It is a sad and embarrassing when I see on the front page of The Bangkok Post’s internet site an apparent Australian (Irish born) and also claiming to be an ex soldier is taking to the stage with speeches to the red army of followers.
There are many suspicious things in this article about Conor David Purcell, who has no money, surviving of his friends and the Thais giving him handouts. The article says, “a former Australian military reservist”. This is a long way from the real thing. More like part time soldiers that could be called into service if ever need be.
The claim that, ‘he worked quiet extensive’ with the SASR or Special Air Service Regiment I don’t believe for a second. I have some mates in the SASR and have sent this article from the Bangkok Post on to them and see what they say.
Let’s look at what a source from the Australlian Embassy said, "You need to take what he says with a big dose of salt. He's a big noter who gilds the lily big time.''
What gets me is this; he says he has a ‘political science degree’ from the University of Western Australia. Wouldn’t it be through a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science. And he studies 4 years, straight from school to university. So say he finishes when he is 22 years old.
He has apparently studied, been a military reservist and also somehow supported himself through this all. He has then been able to train with the most elite soldiers not just in Australia but the world. Yes, a load of bullshit I think and it won’t take long to find this out.
Apparently during the April 10 fighting he was there and witnessed the events that left 25 dead, this made him become ‘radicalized and very angry’ at the current Thai government.
And then this came from his mouth, “The criminality on that day was very similar to Bloody Sunday in Ireland, it was an insult to any soldier, it was an insult to any rules of engagement, it was an insult to any manly sense of honour that they tear-gassed a crowd of monks and businessmen.''
Monks and businessmen, okay there could have been monks, but businessmen, most red shirts are Isaan people who might own a small market shop, mum and dad store or farm. And many are getting paid to be there as has been claimed. This is true as I know of people who are there in Bangkok as they were promised 250 Baht a day. This came from Thai’s mouths in the village.
And his claim of being injured by ‘two silicon coated bullets’ now requiring treatment is hard to believe but again maybe he shot himself.
During the April 10 skirmish he apparently lost his ‘emergency Australian passport’ (So he had already lost his real passport before), and claiming 1,400 Thai Baht was also lost. This must be his only money if he is now relying on handouts. Doesn’t he have a bank account with funds, family that could send money to him? Sounds a bit of a shark like the foreign beggars in Bangkok that claim to be destitute with some lame ass story. I am sure he has probably been there and done this.
So I will wait and see if this man is a fake, or the real thing but I do believe he has gold plated everything and the masses are foolishly listening to him.
And Mr. Conor David Purcell, if you read this and don’t agree please let me know. I would more than happily meet you and discuss some of your claims as there are many questions you wouldn’t be able to answer for sure.
Anyway, you know where I am in Isaan, so after your ‘consulting work’ is done in Bangkok and if you sadly aren’t shot then come and holiday here in Ubon and have a cold beer and a feed, but I will give you a heads up. I won’t be paying for it you scrounger.
I came up with a good idea, few and far between I know. I thought that if we could get all parties, the UDD (red shirts), the PAD (yellow shirts), the colour shirts and all government ministers into a massive arena for a debate. Give free food and beer and pay each person 500 Baht to attend and then drop a huge mother fus#er of a bomb on the place and Thailand can start its so called democracy again from scratch.
Is that a little too harsh?
Anyway here are two videos of Conor if you want to see him in action. He claims to have been in the Australian army for 7 years. Then he really saddens me as he says, “I am a charity worker and a teacher”. I am so embarrassed and am going to stop teaching. There too many people like this teaching in Thailand and all of us are then branded because of them.
Brunty
49 comments:
G'day mate, I am an Ex Pat Australian and Ex Long Term (Now Retired) Military person. What a bloody fraud! An imposter! I am embarrassed. he should be rounded up, arrested and deported. Not to Australia though, take him back to Ireland and he can go on the dole there. The bludger. I am godsmacked to be honest. yes, and you are 100% correct about the so-called English Teachers who unfortunately infest this country. Sorry mate, I understand not all are wankers, losers and frauds, it must be as troubling to you, being a teacher, as this bloke is to me, being Ex Australian Military.
I agree with everything you say about Conor David Purcell, but could you not have omitted the "Irish Born" comment!
I'm assuming you are also an Australian like Conor are trying to palm him off on us. Whilst I understand and sympathise with your thinking I have to ask you to keep him.
Like you I think he has lost the plot and also like you I have some friends in the regiment and I can make an educated guess as to what they are thinking.
Thanks for the story and the videos. I am an Australian living in Bangkok and I believe him, applaud him for his courage and agree with his sentiments. His background is less important than the fact that he speaks intelligently, honestly and with a clear understanding of the current situation.
He is not the only farang living in Thailand who thinks this way about the protests. I would do the same, if the 'democratic' government had not threatened huge fines and the loss of work permit.
As you say, his identity will become clear with time, but he is articulate, bold and passionate, and this video will reach a lot of people. I say, "Well done!"
I couldn't watch it to the end. I just feel sorry for him. It's one of those things that you look back at in 10 years and wonder why on earth I did that. Mind you he should be in immigration detention if he doesnt have a passport? I am sure he will be in some sort of detention after that speach. Asshole gives us Aussies a bad name.
i wonder how much he was apid to say this crap.
Funny too, he seems to be anble to walk quite well after being shot twice?
As an Irishman this guy is an embarrassment.
He's going a good bit further than a simple "witness statement" so he should find himself in fairly hot water when this is over.
Thanks for posting these vids - I couldn't find them on a youTube search.
It's normally funny to watch someone make an arse of themselves in public but in this sorry situation I thought it was quite sad viewing really...
Oh! And while I do think the terrorist label has been banded about by just about everyone far too much these days this guys does need to get his facts right if he purports to speak for the UN on how terrorism is defined.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition_of_terrorism
- Global
http://www.facebook.com/people/Conor-David-Purcell/876310561
I sent this guy an e-mail this morning. He is as a disgrace with his west atlantic accent. He is a fake and is totaaly brain washed.
That is one fucked up puppy. I guess he's joined the Issan gravy train, and does his speeches for the 250 baht per day. Maybe if he's a guard he'll get more and that's why the military lies. Reservist? Wow, so scary man. I was on reserve for 20 years, does that count?
Wow, I wasn't expecting so many comments. Thanks for dropping by guys.
Russ, if my mates got hold of him for all he has claimed, they would tear him apart. He would be flogged to an inch of his life. You being ex military would understand. English teachers have such a bad rep here and I have really had enough and will get out this year and pusue other adventures.
Anon sorry about the "Irish born' bit but I was just trying to save some Australian face. I am so embarrassed by his comments in the speeches and just want to make sure others know he was born elsewhere and then called Australia home. I am sorry we cannot keep him and he is being sent straight back to Ireland to work at the Guinness factory being a taste tester.
Anon 2, it is good to see you support him and his ideas. That is your decision. His background is important, especially as he claims. He is claiming to be something taken very seriously by ex servicemen and not something to joke around with. To get involved in this country’s politics that is so corrupted is crazy. We all have our views but true democracy will not be seen in Thailand for a long time or if ever.
Jamie, it was hard to watch to the end. I struggled through them. And especially when he got sort of passionate. There are plenty of Aussies about that tar us with the one brush sadly but we know majority of us are normal laid back Aussies enjoying life.
David, he is collecting money there to “help get him by” as he has no money apparently. He says he is a charity worker and a teacher and I would really love to know what “visa” he has to do such work. As for being shot twice and being able to walk, I too was amazed at his bravery and pain tolerance.
JB, the apparent ‘source’ from the embassy said he has broken Thai laws. His witness statement about the army firing after dark and regulations to rules of engagement are all crap. I listened and laughed. He made it sound like a slaughter of men, women and children could have taken place. If you watch videos of the skirmish and the ‘reds’ were throwing more than water bottles and caps.
Anon 3, I agree usually watching a person make a fool of themselves is funny but I too cringed and suffered while watching him on stage. As for speaking for the UN on their definition of “terrorism” I am sure he has worked extensively with them at some stage in his young career.
Anon 4, he might be a little too busy to reply to you collecting money from the comatose supporters helping him get by as he is doing it so tough at this moment in time.
Anon 5, yes he seems to be a sick puppy indeed. It is funny as many people left the villagers here in Isaan. When you ask where they went and are told of them protesting and being paid to do so, it’s laughable. But this was the same for the “yellow shirts or PAD” as well. Being a reservist can be a great experience and also very nice tax free dollars. You meet great people and learn some excellent life skills along the way. But he makes it sound like something else than this.
Brunty
When I saw a picture of him at Bangkok Post, I recognized him.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/176550/wounded-aussie-on-handouts-takes-to-red-shirt-stage
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9240/img6593g.jpg
Picture is taken November 27, 2008 at Suvarnabhumi when PAD occupied it.
He said he was australian, age fits, same nose and facial features.
What do you guys say, same guy?
Despite his dubious background and silly behaviour, this guy had certainly caused a strong embarrassment and headache to the guys at the 11th Infantry Regiment because his speeches were watched by millions of local reds. Which can be translated into comments like "see, even farang now supports our cause"
Why don't they just issue another arrest warrant and deport this guy ASAP. But the story does not end easily if he decides to meet Thaksin for more money.
Firstly I thank the "guggle" search to find your blog. The more I read of your experiences, the more I am impressed.
I'm a Thai who emigrated to Australia a few years back. Isaan fascinated me ever since I spent a summer there when I was 7 or 8.
As for the d*cktw*t whatever his name is, he's just plain "NUTS".
When I was at Uni, a mate of mine joined the army reserves. He's a great bloke, so much so that I thought I should join the Reserves too. However things changed and I joined the Tax Office instead. Come to think of it, I wonder if he's being paid to do what he did (and seemingly doing more now). And if so, should he be taxed here for the money, or at least have it counted as assessible income.
Lastly regardless of what he said (or read from a script on stage) or what happened to him (may the Gods bless his soul), he's a complete erm.... (what most of my mates would called...) W*nker.
he's red now? I thought he was yellow not so long ago: http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/8454/img6593f.jpg
strange guy...
Hes not Irish
Thanks for the clips, as an Australian I am offended by this wanker and his grab at 5 minutes of fame. I wonder if he watched any footage of grenades exploding amongst the group of soldiers or the fact that the comanders tent was targeted and he was killed. Yes that amounts to an act of terrorism.Would like to share a beer with him (not)and get his full cv of his army career if any.The full force of Thai law should come down on this sad excuse for a man.
Hey Patrik, thanks for the links and it could be him for sure. Looking at the images he could be a colour jumper and maybe someone should let the reds know he is a spy and they would tear him apart which would be funny.
Anon 6, I am sure he has made plenty of enemies in the army with his claims and if there are snipers out there they will make him a target if lucky. He will stay around as long as he gets handouts from the Thais there supporting him as he is apparently penniless.
Ramsey, it sounds like you have done very well in Australia especially with the Aussie slang. I am sure he doesn’t pay taxes in any form and will do so if he returns to Australia.
John, as another reader pointed out the same link to the picture and it does look like him I agree.
Anon 7, why isn’t he Irish?
Anon 8, I am sure many Aussies are offended by him and again makes us all look like fools. I agree with you and he seems to have missed all the red shirts attacks on the soldiers with slingshots and wooden sticks with nails and so forth.
Brunty
This guy is incredibly dodgy - used to be in the army? Not really same as being a reserve.
Looks like he is just enjoying a little attention - not really show/why he adds anything credible to red shirt cause. In fact, he may prove to be detrimental.
Great coverage Brunty,
And I see your report has raised the ire of many other readers. As an Aussie ex-serviceman, I regard Military imposters as the scum of the earth. I host many ex-service websites and have friends involved in exposing military wannabe's. I've forwarded this maggot's details to my friends at the Australasian Military Imposters group, www.anzmi.net. If he's a fake, be assured that they will out him and ensure his name is spread far and wide.
If he wants to be a w#nker and needs to feel validated on the stage in front of the red shirts, so be it. We cant stop stupidity. However, we can out him as a fraud and wannabe so that he will never be able to show his face at an ANZAC Day parade in the future.
Love your blog mate, always a great read!
Cheers
Brett
This man is a joke. He admits to the media that he has no passport which means he is illegally in the country. Immigration should round him up quick smart.
Great response by your readers Brunty pointing out that he was protesting with the yellow shirts two years ago. Seems as he is just a serial bludger and thrill seeker and goes wherever the action, money and free food is.
Having the same degree as him, you are correct, he may have a major in an arts degree from UWA in "political science". Only takes 3 years though, not evem 4- that's 8 units out of the 24 completed.
Honestly, not sure the guy with the Yellow headband is the same. They don't look the same to me at least... It doesn't mean I'm defending the move of Purcell thoough, which to me is honestly way out of track. As a foreigners we have the duty not to interfere in domestic affairs, although we all have our own opinions. Since he has broken a couple of Thai laws and has no passport the guy shoud either go to jail or sent immediatly to Australia where he can be taken care of by some specialised doctor!
Jon the guy seems very dodgy and has been reported back in Australia about his claims of military service and such. They will check him out at http://www.anzmi.net/cases.html
Brett thanks for forwarding his details on and it will be good to see if he is all that he claims to be but I find it hard to think it will be. No, we cannot prevent people from doing whatever they like and making huge fools of themselves. And if he did show at an ANZAC service I hope that all there gave him what he deserves.
Memok, I thought the same. He was already on an emergency passport, so how did he lose the first one… and then he lost his emergency passport all of his money, a huge 1,400 Baht and is scrounging off red supporters to get by, it is disgusting.
Hi Anon, yes three years fulltime but he wouldn’t have been able to do this I believe being in the army reserves and having to go and train and so forth and thought that he would have taken at least 4 years. I sent an email to his supposed university to make them aware of his claims and will be interested to see if they say anything about him.
Anon it could be a different guy. As a foreigner we can discuss other countries problems and even write what we might think but going on stage and revving up the already tranced supporters was really stupid. Especially with what he came out with. Some of it was just utter tripe I thought. He should be sent to Ireland and looked after by doctors there.
sorry lads he's an aussie!
after all those guiness sampling jbs are really hard to come by
and since when did oz become so particular about what type of irish person it'd allow in? if he'd robbed a few sheep he'd be welcomed down under with open arms, so what's the difference
I know this Purcell fella and he's mad as a cut snake. No, he isn't the same one as the "Yellow Headband" chap as he wasn't in Thailand at the time of that other protest. So nix on that.
His claims about being an ex-Army Reservist are true, as any of his former colleagues will be about to confirm. His degree is also genuine, although it should be called a "political science major" under an Arts degree, not a "political science degree". You can do an Arts degree part time, BTW. He never claimed to have finished it in 3 years.
So all that's true, though I'm not sure I can say the same for his accusations against the Thai government!
I host many ex-service websites and have friends involved in exposing military wannabe's. I've forwarded this maggot's details to my friends at the Australasian Military Imposters group, www.anzmi.net. If he's a fake, be assured that they will out him and ensure his name is spread far and wide.
Brett, what are you going to say when (not if) it comes out that he's NOT faking his military record? I think calling him a maggot is premature. "Russ" up the top of this page has already committed a technical libel by calling Purcell a "fraud" and an "imposter". He isn't a fraud, even if he's completely loony.
JB sheep stealers are sent to NZ, we take cattle stealers…
Anon it is good to finally meet someone who knows him. It is also good to know that it isn’t the same guy from the yellow shirts or PAD protest, so thanks for that as well. A reservist working extensively with the SASR is a little too hard to believe. And his degree is also real. I haven’t heard back from the WA University but again probably won’t. I never said he didn’t do it in 3 years. He could have done it part time and kept asking for extensions. His accusations against the soldiers or army and they are his views, we all have our views on thing but standing on a stage in a country that isn’t so stable is not the smartest thing to do.
Hi.
I don't know the details about Mr Purcell's claimed training with the SASR, but I do recall him mentioning it years ago. There's nothing far-fetched about the possibility that Reservists might have opportunities to do some joint training with the SAS. Both were involved in the East Timor deployment, for example.
On the other hand, I have no time for the Red Shirts and no inkling as to why he has decided to support them, or why he has denounced the Thai government in the extreme terms that he has.
Hi Anon, yes both were deployed to East Timor and I would print you an email from my mate who is in the SASR and what he said about reservists.
I had 4 mates in the SASR, now 3 as one left and is now in Townsville. None have heard of this guy and I won't print what else was said.
His ramblings are the thing but maybe he has some problems he needs working out back in Ireland.
Actually, I have a BA in Political Science and I tell anyone who asks "I have a Political Science degree" so it's absolutely possible he does :)
And, I support the red shirts so can see why he's doing this too.
But.....I doubt he'll be long in Thailand. Now that the Thai government knows he has no passport, no money and is giving speeches on the red shirt stage, he'll be deported soon I'm sure.
While I don't necessarily disagree with some of the comments you made, a little perspective is in order. The guy obviously has his own agenda here using the situation just as much as what they Reds are using him (to give some foreign credit to their cause). Has the guy given any further speeches? and if so, were they better than the one made on the 10th? The guy's public and motivational speaking skills need a lot of polishing.
Now, what I did find amusing with your comments Brunty is that you try to validate a point by reference to "This came from Thai’s mouths in the village.". Oh dear....anyone who knows a little bit about Issan life knows that you take whatever is said in an Issan moo baan with a pinch of salt. Now I'm sure you know a thing or two about village life, so I was quite surprised that you would make such a reference. "Knowing" something as fact is not a fact by someone telling you that is the case.
Hi Brit, Thanks for that information on the Political Science degree.
It would be great to know why you support the ‘red shirts’ cause. I cannot agree with any political party here in Thailand or the UDD, PAD or Multicolour shirts. They don’t know what a true democracy is.
He has been silly telling everyone he doesn’t have a passport, or money and so forth and all the claims he has made are sure to have made some not very happy indeed.
Observer, the good old Moo Barn is a source of gossip but it depends on who you get it from and what you take as real or complete shit. In 2008 there were some who went to the PAD rallies and were paid for doing so.
I take what is said by any Thai, take 99% away and then try and work out what might be the truth. Thais are the worst sheep I have seen. Follow the leader. But there are a few I can put a little more faith in as they seem to not have the Thainess in them and are open to open thinking and expressing their own opinion.
Observer, when a newspaper says “a source” has given information, they believe this contact that the information is true. So I could have said, ‘a source’ but I cannot be fucked with all that shit. So are you ‘surprised’ every time a newspaper quotes a source.
Thanks for dropping by..
Bottom line an ex-Special Forces soldier would definitely have his act together more than this ass clown. No money no passport. Flag one flag two. And I don't know ANY ex-military man who would EVER publicly get involved with another countries affairs...
A newspaper is generally required to confirm the information of their sources. The ramifications of reporting incorrect information is dependent on a few keys factors, but the biggest is libel. So, to answer you question that if a newspaper quoted sources which were incorrect, I wouldn't buy that paper to even wipe my arse on.
Really, if someone says to you that the sky is blue, do you just accept that as a fact or do you look up to confirm it?
Anyway, taking in 1% of what is said around the place is probably about right. As you say, its not whether the information is correct or not, its whether it makes a good point of gossip and if it doesn't, just change the story to make it a good one (sheep).
So back to my question, has this guy given any more speeches? It doesn't seem to be the case and if so, he had his 10 minutes in the spot light and will soon be forgotten.
Observer, it is a little like Chinese whispers where it starts out from, "I bought a cow and a buffalo" and turns into He bought 50 cows, 100 buffaloes, a car, 5 baht in gold, and so forth as each person adds there own little bit before getting back to the original source.
He apparently has made two stage speeches, if he did anymore I am not sure and haven't seen.
Not even sure if he is still in Thailand, or gone back to Aus or whatever.
Hi all,
Conor served with Bravo and Charlie Companies of the 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australian Regiment. He served in my company. His claims to training with Singapore and Malaysian Armies are true as we trained with them whilst on full-time deployment with Rifle Company Butterworth in Penang.
His claims to working extensively with SASR however are a little embellished. Due to 16 and 11/28 battalions being the only infantry battalions in Western Australia, they do work as support playing enemy to SASR on occasions but never actually trained WITH them. He may however, have attended a selection course for SASR as many Reservists have. Some have been successful but if Conor did then he wasn't successful. Selection doesn't train you as a Trooper but puts you through a grueling few weeks to try and weed out any physical or mental weakness.
My experience with Conor has never been as a close friend but I have worked closely with him. He is, as someone mentioned earlier, mad as a cut snake in an eccentric kind of way. I do think he's the kind of bloke that wants to help but always seemed to go about it the wrong way by jumping on the band wagon before he knew the full story. While we were in Malaysia he tried to get involved in the local scene. A bit of a 'do gooder'.
Conor, stay out of this one mate. Don't be naive.
I don't sure that I have ever seen him at Pattaya or somewhere else which I can't remember. Seem like I met him before or might be English Teacher at school.
I see he's been arrested today.
Well, looks like Mr Purcell has been arrested at last:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/aussie-arrested-over-thai-protests/story-fn3dxity-1225871105387
He is not Thai. He CERTAINLY has no right to go on the RED STAGE voicing his comments against the Government. Even diplomats living in Bangkok have not publicily commented against the government. How the hell can he.
Got to be prepared for the consequences. Sure he will get Jail Term and deportation.
It is very important as a foreigner to respect the law of the country, otherwise dont live here. You will get nothing but trouble.
I can vouch for the guy - he served in B COY 16RWAR a reserve infantry unit in WA. He's not a bad bloke at all but always a "big thinker"
As a regular to Thailand I wish I had of known he was there to try and talk him out of this.
An IRA wannabee.
"He is not Thai. He CERTAINLY has no right to go on the RED STAGE voicing his comments against the Government. Even diplomats living in Bangkok have not publicily commented against the government. How the hell can he."
Sorry, but I think he has every right IN A DEMOCRACY to voice his comments against the government. I'm Irish, was involved as a teen in the Civil Rights movement and I can see some similarities in Thailand (including the British governmnet claiming that the paras only fired in self-defence on Bloody Sunday).
We welcomed foreigners as they were the world's witnesses to the events. If Purcell gets heavy jail time for standing on a stage and speaking, it only reinforces the idea that the Thai government is leaning heavily towards Fascism.
Hail Thaksin.
thaksin is like any politician out there today, corrupt and liar
but the difference between him and the rest its that he actually did something good for the poor, lots of good policy and i guess that's the reason that made him so popular among isaan region.
and by the way, what makes me like the thaksin government most is that he actually come from an election, unlike this current government
Well he's in jail now, now its Australia's diplomatic issue. I Hope they let him rot.
I think this guy must have ADD for sure!
well, I dunno the purpose of trying to rubbish this guy: I met conor in prison and frankly he has more guts and ideological principle that any piss weak farang like you lot; I doubt if any of you would be able to hold your own under his experience on the front against fascism and three months incarceration: good on yer Conor!
he got more guts than piss weak lot of whining farang out there! and at least in his own way took a stand against fascism: good on you Conor!
He's now campaigning his propaganda in Australia. I went to his crap presentation in Melbourne yesterday and couldn't finish it. He's now joining the socialiste and try to alter the issue to the class warfare.
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