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. 
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