EXECUTIONS COULD BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TV

We're Deadly Serious, Says Thammarak

Executions of major drug traders could soon be televised live as a
deterrent to other traffickers, PM's Office Minister Thammarak Issarangkura
na Ayuthaya said yesterday.

Stressing the government's seriousness in suppressing the drug trade, he
said nine convicted traffickers had been executed this year.

"There are another 50-60 people in jail who have been sentenced to death by
the court.

"Executions of major drug criminals may soon be shown on television for the
public to see," he said.

Gen Thammarak was addressing a seminar on the problems of drugs and crime
in high-rise and apartment buildings.

About 60 million methamphetamine pills, 300 kilogrammes of heroin and about
330 million baht cash believed to have been acquired from drugs had been
seized this year, he said.

"It is not clear how much more slipped through our dragnet.

"So we need co-operation, not only between police and the military but also
people with properties for rent, who must serve as eyes and ears for
authorities," Gen Thammarak said.