What is it with some poker players nowadays? Why do some poker players feel they can carry out their heinous crimes in the far flung reaches of this world? Another ex-regular in the world poker circuit has admitted to the murder of a Thai woman in Wanphen Pienjai, Thailand.

The guilty man this time is Ron Fanelli (Mad Yank), as he was known in some circles and he was a well known face around the London poker scene. In fact, one journalist Vicky Coren, a writer for the Guardian, even described him as “a friend”, in a recent article. Fanelli an ex-US navy veteran travelled frequently and was known for his outlandish behaviour. I guess this is where his nickname Mad Yank stemmed from?! I did not ever meet this man, but he clearly had a love him or hate him personality.

The murder reported in the Phuket Gazette, took place after Fanelli met a Thai lady in the Sweetheart bar, Phuket. After talking for some in the bar, they both went back to Fanelli’s home and during a sordid exchange Fanelli flipped accusing her of being a money grabbing whore. Yeah for sure, Fanelli she may well have been, but that is the type of woman he craved. He demanded a lady who would bow down at his knees, pay homage to the mighty MadYank. After marriages, came and went like his poker fortune, his deluded ideas about women were there for all to see.

Fanelli, then proceeded to murder the defenceless women, dispose of her body in a suitcase. Seemingly unconcerned about his crime, he was finally arrested and upon answering the question. “Are you Mad Yank?” He quipped “Yeah, but that was a long time ago”. Admitting to murder Fanelli now faces jail in one of the toughest prisons in Thailand. I’m sure the hard man will receive a warm welcome.

In the article,  the Guardian have a quote from an old poker talk show in which Mad Yank appeared, answering the question “What is the worst thing you’ve done?” and this was his answer “Me? I'm an angel. I've never done anything bad. Well, I guess I've made a few people cry. I don't like getting unlucky. There was that time I told everyone at the table I hoped they'd die of cancer. Other than that, I've never done anything bad."

Says it all really, Unlucky for you this time!