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