Pizza-Making Phuket Expat Killed by Too Much Topping
By Phuketwan Reporter Sunday, February 27, 2011
EXCESSES of the bunga bunga style of deviancy alleged against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi appear to have triggered the death of an Italian expat after a sex romp in Patong, say Phuket police.
Paolo Carafa, 46, was noted for his pizza-making skills and for a bakery behind Jungceylon shopping complex. But when friends arrived in Patong to play, Paolo put the pizza-making to one side.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Patong police say, Mr Carafa and friends went on a drinking and sex binge of the kind that would shock Italian womenfolk in the same way that the lifestyle of PM Berlusconi has brought national horror and disgust.
Bar-hopping began for Mr Carafa and three friends on Wednesday and continued into the early hours of Thursday, officer said. But the fun was just beginning.
The men took three bar hostesses back to their apartment at the high-rise Phuket Palace for a sex romp. Those who were not participating took videos of their friends performing, the police say.
As the sun lowered in the sky late on Thursday, most of the fun-seekers departed, leaving evidence of the considerable use of alcohol and Viagra. Some went home, others went to the swimming pool to cool off.
Mr Carafa told his friends he wasn't feeling well and preferred to stay in the apartment. When the first of the friend returned to the apartment, they found Mr Carafa dead.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
A man is dead....and you made a very disgusting article.....shame on you.
Posted by
andrae
on
February 27, 2011 11:29
Editor Comment:
It's sad when anyone passes away. We've simply recorded how this man died, according to police. Readers can make up their own minds.
As an italian, apart from political considerations which wouldn't be fair on this site, I want to say that the behaviour of Mr. Carafa and his friends is not uncommon in other nationalities in Phuket.Are you surprised that these things happen in Phuket?
I don't understand the link between alleged Berlusconi's behavior and the sex industry of Phuket. Doesn't sound a bit hypocritical to blame only poor Mr. Carafa and his friends and if the case, not also the sex industry which draws every year thousands and thousands of people, like in Pinocchio's Miracle Meadow.
My condolences to Mr. Carafa family.
Posted by
Jonathan
on
February 27, 2011 11:33
Editor Comment:
Our condolences also go to the Carafas. We have consistently recorded the deaths of men of all nationalities, from all causes. Mr Carafa's final hours will shock Italian women and men, just as the allegations against Mr Berlusconi have shocked Italian women and men. Mr Berlusconi's behavior has been attributed to changes in the once-respectful attitude of Italian men towards women. Fairness is a consideration: when other Prime Ministers are accused of sex romps and their citizens die after sex romps, we'll mention them, too.
---Mr Berlusconi's behavior has been attributed to changes in the once-respectful attitude of Italian men towards women. ----
I hadn't read before. Attributed from who? Italian men's attitude has not changed at all. Most italian men are still greatly respectful towards woman. You are jumping to conclusions from a single fact far too quickly and with little knowledge of italian people.
Posted by
Jonathan
on
February 27, 2011 11:52
Editor Comment:
I've been reading reports about the Berlusconi allegations every day for months, as well as the reaction within Italy. Mr Carafa probably had been, too. I am pleased to hear that the attitudes of most Italian men remain more respectful than that of Mr Carafa and his friends. Long may it stay true.
Dear ED,
usually I like your editorials, but this time you "step on a s**t".
First it's time to stop to paint the italians like "pizza, mafia, mandolin and sex" and I suppose you read only some English newspaper politiacl oriented to have in your mind this idea of mr. Berlusconi.
You offended the family of mr.Carafa and in the same time all the italians (that are not few) that believe in Mr. Berlusconi as their president.
Posted by
Dave
on
February 27, 2011 14:14
Editor Comment:
Dave, The dead man was an award-winning pizza-maker and he clearly had too much of a connection with sex. Mafia wasn't mentioned, nor were mandolins. Italians may feel free to continue to support Berlusconi but what has been reported about him has lowered the standing of Italy and Italian men particularly in the eyes of the rest of the world. Without wishing to be disrespectful, Mr Carafa has offended his family far more than we have. If you think Mr Berlusconi sets a good example, and deserves your vote, fine. I would vote for any woman who stood against him.
A man is dead....and you made a very disgusting article.....shame on you.
Posted by andrae on Sunday February 27, 2011 at 11:29
Editor Comment:
It's sad when anyone passes away. We've simply recorded how this man died, according to police. Readers can make up their own minds.
SIMPLY RECORDED??
Thi title of your article is shameful.....but your little mind cannot understand this.....
Posted by
andrae
on
February 27, 2011 14:45
Editor Comment:
Andrae, Our article is ''shameful'' and ''disgusting'' and Mr Carafa and his friends are ideal citizens who are a credit to Italy. Sure.
I seem to remember an Italian MP called Illona Staller aka La Ciciolina who was elected to parliament on her reputation as a porn star in the 1980's. Among her many 'good deeds' was an offer to sleep with Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden, though not at the same time.
She ran for mayor of Milan shortly afterward but I don't know what happened. Her appetite for sex was just as strong as Mr Berlusconi, so what do we say - typically Italian or only in Italy. They really do love their sex.
Posted by
Pete
on
February 27, 2011 15:06
Shame Shame Shame on you ED .
Please report on real news and let the dead RIP.
Posted by
Lord Jim
on
February 27, 2011 15:36
"Dead after sex orgy with prostitutes and chemicals" would not be nicer to the family of Mr Carafa, but still true. All friends of Mr. Berlusconi should keep in mind:
He definitely would like an obituary like this. He and Charlie Sheen.
Posted by
Lena
on
February 27, 2011 15:52
You have no idea if what he was doing had anything to do with his death but your quick to assume even before the Doctor. We all can only hope your treated with the same respect when you DIE so your family members can fill like s**t as well.
Posted by
mike
on
February 27, 2011 15:56
Editor Comment:
We noted in response to the sad and lonely death of a German expat just a couple of days ago that we plan to die from laughing too hard among family and friends. Whether or not we are held in respect when we die will be of little interest to us.
This man is a portrait of Italy mediocre who voted and continues to support a man dingy.
Viagra, alcohol and prostitutes, with a grand finale of the movie.
Posted by
Bleah!
on
February 27, 2011 15:58
Dear Pete, Bleah, Lena ..and Editor
I really hope some of your relatives die after a night of drinking and sex (very very difficult in Patong).....So, I can write that they die for "Too much topping"....as Phuketwan wrote...
Posted by
andrae
on
February 27, 2011 16:20
Editor Comment:
The truth is, Andrae, that too much pizza topping was probably the most serious health issue for Mr Carafa, sad to say.
What a way to go, Thai girls and viagra. There are worse ways of dying. I reckon the guy's a legend!
Posted by
AntzPantz
on
February 27, 2011 16:32
Hey Andrae, Why my relatives, why not me?
Patong is a place for sex and booze so, when in Patong do as they do but when in Rome do as the Romans do. Each to his own.
Posted by
Pete
on
February 27, 2011 16:52
Dear Editor, you are definitely not held in respect while you are still alive. I guess, that is of little interest to you as well.
When are you going to start posting photos of car accident victims? Need to hire more staff?
You plan to die from laughing too hard among family and friends and hope that it does not happen under a truck in front of a bus full of kids with camera-phones.
Posted by
Som Nam Na
on
February 27, 2011 17:17
Alan, do you ever take a day off??
Posted by
Sam W
on
February 27, 2011 18:08
Editor Comment:
Not since February 2009. i had dengue.
This article will get more tourists to visit Patong then the other articles about tuktuks, jetskis and the not allowed scams like timseshare touts ever may stop from going to...
Posted by
Lena
on
February 27, 2011 18:28
(moderated)
Posted by
nicola
on
February 27, 2011 19:13
Editor Comment:
Nicola, We've opted to stop allowing ourselves to be beaten up by readers here now that Thai Visa is reviewing local media through its forum. Please go there and say exactly what you think. Thai Visa supports free speech - but closes threads quickly and doesn't allow those who are libelled in a calculated fashion to respond. Don't let that stop you.
Truthful reporting is to be endorsed and often practised by PW. Kudos for that.
However, making fun of a situation that resulted in the death of a person shows IMO poor judgement.
This story would carry much more credibility if it had done away with the irony and ridicule.
I find this distasteful. Sorry Alan.
Not that you care though what I or anyone else for that matter thinks of your reporting.
Posted by
Chris
on
February 27, 2011 19:14
Editor Comment:
No journalist does. If we worried about other people's opinions or anything except the truth, we would not be doing our jobs. Feel free to have a say at Thai Visa, Chris, now that they are allowing a discussion about Phuket media. Pity that some of us are being lynched and stoned by the mob, but can't respond.
I thought it was a pretty fair report. I guess some Italians didn't.
Has it been mentioned whether there will be an autopsy?
Or should that be "an au-topping-sy"?
Sorry. I'll get my hat and coat.
Posted by
Mike Boyd
on
February 27, 2011 19:43
Editor Comment:
We didn't mention the poor man's nationality in the headline.
(moderated)
Posted by
Disgusted
on
February 27, 2011 20:23
Editor Comment:
We don't change our moniker to suit out mood, Disgusted/Me Next/Dream On/Cynic/etc etc. And your criticisms/witticisms are now welcome . . . at Thai Visa.
Dear Pete..
Why?? So you can appreciate the same "kind and respectful" words wrote by Phuketwan.
This time dedicated to your family..so you can read and enjoy them and -perhaps- you can write some funny memories about the MP of your Country...
Posted by
andrae
on
February 27, 2011 20:26
Who cares? Thailand is full of drunken, drugged-up, washed-up pedos and low life expats.
Posted by
Frank
on
February 27, 2011 20:59
Editor Comment:
We take issue with the words ''is full of.'' There are a few, but let's not exaggerate.
Pizza-Making Phuket Expat Killed by Too Much Topping
That is NOT clever or funny. Hopefully the family of the deceased will never see this article.
Posted by
lek
on
February 27, 2011 22:26
Editor Comment:
It's not intended to be funny. The alternative was: 'Italian Expat Dies After Marathon Video Sex Romp.' Sad as any death is, the man involved should have lived his life as thought he cared about the feelings of his family.
dear Ed...i think the "alternative" would have been a much better choice.
By the way..at the end of the story there is just a 46 yrs. old guy dead..with all the sadness of his friends and family.
Here it always been easy to get affordable sex and alcohol, now is easy to get viagra/cialis etc. without prescription and in recent years every kind of drug flooded Phuket.
Put all this things together and you will have more and more tragic situation like the one happened.
He made a mistake and he paid the biggest price for it..don't need to be ironic or link it to the Italian Prime Minister, are you a journalist? read a daily newspaper and you will find a sex political scandal every given day.
Posted by
sad
on
February 27, 2011 23:52
"We don't change our moniker to suit out mood, Disgusted/Me Next/Dream On/Cynic/etc etc. And your criticisms/witticisms are now welcome . . . at Thai Visa"
Editor.
This just proves you do check the posters moniker against the emails so you contradict yourself once again.
Thanks for proving me right.
Posted by
Glen
on
February 28, 2011 02:58
Editor Comment:
As I told you, we only check in rare circumstances.
#Andrae.
Weird sort of response. My family wouldn't dream of going to Patong after dark - too much sleaze. The only MP from my country who enjoyed a lifestyle similar to your PM and some MPs was John Stonehouse - maybe you're too young to remember the Christine Keeler affair - so sorry, no funny stories for you. Decadence is not a "kind & respectable" pastime in my view so I don't practice it, but it is newsworthy all the same.
Posted by
Pete
on
February 28, 2011 10:44
Why don't you publish my comment on your article?
This is your 'freedom of press'?
I put my real name too.
Posted by
antonio giudici
on
February 28, 2011 12:10
Editor Comment:
Calling people ''idiots'' won't get your comment published anywhere, Mr Giudici. We thought you were making a case for Italians being well-behaved, and well-mannered.
I can't believe what I'm reading here, you should consider re-editing this disrespectful article, If I were a relative of this poor co-national (who's dead just as a reminder to your conscience) I would certainly sue you and your shoes for this atrocious, bad content.. and don't hide yourself behind the police report. You should have reported the news without coloring it with politic speculation, and sex allegations .
"Who is without sin casts the first stone"
Posted by
Ivan
on
February 28, 2011 15:17
Disrespectful article.
I think you have been in Thailand too long.
What's next? Pictures of dead bodies plastered all over the front page?
Posted by
JJ
on
February 28, 2011 17:29
Editor Comment:
I didn't realise: when someone dies, in many minds, apparently the scorecard of good and bad in life is revised. When you die, you suddenly deserve respect. People who have been perverts and amateur pornographers suddenly become angels. Do they go to heaven, or hell?
berlusconi? What hits?
this article is disgusting, and hypocritical. Patong is popular for mongers, has trash people from ever. and live of this.
Posted by
end
on
February 28, 2011 17:52
Pizza appears to be linked with rather a few deaths on Phuket. I've said it before and I'll say it again: RIP (Rest In Pizza).
Posted by
Tanya Millibank
on
February 28, 2011 19:24
Ed
Nothing wrong with this article at all. You could be monotoned and really boring just saying this chap had died. Keep up the great reporting and just let the boys and girls and TV get on with their daily moaning...
Posted by
Jamie
on
February 28, 2011 19:58
I don't see the problem with this article, Its not like he died pulling a small child from a burning building. The guy died after a drug and alcohol fueled video sex romp with hookers. Should everyone hold him in the highest regard now because he's dead? I don't think so! I don't usually side with the editor but in this case he's in the right. Anyway If it's your time, I can think of worse ways to go!
Posted by
Chalongian
on
February 28, 2011 21:36
I will have to queue myself with my fellow countrymen (italians).
First, the connection to Mr. Berlusconi (which i dont like and dont vote nor support), is distasteful.
Second, the title of the article, its distasteful and disrespectful.
Third, to answer to something the editor said above, No, bad people do not deserve 'respect' nor are they rehabilitated when they die, but they do deserve the truth and factual reporting of the circumstances of their demise.
Depicting them in bad light or with sarcastic / funny context, is left to people, jokers and other 'bad' people.
Now, that put aside, i do not think that this guy did anything (from what is reported) to be treated like this.
A more equal article would have been simply reporting the circumstances of his demise, and a little bit of bio, without the distasteful and disrespectful remarks.
You clearly did not intend to report a 'formal' news, rather you tried to make a little 'fun' in a circumstance.
Regardless of the nationality of the guy, this is simply bad.
I dont know the reasons, i dont know the why', but i really hope that you did this by a misguided sense of humor rather than a way to increment visits to this particular article.
Shame on you. I'd at least change the name of the article.
The first paragraph is simply bad, uncalled for and don't really make sense.
The following line, is distasteful, disrespectful and uncalled for.
"But when friends arrived in Patong to play, Paolo put the pizza-making to one side. "
Again, shame on you.
Posted by
Sypher
on
March 1, 2011 00:36
Editor Comment:
We don't make fun of death or dying. Mr Carafa's way of life was his choice, and impossible to ignore. Respect? That has to be earned.
"We don't make fun of death or dying. Mr Carafa's way of life was his choice, and impossible to ignore. Respect? That has to be earned."
Yeah sure, except for the one of Mr. Carfara, every one can read by them self the carnival way you described his death, don't worry.
By the way, can you provide any autopsy certificate copy that can prove Mr. Carafa's death is caused by an overdose of Viagra (?), alcohol and sex or your sources it's just a police report or even better a confidence?
Because in this case, there may well be some responsibility of someone that a judge (also in Italy) should consider and evaluate too.
I suppose that this part of the case for the average readers could it been interesting as well and would it been nicer if you had highlighted also this aspect of the investigation certainly more important in perspective, is it?
Posted by
Elias
on
March 1, 2011 11:16
Editor Comment:
An autopsy is unlikely. Standard procedure here is for police to assess the cause of death, based on their inquiries. Our report is based on that same information. Autopsies, sadly, are rare on Phuket. We agree the process could be more efficient.
Mr Carafa's ''carnival'' was his life, not the way we reported his death. In Italy, the media may be gentler and less honest - about many things, including the behavior of the country's leader.
Dear ED,
now you are full of argument to sustain your words: never apologize and never says: "sorry maybe I wrong". An editor with big balls!
But I wanna know where your "big balls" go when you have to write about the corrupted police, the tuk tuk m****, the dishonest jetski renters or the Major of Patong or the Governor. I NEVER read only one bad adjective.
So, dear ED, wher your big ball are gone? Easy to fire on a dead "pizza-making man" that cannot reply and, moreover cannot come to ask you anything..
Compliments for your professional etiquette..
Posted by
pop
on
March 1, 2011 14:10
Editor Comment:
The only balls we worry about, pop, are the Earth, the Sun and the Moon, although we can produce a doctor's certificate if you really want to continue your foolish fixation on genitalia.
Happy to give you a personal introduction any time to the people you mention. You short look at the site a bit more widely before making false accusations you know nothing about. We've had enough from experts on journalism who can barely read.
"An autopsy is unlikely. Standard procedure here is for police to assess the cause of death, based on their inquiries. Our report is based on that same information. Autopsies, sadly, are rare on Phuket. We agree the process could be more efficient.
Mr Carafa's ''carnival'' was his life, not the way we reported his death. In Italy, the media may be gentler and less honest - about many things, including the behavior of the country's leader."
So basically you're saying that your "carnival" article is based on no evidence at all apart from an assessment made by the police .... very nice.
Moreover, seems like you know very well Mr. Carafa since you can say that all his life was also a carnival, is it?
Furthermore, do you regularly read Italian newspapers to make that issue about the Italian press or you just presume and assume from assessment as well?? Can you mention a couples of Italian newspapers that you read, just to understand where you build up your ideas for your reviews, thank you.
Posted by
Elias
on
March 1, 2011 14:19
Editor Comment:
This is not a debating society or a chat room, Elias. We don't say anything more than what we report: the interpretations are all yours. I've got better things to do than to rebuff day after day every one of your ill-considered points. Go complain in a Thai Visa forum.
(moderated)
Posted by
Concerned
on
March 1, 2011 17:34
Editor Comment:
Concerned, Thai Visa needs you. You deserve each other.
Dear Ed, let me quote your front page:
"Thai Visa is actually running a forum based on the responses to Comments at Phuketwan, which only goes to show how independent journalism can eventually penetrate even the most dimly lit corners of public debate."
A wonderful example of damning with feint (or is it faint? Never mind) praise!
Keep it up and keep them on their toes.
NB I see that the Gazette seems now to have a small aircraft in its livery. What about the Post? A er... small rubber-band powered balsa model? What represents Phuketwan?
Posted by
Tanya Millibank
on
March 1, 2011 20:10
Editor Comment:
That's odd. The Gazette publisher was once noted for his low tolerance of noise levels in public places.
What represents Phuketwan? Good aim-high journalism.
Unbelievable! You try to sensationalize a tragic death with a half-witted witticism in your headline and further try to stereotype his nationality with comparisons to the prime minister of Italy. How low can you get?
Have you considered waiting for an post-mortem to determine the cause of death? Difficult in Phuket, granted, but to assume that it was sex orgy related is not professional journalism. Your headline, considering the subject matter, is disgraceful.
And don't, for one rational second, try to claim that the tourist industry in Phuket is not sex industry based. So why be surprised if some lonely guy dies of an overdose? IF that was the cause.
Your headline is distasteful, disrespectful, and designed to be eye-catching and sensational. I'm losing my once respect for your writings. Don't, please don't, hide behind the fact that you are only reporting what the police have told you. You will only lose even more credibility.
Posted by
A. Skeptic
on
March 4, 2011 00:17
Editor Comment:
The tourism industry on Phuket has a lower proportion of visitors who come for sex than it once did, but it does contain a sizeable number of sexpats who try to justify their actions on every occasion. Every death is sad. However, sexpats who die during or immediately after exerting themselves in perverse and/or pornographic behavior are liable to have that fact recorded.
Why dont u put a signature on your report?
What's the name of the writer ?
Very disgusting article....
Typical of stupid and ignorant thai guy/lady
I'll remember next time I'll de in Thailand.. :-)
Any problem with Italian people ?
maybe your ex-bf was Italian
or maybe you discovered your ex-gf in some Italian arms
:-p
Anyway....here in Italy police and military dont kill people that make a rally.
And we dont burn our comemrcial center.
So, please shut up your mouth !
Posted by
Falang
on
March 5, 2011 20:07
I appreciate that some people may not like the "tone" of the article, but so far no one has offered an alternative credible version of the event. If one does not wish to appear in an article like this, perhaps the wise option is not to behave in such a foolish fashion. Patong is filled with people like the deceased. If the article encourages just one person to reconsider his behavior, then surely, the article will have served a positive purpose in saving someone from an early death or a run in with the local authorities. Think about it. If you don't want to appear in the local papers, then behave yourself.
Posted by
Discouraged in Patong
on
March 5, 2011 23:19
Thank you "Discouraged in Patong"...
I'm sure that now everyone will be thinking a lot before do some foolish thing in Patong. There is a serious risk to finish on the first page of the authoritative Phuket Wan.
Posted by
Dave
on
March 6, 2011 09:48
AS always the women are put up as "victims". Whatever Berlusconi have done ..or do..the females in his life have a choice. But no, they want their "daddy" & their 15 minutes in fame. Get real! Its not just the men that are pigs...
With that said..why even refer to Mr Berlusconi when a man passed away! That's real low...
Posted by
Phuket Swede
on
March 7, 2011 11:24
Editor Comment:
Phuket Swede, you appear to have just attempted to explain Phuket's sexpat industry as being the fault of women. Have you ever discussed this with your mother, or a sister?
I am an italian woman and I am shocked, not from Mr Carafa's sad death but from your way of reporting a death, as a joke and mentioning Berlusconi is really not the right place here. Do you remember 9/11 for every Muslim tourist passing away on the island? Even the title is mean and ugly....You should be more human and sensitive and just be man enough to admit that "yes, I passed a bit the good taste's limit and I apologize for this"....You would probably gain back many followers of your magazine.
Posted by
Olivia
on
March 14, 2011 14:39
Editor Comment:
You must be the only Italian woman, Olivia, who is more shocked by this article than by Italian men filming each other having sex. I assume you vote Berlusconi.
Dear ...Editor, I am actually really surprised of the position you have there...Editor...you should be able to be open to criticism specially if it can help you to be a better person. The strenght of being humble and being able to admit when the line has been passed...Never heard, I guess. Anyway, no, I do not vote Berlusconi but I can suggest you to him as his body guard. Of course you must have a super clean and correct life style here...be careful of paparazzi following you in Soi Bangla at night.
Posted by
Olivia
on
March 19, 2011 16:50
Editor Comment:
I get there about once a year, Olivia, for Songkran.
That's fine, once a year is more than enough. Dear Editor, let's stop here now...there are already so many sad news around the world. Might Mr.Carafa really rest in peace, no nationality mentioned, just as a human being...and you might also be a good man, after all...peace to you too. Arrivederci.
Posted by
Olivia
on
March 19, 2011 17:30
pizza making italian dies after taking too much viagra! Classic!
Posted by
BJ
on
May 22, 2011 11:58
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A man is dead....and you made a very disgusting article.....shame on you.
Posted by andrae on February 27, 2011 11:29
Editor Comment:
It's sad when anyone passes away. We've simply recorded how this man died, according to police. Readers can make up their own minds.