Kiwi charged in Bangkok could face the death penalty

AUCKLAND: A New Zealander could face the death penalty after being charged in a Bangkok meth bust.

New Zealander Isidor Rein (62) was detained on Sunday in Thailand after he allegedly received a briefcase with a secret compartment containing 2.060kg of crystal methamphetamine from a Nigerian man and Thai woman to take to New Zealand.

A top international aid lawyer says New Zealanders detained in jails overseas faced ‘‘immense stress and uncertainty’’ and potentially disastrous outcomes.

Founder and director of LawAid International Chambers, Craig Tuck, said that as more Kiwis travel overseas, the number who are running into trouble with the law was also growing.

Mr Tuck specialises in human rights cases and transnational criminal law and his group has represented clients or advised on cases across 15 countries including Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Peru, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom.

It is feared Rein could face the death penalty in Thailand, which is one of 58 countries that retain capital punishment.

The law in Thailand allows the imposition of a death sentence for 35 crimes, including drug trafficking — but rarely imposes it.

Kiwis detained overseas faced difficulties including language and cultural barriers as well as rule of law issues, Mr Tuck said.

‘‘The net result is that people feel alone, without voice or understanding of their predicament, detained in cramped dirty conditions with many others and subject to physical force.’’

Since 1935, Thailand has executed 326 people — the latest on June 18, this year. More than 510 there remain on death row. — NZME