GOVT MAY FACE INT'L COURT

The government could be taken to the International Criminal Court if its
policy towards extrajudicial killings and drug-related murders is found to
violate international human-rights principles, a member of Thailand's
National Human Rights Commission said yesterday.

In October 1996, Thailand signed the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, which took effect the following year, Pradit
Charoenthaitawee said.

"If Thailand, which is a signatory country, is found to have violated that
covenant according to the international rules, it may have to face the
International Criminal Court," Pradit said.

The government's policy of waging war against narcotics has been strongly
criticised as the number of extrajudicial killings and murders of drug
suspects has increased.