Thai woman sentenced to death in Malaysia on cannabis smuggling charge

[webfact]

MALAYSIA
Thai woman sentenced to death on cannabis smuggling charge
The Star
Asia News Network

BANGKOK: -- A Thai divorcee was sentenced to death by the Alor Setar High Court here for trafficking 23,123 grams of cannabis two years ago.

Saowanee Srisar, 33, who is a former housekeeping staff of a hotel in Bangkok, was found guilty of committing the offence under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, at the express bus terminal of Shahab Perdana, Lebuhraya Sultanah Bahiyah here at about 8.45pm on Jan 21, 2012.

She was convicted of committing the offence under Section 39B(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab in his judgment on Monday, said the prosecution had proven that the accused was in possession of the cannabis kept in two bags a black and a blue.

"The accused had failed to raise doubt on the case presented by the prosecution," said Mohd Zaki.

Saowanee, who was clad in white T-shirt and blue jeans, was calm and smiled after sentencing. She was also seen hugging with staff and police personnel of the court before being led away.

The accused was represented by counsel Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid while DPP Norshuhada Mohd Yatim prosecuted.

-- The Nation 2014-05-12

[xminator]

The death penalty is a barbaric punishment and state sanctioned murder. I hope Thailand do what they can to get her home, and as important get on the list of countries that no longer let the courts give capital punishment.

[Valentine]

A barbaric sentence considering the nature of the drug but then again one should always be prepared for the punishment of the country they happen to be in.

[Ulysses G.]

The death penalty is a barbaric punishment and state sanctioned murder. I hope Thailand do what they can to get her home, and as important get on the list of countries that no longer let the courts give capital punishment.

I don't know about that, but it certainly is for a very mild drug that will be legal all over the world in a few years.

[MobileContent]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

[RuamRudy]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

It doesn't matter the location or the crime - it is a medieval punishment that has no place in the modern world.

[rebelplatoon]

Her defence lawyer must have thrown in a hell of a defence! All it needed was reasonable doubt the bags were hers.

Anyway, I don t use myself but it is true it is a well known herb. Slowly gaining recognition world wide. Only known cure for glucoma, pain, helps with cancer, all sorts of intestinal problems as well as high blood pressure.

Sentence is barbaric, I agree. Yes, she should know she can get this in certain countries. No, the punishment does not fit the crime. A crime it is, though.

[coma]

I think the punishment is rather harsh for the crime. However, that being said, at 33 years of age she knows the rules of the game. You get caught trafficking drugs in Malaysia you get the death penalty.

Almost deserves the punishment for being a fool more so than the actual trafficking offence. Silly women.

[RuamRudy]

I think the punishment is rather harsh for the crime. However, that being said, at 33 years of age she knows the rules of the game. You get caught trafficking drugs in Malaysia you get the death penalty.

Almost deserves the punishment for being a fool more so than the actual trafficking offence. Silly women.

A 33 year old former hotel housemaid - I am guessing that she has limited education, limited experience of the wider world and most certainly used as a dupe by the real criminals higher up the chain.

Of course she should be punished for her actions, but the sad fact is that the ones who receive such barbaric sentences are those with the least options in life.

[uptheos]

How is the death sentence carried out in Malaysia?

OK got it

Death sentences are carried out by hanging as provided in Section 281 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Pregnant women and children may not be sentenced to death.

[johnh869]

I would never go to a Muslim country....Period!

[Andre0720]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

Well, if these 4 coutries also gives a death sentence, then it cannot be barbaric, right...

And if you can find 4 african countries that have excision as part of their daily life, then it is not barbaric, by etension....

Must be many more good equations I am sure....

[belg]

nice to see laws inforced

in thailand, when you have money, you are above the law

cop killer, in ferrari or bmw , they go free overhere

[uptheos]

nice to see laws inforced

in thailand, when you have money, you are above the law

cop killer, in ferrari or bmw , they go free overhere

You think there's no corruption in Malaysia?

[gchurch259]

It is sad because she probably needed the money and met a dealer through her job in hotel 300.00THB a day and was offered ten to 20,000 THB to be a mule. All the while the big guy takes little or no risk.

That Culture is so two faced in their laws and how they are enforced. You walk down Sukumvit and Soi 3 most of the people of that culture smell of smoking the drug. The back streets along Soi 5 are worse.

Have never used any drugs and do not understand those who do, no self discipline or such a bad life they use drugs instead of removing the cranium from their annus and get on with life.

Hope you are not too offended !! Jerry

[ikbenhet]

So part of the world country's are legalizing marihuana and other parts are executing people for using or smuggling it.

really <deleted> up world this planet of ours.

[Thorgal]

The sender and receiver weren't caught yet...or will never be...

She was just a deliverer...perhaps working for something like +/- 40.000 THB...what a waste...

[uptheos]

23kg was a little OTT don't you think......even as a mule.

No-one can be that stupid can they?

Maybe she couldn't understand the message over the speaker in the cabin and written on the landing card......Trafficking Drugs Carries a Mandatory Death Sentence in Malaysia

[spermwhale]

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23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

Well, if these 4 coutries also gives a death sentence, then it cannot be barbaric, right...

And if you can find 4 african countries that have excision as part of their daily life, then it is not barbaric, by etension....

Must be many more good equations I am sure....

premarital sex is s stoning offense in many Muslim countries. More than four. So that's okay too. Schmuck.

[Maroon Watcher]

May be a entrepreneur but still a Mule. No suggesting of catching the producer, supplier or on-seller management...

23kg was a little OTT don't you think......even as a mule.

No-one can be that stupid can they?

Maybe she couldn't understand the message over the speaker in the cabin and written on the landing card......Trafficking Drugs Carries a Mandatory Death Sentence in Malaysia

[bcbuzz]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

[Trouble]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

It doesn't matter the location or the crime - it is a medieval punishment that has no place in the modern world.

Granted that the crime does not warrant the death penalty. However, I'd like to see your reaction to the rape and murder of a wife or daughter. There are just some people who don't deserve to breath the same air as the rest of us.

[bcbuzz]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

[schondie]

The death penalty is a barbaric punishment and state sanctioned murder. I hope Thailand do what they can to get her home, and as important get on the list of countries that no longer let the courts give capital punishment.

As an ex toker I understand your argument but if a country has certain drug laws you break at your own risk. You know the risks, profit margins involved and take a gamble. Most of the times you're a winner but the one time you're the loser you lose big time.

I agree that weed should be classed lower than tobacco and alcohol on the health damage scale but it'll take time for the rest of the world to realise this as tax revenues are astronomical on these legal drugs.

I can't even estimate the amount of Muslim men smoking weed as they're not allowed to have a beer or two to help them sleep.

[johnnysunshine]

Marijuana is actually a plant and is only considered a drug because governments label it is so and as far as I know, marijuana is the only plant listed as a schedule 1 controlled substance! It is currently the most popular healing modality for cancer and will soon be approved by the AMA (along with stem cells) so that they can control it and keep the money flowing into their pockets. I surmise this young lady did not know of the penalty she would be facing but only she knows that. I hope there is some intervention for her. For those of you who have never used drugs, you are sadly mistaken as there are drugs in all of the processed foods we eat (ever read the labels and check out what the ingredients are and if they are actually food products like red dye #5). Also included are the antibiotics in the meats and in the dairy products,chem trails (you breathe, yes?), in the air, in the water, and lots of other places. You are saying also that you never took an aspirin or a Tums...yes? These are the real drugs and that is why you buy them in drug stores cause drug store sell drugs which our livers do not know what to do with and that is why so many people are sick. The FDA finally admitted that aspirin should not be taken if not necessary and can aggravate heart conditions. Study nutrition folks and wake up to what is real so that you get in touch with things like what are the real meanings of words and get in touch with your compassion for others.

[Wombat6]

Do you think by posting your thoughts about the dearh setence for drugs in Malaysia and other Countries it is going to change that Countries Laws,think again. Why even bother. i don't think the Malaysian Government reads the Posts on Thai Visa

[wvavin]

Its good to send all these drug scums to the gallows for the good of the society at large.

[GlobalCtzn]

23kg of Cannabis gives you also a death sentence in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Nothing really barbaric about it.

Executing a human being for possessing cannabis, a naturally occurring plant that is (and has been for millennia) used around the world for medicinal purposes is utterly BARBARIC and the height of ignorance!

[uptheos]

Marijuana is actually a plant and is only considered a drug because governments label it is so and as far as I know, marijuana is the only plant listed as a schedule 1 controlled substance! It is currently the most popular healing modality for cancer and will soon be approved by the AMA (along with stem cells) so that they can control it and keep the money flowing into their pockets. I surmise this young lady did not know of the penalty she would be facing but only she knows that. I hope there is some intervention for her. For those of you who have never used drugs, you are sadly mistaken as there are drugs in all of the processed foods we eat (ever read the labels and check out what the ingredients are and if they are actually food products like red dye #5). Also included are the antibiotics in the meats and in the dairy products,chem trails (you breathe, yes?), in the air, in the water, and lots of other places. You are saying also that you never took an aspirin or a Tums...yes? These are the real drugs and that is why you buy them in drug stores cause drug store sell drugs which our livers do not know what to do with and that is why so many people are sick. The FDA finally admitted that aspirin should not be taken if not necessary and can aggravate heart conditions. Study nutrition folks and wake up to what is real so that you get in touch with things like what are the real meanings of words and get in touch with your compassion for others.

I don't agree with the death sentence, heck I wouldn't even be happy with a prison sentence it should be decriminalised, but it won't be.

The point is, whether she knew or not she broke one of the strictest laws in Malaysia and I can't see why there would be any intervention for her.........because she's Thai?

What's the old saying 'ignorance of the law is no excuse'.

[uptheos]

DP