philliphn

I used to live in Texas and I tried to imagine what this situation would look like in a US context.

A Mexican immigrant (let's say a yard/lawn maintenance service provider), who speaks little English, comes to a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) train station,  The DART security guard tells the Mexican (with a perfect Texas drawl, Pardon Me Sir) not to bring a banned item (let's say an Armadillo) into the train station,  The Mexican is not very conversant in the local language, and tries to argue using Spanish mixed with pidgin English, which the blond blue-eyed American guard does not understand.  The Mexican thinks the US rules are nonsensical (in Mexico Mexicans can carry Armadillos onto Mexican trains) and ignores the guard and tries to get onto the DART train, reasoning that American rules are stupid and that Mexican norms should apply in Dallas.
If this story ran in the Texas papers, we flag-waving Americans would throw the Mexican back across the Rio Grande pronto.  And recruit another yard/lawn maintenance service provider in his stead from the Home Depot parking lot.

Ferangled, on 2012-03-22 15:58:48, said:

Wow. What video did you watch?  The guy's friend had to hold him back from attacking the guard.  He tried to kick the guards (see the jumping around 2/3 through the video), and did push them on several occasions.

Also, when you wrote "Since when did a few balloons warrant being assaulted with a weapon?" -- I see many a balloon of varying types and aggression shown by the foreigner. The other posts state that he assaulted a female officer, kicked a trash can in a crowded area and from what I can see, acted like a total t@#t

What difference does it make whether there were signs saying balloons are prohibited?

The guy was told he wasn't allowed to take the balloons on the train BEFORE he entered.  Why did he ignore those instructions?  He should have either taken a taxi or asked to see the boss, not try and force his way into the station.

the falang should have followed house rules, no matter where you go, how illogical the rules are, you are in their premises, just obey or leave

dont just barge in like rambo first blood

Sure, the guard should not have hit the guy after a few punches in the chest, but being a teacher in Thailand you should well know about respect and face-saving in Thailand. If you can't comply with that I think there is no place for you as a teacher in Thailand (or in any country really!) I feel sorry for the little girl who has to watch her dad getting mad about some balloons. Not sure if he acts like this at home as well.

About having a sign or not having a sign that balloons are not allowed. Whenever the guards that work there tell you you can't take it, you can't take it. Simple!

The guy was taking the mick and now it's ballooned out of proportion.

Youtube link of the incident..


Dumb fool think he's above the law by insisting in bringing in the balloon when it is clearly prohibited

geriatrickid, on 2012-03-23 07:20:09, said:

Exactly. The sign says no BALLOONS and does specify what kind of gas they are filled with. The foreigner was in the wrong and it does not matter what he got away with earlier in the day. Some arrogant foreigners seem to feel that they are entitled to not follow rules in Thailand because of their white skin.

Nisa, on 2012-03-23 02:00:55, said:

Thank you for your kind words.  I find the reaction to this incident a facinating study in reality being subjective.  I am impressed by the way this was handled, and for those that think there is a better way, you are cordially invited to visit Boston, push a guard and kick another.  You will flat on your face with a knee on your neck and in cuffs faster than you can say "I have balloons."  Oh, and when you get to a spot where there are no cameras, you will receive a severe beating, and a citation for resisting arrest.  Yep, attack a Boston Cop...and then...have a nice stay at Mass General Hospital.
Again...well done BTS...no blood...no foul.

RichardinBKK, on 2012-03-23 01:36:42, said:

Great non-biased post. I did want to mention too that the guy looks like he got punched in the eye and not a club to the head.   No doubt the video is shaky and my eyes not that good but certainly looks like a punch to the eye and I don't see any security with a baton.  I can't recall but assume some of the security on the MRT has batons but just couldn't make out any in the video.

What is funny (sad) is that if security is issued a baton then I am almost certain they are not supposed to use it. Regardless of the situation, I believe they can expect serious problems from their employer for being aggressive with anybody, even if they are being assaulted. It is often just the Thai way. As we see in this video the guy makes a number of attempts (possibly connecting) to assault the officers including knocking ones hat off and throwing a kick the stomach/chest of another and none of these guards responded in a way that I think would be appropriate (physically forcing this guy into submission and handcuffs) as would be the case in most, if not all, western countries.

jbauer, on 2012-03-23 01:05:56, said:

If you are told you cannot enter the BTS by security then in my opinion you are an a@@hole if you don't comply regardless if you understand the reason why or you are with your Thai wife and kid who for some reason also don't understand English or simple words like a "no" while pointing at the balloons. In my opinion anyone on a foriegn country who doesn't seek help in communications or simply obey authority figures (who clearly are telling you not to enter) is an a@@hole. However, simply being an a@@hole doesn't mean you should be assaulted but if you start destroying other people's property and try to force your way onto other people's property you have been told you cannot enter then it would seem you are asking for a violent confrontation.

jbauer, on 2012-03-23 00:37:48, said:

Actually the video clearly shows him acting in a violent and criminal fashion and there is nothing that could have happened prior that would excuse his behavior. Even if he felt he was assaulted by another security officer or even one of the ones he is being shown attacking in this video. Clearly the video shows him NOT acting in any kind of self-defensive manner and he is being the aggressor. You don't have a legal right to attack anyone simply because they hit you. However you do have a right to defend yourself which this guy clearly was not doing and had all the opportunity in the world to walk out of the BTS and call police if he was assaulted and NOT continue to break BTS rules and not follow the directions of security officers at the station and force his way up the stairs to the trains.

jamesbrock, on 2012-02-23 21:50:31, said:

My neighbour is burning them. He has just raked up a handsome pile which he used as fuel to burn some larger logs. The surrounding air doesn't seem to bother him in the least. I never stop wondering why some people are that dense.

Cheers, CMX

DP25, on 2012-03-22 14:14:13, said:

How do you know he was "attacked".  Maybe the guard was defending himself.  Is there any evidence of what happened before the video started?

BookMan, on 2012-03-22 14:11:25, said:

BTS could be referring to the guard as the victim. Not sure how much it is going to cost the farang.