[Klonged Again]

I have lived in Pattaya, Thailand for many years. I have known the person responsible for this story and his wife for 9 years.

No his written English isn't going to win any Pulitzer prizes. No he isn't well versed in forum etiquette. No I wasn't personally involved in the incidents described by him on this thread. No I can't confirm or deny all the details of the episode. For example I don't know what business deals were proposed or why Phil Laak got so angry. No I've never met or talked to Phil Laak.

But..... this story has been common knowledge among ex-pat gamblers in Thailand for several years and I have heard the same facts repeated by several people integral to this story. Namely that after a deal went wrong Phil Laak made contact with a guy living in Thailand and said he wished to pay for a certain person to be killed.

At the time all this happened Mr Laak was neither famous nor rich.

Why has this story become so public at this time ? I have no idea other than I was told the injured party was in Las Vegas for the WSOP and wished to use the opportunity to finally confront Mr Laak, and he was infuriated when he was repeatedly brushed aside and ignored. I don't believe the attempt at talking in person to Phil Laak shown in the photos was the only or first time that the aggrieved man tried to make direct contact in Las Vegas.

I can confirm that the Thai wife in this story is suffering from MS and that it was originally diagnosed shortly after the alleged threats of violence. Stress doesn't help MS, but would this diease have appeared so soon and so aggressively without the threats ? That's an answer that even a doctor would probably struggle to answer.

If a poker magazine wants a real front page story they should send a reporter to Pattaya. I'm sure all the true facts could be quickly uncovered.