Have previously blogged on GT200 “bomb detectors”, in reality they are just voodoo-like dowsing rod devices. After a BBC Newsnight investigation, the UK government has stated they will place limited export ban on such devices which would seem to include the GT200 device. The BBC has the UK government statement:

Tests have shown that the technology used in the ADE651 and similar devices is not suitable for bomb detection. As non-military technology it does not need an export licence, and we would not normally need to monitor its sale and use abroad.

However, it is clearly of concern that it is being used as bomb detection equipment. As soon as it was brought to the attention of the Export Control Organisation and Lord Mandelson we acted urgently to put in place export restrictions which will come into force next week.

We will be making an order, under the Export Control Act 2002, banning the export of this type of device to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The reason the ban is limited to these two countries is that our legal power to control these goods is based on the risk that they could cause harm to UK and other friendly forces.

BP: Unfortunately, for legal reasons they cannot extend the ban to include Thailand, but the Thai government should carefully consider the use of GT200 device given the UK government statement. The UK director of the company has been arrested on suspicion of fraud for misrepresentations over the device. Will the Thai authorities continue to use the GT200 devices? Will Ministers and high-level forensic officials in Thailand still stand by claims that the devices work?

btw, the BBC Newsnight article states:

The ADE-651 has been sold to a range of Middle Eastern countries and as far afield as Bangkok for eye-watering prices.

BP: As far as BP is aware, Thailand has only purchased the GT200, which is essentially the same, but just labeled with a different name so this is likely what the Beeb is referring to.