WAR ON DRUGS: SCHOLARS PLEAD FOR RESTRAINT

About 100 leading Thai academics pleaded yesterday for society to think
twice before giving all-out support to the government's violent anti-drug
crusade.

Meanwhile, a former UN special rapporteur on human and children's rights
urged civil groups and relatives of the victims of extrajudicial and silent
killings in the government's war on drugs to forward their petitions for
justice to the United Nations.

Professor Vitit Muntabhorn, also a leading international law expert at
Chulalongkorn University, said the petitions should be sent by fax, e-mail
or post to the UN's offices in Bangkok. Upon receiving the petitions, the
UN will study each case and contact the Thai government about setting up a
mechanism to investigate the cases with transparency.

"If you feel the Thai government is not doing enough, you can request help
from the UN, because intervention by the UN does not require government
approval," Vitit said. "Human rights is a borderless, extra-state issue. It
is only justice for the victims that counts."

Vitit was speaking yesterday at a public forum on the government's fight
against drug trafficking and violence in Thai society at Chulalongkorn
University attended by scores of academics, lawyers, representatives of
religious groups and concerned citizens.

The statement signed by about 100 leading Thai scholars warned the public
that acceptance of violence or unlawful methods could become rooted in Thai
society and pose a threat to democracy.

The group expressed concern that the violent killing of alleged drug
dealers was receiving widespread support among the public.

A public survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll last week stated that more
than 70 per cent of Buddhist monks who responded to its questionnaires
agreed with the use of violence. "I'm afraid violence is here to stay,"
said Dr Gothom Arya, a peace advocate.

"We still hear many people speaking out in favour of the absolute power of
[dictator] Sarit. But I don't think violence is the answer to any problem.
Many social problems re-emerged after Sarit."

Thailand is moving backwards, added Thammasat University's Associate
Professor Chaiwat Satha-anan. By creating an atmosphere of war, the
government is putting people in a state of fear. There are two elements to
war: one is violence, the other lies and propaganda.

"In fighting drug addiction in this way, I fear we are becoming
increasingly addicted to violence," Chaiwat said. "The government makes us
believe we have tried other ways that did not work, so violence seems to be
our last resort."

The statement was signed by prominent academics from various fields,
including Professor Nidhi Eoseewong, Thirayuth Boonmi, MR Akin Rabhibhatra,
Professor Ravi Bhavilai, Dr Charnvit Kasetsiri, Professor Chathip Nartsupa,
Professor Pasuk Pongpaichit, Professor Amara Pongsapitch, Associate
Professor Virada Somsawadi, Dr Chayan Vattanaphuti and Dr Weng Tojirakarn.

The academics pointed out that the government would not be able to catch
the big fish in its war against drugs because people in power protected the
major dealers.

"Can police and army commanders say in all conscience that their
intelligence units do not know who the major drug dealers are?" asked Weng,
also a political activist.

"These people are not caught because they are the ones in power."

Right now, judiciary power in the country has been suppressed by government
approval of extrajudicial killings," said the statement. "This is an
indicator that democracy in our society is deteriorating."