Thailand Cannot Afford A New And Bloody Drug War

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand cannot afford a new and bloody drug war

By The Nation

Illegal narcotics will never disappear, and the prime minister must live up to his word that more violence is not the answer to this social problem

Some years ago a shady politician by the name of Sanoh Thienthong was appointed as the country's powerful interior minister. To clean up his questionable image, he clamped down on drug-dealers and announced that we should no longer refer to methamphetamine as yaa mah, or "horse pills", but as yaa baa, or "mad pills".

In terms of Sanoh's public standing, this piece of wisdom didn't do much good. It would take much, much more than the re-naming of some illicit stimulant to change the public perception of the man. But what the hype did was to push the street price of the drug up several notches. With the price hike, the trade became even more attractive to certain individuals. More and more people got into the act, not just the drug lords operating freely in the Burmese sector of the Golden Triangle, but traffickers on the border and dealers on the streets of Bangkok.

The drug problem has never gone away. That's because policy-makers cannot make the distinction between social problems and criminal issues. People turn to drugs because they need to escape from reality, because they cannot live up to society's expectations, or because society cannot offer help when needed. While possession of narcotics may be illegal, the use and abuse of drugs is nothing less than a social problem.

Nevertheless, there are always political leaders out there looking for quick political gain without thinking much about the consequences of what they say or do. During the administration of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a "drug war" was declared. Sadly, the death toll of alleged and suspected drug-dealers became a benchmark for success for provincial governors as the police interpreted the "drug war" as a green light to take matters into their own hands.

At the end of the three-month campaign, more than 2,500 people had been slaughtered. The then government blamed all the killings except three on bad guys killing bad guys. They claimed that drug-dealers had also taken matters into their own hands and were eradicating potential informants.

Long-standing allies like the United States had to tap Thailand on the shoulder for fear that some legislators in the US Congress would activate the Leahy Amendment - a 1997 law that prohibits US funding of foreign security forces whose members have been credibly implicated in human rights abuses and systemically carrying out extrajudicial killings.

Thaksin quickly switched his campaign to a "war on criminal elements and mobsters". In the end, nothing changed. More people died and drugs were as widely available as they always were.

Now we hear that the present government is considering a fresh crackdown on drugs, thus raising new concerns that the controversial drug war of 2003 will repeat itself. The new campaign will reportedly focus on border provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son in the North, and Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat in the South. However, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that he will respect the law.

Like many countries with weak law enforcement, criminal activities tend to flourish along border areas. This explains why the northernmost and the southernmost provinces of Thailand are targeted in this potential new round of violent law enforcement.

The announcement comes in the wake of the shooting death of suspected drug-dealer Charnchai Prasongsil, known as "Joke Paikiew". Charnchai and his brother Noppon, or "Jib Paikiew", were apprehended last week following a highway shooting incident that ended in the death of a young boy. Shortly after the arrest, information about what really happened in the incident began to surface; video footage spurred questions over why the suspect was shot repeatedly by police when the situation appeared to be under control.

In March 2009, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was reported as saying that violent means only serve short-term gain but can be damaging in the long run. Not bad for a man with a degree from elite Oxford University. The real question is: Does the prime minister have the guts to ensure that due process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner? A leader shouldn't be judge by what he says; he should be judged by his conduct and actions. The onus, it seems, is on Abhisit to live up to his word.

-- The Nation 2010-12-23

[Bizz]

words are mere words, is it not true that those that stand by there convictions are also judged.

A leader shouldn't be judge by what he says; he should be judged by his conduct and actions.

MERRY XMAS TO ALL WITH CAPS HA. HA. HA.

[geriatrickid]

The real question is: Does the prime minister have the guts to ensure that due process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner? A leader shouldn't be judge by what he says; he should be judged by his conduct and actions. The onus, it seems, is on Abhisit to live up to his word.

An article that focuses on the symptom of a disease and one that avoids the central factor in Thailand's drug trade: Corruption.

The question that should be asked is if Mr. Abhisit has the guts to take on the drug trade's friends in high places? Does he have the ability to generate support amongst the elites, police and military generals to attack the corruption?

I do not think so. As much as I would like him to act he needs support to do so, otherwise he will be overthrown or worse, physically harmed.

Edited December 23, 2010 by geriatrickid

[asiawatcher]

It is fairly common knowledge our PM has a lot to contend with within his own party and that includes corrupt officials. Whilst the status quo may outwardly remain 'civilised' inwardly there is contempt. The PM has the way to solve a lot of Thailand's issues but can he ever garner loyal support from those without corruption?

Wars on drugs tend to consolidate dealers. The supply may slow, but as already stated, there has to be a war on corruption first to absolve the decision makers and then revise the effort based on results by decent people. Randomly picking up a street dealer will not solve the problem. Have inter-dealer shoot outs will certainly save the Police some time, but the drugs will continue.

Drugs are the scourge of the 20th/21st centuries and will not be easily controlled so best to put more effort into perhaps legalising some lesser drugs and removing the demand for something more costly and lethal. I have no solution but there is no doubt in my mind, unconscionable dealers who deal in supplying chemical 'relief' knowing the more they hook the user the more they buy, are the lowest life forms of parasites on this planet and should be taken down with extreme prejudice. They are worthless pieces of kuk and needs to be wiped out from society accordingly.

Edited December 23, 2010 by asiawatcher

[meom]

As long as people like to get high the drug trade will always thrive with or without corruption.

[bobbin]

The real question is: Does the prime minister have the guts to ensure that due process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner? A leader shouldn't be judge by what he says; he should be judged by his conduct and actions. The onus, it seems, is on Abhisit to live up to his word.

An article that focuses on the symptom of a disease and one that avoids the central factor in Thailand's drug trade: Corruption.

The question that should be asked is if Mr. Abhisit has the guts to take on the drug trade's friends in high places? Does he have the ability to generate support amongst the elites, police and military generals to attack the corruption?

I do not think so. As much as I would like him to act he needs support to do so, otherwise he will be overthrown or worse, physically harmed.

The article is correct in that drug-use is a social, not criminal problem, and will never (short of firing squads) be solved by policing...

Take the profit out and 90% of the problem is gone over-night.

[bobbin]

It is fairly common knowledge our PM has a lot to contend with within his own party and that includes corrupt officials. Whilst the status quo may outwardly remain 'civilised' inwardly there is contempt. The PM has the way to solve a lot of Thailand's issues but can he ever garner loyal support from those without corruption?

Wars on drugs tend to consolidate dealers. The supply may slow, but as already stated, there has to be a war on corruption first to absolve the decision makers and then revise the effort based on results by decent people. Randomly picking up a street dealer will not solve the problem. Have inter-dealer shoot outs will certainly save the Police some time, but the drugs will continue.

Drugs are the scourge of the 20th/21st centuries and will not be easily controlled so best to put more effort into perhaps legalising some lesser drugs and removing the demand for something more costly and lethal. I have no solution but there is no doubt in my mind, unconscionable dealers who deal in supplying chemical 'relief' knowing the more they hook the user the more they buy, are the lowest life forms of parasites on this planet and should be taken down with extreme prejudice. They are worthless pieces of kuk and needs to be wiped out from society accordingly.

When you support gunning down alcohol and tobacco manufacturers/retailers, you will have my support (not). Until then, you and others who think like you are a big part of the problem. Vote-seekers will pander to your expectations and the carnage continues.....

[RedNIvar]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

[easylife]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

To True, that is the only way forward. You have no idea how fast this Yaba & Ice shit is getting a grip on this country, its spreading like cancer. Like Red said go with the Malay & Sing approach on punishment that will stem it but even that wont stop it completely. Where there is demand there will always supply period.

[junglist]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

Alcohol one of the worst drugs, kills more Thai's then all the other drugs combined.

[easylife]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

Alcohol one of the worst drugs, kills more Thai's then all the other drugs combined.

No one is doubting that it, is more of a fact of how much damage to society YES YOU AND ME does hard drugs do along the way.

How many drinkers that you know turn in to raving lunatics that would do anything for there next drink??

[Beetlejuice]

It appears that the organised illegal drug producers, dealers and gangs have won.

The people at the top of the heap are the untouchables.

You see, it`s easy to make crime pay. Just battle and murder your way up to become one of the top operators in that industry, rich from the ill gotten gains and then you are a power in your own right and above the law.

[groper]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

Alcohol one of the worst drugs, kills more Thai's then all the other drugs combined.

No one is doubting that it, is more of a fact of how much damage to society YES YOU AND ME does hard drugs do along the way.

How many drinkers that you know turn in to raving lunatics that would do anything for there next drink??

When working in various bars over the years, I experienced that when a punter wouldn't accept that last orders had been called, there was always the potential that he/she'd get violent.

Check out the following for a classification of drugs based on the harm they do the users and those close to them, i.e. family members:

http://www.economist...cause_most_harm

Merry Christmas... and drink sensibly;-)

[easylife]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

Alcohol one of the worst drugs, kills more Thai's then all the other drugs combined.

No one is doubting that it, is more of a fact of how much damage to society YES YOU AND ME does hard drugs do along the way.

How many drinkers that you know turn in to raving lunatics that would do anything for there next drink??

When working in various bars over the years, I experienced that when a punter wouldn't accept that last orders had been called, there was always the potential that he/she'd get violent.

Check out the following for a classification of drugs based on the harm they do the users and those close to them, i.e. family members:

http://www.economist...cause_most_harm

Merry Christmas... and drink sensibly;-)

Let me put this in a different light, presuming we are living in this country chai mai, there is i big difference in my eyes of some pissed up farang that wont take no for an answer after a skin full and refuses to leave, then lets presume he has to be persuaded to leave, peacefully or NOT is considered fare game correct me if im wrong?Thai mentality farang &farang let them sort it BiB or Khun Thai

Then on the flip side to this comparison between drink & Drugs You have some young or not so young Thai Guy wired out of his tiny mind on ice without a satang to his name not wanting to come down from whichever planet he has just come down from and the measures he is willing to go to to get his next Drink!! Oh sorry Hit.

And by the way ower farang buddy who was getting violent at the bar is either tuck up in bed sleeping it off or been knocked out by someone already for being a Prick.

PS i like how your little chart you posted up is based on Alcohol being the most harmful drug in Britain. We all no us Brits take the biscuit when it comes to flaring up after a session on the piss. We are talking about Thailand Drugs and drink there is no comparison, its a different ball game than back UK.

[k9inkrabi]

Yep, your right. As long as there are people wanting an escape from reality and life in general, there will be dopers and addicts. But you know what, prior to the last crackdown, my neighborhood was plagued with shootings, robberies, murders and daily criminal stupidity. After three "dealers" resisted arrest and were sent to see Budda by the police, it has been a really nice place to live. I no longer have to escort my family to the main Soi.

[surangw]

hard to win a war that the persons involved are on the same team

[nisakiman]

It is fairly common knowledge our PM has a lot to contend with within his own party and that includes corrupt officials. Whilst the status quo may outwardly remain 'civilised' inwardly there is contempt. The PM has the way to solve a lot of Thailand's issues but can he ever garner loyal support from those without corruption?

Wars on drugs tend to consolidate dealers. The supply may slow, but as already stated, there has to be a war on corruption first to absolve the decision makers and then revise the effort based on results by decent people. Randomly picking up a street dealer will not solve the problem. Have inter-dealer shoot outs will certainly save the Police some time, but the drugs will continue.

Drugs are the scourge of the 20th/21st centuries and will not be easily controlled so best to put more effort into perhaps legalising some lesser drugs and removing the demand for something more costly and lethal. I have no solution but there is no doubt in my mind, unconscionable dealers who deal in supplying chemical 'relief' knowing the more they hook the user the more they buy, are the lowest life forms of parasites on this planet and should be taken down with extreme prejudice. They are worthless pieces of kuk and needs to be wiped out from society accordingly.

When you support gunning down alcohol and tobacco manufacturers/retailers, you will have my support (not). Until then, you and others who think like you are a big part of the problem. Vote-seekers will pander to your expectations and the carnage continues.....

Touché. You have pinpointed one of the main reasons we have a global drug problem.

Gullible people, who only know the officially sanctioned version; the government propaganda disseminated by an ever willing media... Opinions based on tabloid hysteria. They are the ones who perpetuate this lunacy through their ignorance.

[warfie]

He should take a page out of Malaysia and Singapore's book on it's war on drugs. You have to play hardball. Drugs are never going away, but the fear of the death penalty would most likely scare a lot of people to stick with alcohol.

Alcohol one of the worst drugs, kills more Thai's then all the other drugs combined.

No one is doubting that it, is more of a fact of how much damage to society YES YOU AND ME does hard drugs do along the way.

How many drinkers that you know turn in to raving lunatics that would do anything for there next drink??

Wow! what rock have you been living under?

the link between Alcohol and violence is well known and well documented...

Now, show me a violent pot smoker....

[easylife]

Wow! what rock have you been living under?

the link between Alcohol and violence is well known and well documented...

Now, show me a violent pot smoker....

The rock that the majority of Thai youth are smoking on the end of there pipe.

Hard Drugs?? Bob Marley.