Pubdate: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2002 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Author: Anjira Assavanonda Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) VINAI RENEWS DRIVE TO GET CHEAP DRUGS FOR ADDICTS They'd check into clinics at same time Public health permanent secretary Vinai Viriyakijja has renewed his idea that the ministry be authorised to sell methamphetamines at one baht per tablet to solve drug problems. Speaking at a seminar on "Drugs and Mental Health" on Thursday, Dr Vinai said his idea might be a more effective way to fight yaba. Dr Vinai said he had proposed to the Food and Drug Administration that his ministry be authorised to sell methamphetamines at one baht a tablet to cut the market price. If the price fell, manufacturers would find it less attractive to make them. "Since the government also runs its own drug rehabilitation centres, we may tackle the problem by providing treatment simultaneously with selling drugs to addicts. "Those who would like to take the drugs can come directly to the ministry to get both the drug and treatment at reasonable prices," said Dr Vinai. "Methamphetamines can be sold at prices 100 times higher than the production cost. This is why manufacturers are willing to risk capital punishment," he said. Dr Vinai said parents should be punished for failing to keep their children away from drugs. "Parents whose children became addicted to drugs should be punished for their inability to look after their own offspring. "I once suggested in a seminar that parents who cannot breed good offspring should practise birth control. "If parents have children but do not have time to look after them, what's that for?" said Dr Vinai. Meanwhile, Kitti Limchaikij, secretary-general of the Narcotics Control Board, said a survey last year found two million people used drugs in the past year. "At least one million used drugs in the 30 days before the survey," said the secretary-general. Mr Kitti said his agency would impose a short-term policy to solve the problem, emphasising prevention ahead of suppression. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel