Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

Wang Yaotang's plan to use the cute girls in Pattaya to demonstrate his martial prowess to the Thai Chinese community quickly spread among the upper echelons of various Chinese families.

But that's all there is to it. Even if there was such a roundabout relationship, no one leaked it beforehand, since he's not their biological son.

three days later.

Three medium-to-large yachts departed from Bangkok, and nearly 60 people from 18 Thai-Chinese families arrived in Pattaya a little over an hour later.

Bangkok is the capital and the political, economic, and cultural center. Compared to other tourist destinations, it is far less developed than Pattaya, which is deeply rooted in the industry. Therefore, many families own villas in Pattaya for vacation purposes.

The arrival of the group did not cause any trouble. Although ordinary people and the rich live in the same world, perhaps only a few kilometers apart, they have no way of contacting each other.

We set off in the morning, and the Chen Family Manor Villa had already made preparations to receive us. A small but very high-class tea party was held in the special reception building.

The main character at this tea party was Wang Yaotang.

Wang Yaotang and Chen Bichen were the last to enter, followed by the six Chen brothers and three men with crew cuts.

Smiling and nodding to everyone along the way, Wang Yaotang walked up to the platform and said, "Good morning, uncles, brothers and friends."

“I’ve gotten into quite a bit of trouble since I came to Bangkok from Hong Kong. It’s all thanks to the support of my fellow Chinese compatriots that I haven’t been kicked out. I’d like to take this opportunity, Mr. Chen, to thank you all.” With that, Wang Yaotang clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Haha, Yao, you're too kind."

"We didn't help in any way, so please don't blame us."

The crowd below laughed as they spoke.

They didn't actively stand up for Wang Yaotang, but just like the mainland doesn't speak out, their very existence is an aid.

After a brief opening remark, Wang Yaotang continued, “I had heard from some friends that the situation in Southeast Asia is quite different from that in Hong Kong. But what I heard from newspapers and the media was all about the glorious achievements of Chinese people in various countries, like Mr. Chen, who controlled the economic lifeline and had a large following. I didn’t really feel anything. But after actually arriving in Bangkok, I felt it quite deeply.”

"The Chinese community has played a pivotal role in Thailand's economic development and technological advancement, and they certainly have a strong voice. However, they are also hampered at every turn. People who are not of our race are bound to have different intentions. This cannot be covered up or smoothed over by simple interests or slogans of unity."

“We Chinese often say ‘the people can’t fight with the officials’ and ‘a child carrying gold in the bustling city.’ Teachers also say ‘the barrel of a gun…’ These all illustrate that simply having money is not necessarily a good thing. It’s easy to be pressured by the government. And Thailand…” Wang Yaotang shook his head, “This place, which is often involved in coups, also has a military.”

"When the guns are in the hands of others, the September 30th 1965 riots in Indonesia resulted in thousands of casualties, the destruction of over 5000 shops, and losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. In Vietnam from 1975 to 1979, over 200,000 Chinese were forcibly expelled, their assets were confiscated, and 300,000 Chinese were killed or injured. In Malaysia, the May 13th 1965 uprising, and in Myanmar, the June 26th 1966 uprising..."

"In Thailand, from 52 until the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand in 75, the entry of overseas Chinese was restricted, the Nationality Law and Military Service Law were amended to close Chinese-language secondary schools, and the teaching hours of Chinese-language primary schools were restricted. More than 150 overseas Chinese enterprises were looted, more than 250 overseas Chinese leaders were arrested, and Chinese-language education almost disappeared, with only a few primary schools remaining."

“If I were in their shoes, I definitely wouldn’t be able to sleep well.”

These words caused the group of deep-thinking adults present, who usually kept their emotions hidden, to frown. Normally, no one wanted to talk about this, as it would only cause them more trouble.

"It's not like there aren't any." Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Mr. Chen Bichen coughed lightly. "Zheng Liangdan served as Prime Minister and Admiral, and Ta Nong Ji Di Ka Zong also..."

“Yes.” Wang Yaotang nodded with a smile. “During the War of Resistance Against Japan, if we Chinese didn’t step forward, how could we expect the Thais to do so? After the war ended, they were used and then discarded. As for Thanom Kitti Kajong, I remember he was from Wenchang, Hainan. His ancestors’ surname was Fu. He served as the Prime Minister of Thailand and Field Marshal of the Army from 63 to 73. Unfortunately, he can only be considered a Thai-Chinese. Does he even recognize his Chinese identity?”

Chen Bichen pursed his lips and remained silent, making the atmosphere even more somber.

Compared to the Chinese, Thais are far less capable in managing businesses. If it weren't for government suppression, Pangu Bank, owned by Chan Phibunsong, would not be the fourth largest bank, but the largest.

"Of course, things are much better now. Everyone knows why: China and Thailand established diplomatic relations, and our motherland has taken big strides into the world again, gradually regaining its former glory. But we overseas Chinese can't rely on our hometown for everything. After all, our hometown has to consider its influence in many ways, and there's always a barrier when they want to help us overseas Chinese. So, we often have to stand up for ourselves!"

Wang Yaotang stood tall and straight, with a resolute gaze. The young man exuded a powerful aura, and his waving arms as he gave a speech on stage had the flair of a failed art student. His words stirred the blood of a group of older men, and many of them had tears in their eyes.

Who says you can't have passion when you get older!
The fact that these people on site could persist in not becoming Thai despite the pressure from Thai policies and the harsh international environment, and that they held firm to their bottom line and remained true to themselves, shows that they are tough at heart!
"As a person, you can't just talk the talk. Actions speak louder than words. Everyone knows what my background is, but I knew two years ago that the underground forces are ultimately like rats in the sewers, unable to see the light of day."

Wang Yaotang paced back and forth on the stage and said loudly, "After observing for a year or two, I knew my opportunity had come. Two years ago, I asked my brothers to wear uniforms, found teachers to give them cultural lessons, and dedicated time to police-style training. I also poached professionals from the police and invested in setting up a command center. At the same time, I completely abandoned the triad's traditional three industries of 'pornography, gambling, and drugs' and started doing legitimate business. As for the results, everyone has seen them."

"Two years!" Wang Yaotang held up two fingers. "Two years from now, I'll be standing here talking big, which will prove that we've chosen the right path of standardization!"

"In two years, the security environment of my neighborhood has improved dramatically. Not only did I, Wang Yaotang, make money, but my brothers also have a legal and stable income. The business atmosphere in Shengyi has also improved several times over. All businesses have made money, and even the property prices have withstood the fluctuations in the real estate market and maintained their prices. Some shop rents have even risen against the trend."

"I can say without hesitation that these are my achievements!" Wang Yaotang said, waving his hand sharply.

No one knows who started clapping first, but then a wave of applause erupted.

The Hongmen has been active in Southeast Asia for three hundred years, and has produced many outstanding heroes who played an important role during the War of Resistance against Japan. However, none of them have achieved what Wang Yaotang did: not only did he develop his own career well, but he also benefited others.

After a long while, the applause gradually subsided. Wang Yaotang clasped his hands in a salute and continued, "Last year, I first established the first Chinese-controlled 'Protective Umbrella (Haojiang) Security Company' in Haojiang. A few months later, the security company was registered in Hong Kong, still the first Chinese-controlled security company. Now the company has more than 3800 registered security personnel, all of whom have been trained according to the standards of the Hong Kong Police Force. Because of the continuous training, their combat effectiveness is stronger. At the same time, I have invested a lot of money to build a command center network, which now has signal coverage in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and its command and dispatch capabilities are stronger than those of the police!"

"Wow!"

"real!"

"so much!"

"That's impressive!"

A gasp of surprise rose from the audience. They had no idea about this news. No wonder he acted recklessly in Bangkok, killing and setting fires without hesitation. He really had the confidence.

These 18 families are all centuries-old clans with abundant funds and connections, but that's in the realm of business and politics. When it comes to playing the physical game, they're all dumbfounded.

Everyone couldn't help but think, what if they had 3800 well-trained people in their own homes...

That means you have to look down on people and speak loudly!
"Just between you and me, the living conditions back home were indeed a bit poor before, everyone knows that, there's nothing to hide. As a result, I gradually recruited a battalion of people who had participated in YZ's 'Crunch Head' movement. In addition, I actively cooperated with the local government and donated a lot of money. Now I have a full range of weapons, artillery, and boats." Wang Yaotang grinned and showed a big smile.

A collective gasp filled the room; the air seemed to thin out...

Everyone's gaze toward Wang Yaotang became intense, something Chen Bichen was unaware of.

Everyone knows how strong the crew-cut guy is back home; he's invincible in the surrounding area!

That's the kind of entity that shouted, "Not only do the enemy not surrender, but they dare to fight back!" That's the kind of entity that inflicted heavy losses on the Vietnamese and could only vent their anger on the Chinese diaspora in China!

To make up for its losses and divert attention from its internal conflicts, the monkeys turned their guns on Cambodia and Laos. After occupying Cambodia in 1979, they repeatedly provoked the Cambodian-Thailand border and frequently invaded Thai territory under the pretext that Thailand was harboring exiled Cambodian soldiers.

Four years into the war, a counterattack?
nonexistent!

A counterattack was impossible; we could only hide in our fortifications and watch the Vietnamese burn, kill, and loot in the villages and towns. After they withdrew, we would advance again to reclaim the lost territory and barely save face.

Given the Thai army's lackluster combat capabilities, and recalling how the crew-cut guys back home routed the monkeys with their tails between their legs...

A battalion could easily take on a Thai division, let alone a Thai regiment!

With such a powerful figure at his disposal, it's no surprise that Wang Yaotang acted so flamboyantly after arriving in Bangkok.

If it were me, I'd probably be even more arrogant!
After watching the crowd chatter for a while until the noise gradually subsided, Wang Yaotang continued, "If I say so much, it will inevitably make me, Wang Yaotang, seem a bit boastful and unsubstantiated. That's why I invited everyone here today to see for yourselves. Only what you see with your own eyes is true and not false."

"Now, please welcome Major Hai Dazhao," Wang Yaotang gestured.

Hai Dazhao was dressed in camouflage combat uniform, with the 21 cents mark of a major slung over his shoulder. If you didn't look closely at the differences in the uniform, you might really think that the army from his hometown had come to his aid...

When Hai Dazhao retired, he was only a lieutenant. Although Wang Yaotang's title of major was somewhat undeserved, he was still very excited. He stood on the stage with a straight face, nodded to everyone, and turned on the TV and VCR with great efficiency. As the videotape played, the Chen family's 70-inch TV started up with a series of introductions.

"Pattaya flourished due to the large number of American soldiers who vacationed there during the Vietnam War. As a result, the 'silver-selling,' 'drug,' 'gambling,' and 'smuggling' industries rapidly emerged and grew. After the end of the war, some retired soldiers remained in Pattaya, and the criminal network continued to expand."

Hai Dazhao pressed the pause button. "First of all, there is the underground force led by Thai Chinese, the Chaozhou Hoklo Gang, also known as the Wan'an Gang. Its core members are mainly Chaozhou people, including merchants, dockworkers and low-level laborers. They mainly control port transportation, smuggle tobacco and alcohol, run horse stalls and underground casinos, and also sell drugs. The Hoklo Gang has close ties with the 'Yi An' branch. The gang leader, Lin Afa, also has the support and tacit approval of Mayor Songchai Kunben. There are 82 core members."

(In 1987, during a struggle for control of the Zhongtian Beach Massage Parlor with the Vietnamese gang, "Iron Hand Ming," a key member of the Chaozhou gang, led more than 30 people in an armed shootout, resulting in 5 deaths and 12 injuries.)
Play, pause.

"The Munich Group, mainly composed of Germans, used beer houses as a front to control the heroin transportation route from Pattaya to Europe. Its core members included German expatriate Hans Müller (pseudonym) and local drug dealer Sawan, who smuggled 30-50 kilograms of drugs to Europe every month."

(When the group was dismantled in 1984, more than 500 counterfeit Malaysian passports were seized, involving transnational human trafficking.)
"Hells Angels, whose members are mainly Australian and German veterans, are led by Australian member John Smith. They operate gambling and prostitution venues such as the 'Red Devil Casino' on Pattaya Second Road."

"The Moscow Club, with Russians at its core, is headed by Alexei Ivanov, who also runs businesses involving prostitution, gambling, and drugs, and controls a large number of Eastern European prostitutes. It is worth mentioning that their firepower is quite fierce, with AK47s and rocket launchers."

(In 1989, a gunfight broke out on Pattaya Beach between Russian underground forces and local gangs over control of a casino, resulting in 4 deaths and 9 injuries. Police later arrested only 3 scapegoats.)
"Outlaws MC, whose members are mainly of Australian, German and Austrian descent, is led by Australian Thomas Kinner and controls drug distribution and arms smuggling."

(In 1987, after failing to collect protection money, gang members set fire to three bars on Pattaya Road 3, resulting in the deaths of two Thai bartenders. The police did not file a case due to insufficient evidence.)

"The Mongols, whose members are mainly of French and Italian nationality, run underground boxing matches and loan sharking. Their leader is Jean-Paul Dupont, a French member."

"Other branches include 'Yi An' and 'Tiao Lin,' which mainly deal in electronic products and luxury goods, and also handle drug trafficking. The Putian gang in Fujian runs illegal clinics and sells 'aphrodisiacs,' while the Hainan gang smuggles seafood and lends money through casinos."

"The reason why there are so many criminal groups in Pattaya is due to the local 'Songchai' family, Mayor Somchai Khunpen, Police Chief Somchai Narachai, and Somchai Payon, who is responsible for contacting criminal gangs."

"According to our statistics, there are more than 600 core members of various underground forces in Pattaya. If we want to improve the security environment in Pattaya and maintain the reputation of this core tourist city, these people are the main targets."

"This...this...isn't this too much?!" someone asked, their face pale.

Killing 600 people, this isn't World War II, that's already a super answer!

If so many people really died, it would cause a sensation around the world the next day.

"Wait, we can't touch the Somchai family. A mayor and a police chief, if they are killed, it will really cause a huge uproar, and then the Thai government will have no choice but to intervene."

"Yeah yeah."

"It's certain that they accept bribes, but that's just how it is in Pattaya. Sometimes they have no choice but to accept money."

"To blend in with the world?"

"Yes, yes."

Wang Yaotang almost burst out laughing. What the hell is this about being forced to accept money? You guys know how to make excuses. In the end, a person can't betray their class.

Hai Dazhao remained silent, his gaze fixed on Wang Yaotang.

Wang Yaotang clapped his hands with a smile to attract everyone's attention, "I'm not afraid, so why are you afraid? What will happen to the Thai government? Can they arrest me in Hong Kong? Can they arrest me in my hometown? They can't, they don't have that ability, okay?"

"They're just a mayor and a police chief. The US president was shot and almost died last year. Are they more powerful than the US president?"

"As for making it known all over the world," Wang Yaotang scoffed, "I can only say you overestimate Thailand. 90% of Americans don't even know which continent Thailand is on. If it were Vietnam, it might have some impact, but Thailand... hehe, news that nobody cares about has no reporting value."

"Iran and Iran are still exchanging bombs, Russia is still fighting against poor Afghanistan, and tribal wars and even coups are happening in Africa every day. Do Thai newspapers report on this? No, nobody cares. Don't take yourself too seriously."

"600 people died in Pattaya. I bet the Thai newspapers won't even report it because they won't dare!"

Everyone remained silent, clearly indicating that Wang Yaotang's outrageous remarks had caused a huge disagreement with their usual principles of conduct, and many people regretted coming today.

This is absolutely crazy!
Seeing everyone's attitude, Wang Yaotang tilted his head and chuckled, "If I can't even handle Pattaya, how can I prove that I have the ability to deal with Kongti?"

"With 10 people working and living in an area of ​​1.5 square kilometers, Pattaya's permanent population is only 5 to 7. The number of criminals could be ten times that. Otherwise, how could no one have solved the problem until now? The situation there is much more complicated than that of Pattaya, a tourist city."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately softened.

Yes, if they can't even handle Pattaya, why should anyone believe that Wang Yaotang can handle Kongti?

That's the most important port on the Chao Phraya River, in the heart of Bangkok, and it's ten times more valuable than Pattaya!
The interest groups behind them are far beyond what the Somchai family alone can compare to.

If we want everyone to put real money into supporting us, these little cuties in Pattaya must die, the Somchai family must die, and their blood must prove Wang Yaotang's abilities!

Let's use bloodshed to calm those underground forces and vested interests! (End of Chapter)