Over the past week or so there has been a vigorous debate going on among New Mandala readers about the Thaksin’s government’s so called “war on drugs” (much of it in the 55 comments to this post). We welcome the debate on this crucially important issue. But there has been a significant amount of repetition in many of the recent posts. In particular, various perspectives on the king’s views on the matter have been widely and thoroughly canvassed. Other readers now have, I think, more than enough information to make up their own minds on what the king did, or did not, say.

Further comments on the “war on drugs” are encouraged. But we are looking for original contributions that provide new perspectives and insights into this crucially important issue. Re-statements of well rehearsed arguments are likely to fall foul of editorial discretion!