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  1. #1
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    Liam Whitaker Death: Open Verdict Into Thailand Police Cell Hanging

    Liam Whitaker Death: Open Verdict Into Thailand Police Cell Hanging
    August 15, 2014

    An open verdict has been recorded into the death of a man from Cornwall found hanging in a police cell in Thailand. Liam Whitaker, 24, from Helston, died last October after being arrested in Bangkok for possessing methamphetamine.

    At a hearing in Truro, coroner Dr Emma Carlyon said she accepted he died from hanging and there were no injuries showing anyone else was involved. But she also said she was not satisfied there was a legal level of proof that he killed himself.

    'In good spirits'

    Mr Whitaker was with three friends on the holiday. James Meredew told the inquest that, after having some drinks, he and Mr Whitaker took a ride on a tuk-tuk [three-wheeled vehicle]. Mr Whitaker asked the driver about buying drugs and the two left Mr Meredew for a short while, Mr Meredew said. Soon after, police stopped and searched the British pair, finding a small bag of methamphetamine, before taking them to Chanasongkram police station.

    Mr Meredew told the inquest officers asked to be given 400,000 baht (£7,500), and he left the station to return the next day with money. He said Mr Whitaker was "in good spirits" when he left. When he returned, he was told by British Embassy staff Mr Whitaker had died.

    'Gap in evidence'

    In written evidence, Lt Col Panoosak Smeri of the Thai police said Mr Whitaker was found hanging by his belt from part of the ventilation system in the bathroom of a juvenile detention room about 20 minutes after he asked to go to the bathroom. He said officers followed correct procedure afterwards.

    A UK forensic examination found drugs and alcohol in Mr Whitaker's urine, including alcohol, methamphetamine, ketamine and diazepam. Det Con Dan Skelton, of Devon and Cornwall Police, told the inquest Mr Whitaker had taken drugs but there was still a "gap in evidence".

    He said there was no mention in Thai police reports about the 400,000 baht and no information about any talks officers and Mr Whitaker had after Mr Meredew left.

    Dr Carlyon said Mr Whitaker had taken drugs "at some point prior to death" but it was unclear what effects those had had on him.

    After the ruling, Mr Whitaker's mother, Andrea, said: "People need to be aware of what's happened. It's a dangerous place."

    BBC News - Liam Whitaker death: Open verdict into Thailand police cell hanging

  2. #2
    I am not a cat
    nidhogg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sumocakewalk View Post

    After the ruling, Mr Whitaker's mother, Andrea, said: "People need to be aware of what's happened. It's a dangerous place."
    With all due respect to the persons mother, with "alcohol, methamphetamine, ketamine and diazepam" in his system, pretty much anywhere in the world would be a "dangerous place".

  3. #3
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    ^Not to mention the sheer brilliance of seeking out a local cab driver to find drugs for you. Life's tough; it's even tougher when you're stupid.

  4. #4
    The Pikey Hunter
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sumocakewalk
    He said there was no mention in Thai police reports about the 400,000 baht
    What a surprise.

  5. #5
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    These kids are such targets for the police. Embassies should issue advisories accordingly. The police know full well that many have credit cards and if deficient in funds their parents will support them. The Full Moon parties are a happy hunting ground for such entrapment and is almost regarded as a sport among the police who make huge amounts from ripping the kids off.

    Folk moralising on the foolishness of youth and pontificating on drug abuse should catch themselves on. The Thai couldn't give two fucks about these kids and their scoring some dope except as a source of corrupt income.

    Most embassies strongly advise against drug abuse in Asia but they consistently fail to add that, in the case of Thailand particularly, buying drugs could be a prelude to police extortion.

    As ever, caveat emptor.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by thegent
    Most embassies strongly advise against drug abuse in Asia but they consistently fail to add that, in the case of Thailand particularly, buying drugs could be a prelude to police extortion.
    excellent point, but it's certainly not limited to Thai coppera.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by thegent
    police extortion.
    jees 400,000 baht for a bit o whizz.

  8. #8
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    You can't cure stupid

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