Executions don't heal

Postbag

Published: 14 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

In response to the letter from Anthony Burnette in Friday's ''PostBag'', ''Killers deserve no pity'', yes, the victims of murder do have the right to life. However, the opinions expressed by Jose Ramos-Horta against capital punishment in his piece published by the Post last Wednesday cannot be construed as denying this right. Those who propose that capital punishment is not a solution for crime also believe that death cannot undo murder nor serve as a real reparation for the bereaved.

In a talk given recently in Bangkok, Toshi Kazama, Asia programme director of Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights, described his work with the families of murder victims. He says that in their initial anger and hurt, family members generally favour the execution of the murderer. However, in his long work with the families, he has observed the gradual realisation that the death of the murderer won't lessen their grief. Over time they discover that healing comes with pardon and acceptance. The punishment, but also the rehabilitation, of the perpetrators of violence are essential.

Mr Kazama is not just a spectator of grief, he speaks from experience, as he was the victim of a vicious attack which left him in a coma and which many years later still affects his health.

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bern1005
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Discussion 10 : 15 Oct 2012 at 13.1610
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WHAT'S IN A WARRANT?
Even if our government wanted to extradite Thaksin (which they do NOT)
few governments would reject his claim that the conviction was politically
motivated (it is a sad fact that ALL Thai politicians are corrupt but only
the ones with even more powerful political enemies ever get convicted).
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geoffo
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Discussion 9 : 14 Oct 2012 at 19.009
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The main Thai national monument is globally recognized as a major scamming site and all Thais from Yingluck on down just do not care.

That is the real shame.
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lungstib
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Discussion 8 : 14 Oct 2012 at 13.298
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I was once lucky enough to work with tour groups in the Oriental Hotel, probably the most famous hotel in Bangkok. Sadly the gem touts constantly worked this area and caused problems for my customers. I asked the Hotel why they didn't take more positive action about these scammers and was told that they are too influential to touch. If the Oriental cant shift them who can?
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crescent
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Discussion 7 : 14 Oct 2012 at 11.467
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Extraditable Mango,

To arrest T and send him back to Thailand because the judiciary branch has issued an arrest warrant, the executive branch, I,e, government via the police, has to submit a request to the country he is staying now. What is the likelihood of that happening? A big zero!
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Renaissance
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Discussion 6 : 14 Oct 2012 at 11.046
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The Grand Palace scam has been going on for decades now. We all know why the Police has not put an end to the scam, but what has the TAT got to gain from allowing it to persist? Or gas the TAT been told to allow it to carry on perhaps?
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kena
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Discussion 5 : 14 Oct 2012 at 09.095
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Most tourist do prior internet searching on countries they plan to visit. Yet some don't, and some scams are not published online. Travelers should not be required to in-depth searching about potential scams, rip-offs and extortions (most notably, by jet ski renters). The bigger responsibility is with law enforcement (shutting down scammers) and TAT (clear warnings) - who are not doing their jobs.
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mr.meldrew
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Discussion 4 : 14 Oct 2012 at 08.574
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Danthong Breen, nice letter but it is about the view of just one person. Many are happy that those who have caused such pain and sadness to their and their loved ones are put to death.
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bubbs
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Discussion 3 : 14 Oct 2012 at 08.573
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Execitions do not heal, but lets look at some nice people who live out their time at the taxpayers expense. Ian Brady, Myra Hindley, Peter Sutcliffe, Neilsen, milosovic, Taylor.
All great people who deserve a second chance??????????????
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whatajoke
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Discussion 2 : 14 Oct 2012 at 08.192
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It's a shame we have to accuse Hijacked Ann of being wrong for not reading the guidebooks beforehand when in fact this scam has been raised countless times over the years, yet somehow TAT and the police have not managed to put their heads together and find a solution that isn't so notoriously damaging to the country's reputation of ripping off guests.
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dao
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Discussion 1 : 14 Oct 2012 at 03.061
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Maybe for those who dont vacation by guide book they could put up a sign saying beware of scam artists in front on the Grand Palace .Maybe they could even arrest the people who are looking top damage to Thailands reputation by scamming them in front of the biggest landmark in the country . I,m waiting TAT.
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Executions don't heal | Bangkok Post: opinion