Narcotics Control Board Expresses Concern Over Drug Smuggling Situation

[Jai Dee]

ONCB Secretary-General expresses concern over narcotic situation

The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Mr. Kitti Limchaikit (กิตติ ลิ้มชัยกิจ), has expressed concern over narcotic situation, urging officials to tighten up security so as to prevent drugs from being smuggled into the country.

ONCB Secretary-General has received reports stating that over 5 million pills of narcotics are waiting to be smuggled into Thailand. However, he says drug now are stored in neighboring countries, where Thailand has no authority to suppress drugs in foreign lands.

Thailand is currently cooperating with neighboring countries to help suppress and prevent drug shipments.

Mr. Kitti says the difficulty in drug shipments have led to a rise in the price of drugs. As a result, drug dealers have been resorting to armed forces to prevent its illegal goods from being taken away by authorities.

He indicates the confrontation between state authorities and drug dealers will be more violent.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Crackdown against methamphetamine abuse is on

Methamphetamine abuse in Bangkok and other urban centres is on the rise and the Narcotics Control Board will launch a crackdown between now and September.

Board deputy secretary-general Chartchai Suthiklom said yesterday that a change in supply routes from the North to the Northeast had been detected.

Drug Prevention and Suppression Centre director and Defence Minister General Boonrawd Somtas heard yesterday that anti-narcotics efforts had reduced the volume in circulation during Songkran.

This included methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine and designer drugs, Chartchai said.

Almost 261,000 methamphetamine tablets were seized in April. That is a third of the haul in March. Most - 57 per cent - is brought into Thailand via Northeast borders whereas smugglers had used the North for eight of 10 shipments previously.

More than 700 kilograms of marijuana smuggled from Laos via Nong Khai and Mukdahan were seized in April - an increase on March. Heroin seizures in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai totalled almost eight kilograms - down substantially on the 35 kilograms seized the previous month.

Two kilograms of cocaine were confiscated from a Peruvian smuggler stopped while entering Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chartchai added.

Drug-related arrests and seizures in urban areas are on the rise, accounting for 43.5 per cent of all cases. Those in Bangkok accounted for 22 per cent of the total.

Drug-related cases in the deep South were 9 per cent of the total - a reduction on 12 per cent in March.

Chartchai said drug-related offences were reported in three-quarters of the provinces. In March there were cases in 67.5 per cent of provinces.

Authorities have put 28 provinces on their blacklist, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Narathiwat and Yala.

There will be a combined board and police crackdown on methamphetamine abuse in Bangkok starting this month and running until September.

Yesterday's meeting heard that militants in the deep South were abusing a mixture of cough syrup and Kratom leaf, or Mitragyna speciosa, as a stimulant ahead of insurgent action.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Policemen urged to bring narcotic dealers to justice

Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner General Wongkot Maneerin (วงกต มณีรินทร์) has urged policemen from all levels to bring narcotic dealers to justice.

Police General Wongkot reports a comeback of narcotics penetrating into the Thai market again, especially ice and amphetamine in entertainment places, while youths are the target group of narcotic dealers. He remarks drug dealers have tried to smuggle more narcotics in each trip.

In addition, anti-money laundering laws will be applied to seize properties of drug dealers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Surin provincial police report rampant narcotic activities

The Commander of the Surin Provincial Police report that narcotic activities are still endemic in the province.

Surin Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Boonlert Chaipradit (บุญเลิศ ใจประดิษฐ) revealed that the narcotic situation in the province is still active, despite the efforts of authorities in suppressing drug dealers, especially in amphetamine sales. Pol Maj Gen Boonlert report that the Surin muang and the Kab Cherng districts are high risk areas, due to their proximity to the Thai Cambodian border. Officials have been urged to remain vigilant in suppression efforts.

The Surin Provincial Police Commander said that narcotic related arrests would occur each month, with 38 arrests being made in April, the majority of addicts being amphetamine users.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

4th Regional Police Deputy Commander wants border officers to crack down on narcotics

The Fourth Regional Police Deputy Commander, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaweeporn Namsathien, urges police officers along Thailand's borders to clamp down on narcotics and illicit material smuggling.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaweeporn yesterday (Jun 4) visited villages in Mukdahan province to inspect border conditions in the northeastern region of Thailand. He instructed local officers in Loei, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces to monitor for drug and human trafficking..

Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaweeporn added that narcotics is a national isue, which cannot be solely handled by the state, and necessitates public cooperation. Border residents are especially encouraged to report on possible illegal activities to authorities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 June 2007

[yaketyak]

After decades of various countries trying to combat the use of drugs by its citizens , we are today no furthur advanced , if anything more people have access to them and are using them.

Does make you wonder why SO much money is expended on trying to fight a battle they clearly cannot win. That money could be better used elsewhere. Why don't they just pull the plug , educate everyone better on the dangers , and then let them get on with it. The world will still keep spinning i'm sure

[soundman]

After decades of various countries trying to combat the use of drugs by its citizens , we are today no furthur advanced , if anything more people have access to them and are using them.

Does make you wonder why SO much money is expended on trying to fight a battle they clearly cannot win. That money could be better used elsewhere. Why don't they just pull the plug , educate everyone better on the dangers , and then let them get on with it. The world will still keep spinning i'm sure

It's all about votes.....

Soundman.

[Mid]

It's all about votes.....

nope , follow the money ..................................

America .

Capitalism / Consumerism sure ain't gonna work if we're all sitting around contemplating life ............................

[soundman]

It's all about votes.....

nope , follow the money ..................................

America .

Capitalism / Consumerism sure ain't gonna work if we're all sitting around contemplating life ............................

Yes you are right. Votes equals power equals money in Thailand....

About those doing the contemplating. You can't make them get off their behinds to work. There will always be a percentage of the population that, if they can't take mind altering substances to distract the realities of every day living, will find other ways to be lazy.

Cheers,

Soundman.

[stoneman]

I am certainly not a fan of Toxin, but we spend a lot of time in northern and northeastern Thailand and everywhere we go, we hear the same thing.."The drugs are back in the villages." I do not agree with the methods used by Toxin to rid the country of 2,500 alleged drug dealers, and the villagers may not have approved, but condoned..

The people are saying..Toxin is gone and the drugs are back...Do not count the man out...

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sonthi says most narcotics are smuggled from the upper North

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says officials are able to deal with narcotics in the lower northern region of Thailand. However, he says officials in the upper North need to be more alert as many illegal drugs have been smuggled from other countries to this region.

Gen. Sonthi says officials have to keep a close watch in the northern border areas, especially in Tak and Uttaradit provinces. He says police, army and narcotics control officers are applying stringent measures against narcotics, but they have to continue to prevent them from spreading into the country.

Gen. Sonthi says most illegal drugs are smuggled into Thailand from the upper northern region, and inspections must be particularly intensive in the border checkpoints.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2007

[Robski]

Follow the money? Burma, Laos. It is the producers that are making the big bucks.

I agree in part about drugs making you contemplate the state of the nation, but with Methamphetamine I don't think you could rationally contemplate the state of your fingernails.

Perhaps there is corruption or conspiricy helping the supply within Thailand , but it is the producers that are pushing it in.

It may be a losing battle, and a 'war on drugs' is something I don't wholly believe in, but having your country awash with cheap Methamphetamine is not really an option.

[Mid]

Robski ,

not an argument with your post ,

however , big bucks ain't money if you follow ??

real money is uncountable .....................

[Robski]

No problem, I don't really follow though.

I would have thought that Methamphetamine would be quite cheap to manufacture, so the main profits would go to the producers.

The return may not be massive, Burma sure aint no Columbia, but in such a relitively poor region it may be enough money to gain a position of power or pehaps fund some nefarious enterprise.

I would say that Heroin and Opium are more associated with the 'dope for guns/power' image that is always somehow intrinsicly linked to the regional power, but what about Meth?, is it private enterprise or systematic planning that is producing the drug?

Edited June 9, 2007 by Robski

[Mid]

fair question to which I don't have the answer ,

my best guess is supply and DEMAND ................

[sunreader]

Isn't Yabba et al use widely prevalent amongst both police and military?

Yabba has yet to hit Europe in any great quantity...but a market awaits.

If there is big money to be made then those in the higher echelons will want to ensure they get a share...sure they have to be seen to be making the right moves with attempts to eradicate due to pressure from America/Europe etc...but when money is to be made...

[Jai Dee]

Kamphaeng Phet to held anti-narcotics campaign

The Deputy Governor of Kamphaeng Phet, Mr. Tavorn Kamnerd, chaired the meeting with the working body responsible for organizing a campaign against narcotics today (Jun 18) at Kamphaeng Phet City Hall.

The campaign will be held to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday on December 5th this year. At the event, participants will learn the dangers of narcotics. In addition, people can join football, petong and chess competitions as well as traditional music and drawing contests. They can also take part in the anti-narcotics slogan competition.

The campaign will be held in Kamphaeng Phet province of June 26th, 2007.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

2nd Army Area urges community participation in suppressing narcotics

The Second Army Area stressed that community participation will aid in preventing narcotics from proliferating in Thailand.

Second Army Area Commander Lt Gen Suchit Suthiprapa (สุจิตร สิทธิประภา) reported on Thailand's narcotic situation on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Lt Gen Suchit indicates that there remains a constant stream of narcotics smuggling in the northeastern region, especially along border areas. Civil Defence, police, and military officials are cooperating closely in suppressing narcotic smuggling and strengthening local communities in order to prevent drug usage.

The Second Army Area Commander urged community member to remain strong and participate in social projects, including youth camps, in order to prevent narcotics from proliferating. Community members are also asked to report suspicious incidents to authorities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Nan held campaigns against narcotics

In 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26th of every year as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

In Thailand, many anti-narcotics activities are being organized to educate people of the dangers from illegal drugs and their impacts on the society, especially youths who are the important force of the country in the future.

At Nan Panya Nukul School in Phu Phiang district of Nan province yesterday, Buddhist monks presided over the anti—narcotics campaign to educate local students about the dangers of drug abuse. Nan Panya Nukul School is a school for students who are mentally retarded or have difficulties in hearing. The school currently teaches 400 students from kindergarten to grade 11th.

Meanwhile in Nan Municipality, more than 2,000 students and public members joined the campaign to fight against illegal drugs yesterday. They joined the parade and marched along the main route of for about two kilometers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Surin province launches anti-narcotics campaign

Surin Governor Poonsak Pranutnorapan (พูลศักดิ์ ประณุทนรพาล) led more than 2,000 public members to take an oath to fight against narcotics yesterday morning (Jun 26) at the provincial city hall.

Mr. Poonsak presided over the opening ceremony of the anti-narcotics campaign today. The campaign has been launched to eradicate illegal drugs in the province and to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The campaign will educate people about the dangers of narcotics and their side effects. The ceremony was attended by the general public, including school and university students in Surin province.

Governor Poonsak together with the masses took an oath in front of His Majesty the King’s image, vowing not to get involved with narcotics and not to allow narcotics to spread to their family members and friends. They have also vowed to join hands and fight against the spread of illegal drugs for the good of the nation, and if they have followed the oath, they will lead a happy and prosperous life.

Following the oath-taking ceremony, the anti-narcotics parade was conducted. Many people dressed in fancy clothes carried signs and walked along different routes of Surin, campaigning people to fight against drugs and to follow His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy principle.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

4th ONCB reports increasing narcotics severity in northeastern region

The Fourth Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Board reports that the narcotics situation in the northeastern region has become more severe.

The Director of the Fourth Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Board Mr. Maitri Wiriya (ไมตรี วิริยะ) revealed that narcotics are resurfacing in the northeastern region of Thailand due to a shift in the smuggling route of narcotic operations from the northern region to the borders of the northeastern region. The majority of smuggled drugs are amphetamines, marijuana, and inhalants and the most favored method of transportation is through large groups of agents.

The Director of the Fourth Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Board reports that in order to prevent narcotics smuggling along border areas, authorities are promoting rigorous suppression operations. Provinces which officials will be monitoring closely include Nong Khai, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister for Interior views the officials and related agencies must join hand to prevent drugs spreading

The Deputy Minister for Interior, Mr. Banyat Chansena, indicated that all relevant agencies must cooperate to prevent drug trafficking.

Mr. Banyat yesterday (Jun 29) delivered the work policy to the local state agencies in Trat province and assessed the works in the province. He spoke about the spread of narcotics along the border provinces, saying all units must work speedily to eradicate illicit drugs from the society.

Mr. Banyat further said the local administrations and relevant units should focus at children and youths by enabling them to be immune from narcotics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

PMs advisor says narcotics can now enter Thailand from different regions

Gen. Wattanachai Chaimuenwong, the advisor of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, says the drug trafficking in Thailand has changed from the past. According to the premier’s advisor, illegal drugs were usually smuggled in northern Thailand. However, narcotics are entering the country from all sides.

Moreover, Gen. Wattanachai says narcotics have widely spread in the South. He adds that the drug dealers are also linked with the insurgents in the three southern border provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007