VICTIM'S KIN CAN CLAIM COMPENSATION

Relatives of about 2,500 drug suspects killed during the government's
war on drugs last year can claim compensation under the Compensation
Payment for Crime Victims and Suspects of Wrongful Conviction Act, a
senior Justice Ministry official said.

Charnchao Chaiyanukij, the director-general of the Rights and
Liberties Protection Department, said they would get compensation if
they could prove in court that their relatives were innocent victims
of the campaign to clean up drugs.

It was in line with the Constitution, which guarantees the rights and
liberties of suspects or defendants in criminal cases.

The campaign ended in December. Since then a relative of someone
killed during the campaign has sought compensation under the act.

The complaint was still being investigated.

Payments ranged from 30,000 to 100,000 baht. Medical treatment
expenses could also be met. Meanwhile Wasant Panich, a human rights
commissioner, yesterday presented the department with investigation
reports into the deaths of 30 drug suspects. Another five cases are
still being investigated.