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Drummond Heads for Britain Warning Expat Crooks They Haven't Won Yet
Saturday, January 17, 2015
PHUKET: British journalist Andrew Drummond - described as ''irreplaceable'' - has quit Thailand after 25 years covering Southeast Asia from the Thai capital Bangkok.
A brave man who took on expat crooks in Thailand, Drummond said today at his popular news site that the threats to he and his three young children were the main reasons for returning to Britain.
He said foreign criminals in Thailand were ''working in liaison with the Thai Police and Thailand's Crime Computer Crime Act, which he said was being used by foreign criminals to silence criticism.''
in trying to warn readers about expat villains and scammers, Drummond has become a victim of bad laws in Thailand that can be wielded by fraudsters and crooks to lame a dogged pursuer and escape punishment.
In a statement, Drummond wrote at andrew-drummond.com:
''I have enjoyed my time in Thailand where I have made many good Thai and foreign friends but there comes a time having too much knowledge which I cannot keep to myself can be too dangerous.
''My well being has been threatened as have those of my children.
''This is not of course the first time, but the recent threat came from a group of people who have killed with impunity before, and have even had police set up people on false charges.
''The Department of Special Investigations kindly invited me to sit in and work out of their offices on certain cases, but of course my primary function is as a journalist and matters I am dealing with cannot be written about safely in Thailand, and if I am to continue to function as a journalist it must happen outside Thailand's borders.
''I have left information in Thailand which should be of use to the DSI and will remain on call should they need any clarifications.''
''On the matter of Thailand's Computer Crime Act I have been supported alongside Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian of Phuketwan and migrant workers activist Andy Hall in statements by the British Ambassador and European Union.
''However statements are not going to protect my family.
''The harassment of Andy, Alan and Chutima, has no place in a country calling itself free.
''Thailand's inability to take criticism, and its greatly flawed justice system, are major handicaps to its progress.
''I have successfully defeated a tranch of cases brought against me in the Thai courts. I could not have done that without the support of readers to my website.
''However criminals do not have to pay costs when they lose and they continue to take cases which are so ridiculous in their nature that they are not even worth spending the cash to defend.
''For example Brian Goudie, 48, a British citizen who technically should not be in Thailand at all (He had been sentenced in Australia for fraud) is suing me for publishing photoshopped pictures lampooning him as a British barrister and a former officer in Britain's Royal Marines -false claims that he made in Thailand.
''Goudie is charged in Thailand with defrauding a 75-year-old woman out of 7.9 million baht claiming he was a British barrister.
''What I have done has been clearly in the public interest. But apparently not according to judges in Koh Samui who are now handling the Koh Tao murder cases.
''I am also being sued by a former pimp from Melbourne, Australia, whose case for racketeering has disappeared into the Pattaya ether.
''I am also being sued by an American convicted of extortion in Pattaya.
''I have worked as a journalist for over twenty years in Britain, the United States and Australia without being sued once.
''In many ways foreign criminals will be seen to have won this battle. They have not won the war.''
Drummond's near-daily reports on the unsavory characters of Pattaya attract thousands of regular readers to andrew-drummond.com.
Thanks to Drummond, the names of the villains have become well-known. But until Thai authorities react, they and others will continue to tarnish Thailand's reputation.
Morison wrote last year: ''Drummond is simply irreplaceable. If he is forced to leave Thailand, the crooks will be free to continue their shakedowns and rip-offs, without scrutiny. ''
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
A shame Andrew has been driven out- just shows how rotten the system is when people like Gouldie and his ilk can remain here hiding behind generous handouts to their corrupt 'mates'.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
January 17, 2015 09:27
Having the pleasure to Khun Mr. Andrew Drummond personally I feel very sad.
He has done more for Thailand than any other journalist.
He did investigate cases no other media in Thailand dared to touch!
A real shock is that Thai authorities do not to care too much about foreign criminals destroying Thailand's reputation.
A great man, a real man, a brave man!
Posted by
Mr. K
on
January 17, 2015 09:56
This just shows money and corruption exists blatantly even under the Military Rule.
NCPO - What are you doing? I thought you were here to make Thailand better.
Posted by
Tbs
on
January 17, 2015 11:27
Hard proof that Thai police are at the core of crime and corruption, and will forever stymie Thailand's advancement as long as they continue to engage in criminal actions, rather than protect people from it. The Thai police force should be scuttled and replaced by the Army with oversight from the NCPO.
Posted by
Ed Sanders
on
January 17, 2015 11:40
Thank you Mr Drummond, for the tireless efforts in exposing the realities of Thailand. Your presence will be sorely missed, but I feel sure in a year, or so you will be very glad you made the move. Best of everything to you and your family.
Posted by
The Night Mare
on
January 17, 2015 11:56
Good fortune to you and your family Andrew. I have enjoyed your honest and to the point reporting. May you be able to write more freely from the bonny land and be able to release much more in depth information, than you can do here. Those evil malefactors will get their karma, sooner rather than later.
Posted by
Robin S
on
January 17, 2015 15:32
The world is a much better place with the likes of Andrew Drummond, who is as brave as any soldier. He knows the best (his Thai wife and kids, the food, most of the people, etc..) and the worst of Thailand, an utter dichotomy that would be beyond comprehension for many, but for journalists like Andrew, and Phuketwan Editor Alan Morison, who also fits the category of brave warrior, although these folks would deny it, such is their modest mentality..
But when the lowest common denominator of foreign scum pays off corrupt Thai police, and other assorted thugs, for any number of nefarious activities, where morals and ethics are found at the end of a gun barrel, or at the tip of a machete...whether we are reading about no good Goudie on Andrew Drummond.com, or the marginalized Rohingya on Phuketwan.com.
According to the thugs, Mr. Drummond's best-buy date was up years ago, yet he remains relatively fresh, quite undaunted, however cognizant that he has a family that has to come first. He's smart enough to know that he'd be little use to his cherished family, if the thugs (farang and Thai) got their way.
Whether Islam extremists, corrupt Thai police, or expat criminals languishing in Pattaya, all those with the conscience of a plastic flower, with the morals and ethics of a cornered rat, need to be put under the spotlight, or else the rats will continue their depravities, their scams, their murders unabated...in murky shadows, where they prefer to be of course.
Virtually every one of them are cowards, when isolated. Consequently, folks of this ilk stick together, like sh-- on a blanket.
Journalists like Andrew and Alan are in the same category as Charlie Hebdo, they are modest, albeit imperfect people, light years ahead of their adversaries, in terms of a moral compass.
Now it's up to readers of conscience, to help them, to emulate them in some small way, like sharing information that could save lives. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Posted by
farang888
on
January 17, 2015 23:05
I would be delighted if the military government followed through on its pledge to attack corruption and dealt with the festering cases referenced in this article. Talk about low hanging fruit. A swift attack on these foreign gangsters would be a win win situation for everyone, except of course the people who have accepted bribes to facilitate the criminal acts.
Posted by
Ryan
on
January 18, 2015 00:36
Drummond at it again looking for sympathy while telling more lies and contradictions. First, he says he is in fear of his, and his children's lives because there are boogymen out to get him but has no problem posting all 3 kids with the sob story. Does that make any sense? Is the what a fearful person does to protect their kids? Hmmm...He also rants about the terrible justice system Thailand has in one sentence, then tells how he won most of his courts case in the "Thai" courts. Another contradiction if you ask me. Quite frankly, I don't think it's just the bad guys who will rejoice at his departure, but all the victims of his cut and paste yellow journalism tabloid he posts on his blog. If he pulls the same crap in the UK, he will be behind bars before he knows it. He still has dozens of criminal cases he needs to face in Thailand, so he may never see big Ben for along time. Good riddens!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 18, 2015 01:14
Editor Comment:
Your comment, anonymous, reflects the views of the ''bad guys'' and their supporters. You're part of a small, evil minority.
Thai laws are often protecting the financial privileged and based on old fashioned principle. Tbe Computer Crime Act. The harassment by wealthy influencials and corrupted or criminal people which abuse Thailands legal system to silence those who are right is Ashaming and showing Thailand law system is not mature. The signing of the United Nations Human Manifest (1948 Human Rights) as first South Asian country this over 50 years ago and many more legal weaknesses makes & keeps Thailand reputation on fair justice doubtfully by Western standards. Recent political & power changes are not improving Thailands legal reputation. And the way freedom of Press and Freedom of speech are recognized is disappointing. All improvements are urgently wanted & needed. Not only in voW's, promises but legal printed in laws.... Thailand... "land off the Free" should be more then a name. Andrew Drummond. I respect your decision to leave. Your family's safety is your first concern. I hope however we will keep hearing/reading from you. Thanks for what you did. And keep doing so...
Posted by
phuketgreed
on
January 18, 2015 03:46
It is quite possible that someone had threatened Mr. Drummond given his penchant for defamation and the reckless manner in which he reports. I find it quite telling that Mr. Drummond omitted from his rationale that he had 50 plus criminal cases against him pending and a few recent convictions. In playing loose with the facts, Mr. Drummond also omitted the fact that there is a ruling coming down that could force Mr. Drummond to reveal the digital identities of posters on his blog with whom he carried on conversations. It has been alleged that he created some of these characters and carried on conversations in print accusing people of crimes. Another point worth knowing and omitted is the fact real journalists would always seek to interview the person they are leveling accusations at. Mr. Drummond has never sought them out for their side of the story. Furthermore Mr. Drummond defamed people whose identities were fully transparent. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Drummond is leaving Thailand because he fears a lengthy jail sentence resulting from the numerous upcoming trials.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 18, 2015 04:45
Editor Comment:
Total rubbish, same anonymous person who posted previously. Andrew Drummond has given plenty of space to ''their side of the story.'' The hope is that the mainstream media and honest police start looking at these people.
I have to say Anonymous words and phrases from his post here echo exactly the same words and phrases from one of the criminals in Pattaya that Andrew exposed regularly. I wish Andrew and his children well and hope that they settle in, find a good school and he carries on reporting and exposing the thugs in Thailand
Posted by
Josh
on
January 18, 2015 09:37
Andrew Drummond is irreplaceable in Thailand. A very sad day for the law abiding farang in Thailand.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
January 18, 2015 11:32
Those creepy Pattaya and Hua Hin conmen will be partying their socks off down at their fake expat clubs and sex bars. I for one am looking forward to reading Andrew Drummond's articles with the self-censorship shackles off. Certain self important oafs might finally learn the meaning of hypocrisy.
Posted by
Rockderk
on
January 18, 2015 11:38
@myself aditional on my remark above. THe fact Thailand signed the United Nations Manifest is on itself positive. The fact Thailand is not upholying & respecting what she signed for is weak or call it negative.
Posted by
phuketgreed
on
January 18, 2015 12:07
Dear Editor:
It's funny how you take sides to defend Mr. Drummond openly on his article. I thought free speech was encouraged from all angles, but apparently you have got your blinders on too. A neutral stance would be more professional, don't you think?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 18, 2015 16:45
Editor Comment:
Those who have followed Andrew Drummond's site closely are able to make judgements based on accurate reporting. Most can tell right from wrong, anonymous. Criminals are criminals. I do hope mainstream media in Thailand finally hounds down the villains that Drummond has been pursuing. I am sure he will remain a powerful force for good, whereever he is.
Drew Noyes, those pics of his kids are up as he's left the country. Everyone knows all about you.
Posted by
The Night Mare
on
January 18, 2015 19:22
I saw an Anonymous pile of dog sh-- on the ground, obviously from the bowels of Anonymous...
Pick up your dog sh-- Anonymous, and please wear disposable gloves...
Posted by
farang888
on
January 18, 2015 22:31
Its a pity you must leave Thailand ..but the safety of your family comes first ..the scum will fall foul of their own deeds
Posted by
alfie
on
January 19, 2015 01:50
Drummond has fought a fearless battle against pure scum who have preyed on the farang community by pretending to be lawyers or community leaders. The truth was these people were cunning criminals out to steal whatever they could get.
Now we have them here pretending to be unbiased posters. They are so transparent the only thing missing from 'anonymous's posts' is the term 'under Thailand's tough Computer Crimes Act.' Brian is just pathetic and oh-so predictable.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
January 19, 2015 08:54
Dear Editor
I guess you really only want to support comments that agree Mr Drummond was a saint "real" journalist allow both sides of an issue to be discussed without based comment, it is clear what side your on and good for you, but as a jounalist allow both sides to be aired
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 19, 2015 11:12
Editor Comment:
Anonymous allegations are not of value.
Dear editor
My final comment as my previous comment was not an allegation but a point of fact, you are taking sides, but then again you are just the editor of a local rag so what it to be expected - certainly not a balanced opinion
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 19, 2015 13:52
Editor Comment:
Oh, you mean the balanced opinion an anonymous commenter provides? About something that allegedly happened 20 years ago? No argument on that one.
''Thailand's inability to take criticism, and its greatly flawed justice system, are major handicaps to its progress.''
That summarizes it all.
Posted by
Sue
on
January 20, 2015 03:44
@anonymous - clearly you were one he went after - hopefully from the UK we will be able to hear more and more about your corrupt affairs. Name and shame you - name and shame
Posted by
Ciaran
on
January 20, 2015 12:08
Dear Mr. Morrison(Editor):
I can feel your resentment and hate towards anyone who would have an opposing view on Mr. Drummond's tactics and rogue attacks of certain groups, individuals and organizations. Anyone who is suffering the possibility of a lengthy prison term from a lawsuit the Thai Royal Navy has filed against you kind of puts you in the same boat(no pun intended) as Mr. Drummond. This is not a personal attack, just facts. As a journalist myself, we are bound by a code of ethics which,in my opinion, Mr. Drummond has recklessly abused and embarrassed our profession. Therefore, I find it appropriate to speak up not on behalf of any person(s) he has written on in his blog, but to defend the rights of Journalist that currently are under attack worldwide. Even the UK has new laws (The Defamation Act of 2013)that protects people from defamation online and carries a 2 year jail sentence. Maybe Mr. Drummond would be wise to hideout in a third world country so he can continue to write his style of tabloid journalism. With no passport and no work permit coming up, what are you going to do Alan? I feel for you, but their are rules and laws that we also need to abide by and when one of us becomes rogue, it affects the rest of us. Maybe it's time for Mr. Drummond to retire and spent more time with his children. FYI, I have nothing to do with the 3 people he like to attack and certainly not one of them.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 21, 2015 06:11
Editor Comment:
You may 'feel'' whatever you like, and get names and facts wrong as you please. No journalist I have ever known hides in anonymity to attack others. You are clearly the rogue.
Dear Editor:
You still have failed to answer my question....what are you going to do come February 2015? I find it comical that you defend Mr. Drummond and strongly suggest that anyone posting comments under anonymous has no value. 90% of the posts on Drummonds' blog and also here on this site are by people using anonymous names or ID's. The Wheapon, The Wolf, Mister Ree, Treelover and especially The Flying Sporran. Do I need to go on? If you honest admit that you do not know of any journalist who write under an anonymous name, then I should point you to Mr. Drummonds' blog so you can learn a few. I don't think "The Flying Sporran" is on his birth certificate or farang888. Just a minor thing at best. What surprises me more than anything is that as editor, you take such a strong stance when the professional thing to do would be to stay out of the comment box and let your readers state their opinions freely without the threat of verbal attacks from the Editor. It is totally hypocritical and damaging to what we professional journalist strive and fight for everyday. Maybe it's time to check your bag at the door!Oh, and one last thing...we have laws that protect our profession and keep us in line so that we don't come under attack like Mr. Drummond has over many years. Calling people criminals, scammers, rogue police, accusing people to be pedophiles,drug dealers, mafia and many other things without proof, falls under the laws of Defamation. Drummond's actions have tainted our profession and now we all have to pay the price. UK new laws on online defamation which went into affect, will clean house so to speak. You can accuse anyone of being a criminal as long as you have proof. Perhaps it's time for you and Drummond to look in the mirror and call a spade a spade??
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 23, 2015 10:58
Editor Comment:
Most of the ''anonymous'' commenters you name have established names, online identities and characters. They do not pretend they are journalists. You, on the other hand, have no name and no character and you've proved you're no journalist by making a series of factual errors. Good journalists, like Andrew Drummond, can tell right from wrong. I could go on, but I really have better things to do than respond to your warped view of the world.
Wow, it seems journalists know right from wrong and the rest of us don't. Guess we no longer need any legal profession, only a court manned by journalist, who have NEVER got it wrong.
Posted by
Laurie Howells
on
January 23, 2015 15:52
Editor Comment:
Journalists do get it wrong from time to time, Laurie, but they've done more as a group to change the world for the better than any other group, with the possible exception of scientists. You need to ask a friend to explain to you the difference between journalism and the legal profession.
"You need to ask a friend to explain to you the difference between journalism and the legal profession."
Oh that's easy enough to explain: The legal profession gets paid gobs-load of money while journalists, like teachers and nurses, get paid a pittance.
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
January 23, 2015 17:43
Ed, granted "some" journalists have made a difference, along with doctors engineers, tradesmen etc, but other, journalists have spread mis-information and stifled debate because of their own bigoted views. Anyone can write a "story" that "may" change the world, this does not mean that person is a "journalist," e.g. Benjamin Franklin, those who wrote the magna carta, Nelson Mandela etc true world changers... what I'm saying is you put journalists on too higher a pedestal.
Posted by
Laurie Howells
on
January 23, 2015 18:36
Editor Comment:
I don't put journalists on a pedestal. You dream that I put journalists on a pedestal. It's a sign of the lack of factual basis to your thinking. I am speaking in general terms of journalists as disseminators of news, from the town criers and those who scrawled news on walls to those who still tell you almost everything you know abut the world. Without countless nameless journalists, your world would still be village-sized.
A belated many thanks for your good wishes and kind words. Anonymous is indeed from Pattaya. And of course I do not have 50 cases against me. There are cases brought by Goudie and Noyes that I would probably have not hung around for as by the time they reach the Supreme Court as they invariably would I would have to wait 12 years - and the charges would not be acceptable under British or Eurpean Law as the EU recently made clear. Both these guys of course face real criminal charges.
Posted by
Andrew Drummond
on
May 2, 2015 04:33
Anyone defending the scumbags that threatened Andrew's life are also scumbags Andrew exposes crooks and thieves that are the lowest form of human life. All you douche bags talking shite about Andrew are nothing but low life pimps and crooks who would victimize your own mother for a dollar.. Hope all of you POS's get what is coming to u!
Posted by
beanstalk
on
February 23, 2016 18:06
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A shame Andrew has been driven out- just shows how rotten the system is when people like Gouldie and his ilk can remain here hiding behind generous handouts to their corrupt 'mates'.
Posted by Mister Ree on January 17, 2015 09:27