The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

NGO Pedophilia controversy heats up in Cambodia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 16•10

Two sides are squaring up in what promises to be an interesting legal battle in Cambodia over whether NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) are illegally entrapping visitors in an attempt to gain convictions for pedophilia.

In May, The Phom Penh Post reported that Sok Sam Ouen, executive director of the Cambodian Defenders Project, has alleged that “NGO activists and police make traps with the mother of a young girl and a sex buyer. As a result, the mother, daughter, and buyer are arrested… the duty of police is to prevent people from committing any crime, not to persuade them.” While Ouen refused to name specific NGOs, Dun Vibol, a defense attorney who has defended people suspected of pedophilia, pointed to the NGO Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE) as allegedly engaging in this practice, aided by police.

The case in question revolves around Claude Jean-Pierre Demeret, who received a three year suspended sentence for sleeping with a 16 year old girl.

According to the Post, Prior to the incident that led to Demeret’s conviction, the girl was being cared for at a shelter run by a local NGO, leading Dun Vibol to question whether the crime could have been prevented in the first place. “Demeret was being investigated by the NGO’s caseworkers and police when they saw him take the girl to sleep with,” he said. “or this case, I was wondering why the girl was freed from the shelter and came to do business as a prostitute with Demeret”

APLE is fighting this accusation through a defamation lawsuit filed with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. In addition, APLE had lodged a complaint with the Cambodian Bar Association against Dun Vibol. Vibol, for his part, has said he would file a countersuit against APLE if he feels he himself has been defamed.

How this all plays out will be of interest to veteran Cambodia watchers. If it actually involves a trial, witnesses, including children, parents, police, and NGO personnel would probably be subpoenaed. The situation involving pedophilia in Cambodia has been an open wound for years, and allegations, finger-pointing, and innuendo have often been more evident in public discourse than facts.

This promises to be yet another interesting year, press-wise, in Cambodia.

Posted in Cambodia, Crime Scams & Espionage , , | 13 Comments »

Murder for Hire in Thailand: a few good ways to die if you’re careless

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 15•10

It’s conventional wisdom in the expat community that you don’t want to run afoul of Thais in business dealings, because it’s a good way to lose one’s life. But it’s not just expats that lose their lives, it’s Thais as well. This WoWasis post describes most popular ways of murdering people, the activities of some of the groups that have been held historically responsible, and our suggestions for avoiding situations that are conducive to westerners getting murdered.

Expat murders

Expats are often murdered by being pushed off buildings, generally from the balconies of their own high-rise apartments or condos. The general rule is for the murderers to pay off the desk security people to look the other way and disable the security camera. That way, so one sees the perpetrators going up and down the elevator, and the recording gap in the security tape can always be explained away as a temporary power failure. Occasionally expats will be gunned down by pillion rider son motorcycles, but it’s messy, as there may be witnesses, and it can’t be explained away as a suicide or accident.

The price paid for murdering someone can be as low as $50 USD, but that’s for a simple street murder. It costs more if security personnel have to be paid off. To murder an expat, a Thai generally uses the resource of a gang with murder expertise. In the countryside, gangs operate under the kamnan system, and are generally known to locals. An effective way to murder an expat in Bangkok is to contract with a gang operating upcountry. The city of Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), for example,  is legendary for its gang activity. A contract is negotiated, and a gang member simply takes a bus to Bangkok, commits the murder, and is back on the bus within a couple of hours. If the gang member does the job efficiently, death is ruled accident or suicide.

Thai murders

A great way for a Thai to get murdered is to become a politician. In the December 15, 2008 issue of the Bangkok Post, writer Wassayos Ngamkham provided an interesting exposé of a few of the Central Plains and southern gangs that have some proficiency in assassinating political leaders, an activity that ramps up during election period, as rivals attempt to do away with each other. According to Deputy Crime Suppression Division (CSD) chief Prayon Lasuea, gang members are under the protection of “influential figures,” a catch-all term commonly used in Thailand to describe political and business individuals that routinely work outside the law, and are deeply entrenched in their own communities. Prayon even divulged the going pay rate for assassinations, ranging from 30,000 baht ($926 USD) for a villager, to 500,000 baht ($15,435) for a politician or businessman.

Murder by the numbers

Overall, we feel Pol. Col. Prayon’s numbers are a bit inflated, as economic factors will often dictate lower fees for murders and assassinations, particularly when westerners are the targets. Detective Warren Olson, in his book Confessions of a Bangkok Private Eye (2006), states that the going fees for most murders are 20,000 baht ($617 USD)  for a Thai, 50,000 baht ($1,542 USD) for a westerner. Police, particularly the CSD, tend to get involved when a Thai businessman or politician is murdered, but somewhat less so when the victim is a westerner, unless he or she is a famous one. In the case of nearly all murders, witnesses are conspicuously absent, or not forthcoming with information that could get themselves potentially involved in a police investigation, or  worse, in serious trouble with a gang member. Gangs have been known to include former members of the CSD, which suggests that by greasing the rights palms, gang members would potentially have access to police databases and investigative reports.

Our suggestions

There are two classic ways for westerners to get murdered in Thailand. One is to have a romantic relationship with a Thai, and have a life insurance policy that the individual knows about. Somewhat insidiously, the victim may never know an insurance policy is taken out.  Thais are victims of life insurance scams, too. The Bangkok Post of December 18, 2008 reported that Natthakarn Anamarn, a 58 year old former nurse, received a 20 year jail sentence for insurance fraud (but not for murder) for falsifying insurance documents on her late husband. She had taken out 18 life insurance policies for him, totalling 40.645 million baht ($1,254,669 USD). This was the second of her husbands to die under mysterious circumstances (he was apprently drugged prior to an auto accident, and later died at home, the victim of poisoned coffee), and she collected insurance money on the first one as well.

Another great way to end one’s life prematurely is to have a business relationship with a Thai, wherein the Thai stands to make more money if the westerner is dead, rather than alive. An example would be a joint business venture that has suddenly become successful, and the Thai wishes to buy out the westerner’s share in the business. If the westerner refuses, he or she could be potentially in serious jeopardy.

Thais love to smile, laugh, and have a good time. But don’t let the brilliance of a beautiful smile blind your good judgment.

Posted in Crime Scams & Espionage, Politics, Street Talk, Thailand , , , | 5 Comments »

Bangkok softball league features trafficked massage parlor girls, human rights organizations up in arms

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 14•10

Although we were not allowed to take any photos of the game itself, we did manage to sneak one of a jersey hanging up to dry

Human rights organizations focusing on trafficking of southeast Asian women are seeing red over a softball league playing each weekend in a well-known inner city Bangkok park. These organizations, who have asked that their names not be divulged for security reasons, are alleging that trafficked women are playing against each other in softball teams organized by underworld owners of massage parlors. As we discovered here at WoWasis, at stake apparently are millions of baht that are gambled by massage parlor owners on each game.

One western woman affiliated with a western NGO has alerted international authorities to the situation, and spoke with us under a condition of strict anonymity. “Although under duress, the girls are apparently playing under their own free will, because they can buy their freedom with exaggerated batting averages and home run totals. But of course the girls are never free, because team owners will pay a good hitter with a home run stroke thousands of baht to stay on the team. Although rich by massage-girl standards, these girls never end up leaving the stable of the massage parlor owner.”

We arranged to speak clandestinely with a “superstar” massage girl, batting over .400, in a secret meeting set up in the parlor in which she worked. “Nok” comes from Isaan, and was sold to a massage parlor by her mother. “As a young girl, I gathered honey for my family by swatting bees’ nests out of trees. Important to knock nest down with one hit to prevent angry bees from being alerting and then swarming. When I play softball in Bangkok, I use same stroke, so ‘Boss’ pay me 3,000 baht for each game when I hit the ball over the fence. Much easier than working in factory or rice farm.”

We asked Nok if she had a desire to leave the massage parlor. “Boss pay mama 20,000 baht, so I have to pay him. But life good with boss. Every week, farang man pay me 20,000 baht, and I sent home to mama. Easy to pay boss to leave, but he say I cannot play for massage softball team then, so I not happy. I think I stay massage now… I love softball too much!”

The NGO in question has been trying to bring the massage parlor softball league to the attention of international law enforcement authorities, but is stymied because none of the girls with whom they’ve so far spoken have expressed a desire to leave, even in private conversations. None apparently will bear witness against the bosses or mamasans in a court of law.

Nok put it succinctly: “NGO lady want me work in factory for 200 baht each day. Boss pay me 100 baht for single, 200 baht double, 300 baht triple, and 3,000 baht home run. Last week, England man give me 2,000 baht tip massage. Softball sanuk (fun), massage sanuk, factory mai sanuk (no fun).

To further muddy the khlong waters, unconfirmed allegations have been made that unidentified government officials are gambling millions of baht on each softball game, a situation that concerns the NGO official that brought this practice to our attention. “We’re trying to interest these girls in a life of freedom, and we’ve found some very nice clothing factories that will employ them. And we’re trying to convince them that a pulled hamstring can end their career on the baseball field in a second.” In summation, for NGOs dedicated to putting a halt to the trafficking of women in southeast Asian countries, the softball scene in Bangkok represents a whole new ballgame, and, if indications are correct, the NGOs are striking out.

Posted in Adult Venues, Nightlife, Satire, Thailand , , , , | 6 Comments »

Bachelor in Bangkok: Khun Lee’s 5 rules for meeting a “good” girl in Bangkok

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 12•10

Last week we explored the best way to handle oneself when dealing with Entertainment Providers in LOS.  This week I want to venture into the realm of the “good girls.” More and more guys are coming to me for advice on how to meet a nice gal in Thailand. Many have tried a relationship with an Entertainment Provider and found out for themselves just how tricky this can be.  Some guys are looking for a serious relationship and realize they really are going to have to venture outside of Nana Plaza!  Some have tried the internet chat rooms with limited success.  Well here comes Khun Lee’s Top 5 Rules for meeting and successfully dealing with “good girls.” 

1) Present yourself appropriately
Thai gals are quite conservative by nature and most are really the antithesis of the ladies you meet when going to naughty nightlife places. However, many would be very interested in meeting a nice western gentleman, and if you handle yourself properly the possibilities are endless.  Thai gals tend to like guys who are well dressed, polite, know how to treat a lady and how to act in public. Yes, I know it’s so hot here that most of the time we start sweating while waiting for the lift just outside of our room!  Well, no matter how painful it may be, the more well dressed you are the more successful you will be. Keep your hair short, wear smart clothes, smile and be polite, and you will do very well indeed.  Don’t be too serious though.  One of the things I hear repeatedly from Thai gals is that they are shocked at how serious and depressing western men are. We worry about everything and are full of anxiety 24 hours a day and this just doesn’t sit well with Thais.

So my advice is put on your best clothes, your warmest smile, and be very polite at all times (even if you are boiling over inside) and you’re ready for the gals. 

2) Money won’t do it all
I do have some bad news for those men who are rolling in money. In Nana Plaza money is 99% of the game and you can wear dirty clothes, act like an idiot and smell like a monkey and you will still score every time.  It is a whole different ballgame with the good girls.  They dream about big houses and fancy clothes just like all women, but they don’t expect to have all those things and very rarely use money as major criteria in choosing a man.  This may sound like good news to many of you, but time and time again I see guys blowing it with a nice Thai lady because they are used to being wanted for their money.  Let’s face the facts, most western women worship money, and the Entertainment Providers care primarily about making money, so therefore guys get used to thinking that their wallet is the key to success.  This can be a very nasty habit to break.  Just last week I set up a friend of mine on a date with a Thai Air flight attendant.  She is a very nice young lady from Bangkok and had often asked me if I had any nice friends I could introduce to her.  Well, my friend is a very wealthy man and used to getting his way.  They went to a Thai restaurant on their very first date, and my friend proceeds to complain vehemently to the waiter about how they hade made a mistake with his order.  In Thailand one never raises his voice in public, and keeping one’s cool is most important.   She was so embarrassed she told me that she would NEVER go out with him again under any circumstances. I explained to her that he is a corporate V.P. and used to getting his way, but he is also quite rich and successful. NOT INTERESTED. 

3) Look in appropriate spots
I probably don’t need to tell you that you won’t find your good gal working in the naughty nightlife.  Here’s the REALLY bad news. You probably won’t find her working anywhere that is within 1 mile of a nightlife area. The gals who work in the hotels, internet shops, pool halls, and other venues aimed at servicing tourists are quite often just as mercenary as the bargirls. Yes, that little honey you met at the internet café on soi nana, may(or may not) have more providers than a Rainbow 4 Superstar! Sounds harsh? Well, venture at your own risk. 

I searched the alcohol laden remains of my grey matter this week and came up with the following list (in order of importance) of places I have met good gals in Bangkok:

A) Shopping centers (and coffee shops etc. inside the centers)
B) Through Thai friends
C) Transportation centers (BTS, MRT, Bus and Train stations)
D) Thai Entertainment venues (Discos, Karaoke places, Concerts)
E) Anyplace that serves food! 

Yes, you can meet her anywhere, but the further you stray from the farang ghettos the better your chances are. 

4) The 10/80/10 rule
In the West, many people are considered to be middle class, with a smaller number of lower and upper class folks. It is VERY different here in LOS. About 10% of the population would be considered “upper” class.  You will probably see tons of these ladies strolling around Siam Paragon and Emporium shopping centers on Sundays. They have white skin, are taller than average, wear WAY too much makeup and have expensive clothes and jewelry.  If this description isn’t enough for you to recognize them when you see them, they often have the same indifferent demeanor that farang women have. I wouldn’t waste any time pursuing these women unless you are a masochist.            

Then there is the “lower” 10%.  These are the women who work in the naughty nightlife and venues in the vicinity of the naughty nightlife, or work other low level jobs around the city. Anyone who doesn’t know why he can’t date these women please refer to last week’s column!           

The good news is that this leaves 80% of the population that isn’t hustling customers for a living, and also is not a stuck up hi-so gal. This is your target group. Virtually every gal who attends University, works in an office, or otherwise is waking up every day and pursuing a goal will fall into this group.  You get the best of both worlds.  They will have traditional Thai values without being rich or arrogant. 

5) Be interested in Thailand 
Learn as much Thai language as you can. It is difficult, but the level of English spoken by many good gals is poor at best.  Go to Thai movies.  Listen to Thai music.  Eat Thai food. If you are going to be here you might as well enjoy the culture and everything that goes along with it. When I bring a lady back to my place for the first time, I put some Thai music on and they light up like a Christmas tree.  They are so happy to meet a guy who tries to relate to them.            

If your Thai is mediocre or better, you don’t need any of my advice because you will have so many women after you that you won’t have time to read my column!

Summary

Dress smartly and take care of your appearance.  Be polite and cool at all times. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your wallet will do it for you. Look anywhere that is 1 mile or more away from naughty nightlife areas. Pursue the normal Thai gals, not the hi-so rich or the ladies so poor they are forced into the naughty nightlife. Invest in learning Thai, and enjoy the music and culture.  Good hunting! 

PS. Addendum to the story about the Thai Air flight attendant. Last night I set her up with another friend of mine and she says she is very interested in him. Ironically, he makes less than 10% as much money as the first guy!

Read Khun Lee’s other WoWasis columns for more advice on navigating the adult dating scene through the backstreets of Bangkok

Posted in Adult Venues, BachelorInBangkok: Khun Lee's column, Nightlife, Thailand , , , | 1 Comment »

Bali’s Top 7 magnificent temples, in Indonesia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple

Bali is a destination for WoWasis visitors that enjoy visiting historical temples. Best of all, most of them are easily visited from the city of Ubud. Bali’s temples are known for their exacting architecture, magnificent sculptures, and breathtaking settings. Our personal favorite, froma setting perspective, is the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. 

WoWasis Top 7 temples in Bali 

Gunung Kawi temple  

Pura Besakih temple 

Pura Kehen & Pura Dalem temples 

Pura Taman Ayun temple 

Pura Tanah Lot temple 

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple and nearby Bali Botanical Gardens 

Tirta Empul temple and holy springs

Posted in Buddhism, Historical Buildings & Temples, Indonesia , , | 1 Comment »

Ubud, city of art and culture in Bali, Indonesia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

Young dancers learn their craft daily at Ubud's Royal Palace

Ubud is a leisurely city of beautiful architecture, wonderful restaurants, terrific museums, and magnificent evening dance and culture shows. The city and her people have served as twin muses for several generations of painters, Balinese and expat alike. Walking around the city provides WoWasis visitors a seemingly endless series of interesting moments, and the outlying rice fields, walkable from the city itself, provide another memorable experience. In sum, Ubud is a city that tempts the visitor to stay more days than one had originally intended. It also is centrally located on the island, and serves as an easy return point for day excursions to outlying temples, museums, and nature vistas. 

WoWasis Ubud Top 6 

1) Ubud Palace & Pura Saren Agung. This palace in central Ubud is still inhabited by the resident royal family, and serves as a cultural center as well. On any given day, you’re liable to see groups of young dancers and musicians performing, while Ubud’s citizens sit by reading newspapers and generally enjoying life. Slightly to the north is Pura Saren Agung, the prívate temple for the royal family, with its ornate gate and lovely grounds. 

2) Ubud Water Palace (Pura Taman Saraswati). The water temple has beautiful gardens with loads of blooming lotuses, and is a lovely place to spend your day, 

3) Ubud’s museums are not to be missed. In addition to the ARMA, Meka, Puri Lakasan, and Blanco Renaissance museums in town, there are several others that are easily reached on day visits from Ubud.  

4) Evening dance and music programs. There is always something going on in Ubud, from gamelan music, to dance, to puppet shows. These are not to be missed.  

5) Temples in the Ubud vicinity. Bali is such a small island that many extraordinary temples are near to Ubud via day visits. Car and driver are easily arranged from your hotel. 

6) Restaurants in Ubud are the best in Bali, and many of them offer French as well as local cuisine. Not to be missed is the legendary Naughty Nuri’s, across the street from the Neka Art Museum.

Posted in Culture & History, Events & Festivals, Food & Dining, Historical Buildings & Temples, Indonesia, Museums & Art Galleries, Music & Dance , , | 1 Comment »

The Good Manner: Failure to respect the King gets man in hot water with Thai girlfriend

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

The Good Manner: Love & Relationship Advice from WoWasis’ Pa Farang
This week’s dilemma: Failure to respect the King gets man in hot water with Thai girlfriend 

Dear Pa Farang, 

I think I’m in hot water.  The other day, while on a boat, the wind blew some baht notes out of my hand, and, to keep them from blowing further away, I stepped on a  few, before picking them up.  My Thai girlfriend got really upset, saying I had “stepped on her King.” I can’t understand why she got upset, and this has led to a few arguments.  Can you settle this? She reads English, so will read your answer, too. 

–          Confused and Bewildered 

Dear C&B, 

I think you’re due for some serious merit-making at the nearest wat (temple), my friend.  King Bhumibol Adulyadej is beloved by all Thais, and he ascended to his throne in 1946 as King Rama IX.  He was born in the United States (where his father was studying medicine at Harvard, is a jazz musician, and a generous man who has pardoned hundreds of prisoners on his birthday each year. His picture is on every baht bill. He and Queen Sirikit have promoted numerous works for the public welfare. 

One thing you’ll hear about Thais is that you should never touch someone’s head, or show them your feet, whether you’re wearing shoes or not. You essentially stepped on the King, when saving your loot. Many of us who come originally from Western countries do not understand the concept of Constitutional Monarchy, and in addition, because of the fact that the concept of royalty is either unaccepted or misunderstood, we tend to pooh-pooh traditional leaders of other countries.  This is a mistake in Thailand, and saying anything against the King, or his family, will not endear you to acquaintances, friends, or girlfriends.  Your girl is trying to straighten you out, so show The Good Manner, apologize, and watch your step from now on. 

Incidentally, the national anthem is played at 8 am and 6 pm each day at many places in Thailand, and the royal anthem is played before many theatrical productions.  Whenever you hear either, show respect to the country in which you’re a guest by standing, remaining silent, and thinking about how much you’re enjoying the affections of your girlfriend in the Land of Smiles. 

–          Pa Farang

Read Pa Farang’s other columns for more advice on relationships in Southeast Asia

Posted in Advice in Love: Pa Farang's column, Culture & History, Politics, Thailand | No Comments »

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple and Bali Botanical Gardens, near Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Here at WoWasis, we think the setting of the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple is the most beautiful in Bali. Set on a lake, the temple, although easy to get to, is removed from the hawkers and loads of tourists you tend to find at Bali’s more popular temples. The temple is located in the central mountain area near the picturesque Gunung Batur, 30 km north of Ubud. Founded in the 17th century, the temple is a warren of colorful local activity, and you’re liable to witness religious rites in the temple area. In our opinion, this temple is not to be missed. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is located at GPS: S08°16.540’  E115°09.959’.

Nearby are the Bali Botanical Gardens, where you can purchase a walking guidebook to the grounds, replete with native trees and flowers. The Botanical Gardens are located at GPS: S08°16.893’  E115°09.421’

Posted in Historical Buildings & Temples, Indonesia, Nature & Wildlife , , | No Comments »

Tirta Empul temple and holy springs, outside of Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

The temple and holy springs of Tirta Empul are located just north of the small town of Tampaksiring, a few km east of Ubud. Here, devotees bathe in the holy waters and receive blessings at the adjacent temple. Above the springs, WoWasis vistors will see Istana Negara, Soekarno’s former home, from where, it is said, the president used a telescope as he enjoyed watching the visitors to the springs. Tirta Empul can be visited on the same day trip to the temple complex at Gunung Kawi, a short distance away. Tirta Empul is located at GPS: S08°24.883’  E115°18.946’

Posted in Historical Buildings & Temples, Indonesia , , | No Comments »

Gunung Kawi temple, outside of Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 11•10

The magnificent temple complex of Gunung Kawi is located near the small town of Tampaksiring, a few km east of Ubud. Here, ten  temples are hewn from the rock hillside and stand in massive stone arcades, two storeys high. There are several other shrines in the immediate area, well-posted by signs. We recommend going early in the morning, when it’s quiet and there are few other travelers. On the same day trip, you can visit the nearby Tirta Empul temple and baths. The parking lot for Gunung Kawi is located at GPS: S08°25.410’  E115°18.540’

Posted in Historical Buildings & Temples, Indonesia , , | 1 Comment »
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