NESAC proposes establishment of anonymous rehabs for drug addicts

BANGKOK, 22 March 2012 (NNT) - Chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) Mr. Okas Teparagul has proposed that the government set up anonymous rehabs across Thailand to reduce the number of drug addicts.

Mr. Okas pointed out that drug abuse has become an issue in every level of the Thai society and Their Majesties the King and Queen have expressed concerns over how the problem would threaten the health of Thai people as well as national security. Therefore, he said NESAC has come up with an idea to establish anonymous rehabilitation centers and clinics to treat drug-addicted patients.

He said the Ministry of Public Health would be responsible for managing and promoting such rehab facilities while encouragement from families, friends and those who know the drug addicts would be needed for them to receive treatment voluntarily. A volunteering unit will be set up in communities, schools and organizations to persuade and urge people doing drugs to stop and get help.

Mr. Okas said the government needs to take serious actions against illicit drugs and follow up on the progress on a monthly basis. The NESAC Chairman has also proposed to the government a salary raise for those helping drug addicts and a budget allocation for a new technology that would detect illicit substances on a suspect with great accuracy

-- NNT 2012-03-22

"and Their Majesties the King and Queen have expressed concerns over how the problem would threaten the health of Thai people as well as national security."

Aye, especially with obvious drug user Chalerm as Deputy PM!

-mel.