firecat69 Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 What do you think? Will it help? http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/368190/tourist-court-launched-in-pattaya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogie Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 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. TotallyOz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firecat69 Posted September 8, 2013 Author Share Posted September 8, 2013 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogie Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinapu Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Promsak Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Is this really a court or merely an arbitration service under a fancy name? Does the court have any powers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
