I wrote about an Irish / Australian Conor David Purcell who got involved with the red shirts recently in Bangkok and was filmed on the stage addressing the red shirt protestors. He caused a bit of a stir and many people I spoke to said that he just doesn’t think before doing things.
I then wrote about him being arrested, over a visa problem at first but then held on other charges for violating the emergency degree.
I wrote, I hope that he had learned a lesson as he was a guest in this country, like so many of us. And Thai law and freedom of speech is different from what we might expect on home soil.
I had hoped that he would be given a slap on the wrist and sent home to Australia or Ireland. I thought that jail would be a bit harsh, that was until I read this article sent to me from a commenter, thanks for that.
Conor David Purcell faced court yesterday, being the 27th of May 2010. You would think he would be a bit remorseful and feeling a little sorry, but this wasn’t the case.
He seems to want to dig a deeper and deeper hole for himself. From the story at the link above was this.
He was led into the jail and was furious protesting he was being held unlawfully.
He refused to stand when the judge entered.
He yelled at the judge and told him that no one had the right to try him as no one had authority over him.
He brushed aside Australian help that was there, pointed at the judge and told him that he wasn’t under Thai law, but international law.
I read this with dismay. I had people who knew the guy say that, “he is a total nutter” and this seems to be true. I am thinking that he needs some special attention as he mightn’t be quite all there at the moment.
And to cap it all off, he claimed “I am head of the red gang.”
Whatever he gets now, he deserves. He had a chance and looks like he has well and truly blown it now.
The other interesting case out of this is the infamous Jeff Savage who was filmed in the video above, saying “We're gonna smash the fucking Central [World] Plaza … we're gonna loot everything, gold, watches, everything, and then we're gonna burn it to the ground."
This actually happened so he is really in the shit. Was he involved, I have no idea but he has had lots of comments made about him across newspapers and blogs, most that aren’t very nice.
Savage also appeared in court with Purcell and the Gaurdian has the story. He broke down in the court but too was outspoken.
He is apparently worried as his 80 year old mother is distressed over him being in jail and a heap of trouble. I think Jeff needed to think about that a while ago and not now.
He struggled with guards and claimed to be a scapegoat, saying that they are political prisoners.
These two guys look to be in very hot water and depending on their charges could face 2 years in jail, or if more serious even the death penalty can be imposed.
This is a timely reminder for all of us, but thankfully most of us here in Thailand do have common sense.
The two will reappear on June 4. They were even mentioned in parliament by the Thai prime minister. I will follow with interest.
Brunty
6 comments:
Both these guys will be sleeping shoulder to shoulder soon, in a cockroache infested cell. I think at least for 2 years.
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over in Cambodia there was this large number of expats caught. They were first imprisoned in a hotel and then trucked to the Thai border. There was this arse hole of a NZer who spoke fluent Cambodian who ranted and raved on and on about the terrible Americans and their Allies causing the war. At Aranyaprathet he was put in a Thai jail because he had thrown away his NZ passport. When the NZ Embassy staff from Bangkok visited him he abused them no end. They let him stay there for 9
months.
He is still in the region working as a social consultant. Has a PhD. He turned up at my university 3 years ago. Speaks many languages. A con man. Many Thais like him. During the meeting he bullshitted on and on. My old brain cells slowly figured out who he was. The arsehole from Cambodia.
The above two guys no doubt will be released in time, but don't be surprised if you see them back in Thailand one day again giving expert advice.
wow, some people just don't know when to shut up! he's going to get the book thrown at him!
as for that other guy, he sure sounded tough on the video, but now he's crying in court. poor baby!
good reporting, Brunty!
Brunty I somehow don't think a Thai court is the place to let loose a volley of abuse. If they were ankle deep in crap before their court appearance then they are now up to their noses in brown stuff. You just know the court is going to make an example of them. Their prison uniforms are going to stay on at least for another 12 months.
Michael, I agree that they will be getting acquainted with a Thai jail cell for a wile by the looks of it. Most of us have read what this is like and I don’t envy either of these guys.
That is interesting about the NZ guy, sounded like he was a bit of a fruit cake to be polite. I don’t understand these people when they are up shit creek in a barbwire canoe and no paddle and they refuse the help from their own government.
He is till around is scary as you would think he would be blacklisted after serving his time. It must have been weird running into this guy in person. I can imagine how many Thais would have loved him. Gift of the gab and he would have been a star for sure.
I hope these guys when released are sent home and blacklisted never to return. They can go to another country and rant and rave about the laws and so forth.
MJ, I was pretty well dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe that after the shit they were in they went and made absolute heels of themselves. If that was me I would have been kissing the ground and making all sort of repentant remarks.
The British guy was apparently high on steroids and blah, blah, blah.. You think he would have learned. And crying for his poor mother is a bit late now.
Martyn it is the last place, a judge makes the ruling, no jury. To be so disrespectful to anyone who is considered of “stature” in Thailand is looked own on.
I also think they are neck deep I shit as well and will be pushing it uphill to try and get off without any major jail term.
Brunty
They both act and appear the same as the scum that wander the streets of Kao Saan road and the shit tourists that give all foreigners a bad name abroad.
I will pray that they are dealt a harsh punishment and made a tough example of.
Please post updates when you get them Brunty.
Brunty,
After bringing Purcell to the attention of the Australian and New Zealand Military Imposters group, they carried out some investigations on the clown. Subsequently it has been revealed that he has never served for the Australian SASR, which we guessed correctly at the beginning of his 15minutes of fame in early May. You can read more about it here: http://www.anzmi.net/purcell/purcell.html
I wonder if anyone from the SASR Association will visit him with a plate of ANZAC biscuits? Enjoy your stay in Thailand moron!
Cheers
Brett
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