Pubdate: Thu, 30 Aug 2007
Source: Nation, The (Thailand)
Copyright: 2007 Nation Multimedia Group
Contact:  http://www.nationmultimedia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1963

'DRUG WAR' PANEL OUTLINES ITS WORK

In its first meeting yesterday, an independent committee looking into 
2,569 drug-related killings during the first Thaksin Shinawatra 
government laid out its work agenda and officially appointed heads of 
six sub-panels.

The 12-member committee, headed by former attorney-general Khanit na 
Nakhon, repeated that it was authorised to prosecute anyone found to 
be involved in the killings and would mainly perform a fact-finding 
role and work out compensatory solutions for relatives of the victims.

Former senator Kraisak Chonhavan, who heads the sub-panel on research 
and international public relations, said it was better late than 
never for the committee to be set up.

"The set-up of the Khanit na Nakhon committee signifies the 
government's sincerity and determination to sort out human rights 
violations in Thailand," he said.

Kraisak said fewer than 100 complaints had been lodged by relatives 
of victims - but that reflected public lack of faith in the justice system.

" If the investigation can bring the wrongdoers to justice in only 
one of two cases, that would mean a historic success."

Narcotics Control Board chief Kitti Limchaikij heads fact-finding 
Sub-panel A, Department of Special Investigations deputy Tharit 
Phengdit heads fact-finding Sub-panel B, Justice permanent secretary 
Charan Phakdi-thanakul heads the sub-panel on finding those 
responsible. Deputy permanent secretary Kittiphong Kittayarak heads 
the sub-panel on compensatory solutions, and Thammasat University 
deputy rector Udom Ratamarit heads the panel on preventative 
measures. Each will have 15-20 members.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman