Thai Police Given Orders To Shoot To Kill Hitmen On Blacklist

[GentlemanJim]

I just find it funny that 75 men who are known as 'career killers', are free and on the loose. Why are these guys not all banged up with the key thrown away?

[samurai]

It's going to be an interesting week end. I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

We already watched their debacle regarding subsidized healthcare. Lets hear how Manager is going to spin this subject.

Did Thaksin publish a list of 2500 people that were the targets in the drug war?

Thaksin didn't publish a list of 2500 people.

[kuffki]

i only do not understand 1 thing.

They are know hit man and apparently there is a list of them, why have they been walking around freely and have not been arrested right up till now?

Also, they have a list, which means they know the names, and also means those 75 have been watched and police has been aware of their "hobby" so again why have they not arrested them?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

It's going to be an interesting week end. I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

We already watched their debacle regarding subsidized healthcare. Lets hear how Manager is going to spin this subject.

Did Thaksin publish a list of 2500 people that were the targets in the drug war?

Thaksin didn't publish a list of 2500 people.

Internally they must have had specific targets though. It's not like police were doing spot checks and shooting anyone with drugs on the spot. In concept it seems very similar to this current policy, giving police a free hand to kill, instead of let justice (or whatever passes for that) run its course.

[TAWP]

I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

I unconditionally oppose extra-judicial executions (not the use of necessary force against dangerous people who resist law enforcement with potentially lethal violence) and believe that the Rule of Law must be an inviolate and absolute ideal. That doesn't change regardless of who is in power.

Now, let's see how many are killed. And how many are in fact not what they are accused of being. Because we know how Mr Thaksin did in those regards...

There are degrees of wrongdoing.

How can there be "degrees" of extra-judicial murder ??

Well, there can be, if they are guilty vs if innocent.

But from a fair process standpoint it is always wrong.

[Ricardo]

It's going to be an interesting week end. I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

We already watched their debacle regarding subsidized healthcare. Lets hear how Manager is going to spin this subject.

I too would oppose the police going-in to kill these alleged hit-men, they deserve their 'day in court', as do criminals who have fled abroad to avoid their other alleged wrong-doings being exposed to the cleansing-light of public-justice.

I also hope that nobody tries to bring-in any amnesty-laws to cover recent-crimes ! Apply the law equally to all !

[SteeleJoe]

Allow me to point out that what I said was, "there are degrees of wrongdoing". Not "degrees of extra-judicial killing".

Extra-judicial killing is extra-judicial killing. And it is never OK with me as it will always be fundamentally damaging to what is a central pillar of a democracy (or anything remotely resembling it): the Rule of Law.

Don't think I'll get into the argument about the degrees of wrongdoing (ie comparing bad things to even worse things) -- too subjective. But I maintain that there are such gradients (and no, that doesn't mean that the things that aren't as bad as something else are thus OK)

[Tokay]

When it doubt, get an "official" kill team together to kill the other "unofficial" kill team. Unfortunately, that means that some of the killers on the official kill team will be hunting themselves, other police, and military. Should be interesting to watch.

75 hitmen on the list. Well over 100 will be gunned down in cold blood.

[SteeleJoe]

Well over 100 will be gunned down in cold blood.

The oracle has spoken!

[Tokay]

I just find it funny that 75 men who are known as 'career killers', are free and on the loose. Why are these guys not all banged up with the key thrown away?

Please leave logic at the airport when you come in. You can collect it when you leave.

[SteeleJoe]

I just find it funny that 75 men who are known as 'career killers', are free and on the loose. Why are these guys not all banged up with the key thrown away?

Please leave logic at the airport when you come in. You can collect it when you leave.

Actually there are perfectly logical reasons why they are and have been free. The same reasons any number of egregious acts go unpunished: it is to someone's (or more accurately, many people's) benefit.

It's ethical or legal reasons that are lacking.

[Tokay]

The oracle has spoken!

I get my info from a toothless old lady who tells the future by candlelight on the side of the road for 50 baht.

[Tokay]

Actually there are perfectly logical reasons why they are and have been free. The same reasons any number of egregious acts go unpunished: it is to someone's (or more accurately, many people's) benefit.

It's ethical or legal reasons that are lacking.

There you go with that logic again.

They are going to have to start frisking some of you when you pass immigration to make sure you stop sneaking it in.

[SteeleJoe]

The oracle has spoken!

I get my info from a toothless old lady who tells the future by candlelight on the side of the road for 50 baht.

Cool.

If you can get a precise number of dead, let me know -- I'll use it to choose a lottery ticket.

[SteeleJoe]

Actually there are perfectly logical reasons why they are and have been free. The same reasons any number of egregious acts go unpunished: it is to someone's (or more accurately, many people's) benefit.

It's ethical or legal reasons that are lacking.

There you go with that logic again.

They are going to have to start frisking some of you when you pass immigration to make sure you stop sneaking it in.

Ah, I just realized I misjudged you -- I thought you were implying that the failure of law-enforcement to do arrest people previously was because Thailand wasn't logical. But in fact you were apparently saying (ironically) that one shouldn't ask logical questions about the way things work here.

[phiphidon]

As far as I remember the 'containers full of skeletons' was a rumour May 2009. Upon investigation of at least two containers no skeletons were found. Did I miss something ?

Well thats not quite right is it? Though the incident does contain the usual variables i.e Abhisit, Suthep, Pornthip and last but not least the GT200 "Everything" Detector;

May 14th 2009 DSI to check on containers

The move came after a growing number of people began to link the mysterious containers to the reported discovery of human skulls around the areas over many years. Pol Col Weerasak Meenakanit, now assigned to work at DSI, said he heard of the mysterious containers in late 2007.

"Last year, a team of divers checked on the sites but found nothing abnormal. Although some human skulls and skeletons were found nearby, it's not something unusual given that some fishermen might have drowned there," Weerasak said.

http://www.nationmul...al_30102636.php

May 15th 2009 Pornthip to survey containers off Chon Buri

The eight freight containers have been resting on the seabed since 1993. Fishermen have reportedly netted human skulls and skeletons from time to time. Pornthip said she would also visit Chong Samaesarn Temple, where skulls and skeletons collected by fishermen have been kept for inspection and future identification.

Many of the skulls are being sent to the CIFS for examination and DNA based identification. http://www.nationmul...al_30102727.php

May 17th 2009 Porntip seeks quick move on container

Forensics director offers two alternatives to check contents;

One was to cut open the container, believed from the coral growth to have been lying there for 20 years, and use a camera to survey it. The other was to lift the container out of the water and then open it.

The latter method would cost at least Bt10 million and might destroy fertile corals covering the container, she said.

Porntip said they had not cut it open on Friday as they feared the container might have explosives in it and they would first use a GT200 bomb-detecter to check it. http://www.nationmul...al_30102835.php

May 18th 2009 PM rules out any link with May 1992 incident, No attempt to lift containers

"Lifting the containers from the sea is ruled out because it will cost a lot of money," Porntip said, "But we will be looking for the safest way to cut open the containers underwater".

Abhisit said a scientific test now suggested the mysterious containers may have rested on the seabed for more than 20 years.

"So, it's highly unlikely they could be related to the Black May incident", he said.

However, the premier assured the government would get to the bottom of the mystery to clear any lingering doubts in the hearts of people, especially relatives of the missing protesters.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the armed forces had conducted their activities transparently and would support government policies.

Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Royal Thai Navy had already been looking into the mysterious containers. "Forensic science tests will give answers to the society," he said. http://www.nationmul...al_30102871.php

And did the forensic science tests give the answers? Did they F***! In the time honoured way nothing more has been heard of this. Slightly more than a rumour then, but whereas people would be happier if the investigations really were "conducted transparently", as usual its "Move along Folks, nothing to see here". The last government was its own worst enemy with its lack of transparency.They still haven't learnt.

Still Rubl, if you can show me where the government proved that the containers they examined contained nothing but seawater, I'll be happy - I mean if the government at the time were truly all above board they would have presented the truth to the world, surely?What would be the point of keeping that quiet?(Edited Spelling)

Edited May 28, 2011 by phiphidon

[SteeleJoe]

Hey, does anyone remember in the late 90s (if memory serves -- and it often doesn't) when as Laos, Burma and Cambodia developed a (relatively) larger number of people with money and simultaneously (and for some of the same reasons) became more accessible, there was massive car theft industry in Thailand that served those 3 countries as well as a healthy domestic market? (Not that such an industry has vanished or that it had sprung into life overnight).

And how when the police announced repeatedly and loudly a serious crackdown on said industry, there was suddenly story after story of car thieves violently resisting arrest and dying as result? (And I think, not surprisingly, an increase of car thieves turning themselves in).

I do.

EDIT:

I also remember the not unfounded speculation that the crackdown was (in addition to good PR - always welcome), about making sure the right people controlled that industry.

And maybe , just maybe, also having something to do with the legitimate car industry -- which was investing billions in Thailand -- not liking what was going on...

Sorry. Going well off topic I guess...

Edited May 28, 2011 by SteeleJoe

[surangw]

I hope they realize bullets don't always stop with their intended target

[rubl]

As far as I remember the 'containers full of skeletons' was a rumour May 2009. Upon investigation of at least two containers no skeletons were found. Did I miss something ?

begin of post removed ...

Still Rubl, if you can show me where the government proved that the containers they examined contained nothing but seawater, I'll be happy - I mean if the government at the time were truly all above board they would have presented the truth to the world, surely?What would be the point of keeping that quiet?(Edited Spelling)

Follow this old thread for all the rumours around 'containers found full of skeletons'

Personally I believe that a gentleman who's name start with an a-to-z had found the lost Japanese war treasure in Kanchanaburi, transported it in containers and dumped them in order to retrieve the treasure later. The hundreds of skulls found in the neighbourhood were of the laborers who helped dump the containers. They were ritually killed and spread around the containers as guards.

(PS check out this one also:

)

Edited May 28, 2011 by rubl

[simon43]

Pongsapat, meanwhile, said that Jaroen might have angered other men's wives because he was making a living by casting spells for women who want to steal their husbands. "The shooting probably stemmed from his personal conflicts, not his political links," he added.

Forget about the shoot to kill statement. This was the part of the OP that got my interest.

Perhaps those hitmen are simply employed by jealous wives....

Simon

[KRS1]

I wouldn't let the 2 on the right even hold a gun, at least the 2 on the left are trying to be serious about it...

I disagree. The two on the right will just be ineffective. Jokers.

The one on the left looks like he's on a mission from God. He's the dangerous one. Bodies everywhere. Half-arsed investigation. Inactive post. Comfy retirement. Cheers!

beg to differ the 2 on the right looks like they're thinking : ok, time to have some fun target shooting, the one on the left looks like he is worried he might get shot himself.

the one on the left has the shittiest firearm, id be worried too if i had to raid a crackhouse with that thing.

[TackyToo]

It's going to be an interesting week end. I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

We already watched their debacle regarding subsidized healthcare. Lets hear how Manager is going to spin this subject.

There is a blog in German language on the same/similar subject, with interesting background info on weapons in Thailand in general. Check it out: http://wahnsinnausdemwok.wordpress.com/category/sicherheit/

[FOODLOVER]

The oracle has spoken!

I get my info from a toothless old lady who tells the future by candlelight on the side of the road for 50 baht.

Sounds romantic

[Canada]

He's probably telling the truth....

The oracle has spoken!

I get my info from a toothless old lady who tells the future by candlelight on the side of the road for 50 baht.

Sounds romantic

[Bakseedaa]

It means that the 2003 War of drug was not a Thaksin thing but Siamese cultural. It's not a critic: the USA have death penalty, Thais have this squad.

If you click onto the link below it will show you that thousands were killed on the war on drugs, they were involved in this before Thaksin came into power. But now it has gotten out of control in the Golden Triangle and Thailand once more.

http://www.time.com/...2072544,00.html

And Australia also, never have I lived in a more drug fuelled nation than the land down under, in both Sydney and Melbourne, illegal drugs are everywhere.. a world problem, not just confined to Asia..

[Lite Beer]

Two gunmen on the most wanted list surrenderred to police

BANGKOK, 29 May 2011 (NNT)_Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Pol Lt-Gen Worapong Chewpreecha has revealed that 2 of the gunmen wanted by the police prior to the election campaign have turned themselves in.

Following the announcement and police investigation since last month, suspected hired gumen Mr. Thanakrit Wongthongdee and Mr. suwit Chusawad who are on the 58th and 63rd places of the most wanted gunmen in Thailand have surrendered to authorities.

The reward for bringing the suspects to the police is worth 50,000 THB per head. Both of them have reportedly killed political canvassers in Chon Buri and Suphanburi provinces before. Police are urging anyone who knows the whereabouts of the rest of the gunmen to contact hotline 1599 or visit gunman.police.go.th to verify their identification.

Following the arrest of another two gunmen last night, Mr. Kanokmol On-lumnao and Mr. Kiatisak Patanang, the police have found that both of them have no connection to the gun attack on Pheu Thai MP Mr. Pracha Prasobdee in Samut Prakan province.

-- NNT 2011-05-29

[Buchholz]

What's the death toll up to now?

In Thaksin's War on Drugs, the bodies started stacking up within days of his announcement.

[jdinasia]

It's going to be an interesting week end. I'd really like to se how our friends for the Thaksin basher brigade, who were so vocal to oppose Thaksin war on drug, are going to justify the "shoot to kill" order now that it comes from their friends.

We already watched their debacle regarding subsidized healthcare. Lets hear how Manager is going to spin this subject.

Let's see what happens .......

I read the story and find the title misleading BUT if they do in fact, send out death squads like they did during Thaksin's time, I hope the head of the police is held accountable for extra-judicial killings. (The article itself reads that they 1) know who the people are and have published the list. 2) Have authorized the use of lethal force if the known hit-men resist arrest. 3) Are making sure that the police are prepared with bullet-proof vests etc.

That the order didn't come from anyone's "friends" isn't a big issue nor is your spin on healthcare.

Again, if bodies start dropping it needs to be investigated. That the list is small is a good sign. That suspects have turned themselves in is a good sign. That there aren't any papers coming out yet with accusations that some of the people don't belong on the list is a good sign.

(Please go back and re-read the article -----)

[Bagwan]

So just who decided on this policy? Was it by Government decree or has some bumptious policeman whose other activities probably wouldn't pass close inspection decided what should be done? I am well aware that PC Plod's knowledge of Thai law is negligible and his view is that he can make it up on the spot, but surely senior cops should know better. Oh dear, I forgot that I live in Dodge City. A certain ex Police Lt.Col said he had been awarded a Ph.D in criminal law and he drove a horse and cart through the Thai codes.

I was going to nominate you for the Sriracha John memorial prize for bringing Thaksin into a post where there is no possible relevance.

But on reflection you do touch on an important point, namely the dangers of a shoot to kill policy where there is no proper judicial process.

It will be interesting to see whether all those who condemned the Drugs war feel equally strongly about this murky exercise.

Who mentioned Thaksin? I certainly didn't. Could it be that it is your good self that is obsessed with that avaricious megalomaniac?

Forget nominations for useless pieces of tin and coloured ribbon; lets us leave amassing those baubles to Thais who award themselves medals for even more ridiculous reasons than the US. Just send round a tub of Wall's ice cream instead.

Congratulations on having second thoughts. Keep it up.

[jayboy]

Who mentioned Thaksin? I certainly didn't.

[/quote

Apologies.You must have been thinking of someone else when you wrote

"A certain ex Police Lt.Col said he had been awarded a Ph.D in criminal law and he drove a horse and cart through the Thai codes."