Wait, please hold the presses, but now the Pattaya Rag is being accepted as a source of repute?
Let's give this guy a break until proven otherwise. He's living in Pattaya, he has himself a nice hobby to keep busy, and it looks like he is enjoying himself. That sounds good for me. As far as visas and work permits, of course he has them, he's working for the Royal Thai Police. Speculation otherwise just brings this board down to the Kevel of Thai Visa.