Rising Thai Youth Mental Illness Linked to Drug Abuse

Methamphetamine, cannabis, and kratom are identified as primary substances driving drug abuse among Thai youths, with mental health complaints linked to drug use reaching 77.44%. This was revealed at a recent forum organized by the Substance Abuse Academic Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) to promote community-led strategies for creating drug-free areas. The event underscored the efforts of local networks to combat drug abuse and support recovery through community-based initiatives.

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Pittaya Jinawat from ThaiHealth highlighted alarming statistics: over the past two years, Thailand reported 381,656 drug users with mental health issues, which is 39.35% of the 969,901 individuals receiving treatment. Additionally, 533,399 psychiatric patients have histories of substance abuse. Despite an overall decline in drug-related cases between 2022 and 2023, a report by ThaiHealth and Rocket Media Lab noted a spike in drug use, especially among the youth, due to the falling price of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine now costs as low as 30 to 50 baht per pill, equivalent to a single meal, which has made it easily accessible. The broader issue highlights social challenges requiring collaboration between governmental bodies and civil society. Strategies focus on community engagement to boost resilience and use local knowledge to create healthier environments.

Watcharapong Chumchuen from ThaiHealth pointed out new challenges, such as younger users and the increasing trend of mixing synthetic drugs with medicines like painkillers and antihistamines. These combinations are often purchased online for recreational use, posing risks to the nervous system and elevating the potential for psychiatric disorders. He emphasized that effective, long-term solutions lie in community-based prevention.

Pimolpan Chaloeyart shared how Ban Yang Nom village, once notorious for drug abuse, has successfully transformed. Formerly referred to as Naikhung, the area was so feared that it carried a local stigma. The community's turnaround serves as an example of how targeted efforts can significantly impact drug abuse and related issues.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 17 Apr 2026