Local human-rights activists hold a mock execution of a man outside Government House after submitting an open letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont calling for the abolition of the death penalty in Thailand.

A group of 20 Thai people, who said they represent the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, also called for a ban on long-term shackling of prisoners. The group said life imprisonment was punishment enough for convicted criminals - however violent their crimes were.

Somsri Bunananthasuk, the coordinator of the local Amnesty International office, called on the Surayud government and Corrections Department to follow the example of 60 countries where similar campaigns had been acknowledged.

The group also called for strict, straightforward and non-discriminatory enforcement of the law for police officers or government officials who committed crimes.

Anucha Winthachai, local coordinator of the Texas Coalition, said the death penalty did not guarantee a drop in crime rates. "We don't believe that blood can be washed away with blood. Life imprisonment is enough as a maximum penalty for convicted criminals."