Unnaturally Real - in a Big Way 9 March 2007 the Nation Thailand's first baby elephant produced by artificial insemination was born on Wednesday night in the northern province of Lampang. The birth - the first of its kind in Asia - is an important step for Thailand in its attempt to save its iconic animals from an alarming decline. Born at 9.30pm on March 7, the not-yet-named male baby elephant weighed 100 kilograms, was 90 centimetres tall, 120 centimetres long (from its forehead to the tail root), and about 128 centimetres around its chest. It was healthy and could walk immediately, said Lampang Elephant Hospital head veterinarian Sitthidech Mahasawangkul. "This is the first time that artificial insemination has been successfully carried out in Thailand and in Asia," Sitthidech said. "We hope that this will help increase the elephant population in Thailand, which has been declining for the past several decades." It was the second baby for 24-year-old Phang Khod - the first female elephant in the entire region to have been successfully impregnated by the technology since early June 2005. The semen was from a healthy 15-year-old Plai Jampati - who was born in Israel and later moved to Thailand years ago. Sitthidech said officials separated the baby from Phang Khod - as she attacked her first baby five years ago - and gave the mother medicine to calm her. Later on the mother and baby were put together, but the baby was not yet familiar enough with Phang Khod to breastfeed. After circling around its mother for hours, the baby finally started to suckle, bringing relief to the attending veterinarians. The breastfeeding could last for three years. Phang Khod and the baby would continue to stay together when returned to the Elephant Conservation Centre. The insemination was a joint effort by the National Elephant Institute (NEI), the Elephant Hospital, Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University and related agencies. Although there were several previous successful Asian elephant inseminations in the US and Europe, this was the first in Asia, said Sitthidech. He said the Thai elephant population decline was a result of food and water shortages. Combined with a low birth rate, this resulted in a decreasing amount of productive male elephants in captivity. Moreover, as most breeding beasts worked all year round they could not naturally reproduce in mating periods. Sitthidech said 20 vets and researchers had introduced fresh semen into Phang Khod on June 10, 2005, using a four-foot-long rubber tube. Phang Khod was found to be pregnant three months later. Sitthidech also spoke of another research on elephants' frozen semen by the NEI and Kasetsart University, which had been carried out since 2000. The project is the world's first to succeed in producing frozen semen using biological technology to freeze elephant semen for up to 20-30 years for artificial inseminations, he said. Currently, it had frozen "good-breed" semen - which normally loses 20-30 per cent in strength - in the elephant sperm bank, he said, adding they would do more artificial inseminations in the near future. There were 2,300 captive elephants and about 2,000 wild elephants in Thailand, according to an NEI report, while the Elephant Conservation Centre currently has 88 elephants. Anan Paengnoy, The Nation   Russian Women Were Not Prostitutes Authorities dispel rumors after Russian Embassy advisory BANGKOK, February 26, 2007 (TNA) – Thai police investigators have produced some clues suggesting that a gang of foreigners may have been involved in the murder of two Russian tourists at Jomtien beach in the popular seaside resort of Pattaya on Saturday morning. Police Lieutenant General Assawin Kwanmuang, Region 2 Provincial Police commissioner, said he had instructed the police investigating team to seek an early arrest of the culprit after close examination of the victims' holiday snapshots taken while visiting some tourist attractions as well as security camera images which found that a gang of foreigners, in particular "The Chopper Gang", a local group in Pattaya, may have been involved in the killings. The police officer did not provide more details about the so-called gang, but indicated that mobile phone records of the two women are being thoroughly checked for further evidence as they used local simcards to call in and out prior to the killings. Tatiana Tsimfer, 30, and Liubov Svirkova, 25, [Photos] were found dead [Bangkok Post report] in their beach chairs at about 5am Saturday after being repeatedly shot by an unknown assailant, police said. Police said the two women were tourists who had arrived in Thailand on February 16 and were due to depart on March 1. Earlier police offered a Bt100,000 (about US$3,000) reward for the capture of the gunman. They also released a video monitor sequence of a tall man aged about 30, captured by security camera, parking a motorcycle at a beachside road, running to the two Russian women and shooting the pair before fleeing on the motorcycle. Gen. Assawin said Sunday that the women worked as telephone operators in Russia and were visiting Thailand for the first time with a tour group. They had noting to do with illegal transnational prostitution, according to personal records shown by a representative from the Russian Embassy. He also ruled out the possibility of robbery as the victims' belongings were left untouched. Pattaya, about 110 kilometres (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is popular among foreign holidaymakers. The beach resort attracts tens of thousands of Russian tourists every year. [Why Russians like Pattaya, why Pattaya likes Russians] Expat hubbies urged to back Isan By Sumeth Wannapruek, Bangkok Post 25 February 2007 Bangkok Post TAT wants them to promote tourism The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s Northeastern Office in Khon Kaen has launched a cultural tourism project that is hoping to transform expatriates married to Thai women from the Northeast into spokesmen for the region's tourist attractions. The office plans to wow the expatriate husbands with the region's tourist attractions in the hope that it will prompt them to spread the word about Isan to their friends and family back home. The married couples will be taken on a tour of famous attractions and will be shown traditional activities in Roi Et, Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham between March 3 and 4. Nuan Sarnsorn, the director of the TAT's Northeastern Office Region 3, said the number of participants is limited to 15 couples. Each couple will be charged 1,101 baht to go on the trip and translators will be on hand to help the foreigners. ''In the future, we hope the foreigners, who are sons-in-law of Isan people, will volunteer themselves as spokesmen for our tourism campaign. ''They will gain first-hand experience during the tour, and hopefully they will tell friends and families back home to visit Thailand,'' Mr Nuan said. The tour itinerary begins with a visit to the famous Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon pagoda at Wat Nong Waeng in Khon Kaen's Muang district on March 3. The couples will be taken to an exhibition hall where historical information about Khon Kaen and artifacts are on display. They will then visit Ban Phaeng in Maha Sarakham's Kosum Phisai district, famous for its top-quality reed mats. The couples will also be invited to participate in Roi Et's annual merit-making festival called Boon Pha Wet, among a number of other activities.   Special Motorway to Open in 2012 24 February 2007 the Korat Post/local agencies Despite political upheaval, political uncertainties and economic worries, and terrorism threats, the proposed Bang Pa-in to Nakhonratchasima Motorway seems destined to become reality. Mr. Chanchai Daechasthongse, lead civil engineer on the survey and design team, provided some background to local reporters during a February press conference in Korat held at the Royal Princess Hotel. Coincidentally Caterpillar Company was preparing a NE Road Show with its heavy construction equipment being displayed on the hotel's grounds. The present schedule for this new 199 kilometer motorway is as follows: 1. 2006-2007 - survey and detailed design; 2. 2007-2008 issuance of Royal Decrees expropriating land for the route; 3. 2008-2009 finalize legal title to land; 4. 2010-2011 construction of motorway; 5. 2012 open for use. Left rendering of suspended section bypassing Lam Takhong Reservoir. Typical road pavement cross-section indicating pavement and should width, barrier fence. Aftermath - Somkid Jatusripitak In Emotional Resignation Phiphop Thongchai, well-known pro-democracy advocate in Thailand, seen on ASTV protesting Somkid's appointment. BANGKOK, February 21, 2007 (TNA) Former deputy prime minister and finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak on Wednesday announced his resignation as chairman of the committee tasked with explaining the sufficiency economy philosophy to foreign communities, saying he did not want to see the conflict over his appointment escalate into further political turbulence. Mr. Somkid announced his resignation at a Bangkok hotel Wednesday morning, saying he decided to quit for the sake of the nation's reconciliation and unity. "I decided to quit without a feeling of 'losing face', being embarrassed, hurt, or even angry. But national reconciliation is much more important than anything else. Without it (reconciliation), the nation's future is at risk," the former Thaksin aide said. Dr. Somkid was appointed late last week by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont as the chairman of the Committee on Coordination and Strengthening of International Economic Relations in charge of preaching sufficiency economy to the international community. "I told the premier I will withdraw of my own accord to end the conflict. I do not want the conflict to widen rifts and become a burden to the premier," he said. Many critics and civic groups, particularly the People's Alliance for Democracy, had come out to show strong opposition to his appointment, citing he was an economic architect of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra government and one of the key supporters of Thaksinomics. Dr. Somkid reiterated he had neither an intention to dictate economic policy nor the hope of political gain in deciding to accept the post. He said he wanted the resignation to prove his stance that reconciliation must be given priority in this time of political crisis. Regarding criticism that he had been one of the most staunch supporters of Thaksinomics, he said that he had come to harbour an opposite way of thinking from that of former prime minister Thaksin. He pointed out he could not call it quits from the previous government because he could not leave the country's economy in crisis as he was in charge of economic affairs at that time. Dr. Somkid thanked Prime Minister Surayud for having given him an opportunity to serve the country as the sufficiency theory envoy, saying the premier proved himself through his appointment that he fully supported the reconciliation in the country. "I know that the premier will protect me if I opt to stay. But what good it will do for the country? Without any position, I am confident I can still serve the country," he said. Well-known as Mr.Thaksin's top aide, Mr. Somkid, who was deputy prime minister and commerce minister in the Thaksin administration toppled by the military last September, was appointed last Thursday as chairman of the International Economic Relations Committee. His first job as an economic adviser to the military-installed government was to explain Thailand's economic policy, especially the sufficiency economic theory, to two of its most important trading partners, Japan and China. His appointment has drawn opposition from anti-Thaksin groups, especially the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), as he was one of Mr. Thaksin's closest aides and was named by the former prime minister early last year as a possible successor. He quit the former ruling party, Thai Rak Thai, two weeks after the coup.   Arrests in the South YALA, February 20, 2007 (TNA) - Three men have been detained in this southern border province in connection with last Sunday night’s series of deadly attacks that killed seven persons across the Muslim-predominantly region, a regional senior military officer said Tuesday. Lieutenant General Viroch Buacharoon, Fourth Army Region Commander who oversees military operations in the troubled region, told a media conference that the three suspects confessed that they were assigned to carry out the attacks. They also implicated others for involvement in the major attacks during Chinese New Year celebrations, Gen Viroch said, adding that one of the suspects staged the attack in Songkhla’s Thepha district while the others committed violent acts in Narathiwat’s Bacho district. The senior army officer also disclosed that the three men had been given drinks that contained narcotics and cough syrup before they carried out the attacks, similar to the April 28, 2004 incident. The general was referring to the incident in which over 100 militants were killed after nine hours of violent clashes between the authorities and insurgents in Pattani. Of these, 32 people were killed inside the Krue Se mosque after heavily armed security forces stormed into the holy place. The Internal Security Operations Command announced earlier that suspected militants launched 54 nearly simultaneous attacks on Feb 18 including 29 bomb blasts, 11 arson attacks on government buildings and schools and at least five shooting incidents. Last Sunday’s attacks were the first time the insurgents had simultaneously struck all four southern provinces - Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Violence in the insurgency-torn region has claimed some 2,000 lives in over three years of unrest.

Isaan Farmers Take To The Road NAKHON RATCHASIMA, February 20, 2007 (TNA) About 500 farmers from all 19 northeastern provinces have taken to a highway leading to the capital in a peaceful procession, repeatedly calling for the government to help them out with their debts owed to financial firms. Organised by the Assembly of Isan Farmers' Group leader Praphat Ngokesoongnern, the indebted Isan (Northeastern) indebted farmers, some proceeding on foot and others riding in about 30 trucks, have reached Nakhon Ratchasima where they will spend Tuesday night before proceeding into Saraburi province Wednesday morning. The farmers intend to rally outside Government House soon in an open-ended pursuit of government assistance. Other troubled farmers from the Central and Southern regions are expected to join the Isan farmers outside Government House. The demonstrators asked the government to be ''sincere'' in dealing with them and to live up to a cabinet resolution reached last month which they understood would somehow relieve them of their overdue debts. Despite the cabinet resolution, the financially-strapped farmers said, private creditors continued to collect funds from them. (TNA)

Cobra Gold Gets Green Light

From the Bangkok Post
19 February 2007

Military website, however, lists 18 April 2007 as "critical cancellation date" - that is, commitment to the exercises or cancellation. Thai government martial law may impact exercises.

Cobra Gold war games get green light By Wassana Nanuam

The United States has decided to go ahead with the 26th annual Cobra Gold exercise, which was put on hold following the Sept 19 coup and suspension of US military aid to Thailand. The deal-maker was the lifting of martial law across much of the country. There were doubts as to whether the annual joint military exercise would go ahead this year following the military coup that ousted the elected government headed by then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September. But Supreme Commander Boonsrang Niumpradit said he had been informed by the US that the war games will take place as scheduled following the Council for National Security's decision to lift martial law in 41 provinces, including Bangkok. Other provinces, including those in the far South and most of the North and Northeast, are still subject to military restrictions. Gen Boonsrang said Washington's decision reflected the improving sentiment of the international community towards Thailand, particularly the US, now that the country was heading towards democracy, with the new charter being drafted and elections to be held soon. This year's operation, which is the 26th Cobra Gold exercise, will be carried out from May 8-18. Following the Sept 19 coup, Washington immediately suspended military cooperation and cut US$24 million (902 million baht) in military aid, including over 50 scholarships for military studies and training. US law forbids assistance to the government of a country where an elected leader has been deposed in a coup. The number of US soldiers taking part in the drill this year had not been confirmed, Gen Boonsrang said, adding the number might not be as high as the tens of thousands that normally join. Thailand and the US have been holding the exercise since 1982. Singapore has also been a regular participant in the exercise since 2000 but sends only a small number of troops. Last year 21 nations were invited to observe the exercise.

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Election'to be' on schedule - IS?

BANGKOK, February 13, 2007 (TNA)

Thailand's military Council for National Security (CNS) has expressed its confidence that the nation's next general election will surely be held on schedule within this year and insisted that all its members will not play politics before or after stepping down from power. Speaking to reporters after the CNS meeting Tuesday, CNS spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd disclosed that the meeting chaired by Council chairman and army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin discussed the timeframe of the new constitution drafting, which the CNS has closely coordinated with both the Constitution Drafting Assembly and the Constitution Drafting Committee. Progress has been done respectively with regard to the drafting process, and all CNS members are satisfied and confident that the draft will be complete and the general election will be held late this year as scheduled, said Col Sansern. Despite speculation of efforts to dump the charter draft in the referendum , the spokesman said, any fault lines that the process might encounter will be resolved by procedures already in place. Col. Sansern reaffirmed the military council will not intervene in the drafting of the new constitution, but will voice its opinion when the draft is complete as the Council is one of the bodies obliged to review it at that time. The CNS spokesman also insisted that no CNS members intend to enter politics or perpetuate their power through either politicians or political parties when stepping down. "The CNS has no desire to join with any political parties, no matter today or in the future," Col. Sansern said. Nonetheless, he said, if any military officers enter the political arena after their retirement, it's up to each individual to decide, but they must comply with the democratic rule and mechanism.

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Amy tells the press what she was wearing inside. That is, after telling them what she was not. According to one Thai casting agent whose comments appeared on a Thai language blog, Amy had come to him before to obtain acting roles but had instead been hired elsewhere. The agent said he advised Amy back then that to get a top part you have to improve your acting skills so you can play in any role - but that she didn't listen to him. He also said that Amy did have a great figure. Bra & Panties Were On... From Manager Online 11 February 2007 12 February 2007 the Korat Post Thai phenomenon Amy Sothiros Suriyawongse hurried to a media session to bury exposure seen 9 February 2007 at this year's Korat-based National Film Association awards. Apparently Amy was a bit underdressed by prudish Thai standards and the press played it up for all to read and hear. "I was unruly when I was younger, but I am not going to disappoint my parents anymore." the starlett said while reassuring the Thai public that she had indeed been appropriately dressed. Altough not readily visible in the photo Amy brought inner clothing she claimed she had worn (both for 'the top' and 'the bottom', underneath the revealing outfit. However, one observer commented, just where the 'top' and 'bottom' were hiding must be the designer's secret. Although sex, marital infidelity, corruption, loose morals and unethical behavior are officially frowned upon in Thailand, personal latitude is extensive. Peer pressure in Thailand comes down like a hammer on those who deviate from the illusion, but it doesn't stop the deviations themselves. Adding further confusion during the press conference, however, Amy admitted to telling the press before that she was not wearing underclothes. Why did she say this? Amy replies, "To help the media." Well, it helped...

Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, at Suranaree University of Technology 12 February 2007. He presided over a multi-group meeting on the Korat-based SEA Games 2007 scheduled for 6-15 December 2007. Photo by the Korat Post.	Games are on! SEA Games Coordination 12 February 2007 the Korat Post At a large meeting today, 12 February 2007 at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), various committee and subcommittee members engaged in planning for the SEA Games provided views and updates on facilities and steps being taken to ensure readiness for this December's events, many of which will be held at the new $65 million sports comlex on Pakthongchai Road in Korat. Korat local PR has been under quiet press criticism for not disseminating information already, in Thai or English. Check our SEA Games link for additional details soon.

We got the logo not from the Thai Olympic Committee or Korat PR office, but from Wikipedia... Logo - but from Wikipedia! SEA Games Coordination 'Bizarre' 8 February 2007 the Korat Post We telephoned several SEA Games 2007-related agencies yesterday and today to obtain details about planning and execution of this important event scheduled for 6-15 December 2007. Thailand's Olympic Committee office, when we asked where we can find some English language information about SEA Games 2007, replied, "Go find it on Google!" To date Korat's own Public Relations office has not sent us one item on this event - everything has to be pried open with a crowbar. As well, although some government agencies have been working with staff for English guides and information for the event, again we have not been advised, consulted with or informed. With planning like this, trepedations may be in order.

Thaksin's So-Called Democratic Election

8 February 2007
the Korat Post

For those who are a bit unclear about how Thaksin Shinawatra won big in the April 2005 'democratic' elections, look at the photo above, taken in Nong Kae Chang Community, meung district, Korat just before elections. Rather than being given a fair presentation of democratic choices they had, voters were encouraged strenuously to vote for Thai Rak Thai. Local officials colluded with the foray. Note the Thai Rak Thai logo on the main banner and on a poster inside the community building. No other political party logos were present, and many vehicles parked nearby had TRT logos and/or their drivers were wearing TRT jackets. All this was coordinated by compliant local officials doing the bidding of Thai Rak Thai to ensure election success. Voters never had a chance in 2005.

A near-hypoberlic-paraboloid-type roofline accentuates Korat's new sports comlex's bicycle track. Inclines exceeding 45 degrees discouraged the photographer.

$65 Million Starts to Show Sports complex takes shape 7 February 2007 the Korat Post Thanks to a telephone call to Khun Bancha, Korat's Director of Sports, we finally got access to the new sports complex being built just off thePakthongchai highway near Liptapanlop Park. Although one source indicated that there may be a two month or so delay to the previously expected June 2007 completion date, it seems as if there is a lot more than four month's work remaining.

"I'll Be Back" ?

BANGKOK, February 3, 2007 (TNA)

Polls in Thailand indicate that the Thai public is wearying of military rule, says Time magazine, and with government missteps relating to capital controls and the Foreign Business Act, according to the news magazine, the Council for National Security "is looking less than bullet-proof." In a cover story which may serve to give the exiled former prime minister more positive international media attention than he ever received when he was in office, Time, the American weekly news magazine, this week gave Thaksin Shinawatra five pages of coverage in its February 12 issue, which hit newsstands in Bangkok on Friday. "Staying POWER," was the headline. The report was introduced with a cover text "Thaksin Shinawatra just wants to take it easy. But even in exile, Thailand's deposed leader still looms over his country's political landscape." The lead article opened humourously. "My new party will be called the Enjoy Life Party," Time quoted Mr. Thaksin as saying in Tokyo on January 25 – almost in the same breath as "I'm calling it quits". Describing his new party's platform as "Playing golf, travelling, relaxing, meeting friends," (Time said Mr. Thaksin was joking), "Don't be too serious about life," Time further quotes the deposed leader as saying. Describing the ex-leader as a 57-year-old billionaire, surrounded by doting aides "who still call him 'Your Excellency,'" ex-PM Thaksin is not convincing as a retiree. Thaksin's shadow "is enough to cause jitters among Thailand's ruling junta," Time states. The exile himself says that "Poor people are not important for the new government," and "if general elections were held today, Thaksin might very well win, courtesy of a silent majority rising up from their paddies and mountain villages." "Thailand's unelected generals fear the spectre of the exiled leader," according to the Time assessment. Quoting Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, Time says that the Thai government is concerned that Mr. Thaksin, despite his loud disclaimer, "is not about to call it quits." "There was hardly any public outcry against the coup," commented Time Southeast Asia Bureau Chief Hannah Beech. Mr. Thaksin commented that the Thai people "are very disciplined. They are watching what [the new rulers] are doing, and when they will return democracy to the people. People's tolerance is limited," the ex-premier warned. Time says that the CNS is probing "52 cases of possible corruption or abuse of power" during Mr. Thaksin's premiership and may bring charges by the end of this month. Of course, Mr. Thaksin said he didn't do any of it and, "At any rate, corruption will not go away in Thailand—it's in the system." Alleged human-rights abuses, such as over 2,000 deaths in three months of Mr. Thaksin's 2003 war on drugs, "made many wonder whether the former police lieutenant-colonel had taken the law into his own hands." Last month the late Saddam Hussein was hanged for crimes against humanity in relation to 149 persons alleged to have died from the Iraqi dictator's abuse of power and of human rights. But, says Time, as Thailand's interim government "stumbles along, Thaksin seems content to adopt the role of happy retiree." He tells stories of sweet-talking "Thai massage therapists" working in his building in the Chinese capital for the necessary spices so he can cook omelettes and tom yum koong with real Thai taste. Is Thaksin coming back? "Thaksin and Thailand are not done with each other yet," Time concludes. It's not over until it's over.

Thai Army Again Accused of Torture in South

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AS-024-2007 February 2, 2007
(See Letter to the Editor)

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission THAILAND:

Emergency decree legalises torture chambers A group of soldiers took Muhamud Arming Usoh from near his home on 30 October 2006, as he returned from work at a rubber plantation. They didn't produce any arrest warrant or evidence, or tell him where they were taking him or why. The emergency regulations in force over the southern provinces didn't require this of them. At an unidentified army camp, they allegedly kicked and hit him in the face and over the head with a steel bar; burnt cigarettes onto his neck, chest, ear and genitals; and, smashed beer bottles across his knees. Where the physical torture ended the psychological abuse continued: Arming, a Muslim, was allegedly chained to a dog for the night, before being taken to a bigger camp the next day. After the week was up, he was handed to the police and charged with murder and firearms offences. While nobody knows the number of torture victims in the south of Thailand--most are too afraid to speak out--the Emergency Decree explicitly encourages military personnel to make and use torture chambers. This is by virtue of its section 12, that "Competent officials shall be empowered to arrest and detain suspects for a period not exceeding seven days. Suspects shall be detained in a designated place which is not a police station, detention centre, penal institution or prison and shall not be treated as a convict." The rationale for this section is that the person in question is being called to assist the army or police with their inquiries, and is not (yet) a suspect or an accused, so he should not be kept in jail or police custody. In practice, what it means is that soldiers and police are to set up ad hoc detention centres outside of conventional facilities and regulations. These are places that by their very nature are run beyond the ordinary functioning of law, where anything can be done without the scrutiny of other government agencies and officials, lawyers, human rights defenders and others. In short, they are torture chambers. The security forces in Thailand are well-known for their use of such places, sometimes euphemistically referred to as "safe houses". The Asian Human Rights Commission has received information and issued appeals on behalf of persons who claim to have been held and tortured by the police in private houses established for that purpose, sometimes to extract information, sometimes to get money, sometimes both. The UN Human Rights Committee in its 2005 report to the government of Thailand expressed concern about "widespread use of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees by law enforcement officials, including in the so-called 'safe houses'". It called upon the government to "guarantee in practice unimpeded access to legal counsel and doctors immediately after arrest and during detention", access to family members and "prompt and effective remedies to allow detainees to challenge the legality of their detention", incl uding by being brought before a judge. The emergency decree which has been in force since almost the same time as the UN committee gave its findings is an extraordinary step in the opposite direction because it has legalised what before was simply customary, and has removed even the limited safeguards that exist in police lockups and jails in Thailand. Those safeguards exist for the purpose of protecting detainees from abuse; in their absence, there can be nothing other than abuse. By ordering that conventional facilities not be used, and by mandating the use of other locations, the emergency decree is guaranteeing the use of torture, extrajudicial killing and forced disappearance, and allowing the perpetrators to hide behind multiple walls of anonymity and impunity. If anybody in Thailand wants a lesson on the consequences of running informal detention facilities, they need look no further than Sri Lanka. In the 1970s and 80s exactly the same methods were used there, also ostensibly to combat insurgency. The consequences were mass torture, killings and forced disappearances: at least 30,000 persons went through army camps and never came back. Arrest, detention at "designated places"--which also were not police stations or prisons--and torture were intrinsically linked, as they are in Thailand today. The 2001 final report of the official Commission of Inquiry into Involuntary Removal and Disappearance of Certain Persons (All Island) stated that out of "some 654 complaints by persons who had been involuntarily removed or unlawfully arrested and detained" that it had received "most of them complained of assault and torture while under detention" resulting in lasting psychological damage. As in Thailand today, what most enabled the abductions, torture and killings there was the dismantling of safeguards and the confusing of responsibility for detention among the police, military and other agencies. The continued application of the Emergency Decree over the southern provinces of Thailand makes nonsense of the government's pretensions to favour the rule of law. It is the rule of law inverted, the defiance of all principles upon which rational states are organised. It is a gross breach of international law that has rightly been described by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings as making it possible "for soldiers and police officers to get away with murder"; to which we can add, get away with arbitrary detention; get away with torture; and get away with forced disappearance. It will do nothing for the people of Thailand other than lead them further down the bloody road that the people of Sri Lanka have been led since two decades ago; a road from which there is no easy return. The government must lift the Emergency Decree over the southern provinces now, before it is too late, and end the legalisation of torture chambers in Thailand.