Pallop Pinmanee

WAR ON DARK INFLUENCE - PM - Mafia is part of axis of evil.
20 June 2003
Bangkok Post

Wassana Nanuam

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says mafia types - whom he branded part of the "axis of evil" - should stop all illicit business by July 20 or face tough legal action including asset seizures.

He was speaking to 500 staff of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) yesterday. Isoc is to monitor the behaviour of influential people.

"I give them until July 20. If they do not stop, we will seize their assets and prosecute them because they are unusually rich, evade taxes and cause trouble to people," Mr Thaksin said.

He wants influential people to declare to authorities that they are behaving.

"I give them the chance to report that they will stop doing wrong.

"If they stop, we will not rake up their past because we want to create unity. I want an end. I don't want to hurt anyone," he said.

Putting an end to dark influence in society would ensure equal opportunities for people.

"I'd like to borrow the phrase of (US) President George Bush, that they are part of the `axis of evil'. They raise people's cost of living because people must pay them. They are also a cause of corruption," Mr Thaksin said.

The government has declared war on drugs, dark influence, corruption and illegal possession of war weapons.

Isoc deputy director Gen Pallop Pinmanee said three committees were scrutinising the draft list of mafia types before sending it to the prime minister.

Interior Minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha's committee compiled the list, which then went to Gen Pallop's committee headed by Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, and the third committee of Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana.

Gen Pallop said many soldiers were included on the Interior Ministry list.