Watching the war on drugs-THAI -BURMA

http://www.bangkokpost.com/111108_News/11Nov2008_news16.php

EDITORIAL


Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has ordered a new crackdown on drug peddlers, and Justice Minister Somsak Kiatsuranond kicked it off officially at a Chiang Mai ceremony. This has raised concerns, particularly on the civil rights front. Such concern is understandable and proper. But the good news is that this campaign, for all its flash and gimmickry, has been properly planned.


Any active anti-drug trafficking campaign these days is certain to be overshadowed by the infamous order to police by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra to eliminate drug peddlers and hang the consequences. That shameful 90-day police violence not only took innocent lives, it also put every subsequent attempt to crack down on big-time drug dealers and their street-corner sellers on the wrong foot. In the more than five years since that three months of a real "war on drugs," traffickers have made bold new inroads, while authorities often felt inhibited from pursuing them.


Timidity is not a useful reaction in dealing with Thai and Thailand-based drug traffickers. They are ruthless men, seriously addicted to the drug trade for its huge profits and, in many cases, its power. In the past 20 years, which is to say one generation, Thailand has made huge progress in the fight against big-time drug trafficking. Many forget that the notorious Khun Sa once lived in northern Thailand with impunity, virtual emperor of an opium fiefdom.


The 2003 campaign under Thaksin was an abomination. An independent committee reported credibly that the so-called anti-drug crackdown resulted in 2,819 deaths. Only 1,370 were found to be related to the actual crackdown. The committee said 878 people were killed even though they had no connection with drugs, and another 571 were murdered for causes still unknown. Such an operation must never again be countenanced.




Today, there are three major areas which any anti-drug operation must target to be successful. The first is the Burma-based production facilities of the United Wa State Army. The UWSA is responsible for most of the amphetamines and heroin that are sold or smuggled through Thailand. Anti-drug agents must also find the street-level drug peddlers and, through them, the "Mr Big" traffickers who ultimately control the trade and aim to corrupt Thai youth through drugs and the nation through corruption and money.


Finally, there is the demand for drugs. It is encouraging to see that the Office of the Narcotics Control Board has targetted both drug users and the most vulnerable parts of society. Drug users can and should be encouraged to stop harming themselves and their families, as well as the country. Potential users can be properly educated in the danger, corruption and moral indignity, so that they never start.


The concerns of many human rights activists are germane. But it would be wrong to delay or cancel anti-drug campaigns at any level because one of them went off the tracks. Mr Somchai seems sincere about this programme. He appointed Interior Minister Kowit Wattana to head a suppression and control centre, with Somsak Kiatsuranond as deputy.


This is encouraging. The next step is to make the government fully and intimately accountable at each stage of the anti-drug campaign. Human rights groups, the media and all members of the public should be involved. It is important that authorities pursue drug traffickers, both at the national level and at the street level. Such campaigns will be more successful and long-lasting if the government obeys the law at every stage.