Thai PM Launches National Offensive on Drug Crisis, Ponders Cannabis Reclassification

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, led an extensive high-level meeting earlier to address the pressing issue of drug use in the country. An agenda point of major significance was the potential re-evaluation of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic.

 

The roundtable discussion included key stakeholders, such as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, newly assigned Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, and Justice Minister Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong. Together, they engaged in strategic discussions about the country's drug predicament and the necessary-political action.

 

The foremost concern for Srettha is the looming drug issue within Thailand. He emphasised that drugs represent a matter of national importance warranting collective action spanning from grassroot to national governance.

 

While acknowledging the persistent endeavours by Thai law enforcement to resist drug trafficking and illicit substance use, Srettha highlighted the alarming level of drug usage within the nation. He attributed this prevalence to the continued operation of drug kingpins and local traffickers.

 

The leaders also steered discussions towards clarifying legal parameters around drug possession. Factors under consideration included the difference between addicts and dealers caught with illicit substances. Srettha called for a shift in the legal definition of possession from “a small amount” to “one pill of illicit substances”.

 

Drawing attention to the potent risks of drug use, Srettha cautioned that possessing even a single methamphetamine pill could land an individual in court. They risk fines and potential imprisonment unless they can substantiate their addiction status, failing which they could face charges akin to a dealer.

 

The official stressed the role of investigation officers in distinguishing between addicts and drug dealers. He added that joined efforts between the Justice and Public Health Ministries could improve drug treatment efficacy.

 

The option of using military camps for drug addict rehabilitation was deliberated, although budgetary constraints and practicality concerns linger.

 

The collective anti-drug efforts are planned to unfold over the next three months.

 

As a parting note, Prime Minister Srettha proposed classifying cannabis as a Class 5 drug in light of its 2022 decriminalisation. The responsibility of finding legal adjustments permitting cannabis use for therapeutic purposes landed on the newly instated Health Minister Somsak, who vowed to consider both sides of the cannabis debate before reaching a resolution.

 

As per Srettha, the final draft outlining the changes would be prepared by late 2024.

 

This conference is the third instance of Srettha's endeavour to recriminalise non-medical cannabis uses. However, he can anticipate substantial pushback from pro-cannabis activists and businesses within a rapidly expanding industry that generates billions in revenue and supports numerous jobs across Thailand.

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-09

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[dinsdale]

The puppeteer's approach didn't work then?

Maybe the puppeteer will tell the puppet to have another go.

Yaba is the problem. Not an easy one to fix but be sure that there's some generals making a fortune from it. Cut off the head of the snake instead of persecuting the users. Wait I've got an idea. Recriminalise dope so the price goes up and then even more will go to the cheap little red pills, dope will start being smuggled in again and the generals will make an even larger fortune. 

Edited May 9 by dinsdale

[SpaceKadet]

I have even better approach to the drug problem. Decriminalize all drugs, let all the junkies kill themselves off, and sell through pharmacies at normal prices and tax. It seems to work in Portugal.

 

Of course, it will never happen here. Too many high ups make tones of money from illegal drugs, starting with the law enforcers (aka RTP).

[zhounan]

What about Anutin, the Egg Face who sponsored the marijuanization of Thailand.

[mikebell]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

While acknowledging the persistent endeavours by Thai law enforcement to

corner the market.

[brewsterbudgen]

13 hours ago, zhounan said:

What about Anutin, the Egg Face who sponsored the marijuanization of Thailand.

 

Different government?