Bangkok: The Prime Minister has announced a focused approach to address the drug problem, aiming to tackle it decisively and comprehensively. The strategy includes treating drug addicts and reintegrating them into society and their families as productive individuals. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, conducted an inspection on the drug issue, accompanied by Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, relevant agencies, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as observers. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts made to address the longstanding drug problem, which has been a concern of both His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The Prime Minister emphasized that the drug problem is a national priority. The government plans to intensify its efforts to tackle the issue by cutting off sources of production and working with neighboring cou ntries, all of whom are willing to collaborate on this matter. The strategy includes intercepting drug smuggling and taking decisive action against major dealers by seizing their assets to prevent them from returning to drug dealing. The approach also involves identifying drug addicts within communities for treatment and rehabilitation. The government considers drug addicts as patients rather than criminals and is committed to offering them rehabilitation opportunities to reintegrate into society. Vocational training will be provided to help these individuals, particularly those who became addicts at a young age, to gain employment skills and create job opportunities. The government aims to restore their dignity and honor as they return to their families and society. The Prime Minister stated the goal to declare provinces as "white provinces," free from drugs, aligning with the royal intention of His Majesty the King. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure national stability, happiness among the people, and to continue the royal intention under the philosophy of a sufficiency economy. The government aims to present these achievements to His Majesty the King on his birthday, July 28, 2025. The Prime Minister also highlighted the success of the Royal Project, initiated by His Majesty King Rama IX and Her Majesty the Queen Mother, which transformed opium-growing areas into productive agricultural lands. The Golden Place store serves as a model for sustainable problem-solving, creating jobs and careers that deter individuals from returning to drugs. This initiative will be pursued with utmost dedication and integrated efforts.
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