years , hope you are not a judge.

How many years in your country for physical assault?

In italy for non permanent damages is between 3 month to 3 year.

In the uk this could be classed as GBH and under section 20 punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment if they did not intend to cause serious harm (Drunk). If they did intend to cause injury then under section 18 up to 10 years.

[bheard]

"Supatta has already given evidence that he was drunk and the altercation started after the son brushed his arm."

He was just itching for a fight.

And the excuse of being drunk - Oh, well, that's OK then. 200B fine and a slap on the wrist.

[Katipo]

I hope the perpetrators haven't let out on bail. The impression I often get, is that once out on bail here, people tend not to find their way back to jail. Let's see, with all the international attention this is getting, perhaps justice will actually be done for once.

[leither69]

Bored with apologists here. Do we ever see "Thai people attacked by vicious farangs" NO. Something should be done as a detterent

[KhunOr]

Most of the comments here are one-sided and racist.

I watched the video with horror and saw two sides to the aggression.

Two Thai men, yellow shirt and black shirt evidently arguing about something, but no aggression and the black shirt casually walks away.

First assault (minor to you, more important to a Thai): son reaches out to push yellow shirt aside.

Retaliation: yellow shirt pushes son back.

At this point just an unfortunate altercation with both parties equally to blame.

Unfortunately son stumbled and fell, but not because anyone struck him to the ground.

Second assault: mother verbally confronts yellow shirt man, then strikes him in the face. Note yellow shirt man does not retaliate.

Black shirt man returns and talks to yellow shirt man. There's some scuffling and next we see

Third assault: son has come around the left of the picture and put black shirt man in an arm lock.

Fourth assault: father comes through crowd at right and punches black shirt man.

At this point the family has clocked up four assaults, escalating the violence each time.

Then the situation explodes.

Black shirt man released from arm lock immediately seeks out the father and punches him. Then punches mother, then punches son and kicks him on the ground.

Horrible behaviour that is unforgiveable, but don't assume that it was racially inspired and unprovoked.

The younger Thais who entered towards the end were not provoked. Their motives are not known.

[tonray]

The law as per this situation:

OFFENCE AGAINST BODY

Section 295 Whoever, causes injury to the other person in body or mind is said to commit bodily harm, and shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

Section 296 Whoever, committing bodily harm, if such offence having any circumstance as prescribed by Section 289, shall be imprisoned not out of three years or fined not out of six thousand Baht, or both.

Section 297 Whoever, commits bodily harm, and thereby causing the victim to receive grievous bodily harm, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to ten years. Grievous bodily harms are as follows:

1. Deprivation of the sight, deprivation of the hearing, cutting of the tongue or loss of the sense of smelling;
2. Loss of genital organs or reproductive ability;
3. Loss of an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or any other organ;
4. Permanent disfiguration of face;
5. Abortion;
6. Permanent insanity;
7. Infirmity or chronic illness which may last throughout life;

Infirmity or illness causing the sufferer to be in severe bodily pain for over twenty days or to be unable to follow the ordinary pursuits for over twenty days.

Section 298 Whoever, committing the offence under Section 297 under any circumstance as prescribed by Section 289, shall be imprisoned as from two years to ten years.

Section 299 Whenever, grievous bodily harm is caused to any person in an affray in which three persons upwards are engaged, whether such person be a participant in such affray or not, the participants in such affray shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding two thousand Baht, or both.

If the participant in such affray can show that he has acted in order to prevent such affray or in lawful defense, he shall not be punished.

Section 300 Whoever, committing the act by negligence and such act to cause the grievous bodily harm to the other person, shall be imprisoned three years or fined not out of six thousand Baht, or both.

thailandlawonline

All well and good...but the law as written only applies to those who are not connected. In Thailand it's all about who you know and that's the sad reality. In the west it's about money and here it's about connections.

[Kabula]

'Chief Chayakorn added that there were about ten thousand visitors in the area that night and there was a police presence both around and inside the soi but the police did not get a report of this incident. He said that the public should always report matters like this immediately.'

All the police must of been drinking their coffee and eating donuts when i assume ambulances arrived to take the family to hospital?

Negative comments about the Police are uncalled for and not appreciated by most.

Your lucky to be here compared to the rest of the world with Police violence.

[tonray]

Most of the comments here are one-sided and racist.

I watched the video with horror and saw two sides to the aggression.

Two Thai men, yellow shirt and black shirt evidently arguing about something, but no aggression and the black shirt casually walks away.

First assault (minor to you, more important to a Thai): son reaches out to push yellow shirt aside.

Retaliation: yellow shirt pushes son back.

At this point just an unfortunate altercation with both parties equally to blame.

Unfortunately son stumbled and fell, but not because anyone struck him to the ground.

Second assault: mother verbally confronts yellow shirt man, then strikes him in the face. Note yellow shirt man does not retaliate.

Black shirt man returns and talks to yellow shirt man. There's some scuffling and next we see

Third assault: son has come around the left of the picture and put black shirt man in an arm lock.

Fourth assault: father comes through crowd at right and punches black shirt man.

At this point the family has clocked up four assaults, escalating the violence each time.

Then the situation explodes.

Black shirt man released from arm lock immediately seeks out the father and punches him. Then punches mother, then punches son and kicks him on the ground.

Horrible behaviour that is unforgiveable, but don't assume that it was racially inspired and unprovoked.

The younger Thais who entered towards the end were not provoked. Their motives are not known.

In all reality....the only ones who had zero reason or justification were these younger late entrants. They are the lowest of the low, especially the guy who muay thai kicked the lady in the head as she attempted to rise. This guy should be dropped into a dark hole for a long time.

[blistering blue barnacles]

Bored with apologists here. Do we ever see "Thai people attacked by vicious farangs" NO. Something should be done as a detterent

"Do we ever see "Thai people attacked by vicious farangs" NO."

YES, quite often on Walking Street.

"Something should be done as a detterent"

Keep TAT happy and give them their wish. Only allow quality tourists into Thailand,,, the way it used to be!

Since 81 as a visitor and now 97 full time, I have witnessed the Thai attitude steadily change from a quiet resentment to full blown hatred for farang. And, I have to say to myself, ‘is it any wonder, when the quality of tourist has gone from generally older, more respectful western guys, to every scumbag sex pest, drug taking bottom feeder on earth!’

[SOTIRIOS]

...they should not have to give evidence...there is all the evidence needed...and millions of witnesses worldwide...

...2 weeks later ......because the world is watching.....'something is being done'....

....yeah...the 'excuse/apology' was given.....

....'...sorry....because they were drunk'....

***....only sorry that they were caught.....

....and ...not because they were drunk...

...1) because they are savages with latent hatred of foreigners

...2) because there is never a punishment fitting the crime

...and the victims should NOT have to pay 1 baht for their medical expenses...or any expenses resulting from this savage attack...

....how many foreigners have their lives ruined at the hand of aggressors....on the pavement and on the road....

...and end up paying a fortune in bills....

****

....these scum only 'confessed'...not even a confession...an excuse for their actions...because there were witnesses....

...that is the saddest.....sickest....and scariest part of this savage assault...

...did you see the poor woman's head.....

...and did you see in the video how it came about.....

...and did you see anyone call the police....yell...or try to intervene....

...people pay fortunes to come to Thailand...with good intentions....

...never mind the 'trade-offs'...that so many try to excuse everything away with...

....things are seriously wrong here...and they need fixing..

[jesimps]

I hope that these are the real perpetrators, and not some poor schmucks who are being set up in order to appease the media the same as it happened in Ko Tao.

Not a chance.

The Thais albeit feckless about who blame should be apportioned too wouldn't dare pick any other candidates than the original cardboard gangsters.

The world media these days is a strong allay against these tyrants 'growing momentum every year' so in reality Thailand would shit itself if it lied about this latest outrage.

These Thai gangs hunt in packs simply because they're cowards picking on defenceless people.

Think about it.

How many times have they beat up a big team of Russians or any other handy western groups? Doesn't happen. They prefer to take advantage of older types,women or young adults or 10 to one ratio on a single Ferang to show thier unlimited strength in numbers.

If this scum gets less than a 10 stretch I'll be gutted and should scrap the Tits at TAT if they don't improve our safety in this scary country.

It's a total and utter disgrace and time for the PM to show the world he means business on Tourism

and ferangs welfare.

Suppose it took the glare of the Ladyboy skullduggery for this week until they kick off again next week.

Just saying ........

But but it was the fault of the elderley falangs that they were beaten unconcious because their son pushed (accidently brushed against) one of the thugs. C'mon you sunshiners you're slow today.

Ps They've finally surfaced.

[TSF]

Is the British Embassy making a hullabaloo over this? Or are they "guest" in the country and afraid to say and do anything that may offend their hosts?

I remember some years ago when there were a couple of attacks (and 1 murder) on Indian students in Australia. The Indian government made a right big noise demanding what the hell was going on. Deputy PM Julia Gillard made a frantic trip to New Delhi and promised to put an immediate stop to this. Aussies who commit racial assaults against Indian and other foreign students now get the book thrown at them big time.

[Bangkok Barry]

Yet again the concern is over the effect on tourism and Thailand's image, and not for the victims of attempted murder. And this is happening on a daily basis. The only reason this was highlighted was because the victims were grey-haired pensioners and their son. By the way, this report says the son has already returned to the UK, while another said he has returned to Singapore where he works. I'm a journalist and have to check the facts, obviously not something required of Thai 'journalists'.

[NextStationBangkok]

Sorry for the British family attacked in Hua-Hin, but i don't give a generalized view on all Thais. British learn how to speak few Thai words, and to learn how to smile to people, and greet them or apologize when there is situation.

Life is not just you expect somone behave good to you, first you keep yours right first. Even bad person will think twice doing something bad on you.

Songkran is bad timing for anything including finding food to eat. No wonder Police are out of service on that day. Most Thai's are friendly and care foreigners during Songran celebrations for sure.

In my 12 years of stay, this is first time heard foreigner attacked during Songran.

[spidermike007]

Funny article. A spokesman for the Tourism Authority of Thailand said: "An investigation is in process and the suspects will soon be under the jurisdiction of the court.

"If found guilty, the perpetrators of this incident will face full justice under Thai law."

If only THAI law was willing to punish these worms. It is one of the weakest judicial systems in the world. One of the most lenient. One of the least competent. Does anyone think these guys will serve the kind of sentence they deserve for what can be described as attempted murder?

[yogavnture]

the punishment should be how ever many teeth they kicked out. the thugs should have to sit in dentists chair restrained and have those same teeth pulled out that they kicked out . hittiing an old lady while she was down?

[Tonlondon]

It is their first offence. Even they did a terrible thing. A first offence for assault does not carry a prison sentence. Not only in Thailand, but all western countries also. So when everyone hears that they got a fine and a 4 month suspended sentence, don't be complaining that they got special treatment, because victims were foreigner. This is the standard sentence, including in our countries.

Yes you are 100% correct and yes it happens in our countries and penalties are not 10 years. But I think the point being made, is that this is what should happen. In our countries too. I have been a victim of assault and let me tell you it is horrible. One friend of mine took one year to recover from a vicious unprovoked attack and it wrecked his life for a year. Several operations later he recovered but the psychological trauma is still there. There are plenty of stories in many countries of a person dying from an assault. A punch or kick can kill. Doctors often can not believe how vicious people are and can not understand how people do not understand this point. So albeit maybe it is not what is the law or punishment metered, it should be. Maybe if tough penalties were handed out, then people would think twice before they act like this. Punches and kicks kill. And it is only chance that a person survives from a kick or punch. This poor woman could easily have had brain damage or worse died. Luckily she did not. Imagine how they must feel. It is terrible. But you are correct the punishment is rarely long prison sentences but it should be. Human beings need to learn, not to behave like this.

[jesimps]

It is their first offence. Even they did a terrible thing. A first offence for assault does not carry a prison sentence. Not only in Thailand, but all western countries also. So when everyone hears that they got a fine and a 4 month suspended sentence, don't be complaining that they got special treatment, because victims were foreigner. This is the standard sentence, including in our countries.

no so! in the United States they have a "hate" crime law that includes old folks! hit an old person and go to jail! period

Show me the law and the penalty.

This would come under the common assault law. It was not premeditated and first offence.

Though there is an extra penalty, for assault if it was 2 or more doing the crime.

Suspended sentence. Standard.

I also get sick of people going on about victims being paid off to avoid prison. This is not true. Thailand has a very good law, that every victim is entitled to compensation from the criminal. This sum can be agreed upon before court, it has no bearing on the criminal sentence which by the law must be enforced. Or, the victim can prosecute the criminal in a civil case if victim feels compensation is not enough.

Many countries do not have the victims compensation law. Everyone makes money, the lawyers, the court (fines ) with the victim recieveing nothing. I have been a victim,the money does help cover costs of medical, court attendances, and other.

What have you been smoking???? What meds are you on?????

Oh there are a few like him on here I can assure you. Criticise the locals at your peril.

[wvavin]

The UK should ban their citizens traveling to Thailand. End of the story!

[Tonlondon]

Is the British Embassy making a hullabaloo over this? Or are they "guest" in the country and afraid to say and do anything that may offend their hosts?

I remember some years ago when there were a couple of attacks (and 1 murder) on Indian students in Australia. The Indian government made a right big noise demanding what the hell was going on. Deputy PM Julia Gillard made a frantic trip to New Delhi and promised to put an immediate stop to this. Aussies who commit racial assaults against Indian and other foreign students now get the book thrown at them big time.

Too busy going to cocktail parties and trying to sell off the Embassy land

[blistering blue barnacles]

Most of the comments here are one-sided and racist.

I watched the video with horror and saw two sides to the aggression.

Two Thai men, yellow shirt and black shirt evidently arguing about something, but no aggression and the black shirt casually walks away.

First assault (minor to you, more important to a Thai): son reaches out to push yellow shirt aside.

Retaliation: yellow shirt pushes son back.

At this point just an unfortunate altercation with both parties equally to blame.

Unfortunately son stumbled and fell, but not because anyone struck him to the ground.

Second assault: mother verbally confronts yellow shirt man, then strikes him in the face. Note yellow shirt man does not retaliate.

Black shirt man returns and talks to yellow shirt man. There's some scuffling and next we see

Third assault: son has come around the left of the picture and put black shirt man in an arm lock.

Fourth assault: father comes through crowd at right and punches black shirt man.

At this point the family has clocked up four assaults, escalating the violence each time.

Then the situation explodes.

Black shirt man released from arm lock immediately seeks out the father and punches him. Then punches mother, then punches son and kicks him on the ground.

Horrible behaviour that is unforgiveable, but don't assume that it was racially inspired and unprovoked.

The younger Thais who entered towards the end were not provoked. Their motives are not known.

Spot on analysis!

All these lovely pics depicting the lovely family on holiday are totally biased. I’m sure the initial two Thai guys can produce equally pleasant images. I’m actually really sick of seeing Thais blamed for everything on this site.

Personally, I used to really enjoy a night out in Pattaya and Walking Street, but not anymore, and that’s nothing to do with the Thais, but totally to do with the farang and other foreign scum!

Observation: What kind of people, people well in their 60’s, repeatedly assault 2 Thai men in their 30’s at 2am in a red light area?

I think the first 2 Thai guys should not be charged, as the farang hit both the Thai guys first. Tit for tat!

However, the other two Thai solid citizens should be nailed to the wall.

[jacksam]

It is their first offence. Even they did a terrible thing. A first offence for assault does not carry a prison sentence. Not only in Thailand, but all western countries also. So when everyone hears that they got a fine and a 4 month suspended sentence, don't be complaining that they got special treatment, because victims were foreigner. This is the standard sentence, including in our countries.

You are correct. What is damming here is the clear video evidence. Shows how vicious the attach was. In particular the first "sucker" punch by one of the accused. He is also same one who punches woman and son. It should be noted that before any of that the woman slaps Thai guy across face. Not a good idea in Thailand. Particularly people that have traveled here a lot. I hope the main culprit, referred to earlier, gets jail time. Perhaps 6 months but wouldn't hold my breath. People don't just walk out of hospital and all is cherry ripe. They will have ongoing issues and as reported dental reconstruction.

[keskeseksa]

What a shame that they get bail.

[user82374298374]

NCPO are missing a great PR opportunity. If the General showed up, promised swift action, and actually followed through, this would do Thailand's current international reputation a world of good.

Why not use Article 44 for something constructive, instead of worrying about red plastic bowls?

[TKDfella]

Most of the comments here are one-sided and racist.

I watched the video with horror and saw two sides to the aggression.

Two Thai men, yellow shirt and black shirt evidently arguing about something, but no aggression and the black shirt casually walks away.

First assault (minor to you, more important to a Thai): son reaches out to push yellow shirt aside.

Retaliation: yellow shirt pushes son back.

At this point just an unfortunate altercation with both parties equally to blame.

Unfortunately son stumbled and fell, but not because anyone struck him to the ground.

Second assault: mother verbally confronts yellow shirt man, then strikes him in the face. Note yellow shirt man does not retaliate.

Black shirt man returns and talks to yellow shirt man. There's some scuffling and next we see

Third assault: son has come around the left of the picture and put black shirt man in an arm lock.

Fourth assault: father comes through crowd at right and punches black shirt man.

At this point the family has clocked up four assaults, escalating the violence each time.

Then the situation explodes.

Black shirt man released from arm lock immediately seeks out the father and punches him. Then punches mother, then punches son and kicks him on the ground.

Horrible behaviour that is unforgiveable, but don't assume that it was racially inspired and unprovoked.

The younger Thais who entered towards the end were not provoked. Their motives are not known.

Spot on analysis!

All these lovely pics depicting the lovely family on holiday are totally biased. I’m sure the initial two Thai guys can produce equally pleasant images. I’m actually really sick of seeing Thais blamed for everything on this site.

Personally, I used to really enjoy a night out in Pattaya and Walking Street, but not anymore, and that’s nothing to do with the Thais, but totally to do with the farang and other foreign scum!

Observation: What kind of people, people well in their 60’s, repeatedly assault 2 Thai men in their 30’s at 2am in a red light area?

I think the first 2 Thai guys should not be charged, as the farang hit both the Thai guys first. Tit for tat!

However, the other two Thai solid citizens should be nailed to the wall.

Very reasonable reply. I have no idea what transpired prior to this video (that is, if anything did). It not about who is to blame it's about the level of violence. All that was needed was a couple of shoves and then move on, but no it went to the next level. Any man that can't that can't take a slap from an old woman lacks courage, self control and all the rest. Imo, it isn't the original Thai chap that should be taking the rap for this but the one who kicked the old lady while she was down. I know thugs do this elsewhere but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be seen for what it is, pure and utterly uncontrolled violence. Defend yourself, yes! but using sledge hammer tactics was unnecessary in this case.