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The most recent killer cop: Sgt Uthai Dechawiwat re-enacts his shooting of two Canadian tourists in the main street of Pai in January.
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POLICE KILLINGS
Trigger happy
The shooting of two Canadian tourists in Pai is just the latest in a series of deaths involving officials; the system needs an overhaul. Though justice may still be served over the death of Leo del Pinto and shooting of Carly Reisig, there is frequently lack of redress when Thais fall victim to such crimes.
Published on March 9, 2008
In cases of police misconduct, errant officials often enjoy shocking impunity.
Countless stories have come to light of gross police misconduct across the nation - excessive force, brutality, torture and murder. In most of these cases, the perpetrators are either never charged or acquitted on technicalities.
"It's only in high-profile incidents, or ones in which the most determined plaintiffs are involved, that cases ever go to trial," says Nick Cheesman of the Asian Human Rights Commission. Others simply fade into oblivion.
For many years the subject of police reform has been on the national agenda, with little success. Today, there are still few channels through which Thai victims of police transgressions can seek justice.
Witnesses in fear
The Department of Special Investigation was set up as a quasi-independent agency but, in many cases, has proved ineffectual.
Although the Witness Protection Office was established under the justice ministry, its duties fall by default to the police. Small wonder that trials are frequently overturned for lack of evidence, says Cheesman, with witness protection largely in the hands of the police.
A case which vividly illustrates the climate of fear in which Thai witnesses live is that of Kalasin province, in the Northeast.
Multiple slayings
Kalasin is particularly sinister for its sheer scope: the Asian Human Rights Commission alone has identified some 24 killings between 2004 and 2006. The true number is thought to be far higher - some bodies have never been found; others have been reduced to ashes.
In many cases, victims were teenagers accused of motorbike theft, drug dealing or other small crimes. Many of the victims were tortured to death, and had their testicles crushed or electrocuted.
With the sole exception of Kietisak Thitboonkrong's killing in July 2004, the DSI has not deemed the Kalasin killings worthy of attention. After examining the evidence in Kietisak's case, DSI officials conceded there appeared to be a pattern among the Kalasin killings, including similarities in the way ropes had been tied around the necks of victims.
However, despite inquiries, strong evidence against the police and repeated calls by rights organisations for the prosecution of those involved, no officers have been charged.
These stories, and the scores like them, are clear evidence Thailand's police system needs a major overhaul.
Read Tilney's full report at
www.chiangmainews.com
By Cindy Tilney
Citylife, Chiang Mai
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