absolutelyBangkok archive · Being farang
Originally published June 8, 2009
All that’s sometimes needed in the land of paradise is a big tragedy involving a famous person who dies under most suspicious circumstances. All of a sudden the world becomes witness to something that is an everyday occurrence in our alleged hog heaven: complete intransparency.
The family of Hollywood gentry
David Carradine who recently died in Bangkok due to a supposed sex solo is up in arms against the way Thailand handles the case. After quite-tabloid Thai Rath published a shock forensics photo the “profoundly disturbed” family takes action.
Such photos are a sad everyday occurrence in a Thailand where victims enjoy absolutely no privacy whatsoever — not to mention respect. But even worse. Thai police who screwed up the case completely assured the family: the FBI’s not needed. Even though there’s ample evidence that a third party may be involved.
Or try it yourself. Tie up your genitals, neck and — most importantly — hands behind your back above your head. Running into troubles? Just another quirky farang suicide. Thai police are completely incompetent if there’s no direct personal gain involved — or if the reputation of Thailand is at stake. Again.
An FBI involvement is exactly what’s needed to shed at least some light on the dark mechanisms that account for one of the least respected institutions in the kingdom. This police had the nerve to declare an obviously suspicious death as a simple suicide. But now a big shot’s involved.
May the Carradines not rest the case until a credible, transparent account of what happened can be produced. Problem for us mortals here though remains, we’re not famous. If something, anything, happens, then what. Or ever gave it a thought what happens after — after a car accident in Thailand?
Nope, there are hardly any ambulances around. The body snatchers will pick you up. It’s only normal that valuables disappear in the process. With a little bit of luck you gonna make it.
But again, as mentioned in another post: Carradine is a timely reminder that Thailand is a great place. As long as you manage to avoid problems.
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