Pubdate: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2004 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 THASKIN LASHES OUT AT CRITICS Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday lashed out at human rights advocates for accusing his government of committing serious breaches of human rights. Mr Thaksin said those accusing Thailand of human rights violations should look at all facets of the problems, and not consider just one. He said those who harmed others must respect the rights of their victims. It was nonsense if those who never respected people's rights wanted others to respect theirs, the prime minister said, citing examples of those who have beheaded others or killed innocent people. He was responding to criticism by rights advocates over the weekend who blasted his government for its tendency to resort to violence and for committing serious human rights violations. Activists said since the Thai Rak Thai-led government took office four years ago, it has insisted on supporting the use of violence. They cited the government's war on drugs last year that claimed about 2,500 lives and its harsh treatment of juvenile delinquents. Mr Thaksin said people had to think carefully if they were told they had to respect those involved in drug trafficking, whose activities killed hundreds of thousands of young people a year. The prime minister said they must consider both sides of a story and be aware that they were living in a real world, not a dream one. He said in the real world people had to play by the rules of not violating each other's rights. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh