In response to press queries, Mr. Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on news reports concerning Amnesty International's study alleging that Thai security forces are systematically using torture and other ill-treatment on suspects in pursuing its counter-insurgency campaign. The gist of his comment is as follows:

• Amnesty International has only released the concerned report on 13 January 2009. It should be noted that Mr. Benjamin Zawaki who wrote the report admitted himself that he could not vouch for the veracity of all the cases stated in his report. It is, therefore, unwarranted to state in the report that torture is "systematic" in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand. Nevertheless, the Thai authorities concerned will study the said report in detail before deciding on what action to take.

• The Royal Thai Government does not condone in any way, any acts that constitute the use of torture in violation of our law and Constitution. Thailand is a state Party to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) since 2 October 2007. As such, Thailand is committed to the effective implementation of the obligations therein. All reported cases have been investigated without exception in accordance with the rule of law and the principle of impartiality and transparency.

• This is reflected by the ruling by the Narathiwat Provincial Court in December last year (2008) that officers were involved in the torture of Mr. Yapa Kaseng, the Imam who died in custody last year. The ruling clearly demonstrates the importance attached by the Royal Thai Government to justice and the rule of law and that it does not support a "culture of impunity". It also demonstrates that our judicial system is fair and impartial. Moreover, the verdict is in line with the Royal Thai Army's previously stated position that they will not help cover up any wrongdoing.

• The Royal Thai Government has also clearly declared that, as one of the urgent policies to be implemented, it will ensure that a stringent and just judicial process is used to deal with the problem in the Southern Border Provinces. Therefore, the use of torture is definitely against the government's policy.