The government's planned crackdown on some 6,000 "influential criminal figures" nationwide has inevitably revived the tragic memory of the notorious "war on drugs" launched in February 2003 by then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
For the first three months of the suppression campaign, about 2,500 alleged drug dealers died from "extra-judicial killings" inflicted by the police.
Among the dead victims, more than half had no connection whatsoever to drugs, according to a briefing paper of the International Harm Reduction Association and Human Rights Watch, released four years later. The paper was based on the findings of a special panel appointed by the Surayud Chulanont government.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who is in charge of security affairs, said a blacklist of these 6,000 "influential criminal figures" has been sent to authorities concerned.
He stressed the need to take action against these elements "no matter who they are and whatever their political affiliation".
It is an open fact there are many influential criminal figures, both civilians and government officials, who have been harassing, bullying, intimidating or harming innocent and defenceless people or who have plundered natural resources with apparent impunity.
The public in general will certainly welcome any sign these elements will be restrained, tamed or locked up behind bars. Our society will be a better and more liveable place if they are weeded out through legal means and justice.
But despite the good intention of the crackdown campaign, there must be concerns that human rights are not violated and innocent people will not be unfairly put on the blacklist prepared by the authorities. Moreover, the crackdown campaign must be transparent and accountable.
First of all, the preparation of the blacklist. What is the basis on which the authorities label anyone an "influential criminal figure"?
To be exact, what is the definition of an "influential criminal figure". Was the list double-checked or triple-checked to make sure that there is no foul play in the listing?
Foremost of all, those on the list should be given the chance to defend themselves.
Before any punitive actions are to be taken against them, they should be summoned or invited to see authorities and notified of their blacklisting.
In case there is incriminating evidence against any of them, punitive action must be taken immediately. If not, they should be sternly warned they will face action if they refuse to make amends.
Given the government's poor record of human rights violations and tendency to trample on free speech in the eyes of the international community and human rights organisations, it should tread carefully as it launches the crackdown.
More importantly, it must not repeat the same mistake made by the government of Thaksin with its "war on drugs", which earned the condemnation of the international community for its apparent random nature and brutality.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hit the nail on the head when he said the law-breakers must be punished.
But it will be a blessing for the public in general, particularly the weak and the defenceless, if he makes sure the lawbreakers -- the big fish and those in uniform -- do not escape scot-free, leaving behind the "small fry" to face punishment.