Thailand Far From Abolishing Death Penalty: Amnesty

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Thailand far from abolishing death penalty: Amnesty

By PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

THE NATION

Although there were no executions in Thailand last year, at least seven death sentences were imposed, bringing the number of people on death row to 708, Amnesty International stated in its 2010 annual glob?al report on death sentences and executions.

Currently 65 of the 708 people have had their sentences confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Although the London-based organisation said in its press release on Monday that "countries that continue to use the death penalty are being left increasingly isolated following a decade of progress towards abolition" and that 93 countries had abolished the death penalty for all crimes, Thailand, a self-described land of Buddhism, continued to resist the trend.

Senior human-rights activist Pairoj Polpetch from the Union of Civil Liberty said that although the government's human-rights development plan (2009 to 2013) stated the Kingdom should abolish the death penalty by the plan's end, the reality was much more complicated.

"We're trying to push for [the abolition] but in practice it depends on related agencies and this may lead to delay. The second issue is that of Thai people's attitudes; even monks support the death penalty. They think [people who killed others] ought to receive equal punishment."

However, nearly half of the 708 people sentenced to death have been convicted of drug-related offences, AI noted.

Elsewhere, China alone executed more people than the rest of the world put together. The penalty was used for a wide range of crimes including non-violent offences and "after pro?ceedings that did not meet international fair-trial standards". At least one thousand people are believed to have been executed by the Chinese regime last year, according to AI.

In Vietnam, information about death sentences remains a government secret. In North Korea, at least 60 were believed to have been executed last year, even though some of the alleged crimes were not subject to the death penalty under domestic law.

Death sentences continued to be mandatorily imposed in Singapore, mostly for drug-related offences, with at least eight sentences being handed down last year.

In Japan, 11 individuals have been sentenced to death as of December 2010.

South Korea came close to abolishing the death penalty when on February 2010, the Constitution Court resolved in a 5-4 ruling that capital punishment did not violate "human dignity and worth" as protect?ed by the Korean charter.

In Iran, one person was executed for a crime he committed when he was below 18 years of age.

The United States continues to be the only executioner in the Americas although the number of executions carried out decreased last year from 2009, when 52 were executed.

"The cruelty of the death penalty was demonstrated in the week leading up to the exe?cution of Brandon Rhode in Georgia on 27 September 2010," the report stated. Brandon attempted suicide prior to the execution by "making deep cuts in both arms and his neck with a razor blade" and was then rushed to hospital, having lost half his blood.

"He was revived, stitched up and brought back to prison. His lawyer saw him there on the afternoon of 21 September, held in a restraint chair... 'in severe pain and discomfort', his face 'haggard, pallid and jaundiced'. The execution was delayed a number of times during the six days between his attempted suicide and 27 September, but in the end the courts refused to stop it."

-- The Nation 2011-03-31

[Nisa]

I think Thailand has executed 2 people (both in 2009) in the last 8 years.

[H2oDunc]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

[rkidlad]

Thailand is a Buddhist country. Capital punishment should never be off the cards.

[rkidlad]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

[Nisa]

The only countries classified as a "developed" nation that still use the death penalty are the USA, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.

[asiawatcher]

If they ever decide to end them all - that is about 2 1/2 a day over a year! Lot to remove...

[DP25]

"The cruelty of the death penalty was demonstrated in the week leading up to the exe?cution of Brandon Rhode in Georgia on 27 September 2010," the report stated. Brandon attempted suicide prior to the execution by "making deep cuts in both arms and his neck with a razor blade" and was then rushed to hospital, having lost half his blood.

"He was revived, stitched up and brought back to prison. His lawyer saw him there on the afternoon of 21 September, held in a restraint chair... 'in severe pain and discomfort', his face 'haggard, pallid and jaundiced'. The execution was delayed a number of times during the six days between his attempted suicide and 27 September, but in the end the courts refused to stop it."

Stories like this are really the wrong strategy to take. This guy murdered a father and his two children, most in favour of the death penalty don't care if he suffered or think he deserved it. The way to make someone against the death penalty is to point out innocent people that have wrongly been convicted and executed. It's too easy for mistakes to be made and false convictions to occur

[DP25]

I think Thailand has executed 2 people (both in 2009) in the last 8 years.

And it was for murdering a British woman

[likewise]

I personally am in favor for the death penalty. Why should society carry the burden of hard criminals?

[EnSvenskTiger]

High time to take the step from the dark ages into the light and community of the civilized nations Thailand.

Tiger

[rkidlad]

I personally am in favor for the death penalty. Why should society carry the burden of hard criminals?

Why should society carry the burden of anything? My grandparents are dead and I have no children. Why should I pay taxes for old people I don't know and educating children that are not mine? I guess you could say we're all in it together.

I saw an old man walking down Silom road with a cup collecting money. While he was walking he was pissing himself. I put 100 Baht in his cup. Other people quickly moved away in horror. You should judge a society on how they treat their old. Thailand should start there.

[MSingh]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

One that doesn't want convicted Child Molestors & Rapists on it's Streets for starters..

[rkidlad]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

One that doesn't want convicted Child Molestors & Rapists on it's Streets for starters..

Good point. Let's just hope no one innocent is ever found guilty of a crime like this. Because that's never happened before.

[H2oDunc]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

A one that doesn't make excuses for evil, sick people who commit heinous crimes. Nearly every poll I have seen and most of the people who I talk to are very much in favour of bringing back the death penalty for certain crimes. It is people with your attitude that has brought the UK to where it is now. With a judicial system that is the laughing stock of the world.

You will find an excuse for why a person committed the crime. I say people should be responsible for their actions and anybody that knowingly takes another life whilst fully understanding he will forfeit his own life only has himself to blame in my opinion.

Just which part of this do you find so hard to understand ?

[rkidlad]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

A one that doesn't make excuses for evil, sick people who commit heinous crimes. Nearly every poll I have seen and most of the people who I talk to are very much in favour of bringing back the death penalty for certain crimes. It is people with your attitude that has brought the UK to where it is now. With a judicial system that is the laughing stock of the world.

You will find an excuse for why a person committed the crime. I say people should be responsible for their actions and anybody that knowingly takes another life whilst fully understanding he will forfeit his own life only has himself to blame in my opinion.

Just which part of this do you find so hard to understand ?

The part where nearly every poll says people are in favour of capital punishment. Are these poles done in 'The Sun' newspaper?

As soon as one innocent person is executed for a crime in which they didn't commit, that's when you have to question the whole system.

People who commit these heinous crimes should be punished to the full arm of the law. I'm sorry if the judges in the UK don't pass harsh enough sentences. I'm not to blame for that.

It's kinda ironic really. Ian Huntley is in prison now for what he did. He hates it so much he's tried killing himself three times. I'm sure he must be one of these people filling in the questionnaires for these polls.

[coma]

:jap: People that have been proven beyond doubt [not reasonable doubt] of raping and then killing children should be put down like terminally ill animals. Because that is exactly what they are. I am also of the opinion that repeat offenders of murder deserve the same fate. The death penalty does have a place in society, in some countries it is a necessity. I also feel that the family of the victim has a role in determining the fate of the convicted. It may help them find the closure that they wish for. :jap:

[rkidlad]

:jap: People that have been proven beyond doubt [not reasonable doubt] of raping and then killing children should be put down like terminally ill animals. Because that is exactly what they are. I am also of the opinion that repeat offenders of murder deserve the same fate. The death penalty does have a place in society, in some countries it is a necessity. I also feel that the family of the victim has a role in determining the fate of the convicted. It may help them find the closure that they wish for. :jap:

Yeap, and then you set a very dangerous precedent. If the government can do it, why can't I? An eye for an eye makes us both blind.

[coma]

:jap:People that have been proven beyond doubt [not reasonable doubt] of raping and then killing children should be put down like terminally ill animals. Because that is exactly what they are. I am also of the opinion that repeat offenders of murder deserve the same fate. The death penalty does have a place in society, in some countries it is a necessity. I also feel that the family of the victim has a role in determining the fate of the convicted. It may help them find the closure that they wish for. :jap:

Yeap, and then you set a very dangerous precedent. If the government can do it, why can't I? An eye for an eye makes us both blind.

Just want to clarify my position in case i have been misinterpreted.

I don't mean that the family has the right to deal with the convicted however they please. Not under any circumstances. However if the offender is convicted and a sentence of death can be imposed. Then I feel the family should have some imput into whether the death sentence is carried out or it gets commuted to life.

[organic]

Thailand is a Buddhist country. Capital punishment should never be off the cards.

Don't you mean 'on the cards'?

[rkidlad]

:jap:People that have been proven beyond doubt [not reasonable doubt] of raping and then killing children should be put down like terminally ill animals. Because that is exactly what they are. I am also of the opinion that repeat offenders of murder deserve the same fate. The death penalty does have a place in society, in some countries it is a necessity. I also feel that the family of the victim has a role in determining the fate of the convicted. It may help them find the closure that they wish for. :jap:

Yeap, and then you set a very dangerous precedent. If the government can do it, why can't I? An eye for an eye makes us both blind.

Just want to clarify my position in case i have been misinterpreted.

I don't mean that the family has the right to deal with the convicted however they please. Not under any circumstances. However if the offender is convicted and a sentence of death can be imposed. Then I feel the family should have some imput into whether the death sentence is carried out or it gets commuted to life.

\

I didn't suggest that you did. I'm saying that if you're 100% sure someone has committed one of these terrible crimes on someone you love - why not just go out and kill them yourself? The government are allowed to do it. Why can't I? Save them time and money and you'd get more satisfaction. This is what I mean by a dangerous precedent.

Where does it end?

[rkidlad]

Thailand is a Buddhist country. Capital punishment should never be off the cards.

Don't you mean 'on the cards'?

I believe you spell it 'sarcasim'.

[coma]

:jap:People that have been proven beyond doubt [not reasonable doubt] of raping and then killing children should be put down like terminally ill animals. Because that is exactly what they are. I am also of the opinion that repeat offenders of murder deserve the same fate. The death penalty does have a place in society, in some countries it is a necessity. I also feel that the family of the victim has a role in determining the fate of the convicted. It may help them find the closure that they wish for. :jap:

Yeap, and then you set a very dangerous precedent. If the government can do it, why can't I? An eye for an eye makes us both blind.

Wihin the boundary's of the law I would hope.

Just want to clarify my position in case i have been misinterpreted.

I don't mean that the family has the right to deal with the convicted however they please. Not under any circumstances. However if the offender is convicted and a sentence of death can be imposed. Then I feel the family should have some imput into whether the death sentence is carried out or it gets commuted to life.

\

I didn't suggest that you did. I'm saying that if you're 100% sure someone has committed one of these terrible crimes on someone you love - why not just go out and kill them yourself? The government are allowed to do it. Why can't I? Save them time and money and you'd get more satisfaction. This is what I mean by a dangerous precedent.

Where does it end?

[jimbeam1]

My way of thinking is, if the crime fits. Just as long as there is no doubt at all, sadly that is where justice lets us all down sometimes.

To the poster who said what kind of society executes it's own people. One that is not tolerant to murder.

jb1

[steve3774]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

yes they would

[H2oDunc]

Has any of these agencies demanding that Thailand ends execution ever asked the people whether they want this or not ?

Ask most people back in the UK whether they would like the death penalty brought back for certain crimes and the majority will say yes.

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

A one that doesn't make excuses for evil, sick people who commit heinous crimes. Nearly every poll I have seen and most of the people who I talk to are very much in favour of bringing back the death penalty for certain crimes. It is people with your attitude that has brought the UK to where it is now. With a judicial system that is the laughing stock of the world.

You will find an excuse for why a person committed the crime. I say people should be responsible for their actions and anybody that knowingly takes another life whilst fully understanding he will forfeit his own life only has himself to blame in my opinion.

Just which part of this do you find so hard to understand ?

The part where nearly every poll says people are in favour of capital punishment. Are these poles done in 'The Sun' newspaper?

As soon as one innocent person is executed for a crime in which they didn't commit, that's when you have to question the whole system.

People who commit these heinous crimes should be punished to the full arm of the law. I'm sorry if the judges in the UK don't pass harsh enough sentences. I'm not to blame for that.

It's kinda ironic really. Ian Huntley is in prison now for what he did. He hates it so much he's tried killing himself three times. I'm sure he must be one of these people filling in the questionnaires for these polls.

Sun, Mirror, Mail, express. All these people that read these papers make up a large proportion of the population. You have still failed to grasp or answer the question as you Liberal, hand wringing apologists do.

People should be responsible for their actions yes ?

If people are aware that if the INTENTIONALLY kill another person they will pay for it with their own life just which part do you object to ?

Not accidental death but premeditated murder ?

Again You simply try to seek excuses for the scum that commit these crimes and they thrive on it. There is no deterrent. No deterrent equals anarchy and lawlessness.

As for Ian Huntley having a hard time ! GOOD the trouble is people who REALLY want to kill themselves do ! Those that are just attention seeking and looking for pity never seem to manage it unfortunately.

[lungmi]

Kampuchea is the only country in Asia to abolish the death penalty. EU specialists under the UNO order made the Constitution in this way, in Africa it is Ruanda. A good step in the right direction. Texas and California and some other undercivilised states of America can follow.

[Nisa]

Kampuchea is the only country in Asia to abolish the death penalty. EU specialists under the UNO order made the Constitution in this way, in Africa it is Ruanda. A good step in the right direction. Texas and California and some other undercivilised states of America can follow.

Actually California doesn't execute that many compared to a lot of other states .. they just sentence a ton of people to death. I am against the death penalty but even if I was for it I don't see how anybody can think the US system provides anything positive since it costs considerably more to execute somebody than house them for life. Not to mention it takes 10 to 20 years to execute somebody from the time they are convicted. The endless appeals do nothing to help the victim's family during these decades except to remind them of their loss and make it hard to move on. And even after 10 or 20 years there are still people who claim they are innocent and where the court refuses them a new trial despite new evidence and/or refuse them the right to have access to evidence for DNA testing that was available at the time of the trial. As for a deterrent... who believes they are going to get caught? And who contemplates weighing the difference between a life sentence or a death sentence before committing a horrible crime?

Bottom line is I believe we should value ALL human life.

Edited March 31, 2011 by Nisa

[MSingh]

No they wouldn't. What kind of society executes their own people?

One that doesn't want convicted Child Molestors & Rapists on it's Streets for starters..

Good point. Let's just hope no one innocent is ever found guilty of a crime like this. Because that's never happened before.

I don't think it happens that much any more, with a civilised Law System & the Forensics around today to be honest..

[whybother]

High time to take the step from the dark ages into the light and community of the civilized nations Thailand.

Tiger

Yes, that that step and become a civilised nation, like Japan and the US.