Crime Acting Thai PM Declares All-Out War on Drug Gangs Nationwide

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Picture courtesy of Ministry of Interior

 

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has declared the fight against illicit drugs a top national priority, pushing for collaboration across all sectors to battle the crisis.

 

On Wednesday, during a visit to Wing 41 in Chiang Mai, Mr Phumtham, also a deputy prime minister and interior minister, announced the campaign, “No Drugs, No Dealers: Toward Zero Drugs Thailand.” Heading next to Provincial Police Region 5, he briefed the media on a major drug bust, highlighting the magnitude of the problem.

 

In just ten months, from 1st October 2024 to 18th August this year, authorities reported seizing an astounding 222 million methamphetamine pills, 11,462 kilogrammes of crystal meth, 1,842 kg of ketamine, nearly 200 kg of heroin, and 155 kg of opium. This led to over 22,467 drug-related cases with the arrest of more than 20,000 suspects. Police also executed 984 arrest warrants and pursued various links to conspiracy and money laundering.

 

Pol Maj Gen Thanarat Chumsawat, the deputy commander of Police Region 5, pointed out a significant bottleneck in tackling drug crimes. In cases involving over one million meth pills, evidence must be dispatched to Bangkok's Office of the Narcotics Control Board, leading to lengthy processing times that could hinder court cases.

 

Mr Phumtham pressed on, stating that illicit drugs are a grave national menace, disrupting families and unsettling communities. He outlined a strategy to treat drug suppression as a central national agenda and demanded a united front from state agencies, including the Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, and police. “This cannot be managed by any single agency. Collaboration is key,” he insisted.

 

He announced the adoption of modern technology, such as five newly approved mobile X-ray detection vehicles, set in motion during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. More of these units are anticipated to bolster the battlefront, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Focused on fortifying prevention and monitoring, Mr Phumtham expressed a particular interest in curbing illicit activities at entertainment venues and among influential figures. He pledged to mobilise provincial governors, district chiefs, and local volunteers to enhance community-level vigilance.

 

Rehabilitation also stood as a pillar in his strategy, with an appeal for robust collaboration with the Public Health Ministry to facilitate appropriate treatment for drug users. Nationwide, 16,800 traffickers have been apprehended, 4,000 remain at large, and over 140,000 individuals have undertaken rehabilitation programs.

 

In concluding his firm address, Mr. Phumtham emphasised, "While statistics are a measure, public confidence is the ultimate success barometer." If citizens start feeling the decline in drug activities and safer communities, our mission is a success.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-21

 

[gargamon]

I can smell thaksin's fingers in this. Let the killings resume. 

[Pouatchee]

1 minute ago, gargamon said:

Let the killings resume. 

 

shoot first ask questions later.

Who cares if potheads get caught in the crossfire... thaksin is bak in all his might

 

but oh... let gambling thrive

[blaze master]

3 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

thaksin is bak in all his might

 

I see what you did there. Very clever. 

 

I've seen this movie before.

[Jim Blue]

Seems they have the urge to purge 

Strange to choose this moment to start this ?