Thaksin Launches A Second War On Drugs

[Heng]

Yes, so if you're a falang, wear a hat or wig when you go out as a disguise.

[george]

Thaksin issues warning to police

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday threatened to transfer officials who fail to prevent a resurgence of drug use and trafficking, a day after he announced another round in his war on drugs.

“I am serious about taking action against drug traffickers. Government officials, police in particular, must take action too as these traffickers destroy youths’ lives, ruin the economy and damage the country,” he said.

The premier cited Bangkok’s Klong Toei district as needing extra attention from the Metropolitan Police Bureau as well as the Narcotics Control Board (NCB).

“Klong Toei has never been drugfree,” he said.

He called on officials or officers to complain directly to him if they were abused for cracking down on drugs.

Tipsters with useful information on drug trafficking would also receive rewards, Thaksin promised.

The drug trade has been coming back with ketamine from Cambodia, ecstasy from Malaysia, heroin from Burma, and marijuana in Thailand’s Northeast, he said. Last year Thaksin declared the country free of drugs after a 10month operation that saw more than 2,000 people killed, prompting outrage from governments and human rights organisations around the world.

Thaksin said some African travellers smuggled in cocaine when they boarded flights to Bangkok, but it was difficult for officials to detect because they carried the illicit drug in small amounts.

“Every government agency must join forces in cracking down on drugs,” he said.

He also told the Education Ministry to ask schools to look for students suspected of sniffing glue or drug addiction.

“These children must be sent to receive treatment immediately before others follow their examples,” he said, adding that the Public Health Ministry must provide treatment for drug abusers and other agencies must use information from these children to trace drug traffickers.

Pol LtGeneral Krissana Pholanan, NCB secretarygeneral, said his agency would reexamine areas suspected to be drug routes or drugstorage areas, especially Klong Toei and adjacent provinces to Bangkok.

Krissana said the drug crackdown this time would focus on strengthening communities and closely watching movements that could be involved with the drug trade.

--The Nation 2004-10-05

[ChiangMaiThai]

Thai PM Thaksin launches a second war on drugs

Best news I've heard all week!

He should never have scaled down the first one!

what about the first war on drugs were you so impressed with? I take it that it wasn't your son or daughter, father or mother who was gunned down without any trial or evidence. Idiot.

[ChiangMaiThai]

Thai PM Thaksin launches a second war on drugs

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, undaunted by an avalanche of criticism after more than 2,500 people were killed in his first war on drugs

After the avalanche of criticism from who? A handful of foreigners and local academics on internet web forums? A few dozen form letter memo's from a few human rights groups?

If a few thousand innocents can die in the 'war on terrorism' for the greater good, then a few dozen may have to die in the 'war on drugs' (perhaps they can be honored as heroes or whatever)

Okay, are you happy to be the first innocent to die in this second war on drugs? You can be a real hero. We'll make posters of you and put them up all over the country. 'He died an innocent man, but he sure died for the greater good'.

Another confused soul.

[rod_kalashnikov]

 

[ChiangMaiThai]

Thai PM Thaksin launches a second war on drugs

Best news I've heard all week!

He should never have scaled down the first one!

what about the first war on drugs were you so impressed with? I take it that it wasn't your son or daughter, father or mother who was gunned down without any trial or evidence.

Do you know why all you bleeding-heart pissants sound the same ?

Because you all parrot the same fairytales and bullshit so often that you start to believe it !!!

You parrot that everyone on Mr Thaksin's original "surrender yourself" list was summarily executed without trial, but the fact is that many of those on the list surrendered and proved themselves the innocent victims of malicious gossip and were released with an apology ... they weren't arbitrarily twepd on some informant's say-so.

You parrot about "rogue policemen" running wild in the streets and pumping bullets into innocent people then planting guns and drugs on them, but the fact is that the MIBs did very little shooting at all.

You parrot about the number of innocent people who were murdered by "Thaksin's hit squad that doesn't exist". Forget about collateral bystander deaths like the kid who died in crossfire between anti-drug police and drug dealers and name one "innocent" who was deliberately gunned down without any trial or evidence. You can't ... because he doesn't exist!

Idiot.

Have you ever been up close and personal with a heroin addict on a jones ?

Have you ever talked with a member of "the anti-drug squad that doesn't exist" about what motivates him to do what he does ?

When you've done both you'll realize that you're the idiot ... pissant!

Good, I've got you all worked up.

Yes, close friend is former heroine addict.

Yes, know first hand of three men in Northern Thailand taken from their homes one fine day. Still no trial. Still they're not back home.

No inncocent people were killed? Hmm. Well I guess we'll never know since by the government's own facts, thousands of people were killed (but of course you would believe that they were all guilty AND they were all aiming guns at their policeman murderers).

I'm not pro hard core drugs. I am for real justice, not open season on anyone that that the police deem to be a threat.

You sound much like the parrots of the USA who blindly follow Bush without rational or intelligent discussion. They are danergous. Kill them before they kill us!

You're driven by fear and fear alone. And sadly, you are anything but alone in your state.

[sriracha john]

You parrot that everyone on Mr Thaksin's original "surrender yourself" list was summarily executed without trial, but the fact is that many of those on the list surrendered and proved themselves the innocent victims of malicious gossip and were released with an apology ... they weren't arbitrarily twepd on some informant's say-so.

You parrot about "rogue policemen" running wild in the streets and pumping bullets into innocent people then planting guns and drugs on them, but the fact is that the MIBs did very little shooting at all.

You parrot about the number of innocent people who were murdered by "Thaksin's hit squad that doesn't exist". Forget about collateral bystander deaths like the kid who died in crossfire between anti-drug police and drug dealers and name one "innocent" who was deliberately gunned down without any trial or evidence. You can't ... because he doesn't exist!

I must admit I admire your inside tract on all of the murders. How are you privy to such publicly unknown information?... The reason I ask is because none of the murders were investigated, nor has there been even one conviction... Given that, we (the public) simply DON'T KNOW who did all the killings, be it police or others.

Until we know the facts, which is highly unlikely... to come to your conclusion that all the victims deserved what they got is extremely dubious at best...

[stumonster]

“I am serious about taking action against drug traffickers. Government officials, police in particular, must take action too as these traffickers destroy youths’ lives, ruin the economy and damage the country,” he said.

I would wager that ill concieved government policies, corruption , nepotism , lack of education , inadequate medical care and blatent stupidity destroy youths’ lives, ruin the economy and damage the country , more than any drugs.

but rational thought is not something that mr T is well known for.

[george]

Govt declares another round of war against drugs

BANGKOK: -- The Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has declared a new war on illegal drugs, and has promised to completely wipe out the drugs problem in Thailand.

“Illegal drugs will be completely wiped out from Thai society within March next year,” the premier announced during the opening of the national centre for the suppression of illegal drugs on Monday.

Government officials have been urged to do their utmost to stamp out the illegal drugs trade.

Although the government’s first ‘war on drugs’ campaign was relatively successful, some traffickers evaded arrest, but will now face tougher

operations this time round, Mr Thaksin said.

Officials have been offered rewards similar to the first campaign last year as incentives.

Illegal drugs have gradually returned to the Thai society because of the greed of the traffickers who have smuggled them across the Cambodian and Malaysian borders.

The prime minister also strongly urged schools to check their students.

Any one found involved in drug abuse would be immediately admitted to treatment programmes, he said.

During the first war on drugs last year, human right activists accused the government of abusing its power and violating civil rights.

Thousands of alleged drugs traffickers were killed during the year-long operation.

--TNA 2004-10-05

[Insight]

Oh no.

I can understand the posts saying that drug peddlers deserve a special place in h3ll, especially for those life destroying ones - Ya ba, herion, cocaine.

But this isn't the way to do it. Innocent people will die, just like the last time. It's a "quick fix", and why does he have to do it all again?

BECAUSE IT DIDN'T FOOKIN' WORK THE FIRST TIME ROUND!

[Felt 35]

War on foreigners, War on drugs,War on Birds!

Have he totally forgot the five precepts of Buddhism?

The first of these is to abstain from harming living beings. This includes human beings, animals and insects.

The second precept is to abstain from taking what is not given - stealing.

The third precept is to abstain from sexual misconduct, such as being unfaithful to one's partner, involvement with prostitution or pornography or entertaining lustful thoughts.

The fourth precept, abstaining from false speech, includes lying, tale-bearing, and gossiping.

The fifth and final precept is to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs - of course, drugs taken for medicinal purposes are perfectly acceptable.

[Goat Roper]

With all the issues facing Mr. Big such as bird flu, dog flu, people bird flu, the problems in the south of Thailand, Mr. Ekayuth, trying to hide Air Force one out, and in general his waning popularity, could there possibly be some diversionary stuff going on here with this "new" war on drugs program? Seems very odd to me he would launch this drug deal at this time.

[britmaveric]

Tougher stand? Might be a good idea to run out and purchase some body armour.

[Darth Bangkok]

"He was asked by journalists if there would be extra-judicial killings this time.

"It depends on the circumstances," he replied. "There won't be many this time because we have done that in the first war and we don't think there will be many left.""

How can he get away with saying things like this and still be in office? he is saying that he is asking the police to work outside the law and justice. Giving free reign to these people to kill whomever they wish -guilty or not. How can anyone say this is unlike Saddam Hussein's thugs or the Taliban or whoever else? Its the same thing. You don't think that some people in Iraq, Afghanistan, elsewhere don't say "well good for him, we don't need these people in our country" Or that some people in Cambodia agreed that intellectuals were undesirables? Its a terror squad, like the gestapo. You don't know where it will end. many depravities have started out with 'good intentions'. Thailand still has government owned TV and Radio stations because of "national security" reasons. Who knows when other things will be added to this list?

the point is , there are laws and they should be followed. at least give them lip service. here we have the PM saying that he WON'T allow justice to happen.

[Goat Roper]

It seems to me that tragically Mr. Big IS the law.

[Crushdepth]

How can he get away with saying things like this and still be in office?

And do you remember him recently bristling with indignation at a report criticising Thailand's records on human rights ? I think he said something like 'they should discuss these issues with the government, not spoil the country's reputation' !!

It's his pathetic despotism that really drives me wild.

[Heng]

Okay, are you happy to be the first innocent to die in this second war on drugs? You can be a real hero. We'll make posters of you and put them up all over the country. 'He died an innocent man, but he sure died for the greater good'.

Another confused soul.

(yawn) If I associated with known drug dealers, yes, I'd have to be able to accept that fate. As for any 'innocents' within a family of drug dealers? ... no such thing. The family is typically a cohesive unit here and if that kid wasn't a dealer at age 9, he surely would have been by age 18. Just like in any business here: from wholesale rice, gold, to construction materials trading, the whole family gets involved.

[Ijustwannateach]

Hurrah! So it's time to see more news headlines about 8 yos caught in the line of fire of police bullets (but not killed by police 'cause there's no ballistic database and no proof!!!)? Yeah, this sure is a cause for celebration!

Heng, are you sure you haven't joined the Pudgi "there are no innocents, it's their own fault they're gunned down if they get in the way of the police on the street" brigade?

"Steven"

[george]

Thailand: Anti-Drug Campaign Reaches New Low

NEW YORK: -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's announcement of a brutal new phase in Thailand's "war on drugs" raises fears of widespread human rights abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. In an open letter to the committee that recently gave an "International Forgiveness Award" to the prime minister for his government's treatment of drug users, Human Rights Watch and more than 50 other organizations called on the committee to strip Thaksin of the award. On Sunday, Thaksin announced a new round of the anti-drug campaign that began in February 2003. Promising "brutal measures" against drug traffickers, Thaksin said, "Drug dealers and traffickers are heartless and wicked. All of them must be sent to meet the guardian of ######, so that there will not be any drugs in the country."

Thaksin's remarks suggest a revival of last year's deadly drug crackdown. Between February and May 2003, some 2,275 suspected drug offenders were shot dead in Thailand in apparent extrajudicial executions. The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Asma Jahangir, expressed "deep concern at reports of more than 100 deaths in Thailand in connection with a crackdown on the drug trade." During the first phases of the drug crackdown, the country's homicide rate more than doubled.

"These latest developments mark a new low in Thai drug policy," said Brad Adams, executive director of the Human Rights Watch's Asia Division. "Thaksin's approach to drug addiction merits disgust and condemnation, not forgiveness."

The use of spine-chilling rhetoric to promote violence against drug suspects has been a hallmark of Thaksin's drug policy. In January 2003, Thaksin stated, "Because drug traders are ruthless to our children, so being ruthless back to them is not a bad thing." Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, the interior minister at the time, said of drug traffickers, "They will be put behind bars or even vanish without a trace. Who cares? They are destroying our country." In August 2003, Thaksin ordered a "shoot to kill" policy against people suspected of smuggling methamphetamines into Thailand from neighboring Burma.

Last month, the Italian Istituzione Perdonanza Celestiniana granted their annual "International Forgiveness Award" to Thaksin in recognition of his government's treatment of drug users as "patients, not criminals." The award marked a public relations boon for Thaksin, who has attempted to soften his image by referring to drug users (as opposed to drug traffickers) as "patients" in need of rehabilitation. In 2003, Thailand passed a law defining drug users as "patients" and providing rehabilitation to low-level drug offenders. Thaksin pledged to provide free treatment to 300,000 drug users while disrupting drug trafficking though tough law enforcement measures.

But the facts tell a different story. Throughout the drug war, drug users have reported beatings, arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention at the hands of Royal Thai Police. Some have been forced to sign false confessions stating that they had trafficked methamphetamine tablets. Others have escaped into hiding, or they have dropped out of drug treatment programs in order to avoid arrest or murder. Health experts fear a spike in HIV transmission as a result of injection drug users going underground and sharing blood-contaminated syringes.

--HRW News New York 2004-10-05

[taxexile]

"These latest developments mark a new low in Thai drug policy," said Brad Adams, executive director of the Human Rights Watch's Asia Division. "Thaksin's approach to drug addiction merits disgust and condemnation, not forgiveness."

what has it got to do with human rights watch.

this is a thai problem for the thais to solve in their own way.

if drug dealers dont want to get shot then they should stop selling drugs.

thailand will be better off without them.

most thais applaud thaksins stance and methods re. drug dealers.

its a pity that western governments find it so difficult to fight fire with fire and spend so much time listening to the human rights apologists that most decent people live in fear of crime.

[slappyharry]

taxexile, so you are quite happy with the idea of street executions of maybe drug dealers, so where do we draw the line? street executions of ppl riding motorbikes without crash helmets?at what stage of law enforcement should the thai police not be allowed to be judge jury and executioner?

[slappyharry]

Off topic/International poilitics comment removed

/Admin.

Edited October 6, 2004 by george

[stumonster]

yes it is common knowledge that drug dealers are forcing the drugs onto the consumers. with such a bright future ahead for most thais it is beyond me why they would turn to drugs for solace.

maybe they should just be informed they can buy better quality , cheaper amphetimines and anti-depressants from the local pharmacy.

[Nam Kao]

All quiet in my Amphur, I heard all the bad guys headed to the border when they

caught wind of falangs required to carry 10,000 bt

[Heng]

its a pity that western governments find it so difficult to fight fire with fire and spend so much time listening to the human rights apologists that most decent people live in fear of crime.

Maybe it's out of fear that underground drug labs and small private dirt airstrips might really be defended by weapons of mass destruction? Much easier to go pick a fight with a bunch of conventionally armed Middle Easterners.

[taxexile]

taxexile, so you are quite happy with the idea of street executions of maybe drug dealers

well , although i'm not exactly cheering in the street at the news i am certainly not losing any sleep over it.

over 90% of recidivist crime is drug related , as those who become addicted to their drugs commit crime after crime to get the finance for their next purchase.

get rid of the drug dealers , offer rehab for those who want it , and i believe that crime levels will drop enormously and the quality life for the average person will improve.

drug dealers laugh at human rights legislation as all it does is to increase their chances of success.

so, ready ....aim....fire.!!!!!!!!

[meom]

Why not legalise all drugs? In the end we all started the same with mother's milk and later on somewhere down the road a minority of people became drug addicts for whatever reason.

I don't think by legalising drugs suddenly the whole planet will get stoned or coke-crazed same as not everybody becomes a smoker or alcoholic.

[Heng]

Why not legalize drugs? Because we already see what happens to people when users have nearly unlimited access to super cheap drugs. Legalization will make it a lot LESS profitable for the narcotics producers and sellers, but as long as there is a single Baht of profit to be had, they'll still pump out their products by the ton.

[sriracha john]

Okay, are you happy to be the first innocent to die in this second war on drugs? You can be a real hero. We'll make posters of you and put them up all over the country. 'He died an innocent man, but he sure died for the greater good'.

Another confused soul.

(yawn) If I associated with known drug dealers, yes, I'd have to be able to accept that fate. As for any 'innocents' within a family of drug dealers? ... no such thing. The family is typically a cohesive unit here and if that kid wasn't a dealer at age 9, he surely would have been by age 18. Just like in any business here: from wholesale rice, gold, to construction materials trading, the whole family gets involved.

good logic. Let's just take the kids from anyone that is in prison now, line them up and behead them.... and don't forget any women that are involved in the drug world in any way.... if any of them are pregnant, we could publically abort their fetuses with a coat-hanger. I like your solution, eliminate any and all future potential drug world workers before they have a chance to soil this clean world of ours.

[Pattayaguy1999]

Why not legalise all drugs? In the end we all started the same with mother's milk and later on somewhere down the road a minority of people became drug addicts for whatever reason.

I don't think by legalising drugs suddenly the whole planet will get stoned or coke-crazed same as not everybody becomes a smoker or alcoholic.

This has been suggested before in the US and other countries. The problem is that too many people have a vested interest in continuing the status quo. Literally billions of dollars are used to fight 'the war on drugs' every year. The only permanent solution is for the gov't to take over the supply of drugs and sell them for cost. You have to take the profit motive out of drugs; the producing, transporting, distributing and selling of them in order to change the present situation. I do not think we are going to see any country legalize drugs anytime soon.