Probe To Resume Into War On Drugs Killings During Thaksin Govt

[webfact]

Probe to resume into war on drugs killings

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has revived the probe into the alleged silent killings of 1,200 persons during the Thaksin Shinawatra government's war on drug policy, Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said Thursday.

Pirapan said he also planned to propose former attorneygeneral Khamphi Kaewcharoen to head the independent committee investigating these cases.

They would pick up work left over from the previous committee, set by the Surayud Chulanont administration and chaired by former attorneygeneral Khanit na Nakhon.

Out of some 2,500 people slain in drug suppression operations, about 1,200 were said to have been killed by fellow drug dealers for fear they would turn into informants.

-- The Nation 2010-06-10

[webfact]

Thai PM reopens probe into Thaksin's 'war on drugs'

BANGKOK (AFP) -- The Thai government said Thursday that it was reopening an investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings of 2,500 people during former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's "war on drugs".

The decision comes as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's administration seeks Thaksin's extradition on terrorism charges linked to recent deadly street protests by the anti-government "Red Shirts".

Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said the probe could lead to the prosecution of the fugitive ex-premier through the International Criminal Court, but he denied the move was politically motivated.

"It is nothing to do with politics or trying to maliciously act against anyone, but eventually there will be prosecutions of anybody held responsible, either inside or outside Thailand," he said.

The investigation was launched by the government which took power after Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup, but was never completed.

The initial findings suggested 1,200 people were killed in incidents unrelated to the drugs trade.

Pirapan said he would ask a former attorney-general, Kampee Kaewcharoen, to lead the revived probe.

"I hope the investigation will not take very long because the previous committee has already investigated to some extent," he said.

Thaksin, now living in exile to avoid a jail term imposed in absentia for corruption, has previously defended the deaths as "bad guys killing bad guys".

But human rights groups have said that at least 2,500 people died in extrajudicial killings in 2003 and 2004 during his drugs war.

Abhisit has also commissioned an inquiry into deaths linked to two months of mass protests by the Red Shirts that began in mid-March and ended with a bloody army crackdown on May 19.

The Reds' rally sparked a series of violent confrontations between armed troops and demonstrators, the toll from which has now risen to 90 people dead, including two foreign journalists, and nearly 1,900 injured.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-10

[landofthefree]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

[rixalex]

If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport?

Sitting in a place, as the yellows demonstrated, can create a lot of disruption. The act of sitting is however not an act of terrorism.

[Rucharee]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

By saying that YOU have no interest in reconciliation and the road map.

Mark has all the interest in reconciliation and the road map.

However, MURDERERS must not be let off the hook. Maybe it be killing of drug lord by police or killing of protesters by army.

[givenall]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

I think the world should know who really Thaksin is. He was just another corrupt politician who his ego destroying Thailand. He is the one had created division among Thai people

[rixalex]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

And actually, if you know much about the war on drugs, you would know that it has the potential to implicate many of those still close to the government, so investigating it is not self-serving as you suggest, and should not be prevented from happening because of the threat of friction from guilty parties.

[gemini81]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

He certainly made an effort to reconcile. If you recall, the red shirts didn't want to reconcile (if you were even in Thailand then, you should remember all of this without other members having to reiterate it to you)

This is not double standard, but a responsibility to stop the man who is responsible for the vast majority of Thailand's current problems. From his expansion on the war in the south, lies, threats, corruption , the war on drugs.

Thing is Thaksin is still running his mouth, look at the latest press. Hope they shut him down and move forward. He began all of this division and silly shirt color association.

[webfact]

Extra-juridical killing cases in Thaksin´s govt resurrected

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Justice has been tasked by the Prime Minister to resurrect the cases of extra juridical killings during Thaksin Shinawatra's War on Drug Policy, according to the Justice Minister Peerapan Sareerathawipak.

A working committee will be reappointed to find out the truth since it has been proven that 1,400 out of 2,500 drug suspects were killed in February-April 2003 with no linkage to drugs.

The former committee led by former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakorn was appointed by General Surayuth Chulanonda’s government but had expired and not pursued in the following Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat administrations.

The Justice Ministry has prepared to appoint former Attorney-General Kampee Kaewcharoen to lead the investigative team since Mr Kanit has been selected to probe violent cases from the political rifts in the capital Bangkok during 12 March-19 May 2010. Mr Peerapan has confirmed Mr Kampee’s neutrality and non-affiliation with any political party. The committee members will be selected by the Justice Ministry and proposed to the Cabinet for approval.

In addition, Mr Peerapan said the resurrection of the cases only aimed at carrying on the investigative process and seek explanation from the case not to prosecute anyone. Further prosecutions will only be conducted after the investigation is completed.

-- NNT 2010-06-10

[kevozman1]

Quite right, killing people just for selling drugs is too harsh.

Ok some dealers are complete scum who are asking for a bullet but

some are just meeting a demand trying to make a few bucks.

Edited June 10, 2010 by kevozman1

[animatic]

Thaksin starts whining about human rights abuses and murderers.

Thaksin even hypocritically hires lawyers who specialise in transnational mass murder.

The police do NOTHING to help the PM resolve the red situation,

even help with making it worse. Allowing supllies and tires through etc etc etc.

The police under Thaksin ran rough shod across all civil rights and human rights,

in pursuit of NUMBERS in a politically expedient 'War On Drugs".

And no doubt strategicly and tactically leaving the market wide open for

' fresh hands' to till that soiled, blood stained and morally bankrupt business.

Abhisit can think of much of the police heirchy as an opposition force,

out to remove him. No love to be lost, nor reason to NOT open this up again.

Good! Start looking at the evidense afresh, when NO negotiation or pressure tactics

will be effective to derail it, and most people will gladly back the probes finish.

A GOOD MOVE.

If Thaksin wants to float his sewage down this river of lies,

let him too face a legitimate and thorough inquiery into HIS

derelictions of duty to the nation while in office.

Edited June 10, 2010 by animatic

[JLester]

and not pursued in the following Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat administrations.

Hmmm...Wonder why his brother-in-law never pursued the investigation.

Edited June 10, 2010 by JLester

[JLester]

Quite right, killing people just for selling drugs is too harsh.

Ok some dealers are complete scum who are asking for a bullet but

some are just meeting a demand trying to make a few bucks.

and still others had no involvement with the drug industry at all..... 1,400 others.

[surangw]

better not look to far into it, a lot of white faces did the work the thais would not do/

[ianf]

better not look to far into it, a lot of white faces did the work the thais would not do/

A friend of mine is the CEO of an NGO who are involved in supporting drug users. He tells me that drug users who use drop-in centres are terrified of Thaksin because some users were randomly pulled from drop-in centres and summarily executed. If there is anyone on here linked to the investigation into this, this one is well worth following up because witnesses still exist within drop-in centres. This is a serious point and should not be treated lightly by Thaksin PR supporters on this board. ie it is more than hearsay evidence.

As far as hearsay goes I have heard from friends in Thailand that they know of at least one of Thaksin's political opponents who was also murdered during this programme. Off course, this is hearsay, but it would support the view that the title 'drug dealers' was used to hoodwink the masses in the same way as the term 'democracy' was during the recent protests. Same tactic, different event.

[givenall]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

He certainly made an effort to reconcile. If you recall, the red shirts didn't want to reconcile (if you were even in Thailand then, you should remember all of this without other members having to reiterate it to you)

This is not double standard, but a responsibility to stop the man who is responsible for the vast majority of Thailand's current problems. From his expansion on the war in the south, lies, threats, corruption , the war on drugs.

Thing is Thaksin is still running his mouth, look at the latest press. Hope they shut him down and move forward. He began all of this division and silly shirt color association.

The Red Leaders who worked for Thaksin never wanted reconciliation or peace or democracy. They aim was to disrupt Thailand government and destroy the economy, so who cares what they want any way. Ahbisit need to work with the local leaders who are rally to make the life of people better and not these paid Red Leaders

[rubl]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

He certainly made an effort to reconcile. If you recall, the red shirts didn't want to reconcile (if you were even in Thailand then, you should remember all of this without other members having to reiterate it to you)

This is not double standard, but a responsibility to stop the man who is responsible for the vast majority of Thailand's current problems. From his expansion on the war in the south, lies, threats, corruption , the war on drugs.

Thing is Thaksin is still running his mouth, look at the latest press. Hope they shut him down and move forward. He began all of this division and silly shirt color association.

The Red Leaders who worked for Thaksin never wanted reconciliation or peace or democracy. They aim was to disrupt Thailand government and destroy the economy, so who cares what they want any way. Ahbisit need to work with the local leaders who are rally to make the life of people better and not these paid Red Leaders

For once a reply I can agree with. forget about the 'red or UDD leaders', listen to the common people. K. Kwanchai (or his wife) have lost a 4+ Mbaht Merc, typical common people from Isan. He was against an agreement with the government, him not being offered bail was 'unfair', my kind of hero ... not

[tigerbalm]

better not look to far into it, a lot of white faces did the work the thais would not do/

A friend of mine is the CEO of an NGO who are involved in supporting drug users. He tells me that drug users who use drop-in centres are terrified of Thaksin because some users were randomly pulled from drop-in centres and summarily executed. If there is anyone on here linked to the investigation into this, this one is well worth following up because witnesses still exist within drop-in centres. This is a serious point and should not be treated lightly by Thaksin PR supporters on this board. ie it is more than hearsay evidence.

As far as hearsay goes I have heard from friends in Thailand that they know of at least one of Thaksin's political opponents who was also murdered during this programme. Off course, this is hearsay, but it would support the view that the title 'drug dealers' was used to hoodwink the masses in the same way as the term 'democracy' was during the recent protests. Same tactic, different event.

Interesting point of view, i came across this and wondered what you might think of it, Drugs In The Villages On The Rise Again - Thailand Forum

Regards TB

[mazeltov]

and not pursued in the following Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat administrations.

Hmmm...Wonder why his brother-in-law never pursued the investigation.

remember, there was a siege on the government house during his time as PM. And how many weeks Somchai was in office? And how many month the Abhisit government was in power before they now appoint a new investigation committee?

and a reminder to all in this topic: be careful here in Thailand with its libel laws. Defamatory statements, claims and blames about the War on Drug can bring you in jail. Even prominent and beloved members of the society got sentenced for that.

Outspoken army officer gets 6-month jail term for libel

BANGKOK, 15 December 2009 (NNT) - The military tribunal has resolved to take legal action against army specialist Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol on libel charge.

According to the court's ruling,

Major General Khattiya, better known as

Seh Daeng

, has been sentenced to six months in prison

and fined 40,000 THB with one-year suspended jail term. He was accused of

defaming former National Police Chief

General Sant Sarutanond during the press interview by

blaming him for the violence and his involvement in the extra-judicial killings related to the war-on-drugs

in the far South in 2004.

The army specialist agreed to pay the fine of 40,000 THB and would seek an appeal against the court's verdict in 15 days.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand

bold added to highlight

[mazeltov]

edit: double post.

Edited June 10, 2010 by mazeltov

[ding]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

Abhisit is interested in reconciliation with the rule of law. Which trumps reconciling with the pawns of a criminal, despotic looter like Thaksin.

[eggomaniac]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

Abhisit is interested in reconciliation with the rule of law. Which trumps reconciling with the pawns of a criminal, despotic looter like Thaksin.

Ding, bat you never really Replied to LOF, so why did you quote him? Was it a misclick? Name a 'civilized' country that would allow those who commandeered their International AP, to run free AND continue to dictate government policy. Yes, Thaksin should be in jail, but SO should Sondhi. Is anybody allowed to say that? Politicians are corrupt everywhere, and some are more ruthless, but Thailand has made it an art form. 70% of Thais are not red OR yellow; they are the smart ones, not the poor dupes who follow either side.

You would have to be a steel trap, closed minded Red OR Yellow to read these Nation Stories from a decade ago and NOT come to the conclusion they are both part of the problems. >>>

"The Truth About Thaksin & Sondhi"

The Nation: The Truth about Thaksin & Sondhi

They BOTH have warts and horns. It's hard to believe these couple of dozen Articles were done so openly minded and unbias by the same paper that we get today!?

[eggomaniac]

and not pursued in the following Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat administrations.

Hmmm...Wonder why his brother-in-law never pursued the investigation.

remember, there was a siege on the government house during his time as PM. And how many weeks Somchai was in office? And how many month the Abhisit government was in power before they now appoint a new investigation committee?

and a reminder to all in this topic: be careful here in Thailand with its libel laws. Defamatory statements, claims and blames about the War on Drug can bring you in jail. Even prominent and beloved members of the society got sentenced for that.

Outspoken army officer gets 6-month jail term for libel

BANGKOK, 15 December 2009 (NNT) - The military tribunal has resolved to take legal action against army specialist Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol on libel charge.

According to the court's ruling,

Major General Khattiya, better known as

Seh Daeng

, has been sentenced to six months in prison

and fined 40,000 THB with one-year suspended jail term. He was accused of

defaming former National Police Chief

General Sant Sarutanond during the press interview by

blaming him for the violence and his involvement in the extra-judicial killings related to the war-on-drugs

in the far South in 2004.

The army specialist agreed to pay the fine of 40,000 THB and would seek an appeal against the court's verdict in 15 days.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand

bold added to highlight

God Rest His Soul

[JLester]

Outspoken army officer gets 6-month jail term for libel

Even prominent and beloved members of the society got sentenced for that.

Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol

It's a shame he fought that and never served his prison sentence.

He would've still been alive today and due out later this month.

Darn the bad luck.

Edited June 11, 2010 by JLester

[Bakseedaa]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

When did terrorists take over the airport, I dont remember any terror, no guns, no bombs, no violence..... just a peacefull sit-in and the stupid airport manager whos wife is an ardent Red Shirt supporter , he decided to close the airport down for a whole 9 days...WoW...

[chainarong]

Don't probe too far,maybe get to close for comfort for some.

[Thai at Heart]

Don't probe too far,maybe get to close for comfort for some.

This is interesting in and of itself. Are you meaning that some of Thaksin's political opponents may be implicated, or are you talking about a generic worry of the police rebelling?

I know we have all heard that so and so is involved in such and such. However, it seems to me that the names that I have heard are largely PTP related and so BIG shall we say, that no "probe" would ever dare to name them.

[chainarong]

Don't probe too far,maybe get to close for comfort for some.

This is interesting in and of itself. Are you meaning that some of Thaksin's political opponents may be implicated, or are you talking about a generic worry of the police rebelling?

I know we have all heard that so and so is involved in such and such. However, it seems to me that the names that I have heard are largely PTP related and so BIG shall we say, that no "probe" would ever dare to name them.

Its a big call this T.A.H. , Police , Mr big , you are correct, about some never being named,(Pretty sad that) some will be shi;;;;ing their pants though, but you know the system, the mugs will be the fall guy , the positions might change , but it will remain the same, yarda yarda.

[Rucharee]

Keep repeating the probe 100 times. PAD/Mark might get lucky sometimes.

[mazeltov]

Abhisit has no interest in reconciliation and the road map. All this is going to do is cause more friction between the already divided country. If he is going to look into the past how about looking at the terrorists that took control of the airport? Oh no he cant because they are part of his Government. The double standards that this man has:bah: makes me sick!

When did terrorists take over the airport, I dont remember any terror, no guns, no bombs, no violence..... just a peacefull sit-in and the stupid airport manager whos wife is an ardent Red Shirt supporter , he decided to close the airport down for a whole 9 days...WoW...

Can you tell me if that 'we didn't close the airport' is a official yellow defence line by their lawyers or is it just some stupid argument taken from some yellow propaganda fan page?

for a recap i want to post an article from last year, containing mostly the yellow take on the events at the airport, including a funny Kasit quote and a defination by Major General Chamlong Srimuang what could NOT considered as weapons.

Thousands of Thai 'Yellow Shirts' protest terrorism charges: Police

AFP, Jul 16, 2009,

BANGKOK: Thousands of Thai "Yellow Shirt" protesters rallied Thursday in Bangkok to denounce terrorism charges levied against members of their group who mounted a crippling airport blockade last year.

Foreign minister Kasit Piromya is among the 36 supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who face the charge, which carries the death penalty, after the group seized Bangkok airports for nine days in late 2008.

Most of the accused were due to report to police Thursday but refused on the grounds that the terrorism charge was excessive.

"No one turned himself in today as we are protesting against the police charges," the PAD's lawyer Suwat Apaipak told a crowd gathered outside the national Police Club on the northern outskirts of Bangkok.

"We had only hand-clappers — how could we seize aircraft at Suvarnabhumi? Our demonstration is not an act of terrorism," Suwat added after submitting a written appeal against the charge.

Key PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang told the crowd, estimated at "a few thousand" by police, that the terrorism charge was "not only exaggerated but it's false".

He said that although the airport protestors were armed with wooden sticks, metal rods, baseball bats and golf clubs, the implements could not be considered as weapons.

The group has not protested against other criminal charges, including illegal assembly and breach of aviation law, but insists the blockades of international Suvarnabhumi and domestic Don Mueang airports were within the law.

Foreign Minister Kasit reported to police last week to hear the charges against him but also denies wrongdoing and has refused to resign, so far being backed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Earlier this week Kasit said he "joined the PAD bringing only my words and my pen," and attended the airport rallies to exercise his constitutional rights.

...