Deputy PM sidesteps on proposals to end death penalty

BANGKOK, June 22 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister/Justice Minister Prajin Juntong declined to comment on calls to end death penalty, saying he would sound out opinions from concerned authorities and general people. Reactions were mixed on the execution of a convicted murderer on Monday. The Justice Ministry would discuss the issue with police, prosecutors and other concerned officials, ACM Prajin said. He referred to the first execution in nine years in the country. Lethal injection was conducted on Theerasak Longji, 26, as he was convicted for stabbing a 17-year-old boy 24 times and robbing the victim of a mobile phone and money in Trang province in 2012. ACM Prajin also said that the government was trying its best to reduce narcotic demand and supply to curb the problem. The Narcotics Control Board, the Interior Ministry, security authorities and the Public Health Ministry were campaigning against illicit drugs and the campaigns focused on participation, he said. Asked about the latest warrant for the arrest of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the case of Krungthai Bank’s controversial 9-billion-baht lending for an affiliate of Krisda Mahanakorn Co, ACM Prajin said the Justice Ministry was a coordinator in the case while the Royal Thai Police Office took direct responsibility and would discuss the issue with the Interpol. (TNA)