Words sentences that are offensive

[Lite Beer]

Special rehab facility set up for drug addicts
PATLADA KONTHONG
THE SUNDAY NATION

BANGKOK: -- THIRTY-FOUR-year-old Ae used to work in a technical management team at a hotel in Phetchaburi province, when he developed an addiction for yaba after being introduced to it by a co-worker. He was so dependent on the drug he needed at least three pills a day, and was soon sacked after his boss found out. He was later arrested for possessing illegal drugs for personal consumption.

"I voluntarily went to the drug rehabilitation programme at Wat Tham Kaew in hope of kicking this habit and regaining my life," he said, adding that life in the rehab camp wasn't as scary as people might think.

"It is far better than serving time behind bars," he said. "Over the past 10 days at the camp [the programme lasts 12 days], I had time to think about how drug addiction had ruined my life and affected those I love."

He has promised to never take drugs again, saying he will turn a new leaf and be a good family man again.

The rehabilitation facility Ae was referring to is called "Kwan Paen Din Centre", located in the compound of Wat Tham Kaew in Phetchaburi's Muang district. The centre was opened late last year and has already treated eight batches totalling 600 patients.

Phetchaburi is among the provinces facing serious drug issues, with up to 1,508 people arrested in relation to drugs last year, with a total of 260,000 yaba pills, over 10kg of marijuana and 471 grams of "ice" confiscated. The districts of Muang, Cha-Am, Than Yang and Ban Lad are said to be most affected.

These were reasons why the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) chose Phetchaburi as the first location for its drug-rehabilitation camp, set up following the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s guidelines on treating drug addicts who voluntarily admit themselves to the programme.

Sunthorn Vinaibordee, director of the ONCB Region 7 Office, said the programme aimed to help change the behaviour of drug addicts so they can lead normal lives.

At this camp, the treatment is split into four aspects:

Physical: Patients undergo military-like training to boost strength and well being;

Mental: Patients are made to practice meditation and listen to monks' teachings about right and wrong;

Adjustment to society: Volunteers come to talk and socialise with patients and help them adjust their views and attitude towards others;

Vocational skill development: Patients are given lessons on skills such as fixing electrical appliances, installing surveillance cameras or welding, etc. Patients who complete the vocational training course will also be entitled to a small fund to start their own business and will be given a vocational certificate from Phetchaburi Technical College.

Sunthorn said each session lasts 12 days and each batch is comprised of up to 100 patients - most of them men. He said a follow-up evaluation showed that only 5 per cent of the patients returned to drugs.

Other than this rehab camp, ONCB is also promoting anti-drug activities via community networks, such as the Ban Nam Sab network in Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan district.

Village headman Chuchat Wannakham said the community held monthly meetings over drug issues as well as other problems, so all members can keep an eye out and arrest wrongdoers before they get into serious problems. They occasionally hold activities such as horse riding to keep youths busy, he added.

Those wishing to kick their habit can ask for advice at public hospitals or at ONCB offices across the country.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Special-rehab-facility-set-up-for-drug-addicts-30268684.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-13

[Reigntax]

Just in time to install one of the new yaba auto dispensing machines.

[doremifasol]

Well done. Appreciate the good intentions and positive outcome of the programme.

[cgphuket]

Lots of people here need help, sad that Thailand remains 60-70 yrs behind the West in treatment of addiction.

[Shiver]

For users I think rehab is a much better idea than being behind bars.

For pushers... I'll bite my tongue on that one.