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Discussion 1 : 15/10/2012 at 06:05 AM

Dickfarang, re D57, Icecream and cars also silent (or not so silent) killers. We presume you also want car dealers and icecream vendors imprisoned or executed without mercy. Right?

Discussion 2 : 14/10/2012 at 05:48 PM

Drug smugglers are silent murderers. I do not feel pity for them.

Discussion 3 : 14/10/2012 at 01:53 PM

For your information D53 I’m a foreigner and have a legal office with 16 Thai and 3 more foreign employees from 3 different countries and all but one are lawyers by profession and all my business friends most foreigner however from many different countries in the world doing legal business from huge developments to small businesses as bakery etc.; no one of them needs and would ever deal with drugs. Maybe the places you are visiting or staying are just the wrong one.

Discussion 4 : 14/10/2012 at 12:52 PM

Death penalty is inhumane and proved largely inefficient. Countries that choose to kill in the name of Justice are exposing their weakness, not their strength.

Discussion 5 : 14/10/2012 at 05:13 AM

bigzvimbaz Discussion 53 : the only white skins I know that work drugs via and in Thailand are connected with your military?

Discussion 6 : 13/10/2012 at 09:41 PM

How many white people do you see working a legitimate job in Thailand?...and those that do become teachers,they cant hold on to the jobs anyway coz most wouldn't know anything about teaching even if you shoved it up their a..s.The rest are broke tourists looking for easy cash.Whats easier than smuggling drugs into Thailand if you have a white skin.

Discussion 7 : 13/10/2012 at 06:45 PM

How many Africans do you see actually really working a legitamate job in Bangkok ?? Look around Sukhumvit soi 3-5-7-9-11...They are most times in a hurry..or being a watch-out. It would not be possible without somebody getting PAID..and who might that be ??

Discussion 8 : 09/10/2012 at 08:29 AM

Discussion 41: Your logic regarding drug smuggler's death sentence is illogical indeed. So as your comment/opinion about legalizing hard drugs without any supporting evidence from statistical report or facts. By the way, your assurance about "this popular recreational drug" does no harm when used in moderation, lead me to suspect that you might be a user yourself to be able speak with such conviction as if it's your first hand experience. Show me a specific or reputable document(s) on this drug or any other hard drugs that you commented as harmless when used recreational, then I might be persuaded and accept your opinionated argument as facts. As far as feeling sorry for a drug smuggler, men or women, I have none especially a residivist. Keeping your head straight, man, or maybe a woman and stop chastise khunbill without facts to support your argument.

Discussion 9 : 08/10/2012 at 10:38 AM

The laws should change for punishing smugglers. Do away with the death penalty not legalize hard drugs to save their lives

Discussion 10 : 08/10/2012 at 10:04 AM

I give up on this subject, I am amazed at how many commentors have expressed their support for legalizing all hard drugs. The story is about a young girl going to be executed not how we should legalize hard drugs.

Discussion 11 : 08/10/2012 at 09:31 AM

Legalizing drugs could be the answer to the problems; it would not eradicate drug use as there are losers und stupid one who think drugs are the solution (to their problems) but it would definitely eradicate the drug trade and the crime connected with and as there would be no money to make no one would be lured into using or carrying drugs and in the end we would have less drug problems as we have now. But since many people making a fortune from the illegal drugs including scrupulous business men, politicians, police, military and so on it might never happen.

Discussion 12 : 07/10/2012 at 07:57 PM

get the head and not the tail. nothing will change. 3 times been traveling to vietnam delivering drugs, life is so short. money is the root of all evil.

Discussion 13 : 07/10/2012 at 07:01 PM

Law and punishment must go hand-in-hand, otherwise, why it's not Law. Now, whoever is planning to smuggle drugs into Vietnam will have to think it over, whether it is worth his or her life or not. And I bet drugs' problem in Vietnam is a lot less serious than that in Thailand with our "Rubber Law, " which can be stretched, twisted, and turned in any directions imaginable, given that the money is right.

Discussion 14 : 07/10/2012 at 06:56 PM

To khunbill @ 42, who said "as far as legalizing all hard drug and saving money, that also doesnt make sense. The hospitals and treatment clinics would be over flowing with addicts overdosed users. Who's going to pay for that." If after decriminalisation there were more addicts needing treatment in hospitals, the money saved from the vast budget currently devoted to enforcement of the drug laws could be channelled into the health sector. I would estimate that 10% of that law enforcement budget would easily cover it, in any country in the world, and the rest of the money saved could go to good causes like education.

Discussion 15 : 07/10/2012 at 05:26 PM

reading this makes me so angry that there are so many ready to condemn this poor girl to death. remember judge not lest thou shalt be judged. and like everything in this part of the world the people who are truly at fault are never arrested. to all those who judge her i judge you, may your life turn to shit.

Discussion 16 : 07/10/2012 at 05:21 PM

I knew this was going to be blamed on some small time African crooks.You cant even call those desperadoes, gangs.Not only has this made it difficult for honest and hard working Africans to enter Thailand but worse it has made it easier for any other person who happens to be white to make a killing smuggling drugs.Just visit any border post and see how anybody with a white skin is treated.Its like they can do no wrong.At the same time you will see how honest Africans who happen to be teaching in Thailand are treated like trash and drug smugglers.They are letting in losers running away from the economic meltdown in Europe,people not interested in work because they are coming from countries were they were actually paid for not working before the whole thing blew up.Thailand would be surprised if they screened these white folks the same way they screened any other ethnic group.

Discussion 17 : 07/10/2012 at 05:13 PM

felix Your logic baffle me. How many moderate methanphatemine user are there out there. Not mamy. and yes i guess i am an ignorant about drug addiction since I have never been an addict. Do you speak from personal experience? It has been proven by doctors that a glass of wine a day is healthy for the heart, check that fact. Agree with abbub a joint would be far more safer and as far as legalizing all hard drug and saving money, that also doesnt make sense. The hospitals and treatment clinics would be over flowing with addicts overdosed users. Who's going to pay for that.

Discussion 18 : 07/10/2012 at 03:39 PM

khunbill, re D.38, You are also ignorant of basic facts about yaa baa and other drugs of addiction. They can be used in moderation with no harm to others. I assure you that the millions of Thai users of this popular recreational drug are NOT in the habit of running wild and murdering those nearby after swallowing a single pill. Your average alcohol user is as likely to run amok after a glass of red wine. Check the facts. It would help society far more, and save a fortune whilst reducing corruption, to legalise all drugs and treat those who want help with their addictions whilst severely punishing those who actually murder, rape, steal and otherwise actually harm others.

Discussion 19 : 07/10/2012 at 02:38 PM

OldThai Hand D6.... While I agree with you the death penalty is barbaric, why do you leave out Thailand? Do you not know Thailand has a death sentence for drug-related crime? I think this case can serve a higher purpose. Think of the fat this particular case involves a young woman we feel a certain compassion for. Well...anybody sentenced to death will have other people feeling compassion and sorrow for him or her too. BARRY W D8 is absolutely right alcohol and tobacco kill fare more people than any drugs do, even hard drugs. But they are of course making money for rich socially accepted millionaires and that will not be touched. Personally I would rather see my people lighting up an occsional joint than drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. If...that is...it were legal.

Discussion 20 : 07/10/2012 at 02:26 PM

eg: in germny, if caught for the first time with a kilo you might get everything from parole up to two years in (german) prison. with three k's you probably can't avoid jail time, but they will get you the chance to learn a proper profession on taxpayers money. so you smuggle it to germany (but take care, NOT to france) , you get a better price and and the punishment is more like an educational leave.

Discussion 21 : 07/10/2012 at 02:22 PM

felixqui Think you're getting a little carried away with you analogies and comparisons. Whether you agree or not, alcohol and ice cream are not illegal regardless of their results. Alcohol and ice cream in moderation can be harmless..... never heard of a meth freak using in moderation

Discussion 22 : 07/10/2012 at 02:22 PM

Yes she committed a crime no question but I believe death penalty is just too much; some time (years) in jail should be enough and maybe she could contribute something to society later on. What embarrasses me that in all those countries they never get the big guys only the mules and if this will not change nothing will change.

Discussion 23 : 07/10/2012 at 02:12 PM

I blame Thai immigration and the police for this pending execution. If they both did their jobs correctly, there would be no Nigerians in Bangkok and this girl would not be in the spot she's in now.

Discussion 24 : 07/10/2012 at 01:52 PM

I just realised she was paid 50,000 baht! I'd thought it was $50,000. One must be desperately poor to risk one's life for 50,000 baht. The average bar girl in Nana or Patpong makes at least that much a month - and spends it as fast as she can. And how many hi-so rich kids used the very same drug that she is to die for?

Discussion 25 : 07/10/2012 at 01:50 PM

It is surely opportune to point out that according to international law (as interpreted by the UN Human Rights Council) the death penalty may apply only for premeditated homicide, not for drug crimes. Firstly, the Government of Thailand should immediately abolish the death penalty for drug crimes, and then impress the principle on other members of ASEAN. Do it now, and urgently. Then take the responsibility to save our fellow citizen from unjust execution. The death penalty is not the solution to drug crimes!

Discussion 26 : 07/10/2012 at 01:34 PM

Drug kills, and that is what this young woman have learned the hard way, but that’s the name of the game. She knew she was doing something wrong, very wrong. Death penalty NO THANK YOU, but sometimes needed. Statue an example. Please do not underastiment the court, they have a rough task, but somebody has to do it….Sorry…

Discussion 27 : 07/10/2012 at 01:08 PM

khunbill, re D29. So too is alcohol "a nasty drug that ruins peoples lives and usually some other crime is associated with it" - especially violence and murder, but also spending family money on the habit. And icecream is a major contributor to the rising obesity epidemic "that ruins peoples lives" cuases early deaths, breaks up families, and so on. On your logic, not only alcohol producers and dealers would have to be criminalised (I believe the US has tried this), but also ice cream sellers and Coke Cola - something I believe the mayor or New York is now moving towards.

Discussion 28 : 07/10/2012 at 01:03 PM

bkk-farang, re D28. My logic is fine. Yours fails. If the banker's money laundering cleans profits from child abuse, then she is guilty of a serious crime. If the money laundering is for profits of alcohol or heroin dealing to consenting adults with no harm to others, how can that be wrong?

Discussion 29 : 07/10/2012 at 12:58 PM

I see compassion is not much to the fore from some of the BP readers. I feel saddened for both her and her family.

Discussion 30 : 07/10/2012 at 12:43 PM

disc#25 To answer your question "does anyone see anything seriously evil" Smuggling hard narcotics into another country that outlaws drugs such as methamphademines is serious. Evil I think is wrong choice of words. Meth is a nasty drug that ruins peoples lives and usually some other crime is associated with it. The death penalty is absurd and the only evil is the death penalty.

Discussion 31 : 07/10/2012 at 12:36 PM

@felixqui #25: Sorry, your logic here does not work. Let’s take another example: Maybe a banker provides the service of money laundering for criminals (choose your worst criminal activity). To quote you “(S)he has provided a service freely requested by consenting adults”. Do you think this banker would have done something illegal? Should (s)he be punished?

Discussion 32 : 07/10/2012 at 12:26 PM

Good, show the hard way for this drug dealers!! No Mersey!!

Discussion 33 : 07/10/2012 at 12:23 PM

Klauss, re D20. Icecream and alcohol, as much as heroin and yaa baa, destroy and harm individuals and society. Are you proposing that icecream sellers be executed along with sellers of the addictive drug alcohol?

Discussion 34 : 07/10/2012 at 12:20 PM

What has she done? She has provided a service freely requested by consenting adults. She has not directly or intentionally harmed anyone. It is exactly (not similar to, but exactly) the same as what doctors, cleaners, prostitutes and teachers do. And she is being killed by a state? Does anyone see something seriously evil here? Does anyone not see something seriously evil here?

Discussion 35 : 07/10/2012 at 12:09 PM

Willing to pay the ultimate price (death) to achieve the ultimate thrill is commonly accepted by those participating in "extreme sports". Tell me, where is the thrill in drug running ???

Discussion 36 : 07/10/2012 at 11:52 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, but isnt the death penalty the same in Thailand for the same crime she commited. I blame the Nigerian drug, guns and trafficing gangs that Thailand and Cambodia let parade through immigrations. The death penalty is outrages but as the old saying goes "do the crime do the time" anyone should know better that Asia is not the place to be smuggling drugs. I do feel sorry she got sucked in by those thugs

Discussion 37 : 07/10/2012 at 11:40 AM

It wasn't cleared from the news, if the Nigerian FORCED her to be a drug mule for them. Only that she did this before for a certain amount of money. She hasn't physically murdered someone but she assisted in a slow death to many who took the drug she smuggled into Vietnam. I'm sad for her family but not sorry for her as she was a repeated offender. Thailand has a death penalty for capital punishment by shooting, and has many addicts as well. Vietnam method is more humane, civilised or not. It's hardly a detererent because there always be desperate prople who'll do desperate deed. I guess it becomes news because it's a young woman (as discussion 13 commented)who committed a crime on foreign soil. If it's a young man, perhaps there won't be a space for him on the newspaper.

Discussion 38 : 07/10/2012 at 11:36 AM

Drug kills and destroys families. One drug dealer less makes the world a better place. Sorry, no sympathy for this girl from my side.

Discussion 39 : 07/10/2012 at 11:32 AM

What she did was wrong of course. But taking someones life is wrong too. Death penalties don't solve any problem. Imagine she wouldbe your daughter. She is not evil, just stupid.

Discussion 40 : 07/10/2012 at 11:23 AM

"Some of them had married citizens of African countries and were forced to become involved in the trans-national drug trade, officials say." First of all I m sorry for the girl, but secondly, why would the africans force girls to smuggle drugs, when so many girls do it willingly? Thailand should stop believing that all it's citizens are law abiding people who would never break the law unless forced by a foreigner. Quite a few people both in Thailand and the rest of the world actually choose on their own to break all kinds of laws in order to enrich themselves :-)

Discussion 41 : 07/10/2012 at 11:02 AM

Thailand where the rich rape and pillage the countried finances on a daily basis and get away with it, the poor, due to lack of education, pay for their mistakes with their lives. Something is seriously wrong with this.

Discussion 42 : 07/10/2012 at 10:47 AM

D15 heartie - The article said she smuggled the drugs into Vietnam from Benin, so she would not have gone through customs in Thailand.

Discussion 43 : 07/10/2012 at 10:29 AM

The death penalty is barbaric, pure and simple, for ANY offence in any country in the world. For all the hang 'em and flog 'em brigade so prevalent amongst expats, name one CIVILISED country which still uses it. And yes, I include parts of the US.

Discussion 44 : 07/10/2012 at 10:13 AM

How did she manage to bypass the inspections at the Thai airport to begin with? You know, if those people had done their jobs properly, she would have never made it to Vietnam where she's facing the death penalty.

Discussion 45 : 07/10/2012 at 10:00 AM

The Buddha taught that it was wrong to kill ... anything. But of course, Vietnam is an officially atheist country with little respect even for its own citizens' lives. Her only hope now is that Thailand might arrange a prisoner swap and bring her home to live in a prison. Somehow I doubt the Thai government will do anything about this. They won't even do anything to stop the Nigerian drug dealers in Bangkok. Visit the Asoke area after 2am some morning and watch them plying their trade!

Discussion 46 : 07/10/2012 at 09:59 AM

Imagine a pretty girl would have duped a 24 year old Nigerian man into smuggling drugs and he would face the death penalty. I wonder how many people would speak out for him – probably nobody because this would not even be in the news, not even on page 20.

Discussion 47 : 07/10/2012 at 09:57 AM

This girl knew the risks and was a repeat offender. All she was interested in was the money she could make. At the same time, it's a strange world that bans these drugs yet allows virtually unlimited use of alcohol, which causes infinitely more deaths through mis-use, illness, accidents and drink-induced violence. Of course, the tax is a gigantic money-maker for governments, so that's okay.

Discussion 48 : 07/10/2012 at 09:52 AM

Death penalty is barbaric but it's also a sign of immaturity and weakness from the nation who choose to use it.

Discussion 49 : 07/10/2012 at 09:35 AM

Countries that impose the death penalty for drug offences, such as Vietnam and Malaysia are barbaric and uncivilized. Prison time and re-habilitation is what's called for in this case.

Discussion 50 : 07/10/2012 at 09:34 AM

It is well known yes many people want and need money for various reasons,here in Thailand it is well known you smuggle drugs into Vietnam its death sure. Now i feel sorry for this lady very sorry indeed but this is life,hard as it is you take that chance to make 50,000 baht by a Nigerian drug gang you take big risk,Really they were paying her little if you compare it to the price of the drugs she smuggled.As i said i feel very sorry for this lady but if your going to play this game of smuggling drugs you have to be prepared to be caught and then pay the price the risks are high. Had she not been caught there would have been no story to tell. But remember drugs destroy lives not only for those who use them but sadly so sadly for this young lady also and the Nigerian drug gangs they are gone A tragic story indeed

Discussion 51 : 07/10/2012 at 09:09 AM

Should be looking at the root cause, the hoochies from Soi 3 that are giving nothing to society here except drugs and misery. As usual the Old Bill does nothing as it is obviously paying well I hope she gets her sentence commuted as although I believe in the death penalty she does not deserve it for being greedy and stupid

Discussion 52 : 07/10/2012 at 07:46 AM

Third time lucky... I feel sorry for the girl, but seriously, do some people never learn? Rather make a quick buck by smuggling drugs than doing an honest day's work. I can't really say that disagree with harsh punishment although I don't think capital punishment is a good deterrent.

Discussion 53 : 07/10/2012 at 07:37 AM

Sad to see her die since the death penalty is far too severe a punishment considering the nature of the crime. She gets death while the liquor and cigarette industries operate as legit businesses. Still, there really is nothing mitigating about this particular case that warrants anything less than the standard sentence, and if she were a male, I doubt very much this story would receive the attention it has.

Discussion 54 : 07/10/2012 at 06:45 AM

Very sad such a young life wasted.

Discussion 55 : 07/10/2012 at 06:39 AM

This is a tragically ugly business. In this case, the drug smuggling appears to have been done for mainly profit. For some reason, judging from the plentiful supply of drugs and the frequent stories of capturing couriers with huge supplies, Thailand seems to have more than it's share of suppliers and protection from high officials. The tragedy in all of these cases of death sentences handed out is that it won't make one bit of difference in the trade. The people at the top seldom get caught and less often are punished. My real resentment are the stupid, weak people who think that life doesn't provide enough for them and believe that drugs will provide excitement or whatever else they feel their dead end lives are lacking. Their pathetic weakness is costing so many lives and ruining so many others that those are the ones that can live in the hell they create for themselves, or, hopefully, the one authorities can can create for them.

Discussion 56 : 07/10/2012 at 05:45 AM

Why waste the life of a young woman who was clearly manipulated as a pawn in a larger game? Nigerian drug gangs operate openly in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. But the the highest risk operations are passed off onto gullible young women who are seen as expendable by the gangs. Perhaps law enforcement officials should protect their citizens by doing something about the obvious problem of gang related drug smuggling, and not wait until wayward young women are killed in the name of the law.

Discussion 57 : 07/10/2012 at 05:34 AM

If Thai Laws are as strict as other countries's Thailand would not have the problems it is facing now. The criminals go free. If they know some one or pay enough to get away with murder. How many Thai citizen must die because they break the laws in other countries? and how many criminal Thais and non Thais could get away because the thai court could be bought?

Discussion 58 : 07/10/2012 at 03:28 AM

Vietnam executes criminals with lethal injections, which replaced the firing squad last year. How civilized!