'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.