This topic is locked
I don't think that there is any doubt that the man was rude and swore at immigration officials.
My guess is, that had he kept calm while they scrutinised his passport he might have been allowed to board his plane and not jailed.
This is a warning to everyone who reads this story, that in Thailand you are at the mercy of higher powers so must never resort to rudeness and swearing at Thai officials.
Did he deserve jail for 3 weeks? Yes, I bet it taught him a lesson he'll never forget.
Does he deserve 2 years jail for rudeness? No, send him home and bar him from Thailand.
Do the British Embassy staff ever help? Rarely and only if you are an OE or a peer of the realm.
0
Brit Faces Two Years In Thai Jail For Being 'rude'.Voice reader tells of how dream holiday became a nightmare
Started by Chopper, 2009-03-03 12:12
#27
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 13:53:50
I can't help but feel that those of you ridiculous enough to say he deserves to be jailed for 2 years are absolutely racist and a step away from joining the KKK. Excuse me but YOU wouldn't be upset to be forced to MISS YOUR PLANE for absolutely no reason? All you need to do is raise your voice a bit in this country and YOU BAD MAN! Since when is being jusitifiably upset a JAILABLE offence in any country?! Some of you are so blatantly racist or just plain stupid it's sad.
#28
Platinum Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:00:16 Quote I can't help but feel that those of you ridiculous enough to say he deserves to be jailed for 2 years are absolutely racist There is something really strange to this story though, 3 weeks in jail before being released on bail for an offense like this? #29
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:00:16
This is so OTT.
Swearing is one thing, being rude can cut both ways. Just because they work for immergration does it give them the right to be rude to the travellers? I had a problem in Phuket, the guy said I was rude for asking what the problem was. He said that I had to stand there until he said I could move. Sorry but really there is no need for the officals to go on stupid little power trips as much as for the tourist to watch his language. But putting him in Jail for being rude!! Someone needs to grow up and the judge should throw this case out of court and do something to the immergration officer who is wasting time and money with this. Pointless and rather embarassing for Thailand I think. #30
Star Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:01:06
Voice reader Simon Burrowes, from Wembley, north London Burrowes said: “I’m a black man The same black Simon Burrowes from London?  International Karate and Kickboxing Academy, London Simon Burrowes - Instructor Simon has over 15 years Martial Arts and Amateur Boxing Experience in the UK. He is a Black Belt 2nd Dan ECKA Karate and kickboxing Instructor. National Sami contact champion , Bronze Medallist in 2007 WPKA world kickboxing championship in Greece. It appears it is....The same person really doesn't like to wear shirts I guess... not even for... Facebook: Simon Burrowes is a fan of: * Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp, Phuket, Thailand http://www.facebook....rowes/623791353 #31
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:06:16
I think this childish man deserves to be locked up for a very long time to make an example of him. PIMFRAM, I think you are being the childish one here, grow up. Why should any national be locked up for a minor offence (is it a an offence to query why they are holding your passport, then to let off steam?) I'm not saying it's right what he did but it's an overkill once again by power crazed Thai authorities. #32
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:06:23
Voice reader Simon Burrowes, from Wembley, north London Burrowes said: “I’m a black man The same black Simon Burrowes from London? International Karate and Kickboxing Academy, London Simon Burrowes - Instructor Simon has over 15 years Martial Arts and Amateur Boxing Experience in the UK. He is a Black Belt 2nd Dan ECKA Karate and kickboxing Instructor. National Sami contact champion , Bronze Medallist in 2007 WPKA world kickboxing championship in Greece. If it is the same bloke though you would think someone so disciplined in Martial Arts would be verbally somewhat more disciplined in the ‘Art’ of tact (if reports from Immigration are true). #33
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:07:05
Give any official a bit of authority and he will abuse it. The underclasses in all countries, - from garbage disposal men to train guards, strut around like little Hitlers screaming "BECAUSE I SAID SO" as a stock reply.
You can usually be rude back though, (though they'll make life as difficult for you as they possibly can). If you bang the counter with your hand, you will be looking at a night in jail - because they'll call the cops and you'll be done for a minor kind of assault. I nearly got a night in the cells in Hong Kong for banging my palm on the coin tray on a bus when the driver refused to stop at my usual stop. I had to jump off and run away when he stopped to ring the Police ! I'm such an 'ooligan. #34
Breakfast Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:11:20
Voice reader Simon Burrowes, from Wembley, north London Burrowes said: “I’m a black man The same black Simon Burrowes from London? International Karate and Kickboxing Academy, London Simon Burrowes - Instructor Simon has over 15 years Martial Arts and Amateur Boxing Experience in the UK. He is a Black Belt 2nd Dan ECKA Karate and kickboxing Instructor. National Sami contact champion , Bronze Medallist in 2007 WPKA world kickboxing championship in Greece. It appears it is....The same person really doesn't like to wear shirts I guess... not even for... Facebook: Simon Burrowes is a fan of: * Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp, Phuket, Thailand http://www.facebook....rowes/623791353 It seems he is a pretty tough guy. So he will be able to protect his ring if he gets two years bird. #35
Star Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:11:35
Voice reader Simon Burrowes, from Wembley, north London Burrowes said: “I’m a black man The same black Simon Burrowes from London? International Karate and Kickboxing Academy, London Simon Burrowes - Instructor Simon has over 15 years Martial Arts and Amateur Boxing Experience in the UK. He is a Black Belt 2nd Dan ECKA Karate and kickboxing Instructor. National Sami contact champion , Bronze Medallist in 2007 WPKA world kickboxing championship in Greece. If it is the same bloke though you would think someone so disciplined in Martial Arts would be verbally somewhat more disciplined in the ‘Art’ of tact (if reports from Immigration are true). On the one hand I would agree... as I've known a few martial artists who are as you describe. Unfortunately, I've also known a couple karate experts who were real dicks and overly aggressive in all aspects of their lives. Edited by sriracha john, 2009-03-03 14:13:12. #36
Advanced Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:11:49
There has to be more to it than he is telling (of course, because it is his side we are hearing, with just some comments from immigration). What I find strange is that the report states that his passport photograph showed him WITHOUT A SHIRT. ....cant imagine the passport office accepting that photograph. #37
Super Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:14:22
Only a complete idiot would act the way he did. Can't feel sorry for him even though the sentence is rather harsh, in fact it is rather funny. How the hel_l is that funny??? The guy might have family.There are so many arse licking westeners here now, just because the thought of all these women taken away from them is a nightmare. The detainment is way too harsh for voicing an opinion. Anyone that lives here knows that this is no more than a show of power because the guy come from a wealthier country and is probably more wealthy. #38
Super Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:19:08
It's funny because he thought he could be rude and aggressive and get away with it like he probably can in England. But when he tried it on here it bit him in the back didn't it.
Yes, 2 years is too long but the 3 weeks he has already spent in jail is time well spent in my opinion. Nobody with an ounce of common sense would talk to immigration officials in a foreign country like that. Quote show of power because the guy come from a wealthier country and is probably more wealthy. bull I would say it's because he showed a lot of disrespect to people (if reports are true). Edited by madjbs, 2009-03-03 14:21:02. #39
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:21:34
I think most, even he, would agree that he over-reacted a little too much. I think if I was the official behind the counter I'd not take too kindly to it either. However, a firm, but polite dressing down from the officer would be all that was necessary. After all, he was LEAVING the country. Some one should have told this guy that here in the land of "smile" , (no not my spelling mistake) these poor little thin skinned, inmature, vindictive people will always make sure foreigners know their place in "their" country.
Edited by barky, 2009-03-03 14:22:51. #40
Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:24:22
If someone had the power to put me in prison for swearing at them, i would be very polite indeed.
Whats prison food like in Phuket? Edited by pimfram, 2009-03-03 14:27:47. #42
Member Schmember Posted 2009-03-03 14:29:58
Why do you believe the charges?
To put it another way, what is the definition of rude, legally, under Thai law? Suppose he merely protested his detention politely. It may have been culturally stupid for him to do anything (assuming he actually did anything) but I am distressed that people here are not taking his side. IT COULD BE YOU! Edited by Jingthing, 2009-03-03 14:34:22. #43
Remember this member Posted 2009-03-03 14:32:29
I don't believe the half naked passport pic. Not possible in a UK passport, but he should know better than to swear at an immigration official in any country.
Cheers, Rick #44
If Carlsberg did Thaivisa members.... Posted 2009-03-03 14:36:03
she does look very nice  Does anyone here have access to his Facebook Page, as he may tell a different version of events through there Cheers #45
If Carlsberg did Thaivisa members.... Posted 2009-03-03 14:38:12
I don't believe the half naked passport pic. Not possible in a UK passport, but he should know better than to swear at an immigration official in any country. Cheers, Rick agree on this one, as you only show your FACE on a passport picture #46
Senior Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:40:26
He was certainly not smart to think he had the upper hand on foreign soil, and obviously should have kept his mouth shut (and his hands by his side), but his biggest mistake was not realizing that when dealing with Thais, you are usually dealing with people who have small minds and very large egos. I suspect it was mostly a case of a Thai official losing face. When something like that happens, Thais can become completely irrational. I believe psychologists would call it an inferiority complex (that Thais are unable to act rationally when there egos are bruised).
Now I'll wait for the "Thailand is perfect, so don't you dare criticize it" members to put me in my place. Edited by Beacher, 2009-03-03 14:47:03. #47
Super Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:40:52
You can see upper shoulders and chest on most photos. Easy to tell if you are wearing a shirt or not.
The rules don't say anything about what you have to wear in the photo. Edited by madjbs, 2009-03-03 14:41:33. #48
Super Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:42:25
you are usually dealing with people who have small minds and very large egos. Just like most of the farangs on Thai Visa then? #49
Boating member Posted 2009-03-03 14:50:01
A passport photo is rejected if it is not suitable,and if he had no shirt on,then i don't see how he could have got the photo accepted.I think that the Thai immi.chap started off ok,just questioning Simon,but i suspect Simon used his size and mouth to belittle the guy,and from there,it's all downhill.
 I like "beachers" comment about Thai's having small brains and big ego's...To get a job in immigration requires a BA.So much for small brains.....And i wouldn't take to kindly to arrogant foreigners trying to stand over me.  But going to jail for this,mmmmmm,Seems a bit harsh. 
#50
Star Member Posted 2009-03-03 14:53:52
Does anyone here have access to his Facebook Page, as he may tell a different version of events through there He has to approve you as a "friend" in order to see his page... I've asked... Just hope he doesn't shout "FU*K You!" and snatch back my "friend request" out of my hand. |
Sponsored by ... |
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
