Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jul 2005
Source: Pattaya Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2005 Pattaya Mail
Contact:  http://www.pattayamail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2970
Author: Suchada Tupchai
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Thailand
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

THE DEMON RETURNS

After a long period of grace and continuing efforts by the Thaksin
government to eradicate drugs from the nation the menace is now
returning. The number of drugs cases during the initial suppression
period, which saw many alleged drugs dealers killed during the
attempts to weed out the problem at its roots, had actually dropped
dramatically. For the first time the country stood as one to remove
the insidious spread of drugs through society. The following second
round, undertaken with the aid of communities, was to ensure the
number of cases remained at bay.

Drugs, however, do not disappear that easily. A third round of
suppression was put into action from April 1 to June 30. The focus was
on distribution, users and manufacturers, with the number of arrests
increasing for various offences including methamphetamines (ya ba),
marijuana and the designer drugs now flooding the market in Thailand.

Pattaya city administrators in their program to suppress drugs
revealed that the situation was worrying due to the increase of drug
related incidents being clearly on the increase, particularly around
the many entertainment venues where dealers lurk in the shadows plying
their goods.

RTA Col Dr Sumon Boonrod of the 14th Royal Thai Army a few days ago
presented a lecture on the dangers of drugs for Chonburi, and revealed
frightening figures from the youth correction institutions. "Drug
cases ranked number 4 in the province (Chonburi) in 2004," said Col Dr
Sumon. "This was after theft, assault and prostitution, and 99.9
percent of the youth in these cases were addicted to drugs which saw
them commit other crimes to feed their habit. What was fourth last
year is now at the top of the list for 2005."

Information from the Office of the National Narcotics Control Board
reveals that there is still a significant amount of drugs flowing into
Thailand from neighboring countries. Narcotics such as heroin,
marijuana, and the crystalline methamphetamine known as "ice" are on
the increase. The majority of the drugs are being trafficked in and
around these countries and across the borders into Thailand at an
alarming rate. The National Committee for Drug Suppression and
Prevention has set up a special monitoring center under the direction
of Justice Minister Suwat Liptapanlop aimed at furthering drug
suppression.

As for the Thai people, it is time to join together once again to stop
the menace in its tracks. Everyone is encouraged to report incidents
via mail to PO Box 123, Saem Sen Nai, Bangkok 10400 or online through
www.oncb.go.th. Similarly, a 24-hour hotline has been set up and
incidents can be reported by dialing 1386. It is up to us to help
eradicate drugs. Only the power of the people can stop the demon from
returning and eating its way into the lives of the nation's children.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake