Chalerm: No Extrajudicial Killings In Drug Crackdown

[webfact]

Chalerm: No Extrajudicial Killings in Drug Crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung reaffirmed that there are no extrajudicial killings in the drug suppression operation.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, who is in charge of the government's narcotics suppression initiatives, gave his assurances in response to concerns expressed by the public with a fear that the government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police.

He said he has investigated the officers' mission to suppress and block drug smuggling in the provinces to encourage officers to keep up working.

Moreover, Chalerm disclosed that eight northern provinces experience drug problem the most, in particular in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son provinces.

Chalerm stated that officers are eager to tackle the drug problem.

Consequently, large number of drug dealers have been arrested.

In addition, Chalerm added he called for a cooperation from the army to stretch a barbed wire fence along the borders in which are main routes for drug transport.

Chalerm stated that tackling the international drug rings will require integration and cooperation among various forces and news sources.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-06

[Soutpeel]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

[Reasonableman]

Read my lips....

[rubl]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

[Soutpeel]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

But where else in the world would a deputy PM make a statement like this when talking about an anti-drug campaign unless it had happened before ?

[rubl]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

But where else in the world would a deputy PM make a statement like this when talking about an anti-drug campaign unless it had happened before ?

He was asked, he gave an answer. In some countries no-one would care to ask, in some countries no-one would dare to ask.

Personally I believe it happened during the 'War on Drugs', but to repeat this theNation article doesn't even hint at it.

[richard_smith237]

There has already been 'an extra judicial killing' where a 'good' uni student was gunned down (5 shots), students have been protesting (apparently this was a hard working, reliable and 'non-drug taking' student who for unknown reasons was shot, apparently a bag of drugs was planted, official reports say 1 shot, photo's leaked to the media show 5 entry wounds !!) - A very dirty affair...

(I have no link, this is what my Wife tells me after she has been reading the Thai news).

[pimay11]

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung reaffirmed that there are no extrajudicial killings in the drug suppression operation

Well that settles that. We all know that when K. Chalerm's lips move the truth always flows out of his mouth. Wonder how many thousand mules the drug dealers will kill this time around?

[dean999]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

Why do people keep banging on about violating a criminal's human rights. They shouldn't have any rights. Do they think about our rights when they are stealing from our houses or killing our family members with their poisonous drugs. NO.

Come on wake up.

[Mosha]

He's too late. Recently police brought a drug dealer from Phang Nga, to a road that goes from La-Un to Khao Fa Chi. Butchered him, there was blood every where, then tossed him into a gully. I needed a crane to get him out. The story is a passing motor cyclist stopped to relieve himself and saw the blood. Our police sergeant friend says they made the call themselves.

Edited February 6, 2012 by Mosha

[Moruya]

Is Yongyuth going to confirm that no octagenarians' refrigerators will be harmed in the making of this?

[slapout]

The man has the vision of a mole if he thinks a barbed wire fence on the border will stop drug smuggling.

The police, on a regular basis, get confessions, re inactment of crimes, names of those financing murder, etc but the drug mules apprended, seem to be a self made,.financing enity in the grand drug cartel.

Another photo, news release to stay in the public eye. Wonder if his son has cracked the taxie mafia yet?

[Ricardo]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

Why do people keep banging on about violating a criminal's human rights. They shouldn't have any rights. Do they think about our rights when they are stealing from our houses or killing our family members with their poisonous drugs. NO.

Come on wake up.

The problem comes when the "criminal" is actually totally-innocent, not even a drug-user, let alone a dealer ... and is killed without having the chance to demonstrate that fact, as often happened the last time.

[Khonwan]

Dean999

It appears from your post that you do not recognise the need for a court to judge the merits of a policeman’s belief that an accused is guilty. Would you feel the same way were it your brother, father or son amongst the 2,500 victims of extra-judicial killings during Thaksin’s war on drugs? I ask this in the supposition that your beloved family members are not (at least, in your opinion, I presume) linked to the drugs trade.

Despite the constantly negative reports that we read, and write, on ThaiVisa with respect to the Thai police, you are willing to allow a Thai policeman (since we are specifically speaking of a Thai issue) to be judge and executioner?

“…violating a criminal’s human rights.” This thread is not concerning itself with minor violations – I hardly think that an extra-judicial killing can be simply described as a violation of the individual’s rights.

How have you determined that those 2,500 victims were indeed criminals? In fact, I recall reading from a subsequent investigation (UN?) that many of the victims had no links to the drug trade, i.e. were probably just people like you…and your close relatives.

Do you not appreciate that extra-judicial killings are, by definition, criminal? So, you appear to have no problem with the police actually committing a (much greater) crime against a potential criminal (a suspect).

My post is not intended as a personal attack on you but on your views on this issue, with which the majority of my small Thai village would unfortunately agree. I was in a minority of one in my village (at least to my knowledge) during Thaksin’s acceptance/encouragement of these extra-judiciary killings (that took the life of an acquaintance of mine) in my outspoken opposition to Thaksin in general and his drugs war policy in particular.

I am not anticipating a reply from you on this – simply hoping to help shape a deeper thought process here on this forum.

[JeremyBowskill]

In addition, Chalerm added he called for a cooperation from the army to stretch a barbed wire fence along the borders in which are main routes for drug transport.

Well problem solved then, its not like any drug dealer could afford a set of bolt cutters is it i'm so glad he managed to clear up the problem so easily. I hope the Us is taking note cos all they need to shut down Mexican cartels is a barbed wire fence.

[Unkomoncents]

Hey Chalerm: Please thyself in the mirror much? You rub yourself better than anyone else can...

[weka]

Dean999

I know 2 men in the last 6 months who had small bags of drugs put in their pockets by arresting police - 1 thai and 1 falang.

I don't expect you or anyone else to believe this but that doesn't mean it ain't true.

Problem with these campaigns is that there are quotas to be met and never (never) do the actual organisers at the top get stopped. End result is jails packed with 1000 baht mules and families left destitute.

Not saying they're all innocent but am saying it doesn't achieve a "war's" outcome. There'll be just as many drugs available in Thailand in 6 months to a year in the future.

Good policeman know where the drugs come from, (actually, so do bad policemen)

Edited February 6, 2012 by weka

[hellodolly]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

But where else in the world would a deputy PM make a statement like this when talking about an anti-drug campaign unless it had happened before ?

He was asked, he gave an answer. In some countries no-one would care to ask, in some countries no-one would dare to ask.

Personally I believe it happened during the 'War on Drugs', but to repeat this theNation article doesn't even hint at it.

No the article does not hint at it but the statement itself does.

I notice there is no talk of police officers being arrested.

[falangjim]

That's too bad. I sincerely support the idea of extrajudicial killings of drug dealers.

[hellodolly]

Dean999

I know 2 men in the last 6 months who had small bags of drugs put in their pockets by arresting police - 1 thai and 1 falang.

I don't expect you or anyone else to believe this but that doesn't mean it ain't true.

Problem with these campaigns is that there are quotas to be met and never (never) do the actual organisers at the top get stopped. End result is jails packed with 1000 baht mules and families left destitute.

Not saying they're all innocent but am saying it doesn't achieve a "war's" outcome. There'll be just as many drugs available in Thailand in 6 months to a year in the future.

Good policeman know where the drugs come from, (actually, so do bad policemen)

You mean witch of their fellow officers are supplying them.

[weka]

That's too bad. I sincerely support the idea of extrajudicial killings of drug dealers.

I sincerely support justice of...I don't know... say... people who shoot innocent people in nightclubs...

[newermonkey]

What a shame... Extrajudicial Killings is one very good way to help tackle the problem.

What would you prefer. Some nasty scum bags being put down or your children's lives ruined?

[siampolee]

It is rather farcical when one see's that it is not possible to eliminate neither telephones nor drugs out of claimed high security prisons, has the redoubtable Chalerm turned his multi faceted self to that scenario yet. ?

No doubt Chalerms boys would be the ideal choice to lead the drug squad, his boys have never been witnessed killing anyone have they.

Chalerm indeed lives in a dream world of make believe.

Edited February 6, 2012 by siampolee

[rubl]

No the article does not hint at it but the statement itself does.

I notice there is no talk of police officers being arrested.

If there are no extra-judicial killings (this time), why would police officers need to be arrested? Unless they themselves deal in drugs of course

Edited February 6, 2012 by rubl

[wxyz]

Does he ever speak the truth?

Edited February 6, 2012 by wxyz

[gemini81]

So basically he is admitting last time round there were in fact extrajudicial killings....

Not at all. Basicly some voiced their concern that the "government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extrajudicial killings by police." K. Chalerm is making sure that will not happen. No further indication of what happened in 2003-2004. For once not even speculation about that in this theNation article

Why do people keep banging on about violating a criminal's human rights. They shouldn't have any rights. Do they think about our rights when they are stealing from our houses or killing our family members with their poisonous drugs. NO.

Come on wake up.

You don't understand. They hadn't made it to court..they weren't convicted. They didn't even get a trial. Most were innocent. You're missing the point. If you just shoot people point blank you suspect, and take their rights/life, then you are no better than them. I take it you're new to Thailand?

[Dap]

Barbed wire fences are worthless without proper surveillance and there just ain't (IMO) enough people (or even resolve) to do that.

[whybother]

What a shame... Extrajudicial Killings is one very good way to help tackle the problem.

What would you prefer. Some nasty scum bags being put down or your children's lives ruined?

Or your children's lives ruined because the police shoot you because they "suspect" that you are involved in the drug trade?

[TAWP]

So now he said there will be none.

So please, no excuses saying 'but the majority of the population supports it' if it occurs later, mkay?

[hellodolly]

No the article does not hint at it but the statement itself does.

I notice there is no talk of police officers being arrested.

If there are no extra-judicial killings (this time), why would police officers need to be arrested? Unless they themselves deal in drugs of course

Bingo you got it.

Every dealer they take off the street increases their business.