Report Thailand Faces Meth Epidemic: 1.5 Million Users and Mental Health Crisis

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is grappling with an escalating methamphetamine crisis, as alarming new data reveals that 1.5 million people across the nation are users, with hundreds of thousands experiencing severe mental health impacts. This shocking revelation comes from a report released by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), shedding light on the pervasive meth epidemic plaguing the country, particularly affecting its youth.

 

During a press briefing on 4th June, Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, the ONCB’s Secretary General, detailed the dire situation. The report indicated that approximately 330,000 individuals required drug treatment last year, and 220,000 are suffering from mental health issues directly tied to meth use. "Meth remains the most problematic and commonly used drug in the country," remarked Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat. "These numbers should serve as a wake-up call."

 

The comprehensive research, collaboratively conducted by the ONCB and the Substance Abuse Academic Organisation Network, examined drug use trends across Thailand over the past year, focusing on the 12 to 65 age group. Meth pills, or Yaba, were identified as the predominant substance abused, overshadowing other drugs like ecstasy, heroin, crystal meth, ketamine, opium, cocaine, and inhalants. Alarmingly, the study also found that over 21,000 Thais are poly-drug users, considered high-risk and necessitating targeted medical intervention.

 

In an effort to combat this widespread crisis, the ONCB has established a national centre dedicated to drug treatment and rehabilitation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy involving multiple agencies, with provincial governors hosting bi-monthly meetings to quickly and effectively address and reduce harm.

 

Lt. Gen. Panurat also addressed the supply issues, identifying Shan State in Myanmar as a significant production hub. Intelligence indicates that areas under the control of the Wa group are central to the meth trade in the region. Consequently, the ONCB’s strategy focuses not only on supply chain disruption but also on expanding rehabilitation services and bolstering surveillance and intelligence measures at a national level.

 

"The battle against drugs is not just about arrests. It’s about saving lives," Panurat emphasized, underscoring the dual approach of policing and public health in tackling the drug epidemic. As Thailand continues to face this daunting challenge, authorities are committed to intensifying efforts to combat drug abuse and mitigate its societal impact, aiming to secure a healthier future for the nation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-05

 

 

[MarkBR]

Major problem, the thais should not be getting their knickers in a twist about cannabis but focus on issues that are destroying the fabric of Thai society especially in the rural areas.  And yes, I know about this, my partner's brother in currently in Lamphun's gaol for 5 years due to yaba.

[Hunz Kittisak]

Let’s bring back Mr T’s war on drugs 

[Gottfrid]

51 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

with hundreds of thousands experiencing severe mental health impacts

Ok, so everything is stable, then.

[brfsa2]

1 hour ago, MarkBR said:

Major problem, the thais should not be getting their knickers in a twist about cannabis but focus on issues that are destroying the fabric of Thai society especially in the rural areas.  And yes, I know about this, my partner's brother in currently in Lamphun's gaol for 5 years due to yaba.

 

you're 100% correct, rural areas are so much affected. where I live, this is a huge problem in almost every house. 

all the guys and even mothers, those with kids, are destroying families and their own, I see with my own eyes. nothing can be done.

 

cannabis is nothing compare to what these drugs can do.

[captain_shane]

I don't understand the appeal of meth. I got super drunk and did some with a bar lady one night and it was a horrible experience, just massive anxiety. It does work for weight loss though, I saw a huge thai chick that lost like 60 kilos in 6 months or so from it.

[WHansen]

I bet the numbers using Meth/Yaba are a whole lot more than 1.5 million.

1.5 million have admitted to using.