Report Staggering 80% of Thai Army Conscripts Battling Drug Addiction

[webfact]

File photo for reference only

 

In a startling revelation, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced that up to 80% of men conscripted for compulsory military service in Thailand each year are grappling with drug addiction.

 

The minister called for urgent discussions to address this pressing issue and formulate effective rehabilitation strategies. This disclosure was made on national television via Channel 7.

 

Thailand’s military conscription, dictated by the 1954 Military Service Act, involves an annual lottery system where men aged 21 and older draw cards—black cards mean exemption, while red cards require two years of service.

 

This year, it is estimated that of the approximately 80,000 conscripted individuals, the overwhelming majority are drug users, and a concerning 10% are severely addicted.

 

Families of these young men often view the military as a safe haven, a place where their loved ones can find structure and potentially break free from addiction.

 

Responding to this, Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk of the Army has indicated that severe addicts receive medical treatment.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, those with less serious drug habits are given support to fully overcome their dependencies under military care.

 

The situation presents a significant challenge for the Army Commander, Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk, who is committed to fulfilling his duties amidst this crisis.

 

The Thai military is tasked with not only serving the nation but also playing an unexpected role in what essentially amounts to a large-scale rehabilitation effort for thousands of young men.

 

This alarming trend points to a broader societal issue that spans beyond the military, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs across the country.

 

Future discussions are likely to focus on enhancing these initiatives to provide long-term solutions to drug addiction challenges among young Thais.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-04-24

 

 

 

[impulse]

I wonder what drugs?  Weed?  Or harder stuff.

[flyingtlger]

 

You can take the boy out of the jungle but you take the jungle out of the boy....

 

 

[Jim Blue]

Seems they are all tanked up and ready to go !

[bamnutsak]

13 hours ago, impulse said:

I wonder what drugs?  Weed?  Or harder stuff.

 

Methamphetamine.

 

 

[ikke1959]

Again an example of a failing Government and policeforce for years.... 

[zyphodb]

14 hours ago, impulse said:

I wonder what drugs?  Weed?  Or harder stuff.

 

You can't get addicted to weed. It's yabba/crystal meth that they're talking about...

[Zaphod Priest]

3 minutes ago, zyphodb said:

 

You can't get addicted to weed.

 

A common misbelief.

 

"frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence, a distinct withdrawal syndrome, and addiction."

 

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/is-it-addictive#:~:text=frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence%2C a distinct withdrawal syndrome%2C and addiction.

[Woke to Sounds]

It's the damned yabba dabba doo.

 

That said, you're in a position to kill or be killed of course many would get <deleted> up on drugs to numb out 🤪

[KhunLA]

7 minutes ago, Zaphod Priest said:

 

A common misbelief.

 

"frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence, a distinct withdrawal syndrome, and addiction."

 

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/is-it-addictive#:~:text=frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence%2C a distinct withdrawal syndrome%2C and addiction.

Disagree, as a youngin', smoked my fair share, on a daily basis for years, and never had withdrawal symptoms when quitting.

 

Definitely habit forming,  especially in social setting, but physical dependency with withdrawal symptoms, definitely not.

 

To the title ... 80%, I find that very hard to believe.

[Presnock]

30 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Again an example of a failing Government and policeforce for years.... 

 

30 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Again an example of a failing Government and policeforce for years.... 

I wonder what the total would be if the US still had a draft especially since most of the branches of service can't meet their quotas during a difficult to find jobs time!

[StandardIssue]

If the conscripts are a random selection of male Thais, this doesn't bode well for the society at large, at least the lower or middle classes. This means that a hell of a lot of Thai males are on drugs period. I have a feeling these figures are not accurate.

[Callmeishmael]

Many, if not most, middle-class boys go through an Army Reserve Training when they are in high school.  This exempts them from the draft.  So the actual draftees are heavily skewed towards the working class/rural kids.

[hotsun]

Thats not good. What happens if someone invades thailand?

[StandardIssue]

16 minutes ago, Callmeishmael said:

Many, if not most, middle-class boys go through an Army Reserve Training when they are in high school.  This exempts them from the draft.  So the actual draftees are heavily skewed towards the working class/rural kids.

Interesting, well then the report makes a bit more sense, but is still quite a dismal reality given that the people who actually need to NOT be addicted to drugs the most are. I suppose this is true throughout the world though and a by product of poverty. Very unfortunate  for many.

[actonion]

11 minutes ago, hotsun said:

Thats not good. What happens if someone invades thailand?

Not allowed unless they have a visa😁

[Hawaiian]

20 minutes ago, hotsun said:

Thats not good. What happens if someone invades thailand?

The Chinese already have.

[JimHuaHin]

Good for business for those in the military supplying drugs.

[bkk6060]

Of course, many military around the world have this issue.   It is difficult for them to find/keep a job and they join the military as some sort of savior for their soul.

Good luck to these soldiers.

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

To the title ... 80%, I find that very hard to believe.

I find it very easy.  Remember the chosen elite are given a Get-Out-Of-Jail/Army card.  What's left are the dregs.

[kingstonkid]

15 hours ago, impulse said:

I wonder what drugs?  Weed?  Or harder stuff.

Four letters Y A B A

[spidermike007]

Well I'm sure there's a number of blreasons behind this phenomenon, but could part of it be the fact that they're representing a morally bankrupt organization that really serves no purpose whatsoever?

 

I wonder if part of this also might be the fact that these young boys are being subject to real discipline for the first real time in their lives .

[ronster]

15 hours ago, webfact said:

This year, it is estimated that of the approximately 80,000 conscripted individuals, the overwhelming majority are drug users, and a concerning 10% are severely addicted.

So not 80% addiction like the headline claims 🙄

Pretty big difference between recreational user and full blown drug addict.

[TheFishman1]

I don’t think the Thai army ever really fought a war did they I mean you don’t they just came in and if somebody’s powerful they just let them do whatever they wanna do in Thailand I mean look at the Chinese TIT

[KannikaP]

7 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

I don’t think the Thai army ever really fought a war did they I mean you don’t they just came in and if somebody’s powerful they just let them do whatever they wanna do in Thailand I mean look at the Chinese TIT

Where's the points?

[CecilM]

I think there were official programs in WWI&II to test that. 

[ChrisKC]

How does it get to 80% before we hear anything and somebody now wants to do something about it?

 

Hardly the best preparation for soldiers is it? 

[watchcat]

16 hours ago, impulse said:

I wonder what drugs?  Weed?  Or harder stuff.

 

I'm guessing methaphetamine it's cheap and it'll keep you awake for defending the nation against alien invaders.

[black tabby12345]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

Methamphetamine.

 

 

 

Most common narcotic in Thailand？

Often said many young women are into it as the Weight Loss Pill.

 

[black tabby12345]

80% of the army rookie drug addicted?

Holy *hit.

Better disarm them immediately?

Machineguns and grenades, too far too dangerous in the hands of the junkies.