Execution of death row prisoners by lethal injection...

Execution of death row prisoners by lethal injection will begin in 2003 in Thailand.
Corrections Department chief Siwa Saengmanee said preparations were under way to introduce the new method of execution which would replace death by shooting.
Siwa said a medical team set up by Interior Minister Purachai Piumsombun was studying which chemicals should be used for executions.
A mixture of three drugs is usually used overseas: sodium thiopental, commercially known as sodium pentothal, which induces sleep; pancuronium bromide, which stops breathing; and potassium chloride, which stops the heart.
Siwa said Purachai also wanted the department to build a morgue and appoint a second team of doctors to verify the death of an executed prisoner.
He said 20-30 convicts would be executed by shooting this year with about 300 others on death row appealing against the death penalty.