Pubdate: Fri, 19 May 2006 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2006 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Thaksin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Thailand Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) THAKSIN TO REVITALISE WAR ON DRUGS Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has pledged to step up the government's crackdown on drugs following complaints about the reemergence prevalence of drugs in several Bangkok districts. Mr Thaksin, who returned to work this week after a one-month leave, spoke with a group of around 100 Bangkok residents from Don Muang District who appeared at Government House Friday morning to ask for more action against drugs. Mr Thaksin said drug problems still exist and an urgent and continued crackdown on their abuse is needed. Chanting "Thaksin come back, Yaba (methamphetamines) go away," the supporters voiced their concern regarding the flow of methamphetamines which they said undermines the quality of life in their communities and takes away the future of many young people. The supporters asked Mr Thaksin to return to work on solving drug problems which, they said, are now re-emerging and plaguing not only their own communities, but also many others as well. The government launched a harsh crackdown on drugs during the first four-year term of its administration. It won criticism from human rights groups after some 2,500 alleged drug dealers were killed or disappeared, and praise from many citizens' groups. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake