After escaping during a police raid, Shah continued to operate, found time to marry a Thai wife and for a while was actually providing the police information, apparently on the activities of two rival Pakistani gangs. They are sources of valuable information. Being an informant did not prevent Shah's eventual arrest and deportation to Pakistan. But early this year he returned to reclaim his old territory using a new name, a new passport and a fake visa. Then came the Sept. 13 shootout.
Police say they fired in self-defense.
But word that Shah failed to hit three officers from just seven meters stretches credibility. The police have denied any wrongdoing. Even Thai hospitality has its limits. At home and abroad, Beijing runs up against strong faiths it cannot shake. All Rights Reserved.