cheekyboy Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 Aussie mates in Thai jail nightmare Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld) Paul Weston April 26, 2009 12:00am TWO young Australians, best mates since primary school, have been locked up in a Thailand jail after their dream holiday turned into a nightmare. Jacob McGrath and Paul Johnson, both 22 from Yamba in northern New South Wales, had saved hard for 18 months to go on a fun-filled two-week trip to Thailand. But on March 26, the day they were due to fly home, the Australians were arrested by Thai police and charged with making a false statement. Police said that items the Australians claimed had been stolen â?? including a laptop, iPod, sunglasses and digital camera â?? were later found by officers during a search of their hotel room. Family members back in Australia said details of the subsequent investigation and hearing in a Chiang Mai court were sketchy, but the pair pleaded guilty to the charge. The Sunday Mail believes the use of an interpreter after the pair's arrest led to communication problems and a misunderstanding of Thai law. Mr McGrath and Mr Johnson were sentenced to two months in the city's feared prison, where their heads have been shaved and they share a cell and open toilet with up to 35 other inmates. Mr McGrath, who was school captain at his primary school in Maclean, was a successful staffer in a Yamba real estate office, taught music and had been studying music at Southern Cross University in Lismore. In correspondence since his arrest, Mr McGrath assured his shocked parents: "It's really not that bad. We're OK." His mother, Yamba businesswoman Sue McGrath, told The Sunday Mail she had offered to travel to Thailand to support her son. "I did want to go over. But Jacob said there was no need, that they are both fine," Mrs McGrath said. "They're both lovely kids. They're not dole bludgers. "Jacob had worked six days a week for 18 months to go on this holiday. "They're both looking forward to coming home and saying what happened. The boys want to be able to give their own account." New Zealand missionary Kathryn McDaniel, who regularly visits the Chiang Mai prison to help foreign inmates, said the young Australians were in good spirits. "I can assure you they are safe and well," Ms McDaniel said yesterday. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman would only confirm that two 22-year-old Australians had been jailed for providing a false statement to police. "The sentence was four months in prison for the two of them, which was reduced to two months," the spokesman said. A senior female staffer at the Yamba real estate agency where Mr McGrath worked said that he had specialised in their holiday accommodation section. "Jacob is a great kid. He was a pleasure to have around. "It's one of those (unfortunate) things that happen in life that you learn from," she said. The Johnson family declined to talk and referred all inquiries to their Yamba solicitor, David Nelmes. Mr Nelmes said both families were maintaining contact with DFAT to ensure "the safe return of their sons". "They've been read emails from both of them," he said. The pair are not expected to be released from prison until the end of next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shygye Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 Insurance fraud? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coss Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 They should 'a sold the items, then report 'em stolen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ckrisg Posted April 25, 2009 Report Share Posted April 25, 2009 Pair of fuckwits who thought the Thais were thick natives who could be outwitted. Enjoy your extended holiday boys!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 When released, they probably will be black listed from returning back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shygye Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 ... well, there is always Bali. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bust Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 Pair of dimwits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 Blacklisted until they get a new passport. I know of several Farangs who were arrested and expelled from Thailand. They both later came back with no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shygye Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 I am sure their Thai language skills will greatly improve. Always look on the bright side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sakai Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 How can some people be so stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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