EDITORIAL

The demon returns

By Suchada Tupchai

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