Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2001
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2001
Contact:  http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39

DEALERS DON'T DESERVE PITY

Thailand has moved ahead with its tough campaign against drugs. Last 
Wednesday, the Criminal Court sentenced 19 traffickers to death in cases 
involving more than two million methamphetamine pills and 9kg of heroin.

The death sentences were reported by foreign news agencies and drew strong 
opposition from Amnesty International.

Although condemned drug traffickers can appeal for clemency, their 
conviction should help deter people from entering the drug trade. People 
should be made to realise they put their lives on the line by selling drugs.

Prior to Wednesday's sentencing, there were reports the army was 
considering setting up "killer teams" to hunt and eliminate influential 
drug producers and traders. The reports caused an uproar among people 
opposed to such violent methods. They say it is a violation of human rights.

But we must realise that drugs are a threat to the country. In Malaysia and 
Singapore, drug traffickers are dealt with harshly. The death penalty is in 
place and it serves to deter potential drug traffickers.

Drugs are like a weapon. People who possess drugs are in possession of a 
lethal weapon. That's why they deserve the death penalty.

People engaged in the drug trade may be likened to the "scum of the earth". 
They are monsters in the guise of humans, and should be dealt with harshly.

Drug suppression agencies should do what is necessary to help the drug 
problem. But, at the same time, they must ensure that innocent people are 
not wrongly punished.

Editorial from Naew Na
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MAP posted-by: Beth