ID :
107168
Wed, 02/17/2010 - 20:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/107168
The shortlink copeid
Narathiwat soldiers opt to use chopsticks instead of GT200 bomb detector
NARATHIWAT, Feb 17 (TNA) - Following the recent test results showing the poor accuracy of the controversial British-made GT200 bomb detectors, Thai security personnel stationed in Narathiwat's provincial seat on Wednesday began using chopsticks seeking for explosives possibly hidden in motorcycles.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva halted any future purchases of the GT200 bomb scanner after test results conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology showed that out of 20 trials, the device worked effectively only four times--20 per cent of the time--in detecting C4 explosives hidden at random.
As security operations in the southern border provinces continue, the GT200 bomb detector was replaced by chopsticks as security personnel carried out their mission at Bang Nak market.
The officials dipped a chopstick into the motorcycle's petrol tank searching for explosives which might have been hidden inside.
Head of the army security unit at the market, Petty Officer 1st Class Chamlong Naranongwaeng conceded that the unconventional method is considered a serious risk, but security personnel have no choice but to try to carry out their duty.
Fourth Army Region Commander Lt-Gen. Pichet Wisaijorn who oversees security in the southern border provinces asserted on Wednesday that the GT200 bomb scanner is still needed in the southern border provinces.
The commander said if the government wants the security officials to stop using the GT200 bomb detectors, there must provide a new device replacing them, such as the Fido explosives detector.
Meanwhile, the Working Group on Justice for Peace (WGJP) urged the government as well as security and justice agencies to immediately halt the use of GT200 and make efforts to acquire genuinely effective devices accepted and used at international level to replace it.
The group also asked the government and the army to provide compensation for innocent people who have previously been held in custody and arrested as a result of the use of the device.
The human rights non-governmental WGJP warned that security agencies claim that having the GT200 in use is better than having none will "eventually takes its toll on the lives of field officials and shall erode the confidence and trust local civilians have toward their attempts to address unrest in the South."
In response to the call, Prime Minister Abhisit said on Wednesday his government has clearly shown its responsibility by made the test result known to the public.
However, Mr Abhisit argued that the authorities have never relied on GT200 alone in taking legal action against any suspect, but it has been used as supplementary device in the authorities' operations.
"If anyone feels that he/she has been treated unfairly, they can lodge a complaint to a government committee in the insurgency-affected southern provinces, particularly on the abuse of power by state officials, the premier said.
Mr Abhisit added that he has instructed the army chief to come up with a new procurement plan to help facilitate local security personnel's field operations in light of GT200 inefficiency, but the new equipment must pass the test of the Ministry of Science and Technology before any purchase. (TNA)
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva halted any future purchases of the GT200 bomb scanner after test results conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology showed that out of 20 trials, the device worked effectively only four times--20 per cent of the time--in detecting C4 explosives hidden at random.
As security operations in the southern border provinces continue, the GT200 bomb detector was replaced by chopsticks as security personnel carried out their mission at Bang Nak market.
The officials dipped a chopstick into the motorcycle's petrol tank searching for explosives which might have been hidden inside.
Head of the army security unit at the market, Petty Officer 1st Class Chamlong Naranongwaeng conceded that the unconventional method is considered a serious risk, but security personnel have no choice but to try to carry out their duty.
Fourth Army Region Commander Lt-Gen. Pichet Wisaijorn who oversees security in the southern border provinces asserted on Wednesday that the GT200 bomb scanner is still needed in the southern border provinces.
The commander said if the government wants the security officials to stop using the GT200 bomb detectors, there must provide a new device replacing them, such as the Fido explosives detector.
Meanwhile, the Working Group on Justice for Peace (WGJP) urged the government as well as security and justice agencies to immediately halt the use of GT200 and make efforts to acquire genuinely effective devices accepted and used at international level to replace it.
The group also asked the government and the army to provide compensation for innocent people who have previously been held in custody and arrested as a result of the use of the device.
The human rights non-governmental WGJP warned that security agencies claim that having the GT200 in use is better than having none will "eventually takes its toll on the lives of field officials and shall erode the confidence and trust local civilians have toward their attempts to address unrest in the South."
In response to the call, Prime Minister Abhisit said on Wednesday his government has clearly shown its responsibility by made the test result known to the public.
However, Mr Abhisit argued that the authorities have never relied on GT200 alone in taking legal action against any suspect, but it has been used as supplementary device in the authorities' operations.
"If anyone feels that he/she has been treated unfairly, they can lodge a complaint to a government committee in the insurgency-affected southern provinces, particularly on the abuse of power by state officials, the premier said.
Mr Abhisit added that he has instructed the army chief to come up with a new procurement plan to help facilitate local security personnel's field operations in light of GT200 inefficiency, but the new equipment must pass the test of the Ministry of Science and Technology before any purchase. (TNA)
