More Trouble for Big Trouble in Thailand Documentary

Update: September 23. Gavin Hill has removed all the raw footage he placed on YouTube concerning the Big Trouble in Thailand Documentary. I referenced those videos in this post as well as all the other posts I have made on this subject. If you Try to play them now  you get a message stating that the video is now Private.

This past week Thai authorities have claimed that Black Sheep Productions, the production company that filmed what would become the documentary Big Trouble in Thailand,  have run afoul of two articles of the Thailand Motion Picture Law.

Specifically they are being accused of violating articles 34 and 23 of the motion picture law.  Article 34 pertains to showing the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry film committee the film before airing it abroad .  Article 23 of the motion picture law states that no film can be produced that tarnishes the image of Thailand.

Black sheep productions, headed by Gavin Hill, face 1 million baht fines and a year in jail for each of the production crew that took part in the documentary Big Trouble in Thailand.

The Thai authorities believe that the jet ski incident that happened in part one of  the documentary was staged and while they believe the entire film tarnishes the image of Thailand, the jet ski incident is the main issue.

I have asked several times now for the full complete raw footage of the jet ski incident to be released. To date all the raw footage except the crucial raw footage of  JJ  supposedly holding the British Royal Marines at gunpoint has been released. Why hasn’t Gavin Hill released this footage if, as he claims, it isn’t staged?

Well, one reason might be due to the Thai authorities accusing him of breaking the motion picture laws. The other reason might be because he was too busy fleeing Thailand or as he put it ” Making a tactical withdraw” while his Thai film crew takes the heat.

I’ve gone over the aired first episode dozens of times as well as all the released raw footage of the jet ski incident and you can see what I found in Phuket Jet Ski Operator Blames Film Makers. There was clear evidence of manipulation to the aired segments audio and video. Gavin Hill admits that the editors in Britain moved audio around for dramatic effect but still maintains that there were no cuts in the video.

There is no cut between JJ emerging with the gun, hidden behind his back and approaching the Marines, during which time I’m focused on the gun.

Gavin keeps claiming that the scene with the rifle is a rolling shot with no cuts. You be the judge. Below is the original aired footage. At the 6:31 mark the camera cuts from JJ to the Marines and then Back to JJ. This was not a rolling shot.

You can see more on this including statements made by journalist Andrew Drummond on Gavin Hills behalf in the comments section of Phucket Jet Ski Operator Blames Film Makers.

Apparently now Gavin Hill is making claims that the Royal Marine,  Jack Tebbott,  who was involved in the jet ski scene,  was kidnapped by Thai tattooed mafia figures. After watching the aired scene and all the raw footage that was released I can only say someone has an active imagination. The raw footage Speaks for itself and you can see it all here and on Gavin Hill’s YouTube . Would you casually chat with the cameraman/producer if you were in a kidnap situation?  I didn’t think so.

If this was truly a kidnap situation then clearly it was more important to Gavin Hill to get the film footage then to place a call to the Thai police. Why wasn’t Royal Marine Police Sergeant Tim Wright upset about the kidnapping of a Royal Marine, and why didn’t he involve the Thai police? Marines were held at gunpoint, right? Surely A Royal British Navy Police Sergeant would see that as an incident worthy of filing a complaint with the Thai authorities. Wouldn’t military protocol demand it?

Royal Marine Police Sergeant Tim Wright:

The Thais are trying to say my men were not threatened or held at gunpoint.  But by doing this they are questioning my integrity. I do not like my integrity being questioned especially by a two bit crook.

They aren’t the only ones questioning your integrity Mr. Wright. The incident should have been reported and yet somehow that slipped your mind during your film premiere. Or doesn’t holding your men at gunpoint warrant investigation by both Thai and British authorities?

As well as not seeming to be kidnapped our young Royal Marine also accepts fault himself in the raw footage by saying he did indeed get into an accident with another jet ski before back tracking and not remembering. Don’t take my word for it, listen to what Mr. Tebbott has to say in the below raw footage from the 5:01 mark to the 5:15 mark.

Basically I was out on the jet ski this morning and uh apparently it we got uh um one of them hit me when I was out there but I can’t really remember it myself

Then at the the 5:30 mark he admits:

We did crash

The more I review footage and write about this incident the more shady this production seems. I have no doubt that JJ is a scam artist but I don’t think he was the only one involved with this production. My guess is that it is highly unlikely now that we will ever see the raw footage of the gun incident from the first part of Big Trouble in Thailand. What has been said about the incident to this day by those involved rings untrue and the raw and aired footage backs that up.

Gavin Hill may stand behind his film but I would say he is on shaky ground. The fact that he has left his Thai production crew behind to face the consequences of his actions speaks volumes. Yes, the Thai motion picture laws are ludicrous but if you truly believe in what you have produced you would stand behind your work, and more importantly stand behind your crew.

For a different view of this story you can read more over at Andrew Drummonds blog Camera director of ‘Big Trouble in Thailand’ makes ‘tactical withdrawal’

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38 Responses to More Trouble for Big Trouble in Thailand Documentary
  1. Dan
    September 21, 2009 | 7:17 am

    While the show might tarnish Thailands image it like it. It’s also done its small part to force Thai authorities to clean up the image of Thailand that is making its way around the world without the help of shows like this.

    I love Thailand and I’m prepared to say “Mai pen rai” and “TiT” a lot but they really do something about the scamming and preying on tourists that goes on everyday in full daylight.

    Anyway it’s an interesting story to follow and I’m hanging out for ep 3.
    Dan´s last blog ..Is Travel, Lifestyle Design A Selfish Pursuit? My ComLuv Profile

  2. Jason Bleibtreu
    September 21, 2009 | 9:11 am

    Talen,

    I have read your story “More Trouble for Big Trouble in Thailand Documentary”. I do not really think that Gavin nor the fixer from Black Sheep are in much trouble. I am betting things will blow over soon and things will be back to norman pretty soon.

    • Talen
      September 21, 2009 | 7:16 pm

      I definitely think you are right Jason. Once the series has it’s run it will be forgotten by all. But I think the Thai film board is going to make it hard on other producers for some time to come.

  3. Mike
    September 21, 2009 | 11:30 am

    Maybe more than one wolf in sheep’s clothing methinks!
    Mike´s last blog ..Canon Thailand Quiz My ComLuv Profile

  4. SiamRick
    September 21, 2009 | 11:07 pm

    Having just watched four short films by Thai directors at the Toronto film festival, which were supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand, I think government authorities may have missed several productions that got away. They are terrific pieces, but Bangkok and some of its citizens come off a little trashy, shall we say. So I think Jason (above) may be proved right.

    • Talen
      September 22, 2009 | 2:39 am

      That’s the problem Rick, they have missed a lot because they didn’t think about it before. Now that this documentary is out and they are upset they will definitely make it harder for those filming in Thailand from here on out.

  5. Me
    September 22, 2009 | 2:06 am

    I agree with Talen.It’s already happened, Now they have a new rules to shoot documentaries in Thailand.

  6. Gong
    September 22, 2009 | 2:45 am

    Instead of blame someone, I think Thailand should really see this is what happened in our country and fix it.

    JJ and the production team in Jail then what? no more people ripped off tourist apart from this guy? no illegal filming in Thailand anymore?

    Now Thai Film Board make filming permission real hard to get, for what reason!

    Instead make it easy, so everyone want to apply and Thai Film board can control them.

    That’s my country!

  7. Catherine
    September 22, 2009 | 3:10 am

    Kudos to you for sticking to this story Talen. It has been excellent reporting all the way through.

    There is only one note I disagree with… this one:

    ‘Gavin Hill… The fact that he has left his Thai production crew behind to face the consequences of his actions speaks volumes.’

    If this event happened in the west, I’d expect that too. We all would, because it shows what a man is made of.

    But Thailand is too much the Wild West.

    And from what I’m reading, the Thai authorities want someone to hurl some serious abuse at.

    And we all know how that can go. Basically, pretty much anywhere.

    I predict that the Thai crew will make their local agreements (I doubt we’ll ever know what they bargained for). And Gavin will most likely send them help from afar.

    And while Gavin may have lost control over the mix of the documentary, by leaving Thailand, he guarantees personal control over his fate.

    In this case, wouldn’t you do the same?
    Catherine´s last blog ..Thai 101 Learners Series: Getting Personal My ComLuv Profile

    • Talen
      September 22, 2009 | 3:55 am

      Cat,
      Obviously that’s a hard question to answer as I am not in that particular predicament. I have always stood behind my actions both right and wrong and I would like to believe that I wouldn’t leave, especially considering others would be taking the full force of the Thai authorities in my stead.

      While the whole thing would be a massive pain in the ass I doubt very seriously anyone will do jail time but my guess is there will be a lot of fines to pay.

      I don’t think I could leave others who were just doing their job to handle the mess of it all, I just couldn’t easily resign myself to think that they will be ok because they are Thai.

  8. Talen
    September 22, 2009 | 3:13 am

    Gong,
    I agree that the Thai authorities should fix the problems instead of hiding them and going after the film makers.

    Unfortunately at the moment they seem more concerned with saving face and they think by doing this it will change the perception of Thailand when it only strengthens that perception.

  9. Catherine
    September 22, 2009 | 4:19 am

    Talen, I had nine years living on the island of Borneo. There, my Western mindset of what was right or wrong, fair or unfair, was not greatly messed with. The British system of law was in place (with British Supreme Court judges overseeing), so there was that.

    I’ve been in Thailand for almost 5 years and it is a totally different mindset. From what I’ve seen, I can pretty much say that fairness for expats does not always come into it. And because of that, offering the authorities your head on a plate is not always the right thing to do. So you see, it is not about ethics or strength of character at all.

    Apologies. I’m tired. I am not explaining this very well.
    Catherine´s last blog ..Thai 101 Learners Series: Getting Personal My ComLuv Profile

    • Talen
      September 22, 2009 | 4:43 am

      Cat,
      no apologies needed, I understand exactly what you are saying and I agree that Thailand is more of a wild west mentality.

      There is more to what I’m thinking though but I want to wait to see how things pan out.

  10. Catherine
    September 22, 2009 | 4:52 am

    ‘There is more to what I’m thinking though but I want to wait to see how things pan out’

    Good. I was hoping that there was going to be more on the way as it’s been quite an exciting read!
    Catherine´s last blog ..Thai 101 Learners Series: Getting Personal My ComLuv Profile

  11. SiamRick
    September 22, 2009 | 9:20 am

    Yes, thanks Cat for reminding me . . . Top notch work, Talen. Very thorough. I forgot to say this in my earlier comment.

  12. BangkokDan
    September 23, 2009 | 3:09 am

    Nice write-up Talen, very thoughtful and detailed.

    Problem is, whoever is right and whoever is wrong, there doesn’t seem to exist anymore right and wrong in Thailand.

    It all depends which side you’re on.

    Sadly.

    Which translates into: you can do what you want. As long as you’re on the correct side.
    BangkokDan´s last blog ..CNNGo My ComLuv Profile

    • Talen
      September 23, 2009 | 7:19 am

      Sadly you are right Dan. It does seem at times I’m tilting at windmills but there seems to be some genuine dishonesty from the producers of this documentary and that just bothers me.

      Thailand has too many sides as of late…colors as well.

  13. Andrew Drummond
    September 23, 2009 | 3:38 am

    I rather think you are over egging the pudding here.
    This issue is whether JJ was scamming or not. The Marine was taken against his will to the boatyard which is several km from the beach.
    Gavin Hill went to London to sort out problems with the producers and editors there. The filming was completed weeks ago. How long should he stay in Thailand?
    The Thai authorities had made no approach to him at all. But of course lots of threats were intimated through the media.
    I have seen all the footage it does not change my view but I am able to speak from knowledge.
    Andrew Drummond´s last blog ..On Her Majesty’s Pattaya Service – UPDATED My ComLuv Profile

  14. Talen
    September 23, 2009 | 4:14 am

    Andrew,

    I don’t think I am doing anything with pudding, I don’t really care for pudding.

    The issue isn’t if JJ was scamming…the laws of probability are against him. The issue is did JJ hold the Royal Navy Marines at gunpoint? And if he did then why didn’t the Royal Navy Police Sargent involve both the British and Thai Authorities?

    If the Marine was taken against his will why wasn’t that brought up anywhere in any of the footage? And again why was that not reported to either the British or Thai authorities?

    Kidnapping a Royal Navy Marine would certainly be a diplomatic problem to be solved. I don’t remember reading anywhere that Britain was upset that one of their Marines were kidnapped or about the investigation. I think we both know he wasn’t kidnapped. Most probably stupid enough to follow JJ back to his house, but certainly not kidnapped.

    If Gavin Hill just popped home to discuss the documentary with producers why did he call it a “Tactical withdraw”?

    You yourself wrote “A British producer cameraman has had to flee Thailand ”

    And as usual it always come back to the raw footage of the incident. Still waiting on the raw footage of JJ holding the Royal Navy Marines at gunpoint Gavin said he would release some time ago.

  15. Talen
    September 23, 2009 | 6:49 am

    Looks like I got my answer Andrew. Gavin Hill has removed all the raw video from YouTube. Sorry to say but I think it’s pretty clear that Gavin Hill is hiding something.

  16. Anonymous
    September 23, 2009 | 7:30 am

    Talen – you write:

    “… why didn’t the Royal Navy Police Sargent involve both the British and Thai Authorities?”

    If you watch this, you’ll see that they did …

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0V-yawd36Q

    • Talen
      September 23, 2009 | 7:54 am

      Nice to see some more raw footage. It seems that was released today.

      It’s great to clear up that the Thai Police were called but honestly that raises more questions at the same time.

      Is the raw footage of the police showing up longer?

      Do the Marines or The Sargent tell the police about the kidnapping and being held at gunpoint by JJ?

      I would assume not as apparently JJ was not arrested that day.

  17. Gavin Hill
    September 23, 2009 | 8:38 am

    Talen -

    Concerning the jet ski incident in Episode One of ‘Big Trouble In Thailand’ I have no wish to make matters worse, neither for myself nor the people who worked with me on the series.

    It’s already bad enough to be threatened with arrest and prosecution in Thai newspapers and on TV for doing what I’ve done all over the world for two decades – making watchable TV programmes and factual accuracy my top priority.

    When I tackled the controversial subject of ‘gavage’ in Mauritania, filming the force feeding of young girls until they vomit to fatten them up for marriage the Mauritanian government did not accuse me of faking the footage nor did they threaten to lock me up, along with my three associates including a Mauritanian fixer, an Australian cameraman and an American assistant producer.

    But I feel I should clarify a number of things for you, though I’m unsure if your reading of the scenes in the first episode has been incorrect.

    The Royal Marine JJ accuses of damaging the jet ski was not at the repair yard of his own free will – not in my opinion and I was an eyewitness. JJ also said that his “boys” had caught Jack when he tried to “run away”. That’s on tape.

    Now, if right away Jack had paid the amount JJ was demanding – upwards of 40,000 Baht for repairs then I would imagine he would have been allowed to leave – to go to the ATM to withdraw the money, which is what eventually happens.

    I think you will find that Tim Wright, the Royal Marines police officer reported the matter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Shore-based agents working for the Royal Navy called the police – but by that stage the Marines had done the ‘deal’ with JJ. You have seen the handshake.

    I find it troubling that you can in any way mitigate JJ’s introduction of the gun to the proceedings, and considering the circumstances. JJ produced the gun after launching his tirade against Jack, and Jack was outnumbered by JJ’s “boys” at the yard.

    None of those Marines wanted to be in JJ’s yard. Their shore leave is very precious and having spent days and weeks at sea, cooped up aboard their ship, their time could have been better spent in Phuket which has far more enticing attractions than JJ’s repair yard – I’m sure you’ll agree.

    Once my work is concluded in London and the Thai authorities have had an opportunity to view the series in its entirety I am very much looking forward to returning to my favourite country (Thailand), and I have every confidence the Thai authorities will give the thumbs up to a second series.

    Gavin.

  18. Gavin Hill
    September 23, 2009 | 8:41 am

    … sorry for the mistake, fourth paragraph should read: ” … I’m unsure if you’ll be able to accept that your reading …”

  19. Talen
    September 23, 2009 | 9:08 am

    Gavin,
    I appreciate your comments. I’m not purposely trying to villainize you or the production but you have to admit how the editing was handled and how the raw film plays out leaves many questions.

    I have said since the beginning I’m not on JJ’s side. I believe he is a scammer and always have.

    As far as Jack Tebbot he certainly didn’t have the look of someone that was kidnapped or being held against his will in the raw footage. Did they talk him into coming with them? I would bet on it but that is hardly kidnapping. Which begs the question as to why Tim Wright didn’t say something to the police about this…or did he?

    Jack Tebbot also said his mates left and he stayed behind.

    As for the gun. I’m not mitigating but questioning. The raw footage shows marines standing around looking bored…not threatened. The aired footage clearly cuts away from JJ then back then pans down. We don’t know what preceded his going into the house because that cuts from another scene or what happens after we see the gun.

    The raw footage released today shows that the police did show up at the scene. And yet I don’t hear Tim Wright or any of the Marines telling the police officers about the gun. Can you see why there might be questions?

    You say Jack was outnumbered but the aired footage shows all his marine buddies there with him when the gun is produced. The audio that accompanies this part is taken from another scene so it’s hard to tell in what context the gun plays a part.

    All these questions could have been answered and this would be old news if the raw footage of the gun scene was released with the other raw footage. I can understand at this moment in time why that might not be prudent…but without seeing that scene in it’s full context leaves too many questions unanswered.

    • Tim Wright
      October 6, 2009 | 5:06 pm

      Talen

      I have just found this site and as you seem to have taken an aversion to my methods let me put you in the picture about the incident, which I see Gavin Hill has already commented on.

      I was called to the scene, one of numerous similar incidents I had been called to that week, and had been informed that a gun had been pulled on a group of Royal Marines by a local ‘business man’! It was not my intent on arrival at a scene to allow that weapon or any other to be drawn again. As for not calling the local police, they were there, I didn’t have to, my Thai colleagues had called them and they sat around doing nothing, just waiting for the money to be handed over and for us to leave. If the lad had not already made a deal with JJ, I would have removed them from the scene and told him to take him to court. He would not have done because he knew it was a scam.

      This onging corruption and criminality spoils a beautiful country and a very generous and loving people. I saw many tourists being scammed by the jet ski hire people, it is something I would warn anybody visiting Thailand against doing, along with motorbike hire, drugs and ladyboys.

      The whole visit to Phuket was marred for many of the young me and women I was policing by such scams, and it would be far more productive for you to try and remove that blight from your golden beaches than to insult law abiding tourists who bring much needed foreign currency to your country.

      I am an honourable man and I would like an apology for your comments about me. To insult me as you have and caste doubts as to my character and professionalism deeply saddens me I can only hope you never fall foul of a similar con.

      your aye

      Tim

  20. Gavin Hill
    September 23, 2009 | 10:41 am

    Talen -

    I can’t hope to persuade you, but there is enough truth out there by now … not sure how much more I can help!
    I would suggest your questions are better directed to the Thai Police who arrested JJ, and to the Prosecution.
    I’m not convinced JJ was arrested on the strength of Big Trouble In Thailand – and surely not solely based on the scenes broadcast in Episode One?
    From reading your posts I’m puzzled as to how familiar you are with Thailand and the decent people who make up, in my opinion, the vast majority of the population.
    If I broke a Thai person’s jet ski I would expect to be charged a fair amount to fix it.
    I would not expect a gun to be involved in any way as part of the negotiations, especially considering JJ’s verbal assault on Jack ” … don’t run away again otherwise you’ll have blood on your face.” And the extremely tense confrontation that was to follow with a Royal Marines policeman and visitor to Thailand – a country justly famed for its superlative hospitality.
    Just ask Jack if he was free to leave without paying up.
    Jack was outnumbered until his comrades turned up and even then was outnumbered by JJ’s “boys” according to JJ who he said were also in the houses nearby.
    Talen – I was as surprised by the incident as you are, especially knowing and adoring the Thailand I do.
    I am even more surprised at the response of the Thai authorities. You don’t threaten to arrest someone who has brought attention to a not unheard of issue causing very real harm to Thailand’s tourism industry and the terrific people who work in it. IMHO!

    Gavin.

    • Talen
      September 23, 2009 | 4:58 pm

      Gavin,
      Obviously there isn’t enough truth out there or there wouldn’t still be questions.

      The raw footage of the gun incident would settle any questions…but you already know this.

      The Thai police arrested JJ based on the documentary and his bringing the rifle out. They were very clear on why he was being arrested.

      You can see from the arrest pictures at the station the Rifle and still pictures from the documentary were prominently displayed.

      I am very familiar with the decent people of Thailand and you are correct that a gun wouldn’t take part in an accident. But in this incidence I’m still unsure what role if any the gun actually played in that scene. There is not enough information to determine that and I don’t see anymore forthcoming.

      I would ask Jack but seeing how he answered your questions in the raw footage I’m not sure he would be the best to ask. He didn’t get in an accident then he did crash then he doesn’t remember. He didn’t seem to sure as to what took place that day.

      I agree that the Thai authorities are going about this situation the wrong way. The scams are real. It’s a face saving measure that has already backfired.

      But you hold all the raw footage and you can settle once and for all exactly what happened that day. Show the Thai authorities all the raw footage.

      • Gavin Hill
        September 27, 2009 | 7:36 am

        Talen – we’re reaching halfway point – Episode 4 of Big Trouble In Thailand airs on Monday … thanks to you for your support and (detective work!) and everyone else for their stamina and interest they’ve shown in the series. BTIT is going down a storm in the UK – Bravo’s highest-rated programme with hundreds of thousands of people watching on TV and online … and any fan of BTIT is a fan of Thailand! Holiday bookings are sure to be up, if anything – not down!!

        In this week’s show …

        A Bangkok Airways plane crashes into a control tower on Samui, killing the pilot – local Tourist Police Volunteers Linda and Louise and and the British Consul respond. Brit passengers are injured, some tell of their miraculous escape. Programme contains never-before-seen video and photographs of the immediate aftermath and rescue effort. As usual, Thai Tourist Police seen doing an excellent job.

        It’s Songkran in Chiang Mai and mayhem on the roads – we’re on the scene of another DUI incident involving backpackers on a motorbike – hurt, under the influence and no helmets. And we visit a motorbike ‘graveyard’ – filled with the mechanical remains of fatal accidents – with Chiang Mai Tourist Police Volunteer and sausage and bacon king Rob, originally from Manchester.

        BTIT goes out on river patrol with the tooled up border police in Chiang Rai, armed to the teeth and looking for drug smugglers – this week’s Thai jail inmate who gives us his account of life in “the monkey house” is Michael Connell from Manchester – he’s still doing a lot of time in Bangkwang for drug smuggling.

        And what would Big Trouble In Thailand be without TPA Howard Miller who finds himself in the middle of a lively punch-up between a Thai man and a group of deaf tourists. DO NOT RESIST US!! Tourist Police Assistant Paul Harrison is also in this week’s programme, responding to a fire at an apartment block in Pattaya.

        There’s also an appearance by Norwegian TPA John Johansen in Pattaya who left his role with the Thai Tourist Police and has since been arrested and jailed for drugs and firearms offences.

  21. Talen
    September 27, 2009 | 8:15 am

    That’s great Gavin. I’ll surely be watching but the last two episodes seemed tame compared to the first. You know what they say ” there is no such thing as bad press”.

    So when do you think you’ll get around to releasing that raw footage of JJ holding the Marines at gunpoint?

    We wouldn’t want that question to get forgotten in the ensuing clamor for the series.

  22. Gavin Hill
    September 27, 2009 | 8:46 am

    Hi Talen –
    We are co-operating fully with the Thai police investigation right now – as you’re aware JJ has been arrested, bailed and is awaiting his court case. The footage – raw or otherwise – is what it is … JJ goes into a building while waiting for the Royal Marines police to arrive and – wholly unexpectedly – brings out a gun during a disagreement about damage caused to his jet ski and the cost of repairing that damage. He conceals the gun behind his back, and says to me: “Don’t film”. In an interview later JJ describes the power of the gun and the size of the bullets it fires (big!!)
    Not sure what you mean about “tame” – Marcus Hilton, the man sentenced to 50 years in a Thai prison, might disagree with you on that point.
    Judging by the Bravo viewing figures and number of times the programmes are being viewed on the internet, I’m as confident as ever I was that the series is indeed a credit to the Thai Tourist Police, the foreign volunteers and assistants who work with them and to the uniquely beguiling qualities of Thailand. People are watching in their droves because they like what they see and that has to be excellent news for tourism and Thailand’s popularity overseas.

    • Talen
      September 30, 2009 | 4:24 am

      Gavin, Your stating that the footage, raw or otherwise, is what it is doesn’t hold much weight. Considering footage and audio was doctored for the aired version it’s hard to believe you when you say it is what it is. You stated a month ago you would release the raw footage of the gun scene.

      No where in the aired footage was JJ heard to say ” don’t film”. JJ could have described the gun as a howitzer…in reality it was a BB gun and I fear for the British people if their Marines can’t tell the difference.

      When I was saying that the later episodes were tame I was meaning that in reference to the first episode. I could care less what the drug dealer that got 50 years thinks…he deserves every day of the sentence he received and should thank whatever god he may pray to that he didn’t get the death penalty.

      I would disagree with you that the program is good for Thai tourism. Reality TV is for people that like to watch car accidents…the only reason they watch is to see bad things happen.

      • Gavin Hill
        October 6, 2009 | 5:54 pm

        Hi Talen – sorry for the delay, just came across your reply.
        I am unable to release the footage for copyright reasons and due to an active police investigation. If you listen again to the aired footage JJ does indeed tell me not to film. He says: “Don’t film”. Again, I ask you why he would make that request. And why at first was the gun concealed behind his back? What’s your theory? In reality, you say, it was a BB gun. Was it Talen? Now, are you sure? Quite the gunsmith you must be. I think, actually, the jury (of people who know one weapon from another) is out on that. But JJ is Thai so if he says it’s a BB gun then a BB gun it must be. Just as it’s 40,000 Baht plus to fix a broken jet ski. As one of the Marines later said – he wouldn’t want to be shot by the gun whatever type it was. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind inviting me over to your place for tea – you could even pull a gun on me … just for fun, mind you. But please let it be a BB gun and once we’ve had a laugh (mine more nervous than yours) you can remind me about the 40,000 Baht you’d like me to cough up. Have you been in a Thai jail? Quite obviously not. Yes, I’m sure you’re right that Marcus is thanking his lucky stars he wasn’t put out of his misery – 50 years and he’ll be free in any case. Walk in the park that. And you should know – being so very familiar with the precise detail of the legal arguments and knowing his case inside out like you do. I’d go easy on the mercy though Talen … mercy and humanity are wonderful things in a person but really you shouldn’t empathy for another man’s suffering get the better of you. And finally, BTIT wasn’t made for the TAT. It was made for a UK niche TV channel aimed at men aged between 18 and 34 in Britain. I happen to think it will be great for tourism, in much the same way that UK and US police shows are good for tourism … especially considering the target market and if the numerous positive comments left on You Tube are anything to go by. Have you watched the Thai TV news? Well, it’s a bit like watching car accidents. More bad things on Thai TV and in the newspapers than anything you will see on BTIT.

  23. Atcbkk
    October 7, 2009 | 5:44 am

    All very interesting.

    …but Talen, JJ is quite clearly heard saying “don’t film”…..and that is not a BB gun.

    …in fact the clip where JJ says ” don’t film” is used over and over again in the title sequence, repetitively !…. to the point where it becomes annoying.

    The first episode was interesting, but subsequent episodes have been slow, repetitive, and predictable. I know this is the style of the channel, as they quite rightly assume that their target demographic is stupid and half cut.

    As for doing Thailand any harm…. I don’t think so.

    Jason is right… it will all blow over.

    But Gavin, I would not go back to phuket any time soon……. staged or not, it has caused JJ and his boys a big headache.

    • Talen
      October 7, 2009 | 11:30 am

      Atcbkk,
      The gun in question is absolutely without a doubt 100% BB gun. The police have physical custody of the gun and it is the same exact gun used in the scene.

      I’ll be answering to the rest of the concerns later today in a new post.

  24. Trustyswordoftruth
    October 8, 2009 | 7:23 am

    JJ gun scene – raw/uncut video …

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RgjicM1rco

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