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South China Morning Post
Monday, January
10, 2000
THAILAND
Surge in executions
follows crime rise
JAMES EAST Thailand is executing more offenders after a surge in drug-running and
violent crime.
Last year, after eight years without an execution, 16 people were machine-gunned to death, the most since 1939. Last week Burmese drug trafficker Hla Win, 60, became the first person to be executed this year. His death came just weeks after Hinag Pan-intorn, 59, became the first woman to be executed for a drug offence in 20 years, despite repeatedly protesting her innocence. Drug traffickers were also specifically excluded from the tens of thousands of prisoners either released early or given reduced sentences last month as part of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 72nd birthday celebrations. The Interior Ministry says the death penalty is essential for those who show no remorse, and it is about to make the process even more efficient. Tomorrow, the Thai cabinet will debate the use of lethal injections rather than the machine-gun. The ministry says injections are more humane and tidier. Amnesty International in Thailand says there is no evidence to show that the death penalty is an effective deterrent, but officials say the public favours capital punishment. |