Tourist Court in Pattaya

[firecat69]

What do you think?  Will it help?

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/368190/tourist-court-launched-in-pattaya

[Rogie]

That's a good question 'What do you think?'. Short answer is I have no idea, and to be honest I wouldn't be very optimistic.

 

If I was in Pattaya or Phuket, or any other place in Thailand that had one of these courts, and had a nasty experience, what would I like to feel the outcome would be for me?

 

I'm no angel so there's always the chance I may be just as culpable as the person or people I am accusing. Or I could be the guilty party. So I would say provided the case was heard by an impartial judge (or whatever name he goes by) weighing up all the evidence in open court and the outcome was a fair one I'd be as happy as could be reasonably expected. That would be my yardstick then for whether this kind of court was doing its job properly - in addition, the court has to be seen by neutral observers (the local press, local Thais and ex-pats alike) as being fair and efficient.

 

Ideally it would also have the result that certain kinds of crime become less common, or even wiped out altogether. We can all think of a few like that where falung are taken advantage of, those crimes and rip-offs that make the headlines time after time, with promises from the mayor, or other relevant spokesman, to deal with it. All hot air! (so far).

 

The expression short sharp shock comes to mind. Get a few cases dealt with and given a lot of publicity so both Thais and foreign visitors know about it. Then see if things get better.

[firecat69]

I t can only get better because it can't get worse. Right now in any kind of accident on a motorbike ,car etc the farang is always guilty regardless of the circumstances.

[Rogie]

 

Right now in any kind of accident on a motorbike ,car etc the farang is always guilty regardless of the circumstances.

I agree that often appears to be the case. I was thinking that too. I'm lucky I haven't had an accident (car or motorcy) in Thailand so can't speak from experience, only by what I have heard. That bias has to shift in 'our' favour, so the falung gets a fair deal. Unfortunately in places like Pattaya we sometimes read about foreigners doing a blast on 'big' bikes and coming a cropper. We have to bear in mind the bad publicity isn't all one way. Many times johnny foreigner behaves like an utter idiot.

[vinapu]

Idea is good as it provides fast avenue to clear inevitable problems.

 

In order for new system to work both sides need to take it seriously.

 

Thais need to show that that are even handed , not biased toward their own only and foreigners  with all that free time in their hands need to avoid clogging system with trivial complaints as one can imagine some Johnny Tourist logging complain about non-performing bar girl or boy in Pattaya or coffee too tepid at local restaurant.

 

Rogie is right, oftentimes foreigners  behave like utter idiots behaving like they owe the place.

[Guest Promsak]

Is this really a court or merely an arbitration service under a fancy name?

Does the court have any powers?