Pubdate: Wed, 03 Sep 2003
Source: Nation, The (Thailand)
Copyright: 2003 Nation Multimedia Group
Contact:  http://www.nationmultimedia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1963

HUMAN RIGHTS: DRUG KIN TO LOSE CITIZENSHIP

Naturalised Thais found involved in illicit drug trading will have their 
entire families stripped of their citizenship, according to an initiative 
of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Government spokesman Sita Divari said Thaksin had at yesterday's Cabinet 
meeting instructed the Interior Ministry to consider revoking Thai 
nationality held by naturalised migrants and their families if evidence 
suggested they were involved in drug trafficking.

The measure, however, drew strong criticism from the National Human Rights 
Commission (NHRC) and a senator. NHRC member Jaran Ditapichai said the 
measure was against the Constitution, which prescribed punishment of 
culprits, not their innocent family members. "Citizenship revocation is 
applicable to convict only," he explained.

To implement the measure, he said, the government would first need to 
change the law, a move he believed would prompt overwhelming opposition.

"It sounds as if we're going back to the old days when an offence by a 
single person could kill his or her entire family," Jaran said. He said he 
had supported the government's crackdown on drugs but it should be carried 
out while respecting citizens' rights.

Chiang Rai Senator Tuenjai Deetes echoed Jaran, saying revocation of the 
citizenship of culprits' whole families would breach citizens' rights 
prescribed by the Constitution. "The measure will create divisions in the 
country," she said.

She said the Senate committee on public participation had studied the issue 
and was ready to submit relevant information to the government if asked.

Meanwhile the Revenue Department has been investigating the assets of 33 
people suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. The government has 
asked the department to check the suspects' tax records after they were 
earlier able to evade anti-money laundering charges. The Anti 
Money-Laundering Office had frozen their assets but was unable to proceed 
to asset seizures.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart