Gunman 'didn't like Americans'
An American man shot dead in Chiang Mai last Saturday came to Thailand two weeks ago to get some dental work done because it was cheaper than in Hawaii, police have told reporters.
Published on March 27, 2008
Gary Poretsky, 46, then travelled up to the northern Thai city for a vacation. He got into an argument with Australian William Douglas, 60, a long-time resident in Chiang Mai and English teacher. Douglas has allegedly confessed to shooting Poretsky, and remains in custody following a court hearing on Monday. Police are waiting for confirmation that bullets from Douglas' handgun match those in the victim.
No regrets Freelance video journalist John Le Fevre, who is based in Chiang Mai, alleges Douglas said after the hearing he had "no regrets" about gunning down Poretsky. "That's basically what he's told police - he doesn't like Americans and he thinks Americans talk down to people, flout their superiority, so he shot this poor fellow," Le Fevre told a Hawaii TV news station. Douglas is taking medication and is on suicide watch, Le Fevre says. The Aussie photojournalist wrote on his blogsite: "I can confirm that Douglas did serve with the 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam in 1969 and with another battalion in 1967."
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