I have also seen many posts, claiming harsher penalties for expats and claiming them to be unfair, i see it as if your a visitor to the country, be very careful in your choices of committing crimes.
The 'justice' system is so corrupt that it is hard to say really - I think the rich and influential, regardless of nationality, can often buy their way out where, as is usual in most countries, those without money or influence get shafted.