Dear Ed.,

Recently an article was published in the Pacific Stars and Stripes regarding the alleged rape of a Thai National by US Service. I felt the article, and the letters to the editor which were subsequently printed, were intolerable, depicting Thais and US Servicemen alike as one dimensional and guilty of moral turpitude. I won’t elaborate on my personal reaction.

For your digestion, and perhaps as ointment to my troubled ego, I offer my response to the Pacific Stars and Stripes:

Dear Ed.,

Recently I have seen a torrent of judgments recorded in Pacific Stars and Stripes regarding the “rape” of a Thai National by service members. To the writer of “Turn the Page” I say, you sir are the one who does not know the purpose or responsibility of a newspaper. In the age of Internet we demand instant freeze dried news. We are gluttons for gossip and have become addicted to smear campaigns. I am deeply discouraged that the author and some readers so quickly jump to conclusions. The comments about Pattaya Beach were hurtful and one dimensional and did not fairly depict the Thai People and the beautiful Thai Culture. Mr. “Turn the Page” would have American Fighting Men persecuted and humiliated without so much as a fair trial. No one has been found guilty as of yet and the Thai Police have handed the service men over to the US Navy for further investigation of the alleged incident. Shall we stay the execution for the time being?

Some folks in America have a dealer / addict relationship with tabloid news which leads to this mess. Who is the whore now? And who are the real victims? I’ll tell you who the victims are; most Americans. Just as servicemen are representatives for America when they travel abroad so are respected publications like Pacific Stars and Stripes. When people the world over read these articles they will formulate opinions about Americans and I can not see how they will be favorable impressions. I am ashamed and embarrassed because of what has appeared in print.

Speaking of righteous indignation... when did Pacific Stars and Stripes become the implements of moral propaganda for the writers and editors of the publication? The otherwise very well written article brazenly attacks and offends the Thai People and summarily discredits the entire United States Services. Shame on you Mr. Samuel for so eagerly defaming these young service men before an indictment is even passed down. Who made you judge and jury? Are you appointed executioner as well? Or shall we muster a lynch mob?

The article smacks of McCarthyism and racism. Militant Nationalism looks almost attractive when compared to Mr. Samuel’s Benedict Arnold approach of selling out our young servicemen just to satisfy the whims of tabloid fever. I feel the views expressed on the topic thus far are archaic and utterly reprehensible.

With deepest sorrow,

Dear Pattaya Mail,

With reference to your story “American Sailors accused of sodomy and rape”, I feel I can comment on this story because I was present with the lady concerned at all the joint Thai/American interviews conducted at Soi 9 Police Station and again when the attacker was identified in a line-up on board the Kitty Hawk. I would like to assure all your readers that despite the fact compensation was accepted, these sailors are being prosecuted to the full by the American CNIS agents (Criminal Naval Investigative Service). The lady has been advised that when this reaches court (in Japan) she will be flown over to give evidence.

All through this very traumatic case I must say I was very impressed with the professional attitude by both the Thai police and the CNIS agents. These agents have expressed they do not want these kinds of people in their navy, they give a bad name for all sailors and if they are not stopped now, it will happen again and again.

A lot of time and effort has so far been spent on bringing these people to justice. Scenes of crime officers spent nearly 2 hours in the hotel room and many DNA samples have been taken from the lady. At one point, the American ambassador was advised of this case. These sailors, if found guilty, will not be treated lightly.

Yours,

Dear Editor,

I just read Terry-ajossi’s letter about the recent rape by Navy personnel. As an enlisted member of the U.S. military, I would like to assure him that those personnel will be well taken care of by their commander. More than likely, they will end up in Leavenworth (our military prison), same as any other member of the U.S. military that commits such an act, for a good portion of their lives. Granted, there are some things that the U.S. military overlooks, but rape is not one of them.

Hi Ed,

Oh to be back in Thailand where at least you know what you are up against, instead of England where they remove your money from you in a much sneakier way. Take last week; I have been suffering with a dislocated shoulder for the past month and found myself spending a lot on painkillers. I decided to go to the doc and get a prescription. I emerged from her den one hour later clutching the piece of parchment that would relieve the strain on my wallet. Or so I thought. I entered the pharmacy and waved the magic form triumphantly in the surprised assistants face.

‘Are you getting any money from the social?’ she asked me.

‘No’ I replied proudly.

‘Then you will have to pay’

‘No,’ I retorted, thinking she had misheard me. ‘I said I am not claiming. I don’t get anything.’

‘That’s right, you must pay.’

I scratched my head.

‘O.K. How much?’

‘6£’

‘But,’ I stammered, pointing to the offending packet on the shelf. ‘They only cost ฃ4.5p’

‘That’s right. But you have a prescription.’

‘So,’ I queried. ‘If I wasn’t sick they’d be cheaper?’

‘Yes Sir.’

I snatched the paper from her hand.

‘Could I have a packet of those painkillers?’ I requested.

‘Yes Sir, that will be ฃ4.5p’