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Published on February 25, 2008

Speaking during the "Samak's Talk" show broadcast live on Channel 11, the premier said his government simply wanted to crack down on drug trafficking.

"I want people to understand that in order to fulfil the anti-drug objective, extra-judicial killings do occur but police officers responsible for these acts will have to face legal consequences," he said.

Human rights activists have voiced concern that police would resort to summary executions in the new offensive on drug trafficking that was announced by Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Samak said police who commit extrajudicial killings would be tried in court.

He said so far 59 cases of such killings were being considered in court.

"It is impossible to avoid killings when implementing drug suppression. When the crackdown is underway, killings will take place," said Samak, adding the media never tried to understand the government's policy was meant to protect the new generation from drug abuse.

Samak said the Thaksin government did not order police to kill suspects but drug bosses killed their own men to prevent police from obtaining information connecting them to the ring.

Samak said his government would continue the campaign against drugs.

A former member of the National Human Rights Commission yesterday expressed support for Chalerm's crackdown but emphasised it must be implemented in line with the law.

Jaran Ditapichai said no government should signal that summary executions could start.

"Please respect the Constitution and human rights," Jaran said at Thammasat University.

"The government must also seek cooperation from other countries and international organisations."

When asked about a report by an independent panel that the Thaksin government's war on drug caused the death of many people and a lot of property damage, Jaran said he heard that the panel was established for political reasons.

"The head of the panel wanted to take action against Thaksin and tried to publicise this issue," Jaran said.

The Nation