Thailand's House of Representatives President Sophon Saram has called for a revision of the country's drug laws to impose stricter penalties on repeat drug users, advocating for imprisonment over rehabilitation. This move comes amidst concerns that the current approach, which categorizes drug users as patients rather than criminals, may not effectively deter repeated drug use.
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Previously, Thailand enforced prosecution and imprisonment for drug possession based on the severity of the offense. In recent years, however, the government has shifted towards treating drug use with rehabilitation, arguing it is a more sustainable solution. According to the Narcotics Law of 2021, drug users are seen as patients, and rehabilitation rather than prosecution is emphasized to address addiction.
Under this policy, individuals caught with small quantities of drugs intended for personal use are encouraged to seek treatment voluntarily, avoiding legal prosecution. This approach distinguishes users from dealers, who face harsher penalties based on the amount of drugs in their possession.
Sophon visited Khu Mueang Hospital in Buriram on May 25, a state-run rehabilitation center, to discuss these issues with officials and drug users. Following the visit, he underscored the need for stricter legal measures due to the high rate of relapse among users who complete rehabilitation programs.
Sophon suggests reverting to earlier laws to impose jail time on those who relapse. He also plans to convene a parliamentary meeting with agencies involved in drug suppression, treatment, and rehabilitation to explore possible amendments to the drug laws. No date has been set for this meeting.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 26 May 2026
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