Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2001 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Author: Anjira Assavanonda DISCIPLINARY COURSE HOLDS OUT HOPE OF A NEW FUTURE Tears of love and understanding filled the air at Baan Fasai drug rehabilitation centre in Nakhon Pathom's Klong Yong district as young drug addicts were reunited with parents after a tough disciplinary training programme. Eighty three boys on drug charges took part in the 15-day course. Most boys, from central juvenile observation centres, had three to four months left to serve. The course was run by the National Youth Bureau, the Army's Territorial Defence Department, the Central Juvenile Protection and Observation Centre, and the Central Juvenile and Family Court. The boys were allowed to return home on Tuesday after four of the court's judges gave them their freedom. The boys are on probation for 12 months and have to report to the court every three months. Tor, 15, swore that he would not return to drugs. Tor was arrested while selling 16 amphetamine pills. Since being arrested, spending nine months at Ban Muthita, and finally taking part in the training programme, life had taught the boy many lessons. "Now I don't need drugs money, it's not worth the freedom we stand to lose," he said. Tom, 18, another trainee, said the programme taught him knowledge, strength, patience, unity, and discipline. Tom was arrested six months ago for drugs possession, his fifth offence, previous ones including robbery and physical assault. After the course, something has changed. Tom says he wants to be ordained, continue his education and start a new life. Col Surapol Yudee, who oversees training, said he was confident that more than half the trainees would not return. "The training was tough and full of pressure," he said. The burden had now passed to parents to take better care of their kids. "The immunity we've injected to these boys will not last long." - --- MAP posted-by: Andrew